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A review by chirson
Atlas Alone by Emma Newman
4.0
I received the ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I am not quite sure what to say about this novel! I have been enthralled by this series since I read the first volume, and the fourth novel continues to complicate the world and the story - one not only of individuals but humanity in this dystopian near future. This story is satisfactory, fascinating and complex. I cannot wait for its next chapter. The themes of freedom and enslavement, capitalism and religious fundamentalism, working on one's trauma and wanting justice are explored and at the same time, this novel is a well-paced sf thriller with a central mystery and plot twists. I know what novel I most want to compare it to, but to name it would serve as a spoiler - thinking about it in the beginning certainly primed me to guess the central mystery ahead of its reveal.
The second most direct comparison for me would be with an episode of Black Mirror - a lot of story beats and construction seems similar, both as a strength and a weakness. Which also means that I think Black Mirror fans could find this book quite interesting.
At the same time, this novel has some issues with its choice(s) of/for central character. While I found the plot twists interesting and mostly earned, the voice was a little off, and the representation is not necessarily for me to dissect, but falls into some problematic tropes.
All I can say is that the ending makes me want to read the next book sooner rather than later and I will be looking forward to it.
I am not quite sure what to say about this novel! I have been enthralled by this series since I read the first volume, and the fourth novel continues to complicate the world and the story - one not only of individuals but humanity in this dystopian near future. This story is satisfactory, fascinating and complex. I cannot wait for its next chapter. The themes of freedom and enslavement, capitalism and religious fundamentalism, working on one's trauma and wanting justice are explored and at the same time, this novel is a well-paced sf thriller with a central mystery and plot twists. I know what novel I most want to compare it to, but to name it would serve as a spoiler - thinking about it in the beginning certainly primed me to guess the central mystery ahead of its reveal.
The second most direct comparison for me would be with an episode of Black Mirror - a lot of story beats and construction seems similar, both as a strength and a weakness. Which also means that I think Black Mirror fans could find this book quite interesting.
At the same time, this novel has some issues with its choice(s) of/for central character. While I found the plot twists interesting and mostly earned, the voice was a little off, and the representation is not necessarily for me to dissect, but falls into some problematic tropes.