Holy shit. How does Olivie Blake write these books?!? They are so freaking good, and this one has again left things on a cliffhanger and I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!

This book basically left off right where The Atlas Six ended and it was so good. We got a lot more perspectives this time, which could have been annoying, except that they were all people I was curious about from the first book. Mostly Gideon and Ezra. New characters were introduced and I'm curious to see if they continue on to the third book.

To be honest, I could have done without Reina in this book. She really is my least favourite of the POV characters and I don't really know what she was trying to do throughout this entire book. Maybe it will make sense in the third book?

I really loved all of the explorations of physics (basic level physics) happening again in this one. It's interesting how one thing seemed to be happening throughout the book, but then something completely different happened, very similarly to the first book.

I really liked how all of the relationships between characters developed. Over the course of the two books we have covered two years in their lives, which is quite significant, and I liked how the dynamics of the group changed in the second year. I'm SO happy that Gideon had more of a voice in this book, as I think he's now my favourite character. Also, the last chapter was just UGH! But also YES!

With The Atlas Six I definitely felt like I was being manipulated the entire time I was reading it, which I think was quite a feat. To know, as the reader, that I am being manipulated by these fictional characters and to be entirely fine with it. I don't think I felt it quite as much with this second book, but it was definitely still there. As each of the characters are manipulating each other, you're also being drawn into it, because you're only seeing what they want you to see, even when you're getting different POVs. I love it.

I feel like I just want to kind of flail around about how good this is, without really knowing what to specifically say about it, because I don't want to spoil it. It's just so incredibly good. It's also a really unique story, where it's kind of fantasy, but also sci-fi, but also a thriller because you truly don't know what the fuck is going on for most of the time. Even the characters I could do without (Reina, Parisa), I would put up with just to get more of the others. I feel like the other characters (Callum,Tristan, Nico, Gideon, Libby) have a lot more going on and a lot more ability to make big changes, and I cannot wait to read more about them.

As a slight caveat: Gideon grew up in the foster system in Nova Scotia, and uh, we don't really have bears here. I mean, we do, but I've lived here, in a rural area, for 15 years and never seen one. Also, I am really curious is Blake is going to actually do anything with the fact that she's made Gideon Acadian? Like, it feels very specific to say that he's from Cape Breton and is Acadian (meaning he's from one of 2 towns), but then to not doing anything with it.

I had such high hopes for this! I read the Atlas Six so quickly and rapturously. The tension, the in depth character first writing. The hard science! I came to this book expecting more of the same. It was somehow softer? I felt like the writing style had a bit of a fog to it comparatively.

The six weren't just separated, but scrambled up. The plot moved along, but everytime the time moved was mentioned I was surprised. I wanted to hear more from their year spent isolated. I wanted to know, definitively, what characters were actually up to, but it felt like it was always just a bit outside my grasp. Knowing their motivations felt harder. The first book made me feel clever and enjoy learning more about these complex characters, but this felt more like someone handwaved and said, "well, you know" instead of elaborating.

I'm ravenous for the next book. I enjoyed this, but it definitely took longer to get through and I felt it.

I raced to finish this book as soon as I received this ARC and I adore these characters! Gideon and Nico continue to be my favorites, so that has not changed since The Atlas Six and I am ridiculously invested in them. Olivie Blake continues to keep me on my toes with all the twists and turns (and time traveling????). I did find that the Atlas Paradox dragged a little compared to the first book, and suffered a bit from Second Book syndrome- in that I didn't find that it didn't stand well on its own.

While I had fun reading Atlas Paradox, I was left wanting more- more answers, more action and a more decisive conclusion- even a small one in comparison to the overall plot and I found that a little bit lacking. I will hand it to Blake though, I will definitely be coming back for the third novel in this trilogy. For anyone looking for compelling, morally grey characters and character-driven dark academia, I think the Atlas Paradox is still a solid part of its series.

