Looks like we are ignoring you here..sorry...
The Thom books should be fine, you can do all the exams before you even look at an aircraft but some of it may not seem to make much sense until you have done some flying. There are time limits on exam validity.
I have no idea how much of the groundschool needs to be done in the classroom. I suspect that this hasn't been specified, but with EASA who knows?
Have you done a trial lesson anywhere yet? Do make sure you like flying first, won't you!
Happy new year!