The Atlas Six (The Atlas, #1) in Scripted in Fantasy and Fiction

Feb 16, 2024 Jenny rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Here, at the library, their lives would change. Here their former selves would be destroyed, like the library itself, only to be built back up again and hidden in the shadows, never to be seen except by the Caretakers, by the Alexandrians, and by the ghosts of lives uncrossed and paths untaken.

I wish someone would explain to me how "The Atlas Six" generated such a hype on social media because I just don't get it. The premise does sound intriguing, but as soon as I got a few chapters in, I wa

Here, at the library, their lives would change. Here their former selves would be destroyed, like the library itself, only to be built back up again and hidden in the shadows, never to be seen except by the Caretakers, by the Alexandrians, and by the ghosts of lives uncrossed and paths untaken.

I wish someone would explain to me how "The Atlas Six" generated such a hype on social media because I just don't get it. The premise does sound intriguing, but as soon as I got a few chapters in, I was shocked - this was not what I had expected. The book was marketed as the perfect dark academia novel. and I loved the idea of a secret society with magic. It all sounded so promising. However, the more I read, the more I kept hoping it would finally get better, but it never did, leaving me incredibly disappointed. The author tries to achieve too much with the story but clearly fails to execute all her ideas.

None of the characters were likable or had any redeeming qualities. There are six main characters, and they all hate each other, making it nearly impossible for the reader not to hate them as well. There wasn't a single character I liked, which was one of the main reasons I struggled to find anything positive about the book. It is very obvious that Olivie Blake has favourites, particularly Parisa, who receives most attention from all the characters. In contrast, Reina is more or less ignored by the author. Parisa is constantly described as the most beautiful women, and her beauty, along with her arrogance, seems to be her only character traits.

Nico and Libby start of as academic rivals, but their relationship quickly becomes confusing. I initially thought it would develop into an enemies to lovers storyline, but instead, it just got muddled. (view spoiler) Tristan and Callum also have a confusing relationship with each other and with Parisa. As I mentioned before, none of the characters are likeable, and I don't understand how people ship certain characters when they clearly despise each other.

"No one here is good. Knowledge is carnage. You can't have it without sacrifice."

The main plot of the story focuses on the Alexandrian Society and the characters' first year as Initiates. It's such a promising plot, with the knowledge of the Library of Alexandria and the concept of a magical secret society, but the author completely butchered the idea. I was excited to learn more about the Society but was really disappointed when I realized that Olivie Blake skimps on most of the world-building. The society and its ranks are barely explained, and we don't get any insights, just a quick info dumb. The lost knowledge isn't accessible either. The same goes for the magic system which isn't explained properly.

Somehow, nothing really happens in the book, except for a lot of bickering between the characters. The story is very dialogue-driven, but the author isn't very skilled at setting a scene. The dialogues feel forced and unrealistic at times - no one would actually talk like that! There's also a lot of pseudo-philosophical talk that doesn't lead anywhere. The writing style doesn't stand out, and the descriptions are particularly lacking in quality. The big turning point of the story was a huge disappointment as well. (view spoiler)

I was expecting to love "The Atlas Six" and ended up being incredibly disappointed. I even debated whether I should still continue with the series. But after reading several reviews and spoilers of the following books, it seems that everyone agrees the story only gets worse. Based on what I read in the spoiler sections, I'm glad I decided not to give the second book a chance. "The Atlas Six" was probably my biggest flop this year. It's sad to see such a great idea wasted on lazy world-building, unlikable characters, and a boring plot.

When an ecosystem dies, nature makes a new one. Simple rules, simple concept, for which the Society was proof itself. It existed from the ashes of its former selves, atop the bones of things abandoned or destroyed. It was a secret buried inside a labyrinth, hidden within a maze.

...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 08, 2023 Brianna rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 2023

This book has such an interesting premise, it had so much potential. I was so excited to read it! But in reality, for me, it really fell flat. It kept me interested enough that I did get through it, and if you saw my updates, even the last 40 pages I struggled to get through.
Nothing happens in this book. I feel like you only find anything out in the last chapter, which is fine but getting there was BORING. I found my mind constantly wandering. There were a few moments when I thought "ok this co ...more

1 like · Like · see review