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A review by annettewolf
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wish I didn't have to wait until October for the second book. It's a hell of a cliffhanger we're left on.
I can see why this book blew up on BookTok, and I think it absolutely deserves the praise. The writing is solid, never getting in its own way but changing the voices of each of the six POV characters so well that you get to know them much more intimately. The most fascinating aspect of the book for me is the intersection of powers. The three physical specialties are excellent (especially Reina!), but then you get an empath who borders on (or maybe is?) sociopathic, a telepath with mysterious goals she doesn't share with anyone, and a tortured guy having an existential crisis in no small part due to the obscure and highly unsettling nature of his "illusionist" powers...
It's all artfully woven together, and had me guessing and hoping as the relationships and interactions evolved. I want more of these characters--much more!
I'd recommend this book to fans of dark academia/contemporary fantasy, ensemble casts, and unique superpowers/magical abilities. Not to mention that the whole premise rests on top of the Library of Alexandria still being a thing. Magical dimensional libraries are pretty darn cool, and it doesn't take much convincing for me to want to read books about them.
I can see why this book blew up on BookTok, and I think it absolutely deserves the praise. The writing is solid, never getting in its own way but changing the voices of each of the six POV characters so well that you get to know them much more intimately. The most fascinating aspect of the book for me is the intersection of powers. The three physical specialties are excellent (especially Reina!), but then you get an empath who borders on (or maybe is?) sociopathic, a telepath with mysterious goals she doesn't share with anyone, and a tortured guy having an existential crisis in no small part due to the obscure and highly unsettling nature of his "illusionist" powers...
It's all artfully woven together, and had me guessing and hoping as the relationships and interactions evolved. I want more of these characters--much more!
I'd recommend this book to fans of dark academia/contemporary fantasy, ensemble casts, and unique superpowers/magical abilities. Not to mention that the whole premise rests on top of the Library of Alexandria still being a thing. Magical dimensional libraries are pretty darn cool, and it doesn't take much convincing for me to want to read books about them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Gore