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A review by mindsplinters
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is actually a 3.5 but I couldn't quite bring myself to round up because it felt like an editor should have brought down the pacing stick harder. That said, I did like it and I need to read the next one because CLIFF HANGER. Blake really takes time to introduce the characters and the basic concepts of the world. Each character has a different feel to them and a different voice (though, with the exception of Libby, they all could use much better parental units, holy shit). Also I know Dalton isn't as old as my brain wants to make him but I can't help but picture him all Giles-y and that is rather hot and intriguing - especially with the inner Ripper-esque thing going on. Also, while I'm sure Nico is supposed to be the most-loved of the Six, my heart melts for poor, gaslit, conflicted, self-esteem issues Tristan. Probably not a healthy instinct but what can you do? Blake really makes your heart hurt for him, poor baby.
And the magic system is really complicated but fascinating and clearly Blake has put an immense amount of thought into it. I appreciate a good magical system. It shows forethought and magic is so easy to just hand-wave that an effort is something special.
So the main issue I had with the book was the pacing. As in, it was a LOT of world-building and getting-to-know-them and backstory with a few bursts of action here and there. I feel like it could have been streamlined to create a tighter effect. The next book really better dive straight in because that cliff hanger was for real.
And the magic system is really complicated but fascinating and clearly Blake has put an immense amount of thought into it. I appreciate a good magical system. It shows forethought and magic is so easy to just hand-wave that an effort is something special.
So the main issue I had with the book was the pacing. As in, it was a LOT of world-building and getting-to-know-them and backstory with a few bursts of action here and there. I feel like it could have been streamlined to create a tighter effect. The next book really better dive straight in because that cliff hanger was for real.