The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake (2021)
Genre- Dark Academia, Fantasy
Rating- 4.5/5 Olivie Blake’s The Atlas Six is the first book in The Atlas Trilogy. The series is a phenomenal blend of intriguing magical realism and intense character study, following the Alexandrian Society, which recruits six of the most powerful “medians” for a secretive and dangerous competition. Here’s the twist- only five can make it through to become caretakers of this vast knowledge, but the stakes are higher- and darker- than any of them could have anticipated.
One of the most striking aspects of The Atlas Six is its complex characters. Each magician, also known as a median, has a distinct voice, motivations, and moral compass, and Olivie Blake excels at getting deep into their minds. The rotating points of view allow readers to see the same events from multiple perspectives, giving insight into how differently each character values power and views the competition. The world-building, though not always fully explained, adds considerable depth to the story. The magic system is fascinating, with each contestant possessing highly individualized abilities. Rather than focusing on grand, gaudy displays of magic, Blake takes a more cerebral approach, delving into the intellectual and emotional impacts of wielding such powers. Blake isn’t just concerned with duels and magical adventures, she's concerned with the deep reasons behind her character's actions. Additionally, Blake balances her character’s shifting alliances and hidden agendas, making it difficult to predict who the winner will be, or if there even will be a winner.
However, the novel’s pacing can be uneven at times. The philosophical debates and internal monologues sometimes slow the action down, and readers who are looking for fast-paced adventure may find these sections a bit boring. But for those who enjoy character-driven narratives that dissect the complexities of power and morality, these moments add depth. Furthermore, certain elements of magic feel rather opaque or underdeveloped. However, this may be intentional, leaving room for further exploration in the second and third books.
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeper thought. Olivie Blake’s magical, dark, secretive world leaves nothing but fascination and wonder in its wake.
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