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A review by sleepybythelake
The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Gotta be honest throughout the book I thought I was not going to give it more than 2.75 stars, but the last chapter made me all excited that I decided to give it 3 stars regardless of the nonexistent plot for more than half of the book. So take that as that... I'm bised here okay???
I'd say things got a bit interesting around 68% but then it fell flat again with some enjoyable moments here and there.
I started this book in January and DNFed it almost immediately. I couldn't get into it. Besides, I didn't remember much of the previous book, except that I liked it and planned on reading the rest of the series. I decided to leave it like that all year until I read somewhere that the last instalment is going to be released soon and I was like 'well damn, I'll give it another try'. Long story short I ended up listening to the audiobook.
I'd say things got a bit interesting around 68% but then it fell flat again with some enjoyable moments here and there.
I started this book in January and DNFed it almost immediately. I couldn't get into it. Besides, I didn't remember much of the previous book, except that I liked it and planned on reading the rest of the series. I decided to leave it like that all year until I read somewhere that the last instalment is going to be released soon and I was like 'well damn, I'll give it another try'. Long story short I ended up listening to the audiobook.
Sometimes I didn't know what was happening and I didn't understand 90% of what they talked about (I'm dumb af) but, as someone else pointed out, the book felt dumb too at times. As already stated, the plot was sorta nonexistent. It moved forward terribly slowly, so much so that I wondered when something relevant would happen.
The problem I have with pov books is that there will always be povs I have no interest in reading. Unfortunately, Tristan and Reina's were the case. I don't remember much of my impressions of TA6 and didn't take notes, unlike this time, so I don't know if I couldn't stand them already. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention, but from what I've understood Tristan is super essential- they all are of course, but he's particularly relevant. Reina. She has a god complex? Uhm okay.
Callum was a vibe tbh. Parisa, I liked her more in this second book, though she didn’t do much.
Loved my baby Nico. It took me two (2) seconds to decide that I was going to D!E for him and that didn't change in TAP. Enjoyed his scenes with Parisa, something I didn't know I needed; I was sad he felt all alone tho I mean, without his bf and with his gf kidnapped :(((. Libby was great. Loved her. Felt like some scenes were unnecessary, but since we didn’t get much of her I was excited every time her pov started. I'm interested to see her further evolution especially now that she's back. *gasp bc that was such a girlboss entrance* Sadly, couldn't care any less about whatever was going on with Belen. In general, I want more Libby content. PLEASEEE
Talking about ships:
I find this funny because lately I've been saying (a lot) that I don't care about romances. GUESS WHAT? That's a BIG FAT LIE. So, I love to bits NicoLibby. They have my whole heart. I don't know how to explain it, it just is. Their bickering had my curiosity, but they got my full attention once in TA6 I read:
Loved my baby Nico. It took me two (2) seconds to decide that I was going to D!E for him and that didn't change in TAP. Enjoyed his scenes with Parisa, something I didn't know I needed;
Talking about ships:
I find this funny because lately I've been saying (a lot) that I don't care about romances. GUESS WHAT? That's a BIG FAT LIE. So, I love to bits NicoLibby. They have my whole heart. I don't know how to explain it, it just is. Their bickering had my curiosity, but they got my full attention once in TA6 I read:
"If not for her, Nico might not have noticed most of the things he did, and probably vice versa. A uniquely upsetting curse, really, how little he knew how to exist when she wasn’t there; his only mode of pleasure was in knowing she probably felt the same whenever she could bring herself to stomach the admission"
From that, I knew it was going to be them for me.
I know most people see them as platonic soulmates... but well, that won't change the fact I want them to be endgame. They have something going on, I just wished Olivie could have explored that more in this book. They need to talk. I feel lots is left unsaid. Constantly. At the end of the day though, it's okay if you disagree, to each their own. The thing is, which makes my heart feel conflicted, I'm completely convinced NicoGideon is more likely to actually be endgame. Don't get me wrong, I love them too and I guess I would be fine with that, but I NEED at least a NicoLibby explicit (not necessarily in a sexual way, more like something so obvious it can't be denied) moment. Stop with the ambiguousness. I'M BEGGING!!! But I feel like we all know how it is gonna go.
Lastly,
that last chapter took my breath away.
She comes back and immediately (well after killing(?) Ezra) looks for him??? Poetic imo.
I keep editing this review lmaooo messy review for a messy book (affectionate)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content