A review by vagrantheather
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Felt like the author conceived it in the same world as The Magicians. Libby's initial narrative is so juvenile that I planned to return the book to the library. Gave it a second chance and it does become a thoughtful, reflective, interesting book instead of a middle school writing level enemies to lovers. But I never quite fell in love with the narration. I love magic and urban fantasy, love dark academia, love dark fantasy. But this didn't hit. I didn't find the plot to be compelling, not was I vested in any of the characters. The author spent a good portion of time fleshing out their thoughts and reasons, but I didn't feel like I have a shit tbh. The twist at the end makes me somewhat curious, but it was basically the first time in the book I felt curious what would happen next, and I don't think I'm interested enough to pursue the next book. 

Not to say it's an awful book by any means. I've certainly read MUCH worse. The writing quality is fine (if not beautiful), the characters are passably well developed (even if they didn't really grow at all), the concept is interesting (though the pacing needs work). The writing made me think of Erin Morgenstern, though less poetic, and I had similar issues with the pacing in her books.
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