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A review by yourlocalbookreader
The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake
emotional
fast-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
5.0
“The point is there are no villains in this story, or maybe there are no heroes.”
When I read the Atlas Six, I knew that I would become obsessed with these people and their twisted lives. And while I hated them occasionally (and regularly found them insufferable), I knew I was bewitched and my love for this series has only grown since. I read this book almost exclusively on the hours when the sun wasn't up yet and I think that fundamentally impacted my perception of it.
Because while the series might have started as Nico, Libby, Parisa, Reina, Tristan and Callum, it ends up being so much bigger than that. It's the soul crushing moments of being human with people around you - with coming to terms with the fact that you DO actually care for others, with the ideas of platonic soulmates and ever ending love. It's knowing that we are all just victims of our own circumstances. In some worlds we're the ants, and in another we're the foot that steps on it unknowingly.
The Atlas Complex is not going to be everyone's cup of tea - and the 3 star rating on Goodreads confirms that. It's a polarizing book, with people saying that it's too long and yet about nothing at the same time. It's exhausting and pretentious and the characters ramble about things that don't matter but are simultaneously world ending. All of that is likely true.
But oh god - if that's the mood you're in. If you want to sit there and struggle with the pain of the universe and your own purpose and see the curtain fall after the show? If you're someone who overthinks every moment and sees significance in the smallest of moments. If you're gonna have an epiphany on a random wednesday night staring out the window- then this is the book for you, and I welcome you to join me silently crying about it on the train at night.
rep// Black MC, Asian Mc, Poly / queer rep
When I read the Atlas Six, I knew that I would become obsessed with these people and their twisted lives. And while I hated them occasionally (and regularly found them insufferable), I knew I was bewitched and my love for this series has only grown since. I read this book almost exclusively on the hours when the sun wasn't up yet and I think that fundamentally impacted my perception of it.
Because while the series might have started as Nico, Libby, Parisa, Reina, Tristan and Callum, it ends up being so much bigger than that. It's the soul crushing moments of being human with people around you - with coming to terms with the fact that you DO actually care for others, with the ideas of platonic soulmates and ever ending love. It's knowing that we are all just victims of our own circumstances. In some worlds we're the ants, and in another we're the foot that steps on it unknowingly.
The Atlas Complex is not going to be everyone's cup of tea - and the 3 star rating on Goodreads confirms that. It's a polarizing book, with people saying that it's too long and yet about nothing at the same time. It's exhausting and pretentious and the characters ramble about things that don't matter but are simultaneously world ending. All of that is likely true.
But oh god - if that's the mood you're in. If you want to sit there and struggle with the pain of the universe and your own purpose and see the curtain fall after the show? If you're someone who overthinks every moment and sees significance in the smallest of moments. If you're gonna have an epiphany on a random wednesday night staring out the window- then this is the book for you, and I welcome you to join me silently crying about it on the train at night.
rep// Black MC, Asian Mc, Poly / queer rep
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Gun violence
Minor: Cancer and Sexism