A great continuation to the series. I enjoyed seeing how the characters connected and developed. It was just as good as the first and I want to see if my thoughts for the conclusion of the story are on target!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan - Tor/Forge for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was another of my most anticipated new releases for this year, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. This book gave me everything I didn't even know that I wanted from a sequel. I loved learning more about the magic system, the Alexandrian Society, and I especially loved the character development that happened. Truly one of the biggest surprises was that I ended up really enjoying the POV chapters of a character who I didn't like at all in the first book (not going to say who though!).

Olivie Blake's writing, and character work, were as beautiful and well-done as always.

The only thing about this book that I don't love was the amount of POV chapters one specific character seemed to have. I do understand the reason for them in terms of the storytelling, but they weren't super enjoyable to read (well, as unenjoyable as something can be in a book as well-executed as this one).

This was a really strong follow up to the first book, and I need a book 3!

I was so excited when I got approved for The Atlas Paradox. I absolutely ate up the first book and the second was no different. I feel that expanding any further on this book would only lead to spoilers so it’s best to go in with no expectations. I will say, though, that if you loved the first book, you will love the second. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. (Bed? Couch? Whatever you’re reading on.) I can’t believe I have to wait for another book!! I will wait. Patiently. (Probably.)

The current crop of Alexandrian Society students may have avoided the obligation to murder a classmate by having one of their number kidnapped to a different decade instead, but they have hardly escaped unscathed. However they felt about her personally, Libby was the group's moral center and they are all compromised without her. Also, there's still the issue of being the focus of a conspiracy decades in the making. During their year of independent study, each of the young magicians will find themselves altered in profound ways. It is inexplicably riveting to watch these broken characters do very little.

The audacity of ending it on that cliffhanger is unsurpassed.

Like the first book, I'm here for literally anyone but Reina. Not even a god complex can make me care about her and I'm relatively certain half the characters in the book feel the same.

I'll note that while I rated this 5 stars, it's definitely the concept for me that gets me with this series - the writing is lovely, but at times it becomes convoluted and a bit too dense. I definitely enjoyed seeing the development of the characters a bit more in this one though.

Libby/Nico will forever be my favourite chapters to read, please give me the next book already thank youuuu (I'm aware this one isn't even out yet and I DON'T CARE).

This is everything that I wanted from a sequel to The Atlas Six. The Atlas Paradox is still very character driven. We get to see the aftermath of their grueling first year of being initiates. I feel that for some characters, they have had major growth, especially Libby and Nico and even Callum. I am hoping in the third book we get to see the rest of the Six grow as well. Blake has a wonderful talent at making you feel deeply for these characters. There are twists and turns and parts that make you question the reality that you live in.

The prose is beautiful and and deep. If you didn't like TA6 I don't think hat you will like this sequel. I highly recommend that you read this physically because there is a lot of information and annotating it is probably a must!

I can't wait to see where the third books goes.

I'm sure as I go in for another reread, I will be adding to this review.

I was thrilled to find this sequel on here. Overall I enjoyed this book, but definitely didn’t love it as much as the first one. I’m hoping for another in the series to wrap everything up. I felt like not as much happened and parts of it were drawn out.

i'm trying to be detailed and cryptic in equal parts with this review, but it's difficult because i want to talk about every single plot point that happened. i need everyone else to have already read this book. i'm sitting on approx. 500 Twitter drafts. i made a playlist.

there is so much CHARACTER in this. their voices are so pronounced and unique. if olivie took out the names and just had me guess who was saying what, I feel like I'd get it right. There is more plot in this book than TA6, which may make readers who said that "nothing happened!" in the first book improve their perspective of book 2, but the plot isn't happening to our characters. They're the ones behind the wheel. I would say that there's just more agency in this book. when you have an ensemble cast like this, i feel they HAVE to be the focal center or else the characterization gets lost as soon as the narrative picks up. Olivie doesn't make that mistake.

also, with multiple point of views, i would think there is a tendency (at least on my end) to like, get bored with someone, or think that a scene is unnecessary, or want to go back to spending time with my honey bunny (tristan <3), but i don't. i literally don't. it's difficult for a book with so many perspectives like this to keep me from feeling like the story is disjointed or jilted or jumbled. it doesn't feel like that. it feels logical, linear (ha!); a baton-pass from person to person.

