Scan barcode
A review by zhakoreading
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
3.5
You resent privilege in all its forms, including your own, yet you show no desire to unmake the present system. I think someday you will awaken to your own conviction, and when you do, something will compel you forward.
I did enjoy the world building, but hated how the book tried to be more than what it actually is.
Why not write a fantasy book with characters with traumatic memories in a so-called “dark academia” setting, without mentioning those pretentious and random epithets that don’t really match the atmosphere at all?
With how much Olivie mentions sex and how the characters are just horny for each other, it is pretty obvious what kind of book she wanted to write to begin with. Should have just leaned into that.
The world building is based on a scientific perspective- yes, but it’s not deep or well thought out enough for her to be doing ALL that with the dialogues and monologues.
(The dialogues in the first half of the book were childish, by the way. I don’t get people who say that this is written in a “smart way”. I’d say it TRIED to do that, but failed completely)
(The world building- the idea itself, is pretty smart and entertaining, though.)
Constant analysis of the characters’ psyche and their behaviors through other members’ POVs was exhausting to read.
They kept playing “mind games” but in the most boring ways possible- just sitting down and explaining their personalities and thoughts to one another, “exposing” their hidden feelings and past traumas, when all you had to do was showcase their true dynamic and fun interactions (without constant analysis and pondering about physics and philosophy).
It felt like the whole book was just a therapy session for all the characters, (just in a more cruel way, cause they’re all EdGy and AsshoLeS)- because why am I spending the entirety of the plot in characters’ heads, that are monologuing about past and reflecting on their beliefs??
Where is the actual plot…?
There are some great quotes and ideas, but they don’t hit the same because of HOW MUCH the author tried telling us through bland pseudo philosophical dialogues- it was, frankly, annoying. Why not focus on elitism (for example) or capitalism, or time or life and death- why blend all of it together, leaving us with nothing at the end? Am I reading a tumblr post with random “favorite quotes” of someone?
It was entertaining to read nonetheless- I would especially say the very middle of the book was fun to read.
Overall- not horrendous, because I was entertained, but also not good. I’d say it falls somewhere right on the middle of the spectrum.
Would recommend to people who enjoy dark academia, just because it’s pretentious and entertaining at the same time.