"The Atlas Six" was a whirlwind of intersecting stories, traumatised characters, and plot twists that sent me reeling. The worldbuilding was intricate, the character dynamics were realistic, and the ending left me waiting desperately for the next book to release.

The dark academia and self-indulgent prose went perfectly hand-in-hand to create a mystical, enticing feel to the novel. But certain parts of the book felt overly-dramatised to me. Some dialogue was dramatic and deep at points that felt out-of-place, and the character development of Libby seemed to fall away half way through. The book has potential, and the magic system is beautifully constructed - and it's clear how much Blake cares about her characters, as the chemistry between them is amazing. If anything, it felt like this book tried to include much more (themes, characters, subplots) than there was space for, and ended up not giving any of them enough screen time.

But Olivie Blake is an incredibly talented author, and I'm hopeful that the sequel will be better!

I was verrrryyyy iffy about this one until I hit like 60% of the way through and then my fingers were metaphorically flipping through the pages as fast as I could

the atlas six. libby, an introverted mega power house who is definitely not as confident in herself as she should be. nico, libby’s rival and conflict of interest in almost everything she does (plus his super hot not boyfriend magical creature 🥵). tristan, a good boy from a bad family who craves to know his own self worth in the world. callum, the outcast who is too good for his own good if you know what I mean. reina, a goth plant loving QUEEN who could probably destroy the world if she wanted to. and my sexual goddess p, who can read your mind quicker than you can give her an orgasm.

do I ship them all? do I ship them none? so many questions I love them all 😧

I mean, harry potter meets the kingsmen meets all of us villains?? like, please say less. I was invested in this one before I even picked it up.

and then … I got bored. I’m sorry!! the descriptions of the magic and the philosophy behind each and every spell they crafted or internal discovery that they made was sooooo much. I didn’t even know what the heck I was reading sometimes.

it was a glacier-like slow burn, but once the first twist came, they didn’t stop coming. I wasn’t quite invested in each of the characters yet, but wow, I was rooting for this team by the end.

ALSO I KNEW WHO WAS BEHIND THE FORUM THE ENTIRE TIME JESUS I SHOULD SPOIL BOOKS FOR A LIVING WITH MY GUESSES

wow I cannot wait for the next one now, but I’m still wary on the length of this one. definitely could have been years shorter in my opinion and still conveyed the same message 😬

thank you to netgalley and macmillan-tor/forge for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!! this was high on my anticipated reading for the year 🎉

rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: bordeaux blend

The Atlas Six was a wonderfully written story with a magical atmosphere, an interesting cast of characters, and a fantastic premise. Imagining the Library of Alexandria was never destroyed is and idea that is filled with possibilities, and meshing it with a secret society that is entrusted with its care makes it all the more intriguing.

The story is slow paced, particularly in the beginning, but I expect that when creating a new world. It's also a character driven story so readers who need a lot of action might struggle with the pacing. I enjoy character driven stories immensely and this one has everything that makes them interesting. The characters are complex and feel very real - even the ones I personally don't like intrigued me and I can understand their actions and motivations. There was also significant character growth and the relationships between the characters was fraught with so much tension and emotion.

The Atlas Six, simply put, is everything you expect when it comes to dark academia. From the atmosphere and thrilling mysteries to the layered characters and their complicated relationships, it is a story that will captivate any fan of the genre.

"You are entering the cycle of your own destruction, the wheel of your own fortune, which will rise and fall and so will you. You will deconstruct and resurrect in some other form, and the ashes of yourself will be the rubble from the fall."

From philosophy and ideology to physics, chemistry, and biology, this story melds the studies of various science and maths seamlessly with the academic pursuit of magic in this story. If Harry Potter and Clue had a brainchild, this would be the result.

Though at times it lags and can get confusing on which POV is whose, overall I found it to be very convincing and captivating at the same time. I didn't know would I should root for or put my hopes in and that was scary because often I felt adrift wondering if this was what the characters felt like - never knowing who to trust or put their faith in.

I don't want to ruin this little magical, suspenseful drama so I will leave you with this. This story though thoughtful and often times full of rhetoric that will blow your mind is more than a geek's dream come true. The magic and mystery, intrigue and unknown will pull you in if given the chance. This reader is one that eagerly anticipates the next book of this journey

** Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to review this advanced copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own **

the atlas six is probably one of my favourite contemporary fantasy novels of all time. it is a gorgeous dark academia book that spins characters to life. olivie blake breaths life to people and it is an unmissable book.

when you are given characters so fleshed out and so alive, it is hard knowing that whilst you can root for them all, not all of them can win. the atlas six is a compelling, tension-filled competition in a bid for initiation into the secret and magical alexandrian society.

if you're anything like me, you probably still wince at the mention of the library of alexandria and the knowledge that was lost in the fire. therefore, to have a novel were not only is it still thriving an full, but it is magical too probably made me one of the most excited people on the planet.

libby, nico, reina, callum, tristan and parisa are some of my favourite characters i have ever read about. they are fleshed out, morally grey, hungry for success and knowledge and i loved that. in particular, libby & parisa dug themselves deep into my heart and i never, ever want to let them go. to see women so unapologetically competitive and intelligent was a beautiful thing to read.

ALSO the way that they all have tension with each other was an absolute breath of fresh air. i have read so many books where i would have loved that kind of tension between the characters and olivie blake DELIVERED. i didn't know WHO to root for so i decided to root for every single one.

i cannot wait for the next book. i am frothing at the mouth at the thought of it. i am so so so so so excited.

I really wanted to like this book. But it was boring, wordy, and inconsequential.

The 6 chosen are only given vague parameters about the mysterious society that they'll be working for, and it felt like the rest of the book was like that, too. Everything that they did just felt inconsequential. They create allies? I didn't care. Someone sleeps with someone else? Again, I just didn't care.

I can see that I'm in the minority, here, which is why I'm still giving this 2 stars. I think it has a lot of potential, but I just didn't care about any of the characters.. or the plot.

It's difficult for me to have a favorite thing because I love so many things at the same time, and there's no question The Atlas Six is absolutely one of those favorite things.

From the moment you open the page, you're immediately drawn into Olivie Blake's immersive, poetry, and insanely intelligent writing. Incredibly atmospheric- you're quickly swept into this world, the mystery, the characters themselves all complexed and morally grey, all with faults and unique voices. This is a character-driven novel, there is a plot (an amazing one at that) but at the core, Olivie Blake has created incredibly unique characters. With the help of LittleChmura's beautiful artwork, you can a visual of how they look and their aesthetic.

I can't explain how much I think about this book and its characters. The relationships crafted between them are complex and upsetting and somehow beautiful. Especially the relationship between Tristan and Callum. Pages 306 to 309 have been reread countless times by myself. You never know if you trust anyone and that's the fun in it. It's dark and twisted, emotional, full of heart.

Compared to the original edition, released in 2020, the additions added (or readded) amplified an already good novel. I am so incredibly excited for the rest of the trilogy. I can't praise how much I love this book. Thank you Olivie Blake for giving me Callum Nova!

I heard a lot of buzz about The Atlas Six. The story is good. I really liked the twists and the traditional "who done it" or rather "who will do it/who will it be" feel. This pretty much propelled me through the book. The atmosphere of it all also had me engaged. I really enjoyed the magic as well. I will definitely recommend the book as I think it has a lot of potential.

I did struggle with feeling any connection to the characters. Maybe this is because as a whole the characters are somewhat unlikable. I really didn't feel the need to cheer for any of them. I came close with Libby and even Nico. Is it fair to say that I really liked Gideon and would have liked to see a lot more of him? My lack of connection might also be due to my constantly questioning why and frustration that the characters weren't doing the same. Why are there really there? Why are they doing this? Why can't they try to fight what is supposed to happen? Why does it have to happen? Again, I had a lot of whys. Some of this was summed up in the last few chapters of the book, but I'm hoping that more is answered in the sequel.

Will I read the next in the series? Definitely. I still have a lot of why questions needing to be answered. I am intrigued.

This is a heavily character driven plot. The characters are so provocative, complex and fascinatingly flawed. Most of them are not very likeable, but I am so intrigued by each one, even the ones I dislike the most. They all have amazing powers, each unique and different, each have personal issues and none of them trust each other.
The end has an unexpected twisted and I can't wait for the next book in the series! It feels like the Umbrella Society meets the Magicians. The next book in the series is called, The Atlas Paradox.

DNF @ 13%

Pretty good writing, very interesting concept, absolutely did not hold my attention. Might come back to it later?

I would like to thank the publishers for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Upon hearing the premise of this story, I was intrigued and enthralled by the concept and dark academia, which I usually don't find myself picking up. I really enjoyed the setting and the vibe that the book presents, which remains consistent and holds up in the places where the plot does not seem to be moving as fast. The dynamics between the characters are fleshed out clearly and you'll definitely come out having your favourite pairings and personalities. This is a huge read and I wish that it could've been a little more fast paced as this would've quipped my interest. Nevertheless, one that is unlike what I normally reach for.

I loved the characters and seeing the story through their eyes! A good recommendation for fans of dark academia!

Thank you to the publisher for my eARC copy of this book. Unfortunately I didn’t love this book and therefore didn’t finish, I just didn’t connect with this one. Not for me, sorry.

I loved this - thank for for this ARC. Super smart writing and engaging characters- constantly left me guessing what was real. Can’t wait for the second book.

<b> “A flaw of humanity,” said Parisa, shrugging. “The compulsion to be unique, which is at war with the desire to belong to a single identifiable sameness.” </b>

cw// bi/pan, Black MC, Asian MC

rep// Suicide, Murder, Blood/Gore, Drug Use, Violence

The Atlas Six is a character-driven, all pov book about a modern world with magic, and a secret society that revolves around the lost Library of Alexandria that invites six of the most promising/talented magicians to take part in a competition of a sort to be accepted into the society every 10 years. Only 5 get in allowing them access to unheard of levels of knowledge and magic and wealth and success.

If I had to describe this book I would say.. Confusing, magical, smooth, lyrical, dark.
The 6 main characters:
Libby Rhodes: anxious, competitive, physical magic that controls matter
Nicolas Varona: the counterpart and rival to Libby, gifted with similar magic.
Reina Mori: a loner naturalist “plant mom” and magic battery/life source
Parisa Kamali: a seductive telepath
Tristan Caine: son of crime kingpin who can see through illusions and other magic
Callum Nova: the mind-controlling empath

Each character is so different that the others, so much that they don't seem to form a group until the very end. It was so intriguing to read how they all interacted and the thoughts from all the different POV's. The way the author writes them is so poetic prose that it can be a bit dense to get through. Also, this book is very much plot driven - until its not. I felt that way in most things of this book. I felt like the plot of this book changed dramatically by the end, leading us into a whole new story. Dark academic is a interesting cast to make since they rarely want to work together, rather their own motives and power plays are drawn out.

The ending left me... with a lot of questions, and I can't say I'd ever want to meet any of these people IRL, but I also cannot wait for book 2. Also yes, they all talk like insufferable tortured artists, but I love it.

Book Review
The Atlas Six, by Olivie Blake
Audiobook Narrator: Full Cast
Release Date: 03/01/2022

This is the story of six characters with extraordinary abilities, who are invited by a mysterious man named Atlas Blakely to join a powerful, secret society called The Alexandrian Society; a society synonymous with power, wealth, and prestige. Each with their reasons to join, from various backgrounds, and unique abilities, Libby, Nico, Reina, Parisa, Tristan, and Callum, must learn to work together as a group while also competing to earn their spot as one of the five recruits who ultimately become initiated into the Society. The true question becomes how far will each of them go for power.

As a TikTok sensation, I was very hesitant to jump on the hype train but reading the book definitely changed my mind. In the beginning of the book, the characters were not incredibly distinguishable but toward the end, I was able to discern them more clearly. The atmosphere was also not as well drawn out as I would've liked but the characters and plot were at the forefront, which I think may have been intentional. The alternating perspectives as well as the major plot of the story kept the intrigue high and kept me almost compulsively reading. The plot moved at a reasonable pace and although there may have been some lulls in the action, the alternating perspectives buoyed the pace. Another asset of this novel was the writing itself. I thoroughly enjoyed this writing style, which was not quite prose but certainly well written. Overall, I rated this 4.5 stars because I really enjoyed it and I am quite looking forward to the sequel.

This dark academic fantasy debut is superb! The magical system developed by the author is unique, described well and thoughtful. Each magician's skill areas and power differ markedly. The story is firmly rooted in ordinary life with both science and magic coexisting in the world. The characters are well developed with the story following each of the main characters in successive chapters. Six of the most uniquely talented magicians are selected to join a secret society that cares for the lost library of Alexandria but with only five to be fully accepted following a trial period. The story slowly unfolds with each of the characters' progressive development, and growth of their skills, interactions and manipulation of each other.

This is an excellent read, thought provoking, novel in its concepts with well developed characters and plot. My only complaint of the book is the ending that I thought revealed too much too quickly and felt for me jarring. However, it does leave many questions and introduces new conflicts to resolve in the follow up novel (s).

Oh, this book was so good and absolutely lives up to the hype! So much so that I may have ordered the special edition from Waterstones, you know, the one with the gorgeous sprayed edges? Despite the fact that I don’t like reading hardcovers. 😬
So, the premise is that the library of Alexandria basically faked its own death, because it was felt that no one should have access to that much information, that it would be dangerous. So it went into hiding (not exactly, the librarians/caretakers hid everything away). Every ten years a group of six medeians (high level magicians) are chosen to compete for five spots working at the library (not exactly, but it’s a bit hard to explain). The book follows these six medeians, each of whom has been selected because they are able to use their magic in unique ways.
I usually don’t love books told from many POVs, but this is an exception. The book is told from the POV of each of the six chosen, as well as a couple others. I don’t think the book would have worked if we hadn’t been able to see everyone’s POV, because all of the characters are extremely secretive.
I’ve seen a lot on social media about which character is your favourite, and I’ve got to say that I think my favourite is Nico, because he’s a physicist (his magic allows him to control the physical forces), plus everything he’s done for Gideon. I also like Tristan, because I’m fascinated by his magic and what he could do with it.
There was an amazing plot twist, where we get to hear from an as yet unheard POV, and it’s perfect. I’m left with so many questions, but I don’t mind at all!
I’m blown away that this book was originally self-published, before being picked up by Tor. I don’t know the story behind that, but as a voracious reader, if the author had shopped this around I don’t know how a publisher didn’t jump at it immediately. I feel like it ticks so many boxes; great story, world-building, and really great character development.
I highly recommend!

Thanks @netgalley for this ARC!

The Atlas Six funciona bem como livro introdutório, apesar de uns detalhes. A escrita tem um tom poético, o que combina com o clima dark academia da história. Fica o aviso que o livro é direcionado para o público adulto; Olivie Blake é seu pseudônimo de publicação para esse grupo. Inclusive, todos os personagens já são adultos, lá por volta dos seus 20 e tantos anos.

A ambientação deixa a desejar porque nada é explicado de fato. Apenas sabemos que há magia e alguns possuem talentos específicos, como nossos protagonistas, além de ainda haver outros seres mágicos.

Sobre os personagens, cada um tem personalidade e talentos bem distintos. Libby e Nico são capazes de manipular matéria e, apesar rivalizarem um com o outro, eles se completam magicamente. Parisa (de longe é minha preferida até agora) é uma telepata poderosa e utiliza de todas as suas armas, incluindo sedução, para atingir seus objetivos. Reina parece ser ter bastante potencial, mas achei que ela ficou meio apagada aqui junto do seu poder de naturalista. Tristan é capaz de ver além de feitiços e ilusões, e é um personagem que pra mim até agora nem fede nem cheira. Callum é um poderoso empático que navega pelos tons de cinza e, assim como Parisa, não tem pudor em utilizar seu poder.

Temos uma variedade de personagens não-brancos, como Atlas e Tristan são negros, Reina é japonesa, Parisa de descendência árabe e bi/pan, Nico de descendência hispânica. Se fala de representatividade queer, mas além de Parisa, não sei se posso falar dos outros personagens já que tudo ficou meio nas entrelinhas.

O livro é dividido em oito partes, com seis pontos de vistas, narrados em terceira pessoa. Dá uma ampla visão da história, mas alguns personagens têm mais destaque e desenvolvimentos que outros. Outro um ponto que me incomodou são as descrições extensas e maçantes, principalmente no começo.

O ritmo melhora lá pelos 70%. Algumas revelações eu já suspeitava, outras me surpreenderam; uma em específico me deixou decepcionada, mas não surpresa. Apesar de tudo, vou dar continuidade na série porque teve um gancho interessante.

This was a work of pure genius; from the writing style to the plot and the amazing chemistry between the characters, I simply could not stop reading. It had me in its clutches from page one, making me root for the characters to not only succeed, but maybe find a little love along the way. With its academic setting and magic system, The Atlas Six is perfect for fans of Naomi Novak's, A Deadly Education. Trust me, this will be your next favorite read.