Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Atlas Complex

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The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake

17 reviews

djm_chal's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

What did I just finish, and why the hell was I crying so much?!?! This is probably going to be a bit all over the place as I feel I have not enough but at the same time too many words to try and describe my thoughts and feelings on this. (Probably doesn't help that I'm writing this at approx. 2am)

That ending was very confusing and unsatisfactory. I thought the first two books were fine, a bit confusing, and filled with lots of unlikeable characters, but interesting enough to keep me reading so I needed to see how it ended.

In the last couple of sections of this book, I just kept hoping that what was happening wasn't real because my favorite characters, Nico and Callum, died while everyone else seemed to be making stupid decisions. Then the chapter where Tristan is seeing all these different possible scenarios (which I think were alternate universes?) had me very confused.

I just kept being baffled by the decisions these characters were making, and some of them just straight up felt pointless ~cough, cough~ Reina. Even with all that I somehow didn't hate the book, but was definitely left with more questions.

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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Despite the mixed reviews I actually really enjoyed this pacey, emotional rollercoaster of a read—which sees the stakes get even higher for all six of our protagonists.

And if (like me) you loved how deliciously complex and character driven the previous instalments were, then this is definitely worth picking up.

Our depth-filled cast of morally grey characters were just as complicated (and willing to lie, cheat or commit murder) as ever before. And the emotions conveyed in their strained and rocky relationships has quickly become one of my fave aspects of the entire series— which (unsurprisingly) managed to once again keep me on the edge of my seat.

But I do admit that, by the end I did feel like I’d been through the emotional wringer along with our MCs, and have needed some time to truly digest everything that happened before I could write this review.

With gloriously underhanded, Machiavelli- level plots and an opening that sees most of our characters on different continents (before eventually converging) there was literally never a dull moment. However, I do think that the pacing was a little too quick at times, which meant some of the important scenes didn’t resonate quite as much as I wanted and, as such, lost a little of that delicious, Dark Academia-esque essence that first drew me in.

That being said, I loved the buddy-comedy style dynamics that developed between Callum and Reina, and liked getting to know more about Parisa’s past and private life. But my heart is still trying to come to terms with THAT shocking turn of events. I can’t say anymore without spoilers so I’ll just say, keep some tissues handy—you’re gonna need them!

I’m also still impressed with Olivie Blake’s ability to weave a tale about six slightly unhinged, magic nerds and their dysfunctional relationships, into an intricate and timeless allegory on humanity’s innate (and perpetual) quest for power, and the corruption that ultimately arises from trying gain it.

Given the world’s current political climate; the ending, though angsty and heartbreakingly bittersweet, did feel like the perfect way to conclude this jaw-droppingly plot twisty series. Just don’t go into this expecting a happy outcome for everyone.

Also, a huge thanks to Black Crow PR and Tor/ Pan MacMillan for the finished copy.

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dododenise's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m a bit confused? I feel like parts of this story passed me by and I didn’t fully grasp them. I don’t know whether that is my fault or the books’. This books definitely needs some processing and I also kind of like that.

I still enjoyed reading this book. I was happy to revisit these characters that I’ve been intrigued with for several years now. I just don’t know what to do with that now.
I understand the choices for this story. I understand why the characters did what they did. But that still wasn’t all that satisfying. I like happy endings and this was, i don’t know, something else? It makes sense for this story that in its nature is different to your basic story. But that makes it also so odd to judge. I’m left confused on what to think. Perhaps that is also just the hollowness of finishing a book series that you were invested in.

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blakeandbooks's review against another edition

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3.0

I have absolutely loved this series. Olivie Blake’s writing is nothing short of art with meticulous details and information at every turn. Every character is their own complete person, a universe in themselves. I could honestly read about each of them in their own separate books. After the end of TAP, I was wondering what would happen to all of the characters and how Blake would finish out the series. The audiobooks are works of art, so I highly recommend listening to them.

As for the final installment, I left feeling a bit disappointed. I felt like so much happened and yet nothing at all? I don’t really know if I can put it into words, but this book was just “okay” compared to the other two.

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