libby is disoriented, out of it, in a moshfegh-esque fugue state. all of the other characters, in her absence, have assumed almost unexpected roles. what we know about them, or expect from them, flips. it's not ooc, though. they're spiraling allllll on their own and showing different but totally recognizable sides of themselves. barely-there anxieties from book one are revealing themselves. people are people. they contain conflicting yet equally valid perspectives. it's nuanced. it's um.. a paradox. -_-

this is a GOOD sequel. i loved the character dynamics. i loved the brilliant and unhinged decisions they made. it was sooooo funny! i love the twisted way they view themselves and the world around them. there was a time where i said, out loud, "what's the fucking point of any of this!!!" and two pages later, verbatim, another character was like, "what's the fucking point of any of this!!!" i was THEREEE... everyone better buy a copy in october. i can't believe i have to wait forever for book 3. i wish i had a godlike ability to travel through time or something.... :/

Anyone who's ever spoken to me for more than 5 minutes knows how much I love The Atlas Six, and I can confidently tell you that The Atlas Paradox is a sequel WORTHY of that love.

Now that the introductions and manipulations are (mostly) out of the way, the question is whether this series has any plot to offer or whether it's going to coast on an absolutely ridiculous amount of philosophical-ish talk about magic and a previous investment in the characters. The answer is...there's a little plot, but mostly there's a lot of philosophical-ish talk about magic and people saying they really, really don't care. You wouldn't believe how much they don't care.

Why is this so entertaining? I can't stop being amused. And charmed? What is THIS type of magic called?

I think my issue with this book, which brought down my enjoyment, is that it didn't feel like a year passed over the course of the book. We were told of the passage time but idk something about it was weird.

Also, while having so many points of view worked fine in The Atlas Six where the characters were mostly together and so we still got their full stories, here due to all the POVs and the sporadic nature of them, it was just glimpses of the characters and that was frustrating. Each character got about 5 or 6 chapters, and with them rarely showing up in each other's point of view due to the Independent Study aspect of the year this covers, it just really wasn't enough. It resulted in a lot of telling later of things that sounded interesting but happened in between the respective character's chapters.

I'm gonna read the next book still because I really did like the ending, but I just wanted so much more from this book.

Source of book: NetGalley (thank you)
Relevant disclaimers: none
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author.

Spoilers for the first book. Very small ones for the second.

Well, I say this every time: middle books in trilogies are hard. But the truth was, I was deeply, mortifyingly happy to be back with this impossible collection of people. There’s part of me—the part that’s in my mid-thirties—that is, I think, on some level aware that they’re all obnoxious beyond reason: unnecessarily articulate, unnecessarily appealing, unnecessarily obsessed with each other, even when they’re pretending not to be, unnecessarily self-absorbed, unnecessarily shaped, driven and helpless in the face of their own trauma. But the part of me that devoured The Secret History as a teenager, who genuinely hoped I would grow up to be brilliantly and beautifully damaged (as opposed to just in need of therapy), who was so terribly needy in every way it is possible for a human being to be needy … that part of me? To that part of me, these books are a fucking feast. And y’know, it kind of pleases of me that I can put aside the ironies and detachments of having grown the fuck up just to revel in them.

I don’t read YA very often because it tends to make me feel old. The Atlas series make me feel young. Because I can (mostly guilt-free) gleefully splash about in all the shit I was desperate to experience as a teenager—anything that would make me feel special and interesting, basically—and then quietly put the book down and go back to the very banal life I adore and fought to have.

So, the actual book. Well. Something I noted in my thoughts on The Atlas Six was that I wasn’t sure if the sequel could maintain the same propulsive tension when there wasn’t a murder game happening. And I’m afraid—though your mileage may vary—I might have been correct. The Atlas Paradox has some fantastic set pieces in it (usually confrontations between the various characters) but, as a whole, it felt just a touch directionless. We also get a broadening of perspectives—including more from Gideon, Ezra and a few other characters—which is … interesting, but I missed the sense of emotional claustrophobia—the snarled yarn ball of endless unreliability—when it was just the central six (especially because when we did break away from them in the final section of the first book it was like such A Moment). Ultimately, for me, broadening the scope just made the story feel more fragmented, especially because (following the events of the first book) Libby is elsewhere for the entire book and the other five feel more isolated within their own private narratives: Reina, angry with Nico, fucking with the archives, Nico is trying to get Libby back, Callum is falling into substance abuse, Parisa is still pursuing Dalton, Tristan is … being Tristan, which mostly involves nebulous adventures in self-loathing.

Of course, part of the point is that the group is genuinely unbalanced with Libby. She’s always been a character study in exquisite irritation, but I missed her deeply. And, honestly, I also missed everyone trying to fuck and/or kill each other all the time. I mean, yes, there’s moments where so-and-so is full of deep, murderous rage towards so-and-so but I never really believed anyone was actually going to try to knife anyone else. Unlike the first book, where I was pretty much convinced it was going to happen at least once a chapter.

On top of which, the ending of the first book—in which the scope of Atlas’s plan is revealed—kind of led me to expect significant changes to the world state in book two? And … well … there aren’t any? Like Atlas is still planning the same plan, but he doesn’t seem to be any closer to achieving it than he was at the end of book one. The Forum is still out there but they don’t do anything except … attend a party? And the remaining five researchers mostly sit around, um, putting together research proposals? Which in academia terms too real, man, too real. In terms of a story about sex, power, trauma and someone who literally wants to create a new universe … bit disappointing?

We do get a shifting of alliances within the five, following the events of the first book, and those character dynamics continue to be wholly fascinating. Put any of them in a room in any configuration to fuck or get in a fight and I was RIVETED. In terms of development, however, we only really get more insight into Reina and Callum, while Nico, Parisa and Tristan continue to act mostly as they always have. In some ways, I suspect, this was necessary because Reina and Callum were the least developed in the first book, Reina because she was so locked down, and Callum because he was portraying himself as a cackling supervillain, but the fact that we finally begin to understand Reina and Callum more makes the other feel static in comparison (as much I adore them). Similarly, Libby does make a really significant series of choice in this book, even though she’s not on page very much, but we’re not going to see the impact of them—either on the world or Libby herself—until the next book.

But here’s the thing. The reason I’ve foregrounded these issues is because … kind of … in a very real sense … I don’t give a fuck? Like, I’m aware that there are ways in which this book doesn’t quite do enough on its own to drive the whole story forward—it’s mainly treading water, set-up, and just enough new information to keep you curious—but none of it stopped me eating The Atlas Paradox right up and still being ravenous for more. I think at this point we might be in a style over substance place (something that may very well change in the third book) but … hell, the style is dazzling and it’s a pleasure, sometimes, to let yourself be dazzled. The characters are all godawful (I mean, as people, they’re wonderfully written) but I’m obsessed with them and the books themselves are just so shamelessly charismatic, their tendency towards extravagant self-indulgent always expertly balanced by this thread of dark humour. I mean, academics psychically feeding themselves to a sinister, potentially sentient library to access knowledge … that’s just fucking delightful (cf. too real, man too real).

Basically, if you loved The Atlas Six, The Atlas Paradox is more of the same. You might think it could have done with being a bit *more* more of the same. But, equally, if you’re as into the same as I apparently am then you won’t be disappointed.

Less coherent thoughts:
--I know Nico/Gideon is supposed to be, like, THE ship but Callum/Tristram? Come on. It’s not real love unless one of you might be an actual sociopath and the other has tried to literally murder you
--I have never wanted anyone, real or fictional, with the intensity I want Parisa
--I have a new appreciation for Libby
--Still #TeamCallum. All the way.

OH MY GOD is really all I can say about this, over and over again.. The time travel component is so amazing and well done and clever that I had to put my Kindle down and scream. Libby's story was great, Callum's leveling up was great, Dalton was terrifying, basically everyone in this book (including the sentient library!!!) were fantastic. WHAT a cliffhanger, cannot WAIT for the third one.

