A review by meg_
The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake

challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

It hurts me a little bit to give this such a low rating but this was such a disappointing conclusion to a series I have genuinely enjoyed up until this point. Each of these books has been a bit difficult to follow plot-wise, but this one was painfully slow and all over the place. I think I've said this about previous books in the series, but there were times where I felt like I was too dumb to read and understand this book. 

The most disappointing piece of this installment was that it felt like all of the plot elements and characters who I'd really enjoyed up to this book shifted so completely in this installment that I didn't really like any of it anymore. I'm not sure if that makes sense but I will try to give an example.
In previous books, I have really enjoyed reading the relationship between Libby and Tristan. I've loved the "will they, won't they" and the pull they feel toward one another. And in addition to that, I've always really love Libby as a character. Her anxious tendencies felt really relatable for me. This book made me hate Libby and made me absolutely not want her and Tristan together, which ultimately is what happened with the plot. But those elements I loved were lost. And characters who I LOVED (sweet golden retriever energy Nico) died seemingly out of nowhere? /spoiler> 

It just did not feel the same as previous installments in the series and I finished the book feeling disappointed and super unsatisfied with the ending. It felt like literally every character got the shit end of the stick in the end. Which I guess, is enjoyable and realistic to some, but I was not a fan. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings