My Review of the Atlas Series by Olivie Blake ✨
I kept seeing this series at the library and I finally decided to pick it up because I knew it was pretty popular. I went in mostly blind and was honestly a little let down.
Starting with the first book in the series, I wasn’t expecting it to be like that at all. Having six different POVs made it difficult for me get to know the characters and feel engaged in the story. Libby and Nico were the only characters I was remotely interested in for the first two thirds of the book. It also became glaringly obvious that this book was written to be the first book in a series and it didn’t stand up on its own. It basically served as an introduction to the characters and the concept, but the actual plot was lacking. There were some small things that happened throughout the novel, but with the way it spanned an entire year those instances were glossed over. The only overarching plot that linked the whole novel together was the general concept of the six characters studying and wanting to compete for the spots in the society. The entire time I was reading it I was debating whether I wanted to continue the series, which is never a good sign. By the last few chapters it started getting interesting so I ultimately decided to keep going. I have it three stars because the ending was good and it set up something big for the rest of the series.
I enjoyed reading the Atlas Paradox a lot more because the Atlas Six already set up the characters. I didn’t have to spend all my time trying to remember details and there was an actual plot line to follow. Specifically, I found Libby’s storyline to be so interesting. I loved seeing the characters expand and understand their powers. The characters also finally started to work together a bit more toward a similar purpose, which felt more satisfying than just learning about who they are. It still isn’t the best book or series I’ve read, just an improvement from the first.
By the third book, I became really invested in the characters and felt ready for all of the pieces to come together. Then while I was reading I suddenly realized that Atlas’s whole plan didn’t really make much sense and I wasn’t really sure ce everyone was trying to do what they were doing. Basically, I realized that there still wasn’t much of a plot, there were just a bunch of descriptions and character growth. I still liked to see the characters develop, but since I couldn’t quite grasp what the stakes where I felt that there were none. It was an interesting look at what would happen if you bring six interesting, powerful people together because all that really happened was character development. And on top of all that, most of the character development that happened felt really sudden and out of place. I didn’t want to finish this book, but I forced myself to power through it. Then all of a sudden the last 100 or so pages were crazy and so much happened. It was so strange that the first part of this book was so slow and then all the excitement happened at the end.
Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this series a lot more if we didn’t have to follow six separate protagonists as well as a couple of other side characters that had chapters in their POVs sometimes. The three books were all more character based than plot based, but the plot tying them together really didn’t matter at all. I feel like this series would be improved if it was condensed into two books.
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One of my biggest hurdles with The Atlas Six was definitely getting to know all six main characters right off the bat. It’s tough when you’re thrown into so many different perspectives without much time to connect with any of them deeply. I felt like I spent the first book just trying to keep track of who was who and what their powers were, instead of actually getting invested in their personal journeys. The queries often mention 'the atlas six characters,' and I totally get why people are curious! They are intriguing on paper – brilliant, powerful magicians vying for a spot in a secret society. But sometimes, potential doesn't translate directly into engagement. While Libby and Nico eventually captured my attention, some of the others felt a bit underdeveloped until much later, and even then, the 'character growth' (as noted in my review for *The Atlas Paradox*) sometimes popped up so suddenly in The Atlas Complex that it felt unearned. If you're going into this series, be prepared to be patient with the ensemble cast; it takes a while for them to truly shine. Speaking of first impressions, let's talk about the book covers! The queries highlighting 'the atlas six dark academia cover' are spot on. That moody, aesthetic design, especially for The Atlas Six with its stark imagery and the elegant typography, perfectly captures the dark academia vibe. I remember seeing them at the library, and they absolutely beckoned me in. The covers for The Atlas Paradox and The Atlas Complex continue this sophisticated, slightly mysterious aesthetic. They hint at intellectual prowess, hidden magic, and a world steeped in ancient knowledge – all the things that make dark academia so appealing. It's a testament to the cover art that, even when the plot felt 'slow' or had 'very little plot' (as I jotted down for the first book), the overall 'mood' or 'vibes' (another one of my notes!) were consistently strong, largely thanks to this visual branding. These covers truly are works of art and definitely set the tone for the series, even if the content inside sometimes took a winding path. For those curious about the series, especially after seeing it as a 'bestselling book,' it's crucial to manage expectations regarding the pacing. My initial review for The Atlas Six noted it primarily served as an 'introduction,' and that feeling persisted. It's not a fast-paced thriller; it's a slow burn, focusing heavily on world-building and character introductions rather than a driving plot. If you're looking for immediate action, you might find yourself in the same boat as me, debating whether to continue. However, as my notes for The Atlas Paradox indicate, the 'plot starts to pick up,' offering a new energy and direction. It felt like the series finally found its footing in the second installment, which made sticking with it through the slower initial chapters worthwhile. Just be ready for that ramp-up! So, after experiencing the entire Olivie Blake Atlas series, I've thought a lot about who would truly love this. If you are someone who revels in character-driven narratives, enjoys complex (sometimes frustratingly so) magical systems, and appreciates a strong dark academia aesthetic, then you might truly enjoy this journey. It’s less about a clear-cut plot and more about spending time with fascinating, flawed individuals navigating extraordinary circumstances. If you can be patient with a slow build-up and don't mind a series that feels more like an exploration of personalities than a race to solve a mystery, then dive in! But if you prioritize tightly woven plots and immediate gratification, it might be a challenging read. Ultimately, my 'Overall Rating: 3.16 STARS' and 'Not my favorite series' stand, but I appreciate what it tried to do, especially its unique take on magic and academia.