I am in love and in awe of Olivie Blake's writing. I definitely always have to have a dictionary on hand when it comes to reading her books but I would not trade it for the world. The Atlas Six is one of my favorite books ever so MASSIVE thank you to Macmillan/Tor and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! To say that I devoured this book would be a huge understatement. Blake's writing is not for the weak; she is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to character-driven novels and a complicated yet direct magic system. Her characters are a cumulation of ego and philosophical musings. As a sequel to That Atlas Six, I will say that in certain ways, The Atlas Paradox's focus is different than The Atlas Six's. The characters are just as hilarious (or morbid and morose, depending on how you see it) and their musings are just as complicated as in book one, but I did find myself confused on certain developmental decisions. This is hardly a reflection on the writing, but perhaps an error of judgment on my own behalf due to my own theorization.

The twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I truly feel overwhelmed in the very best way by this book and I cannot believe that I now have to wait until 2024 to see how the trilogy concludes. Elizabeth Rhodes, I love you and I miss you dearly already. Olivie Blake will frustrate you to no end in this book but I would sell a kidney for the next book. So, in case the message wasn't clear, this book is a MUST. An absolutely stellar sequel and to be back in the world of medeians and complex life musings of godliness and multiverses amongst other things was a chaotic ride that could not be beaten.

This review will have some spoilers for the first book, The Atlas Six. And you really need to read the first one. Do not come to this with no prior knowledge.

This is an example of one of those books where very quickly I am pretty sick of the bullsh!t of every single character, impatient with their childishness and arrogance and lack of ability to see beyond their own selfishness... and yet I kept reading. Partly for the characters - I like Libby (and let's not analyse that particular sentiment), and to my amusement I like Nico, and of course I like Gideon; Reina I am intrigued by. The others I find very frustrating if occasionally intriguing. But I also keep reading because I just have no real idea where Blake is going with all of this. I don't know whether the characters are going to actually come together, or not; whether they will work with Atlas, or not; whether the world is going to end, or not. And so despite my impatience and frustration - all, it must be said, indications that Blake is skilful at creating characters; I don't tend to waste emotions on 2D characters - I devoured this book, and am now also impatient for the third book. This situation cannot be left where it is and I need to know how it resolves.

So the book opens with Libby gone, her colleagues initially assuming she's dead and then realising that she's just... gone. Using his abilities, Ezra has dropped her in the past, hoping to save her or save the world or... honestly who really knows, Ezra is so messed up. The others, back in the Library mansion, are meant to spend their year doing basically an Honours project, researching their own thing. As may be of little surprise to those who've read the first, mostly they just don't bother because have you ever met another group of incredibly smart people who collectively had so little interest in actually doing the work they're expected to do? Reina is not included in that indictment. And I guess Nico isn't either but he's Nico, and like all the others is definitely running to his own agenda. It will also come as no surprise that things go badly for pretty much everyone at different stages of the story. They don't cope very well with that.

There's an enormous depth, here: Blake hints at a lot with Atlas, and with Dalton, and with Reina and Parisa in particular. There's also terrifying potential for what could eventually occur. Both of these novels have been very well-paced; Blake uses the multiple-narrator mode beautifully to explore the variety of characters and give hints at what's in their brains. I think, actually, that it's using that format which makes these novels so very compelling.

Getting this ARC was a highlight of my week. I was sucked into The Altas Six, and this sequel is incredibly solid, pushing you down further into the strange and dark world of the Society, the Forum, and the web of plans made by a bunch of grasping, power hungry medaians.

This picks up immediately from where The Atlas Six ends - Libby Rhodes is trapped in where Ezra has taken her, which turns out to not just be a place, but a time: 1989. The rest of the initiates are embarking on their second year, in which they will do their own research projects, before deciding where to go next. But all of them are troubled by Libby’s disappearance, and are starting to unravel - just as Ezra and his collaborators are putting the next steps of their plans to expose the Society in motion.

Another twisty, magical, mind-bending adventure. Anyone who enjoyed The Atlas Six will not be disappointed with this installment.

I don't think this series is good, but it's addictive like potatoe chips. There's no long lasting full and complete sensation to the story, but you still want to keep consuming it.