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angelo_vossen 's review for:
The Atlas Six
by Olivie Blake
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Olivie Blake’s „The Atlas Six“ presents an intriguing premise: six powerful magicians compete for a coveted spot in the secretive Alexandrian Society, an elite group promising unparalleled knowledge and power. The novel has gained a strong following, especially on social media, but despite its potential, it has significant flaws that made it a challenging read.
One of the biggest issues I encountered was how long it took to truly engage with the story. More than half of the book passed before I felt any real connection to the characters or investment in the plot. The pacing in the first half is slow, often bogged down by philosophical discussions that, while interesting, sometimes felt more like distractions than meaningful plot development. Character interactions were often repetitive, which didn’t help in building momentum.
The world-building and magical system also left something to be desired. While the concept of the Alexandrian Society is fascinating, its actual mechanics remain vague throughout most of the book. The magic system—while presented as unique—lacked clear structure and rules, making it difficult to grasp the stakes of the characters’ abilities. Magic often felt more like an abstract concept than a fully realized system, which weakened the overall immersion.
That said, the novel does redeem itself in some ways. The character dynamics, while slow to develop, become more compelling as the story progresses. Each of the six protagonists has a distinct personality and set of motivations, and by the latter half of the book, their conflicts and relationships add depth to the narrative. Most notably, the ending was quite surprising, delivering an unexpected twist that shifted my perspective on the entire story. It was one of the book’s strongest moments, injecting the kind of tension and excitement I had hoped for earlier on.
Overall, „The Atlas Six“ is a book with an intriguing concept and strong character potential, but it struggles with pacing and underdeveloped world-building. While the final twists add intrigue, the journey to get there may test the patience of some readers. Fans of philosophical and character-driven fantasy might find it rewarding, but those looking for tight plotting and a well-structured magical system may feel underwhelmed.
One of the biggest issues I encountered was how long it took to truly engage with the story. More than half of the book passed before I felt any real connection to the characters or investment in the plot. The pacing in the first half is slow, often bogged down by philosophical discussions that, while interesting, sometimes felt more like distractions than meaningful plot development. Character interactions were often repetitive, which didn’t help in building momentum.
The world-building and magical system also left something to be desired. While the concept of the Alexandrian Society is fascinating, its actual mechanics remain vague throughout most of the book. The magic system—while presented as unique—lacked clear structure and rules, making it difficult to grasp the stakes of the characters’ abilities. Magic often felt more like an abstract concept than a fully realized system, which weakened the overall immersion.
That said, the novel does redeem itself in some ways. The character dynamics, while slow to develop, become more compelling as the story progresses. Each of the six protagonists has a distinct personality and set of motivations, and by the latter half of the book, their conflicts and relationships add depth to the narrative. Most notably, the ending was quite surprising, delivering an unexpected twist that shifted my perspective on the entire story. It was one of the book’s strongest moments, injecting the kind of tension and excitement I had hoped for earlier on.
Overall, „The Atlas Six“ is a book with an intriguing concept and strong character potential, but it struggles with pacing and underdeveloped world-building. While the final twists add intrigue, the journey to get there may test the patience of some readers. Fans of philosophical and character-driven fantasy might find it rewarding, but those looking for tight plotting and a well-structured magical system may feel underwhelmed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Chronic illness, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Medical content, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Classism