Scan barcode
A review by richardrbecker
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Atlast Six by Olivie Blake is the start of a series with a strong premise, even if the initial plot is only meant to carry readers to a broader, bigger story arc. Don't expect a big wrap-up at the end. Instead, expect a beginning. And if you are okay with that, then there is plenty to appreciate.
At its heart, The Atlas Six is really a thought experiment packaged in the latest 'school' for the gifted. In this case, replace 'school" with 'society' and 'gifted' with 'magical.' The modern alt-reality world of Olivie Blake is a fun one that follows six young magic users invited to join a secretive Alexandrian Society.
What's great about the story is the way Blake handles magic, making them more akin to small sciences and psychic abilities. She also builds a fantastic backstory overtop the world we live in — not a secret one, but one that exists in lieu of reality. It's clever and enjoyable, especially learning how each of the six initiates is different. The six of them include two physical magicians, one naturalist (commune and control plants), one telepath, one empath, and one who is immune to magical deception (illusions and whatnot) plus something even more extraordinary that comes later.
The reward for being brought into the fold is clear. If they are accepted, they gain access to the most powerful library in the world, which will give them a leg up on maximizing their abilities.
The catch (of course there is a catch) in joining the ranks of this society — that selects six candidates every decade — is that only five will be accepted. The sixth will be murder, presumably by the others.
And that, more than any other plotline, consumes most of the book. In addition to defending the library against society-defined unsavory types, the six candidates spend a significant amount of time trying to sort out which of them is expendable and whether or not their task to kill one of their own is ethical. Alas, it's a thought experiment and Blake does a great job of allowing readers to see each perspective as well as asking themselves what they might do if they were in one of their shoes.
Aside from the ending, which feels a little jarring in how abruptly a new POV is inserted into the story, and that the discovery tends to focus on the individuals as opposed to the library or society behind it, Atlas Six is a very enjoyable modern-day fantasy with plenty of legs. While there were times that I wished it was more physical in its presentation (although there is one grand action scene), the mental components are strong enough to carry the day. Four stars overall, with a five-star concept.
Bonus points for the fact Blake initially self-published her title. It was picked up by Tor after the fact. I love that she took this path, which is the same one I took as an author, too.
At its heart, The Atlas Six is really a thought experiment packaged in the latest 'school' for the gifted. In this case, replace 'school" with 'society' and 'gifted' with 'magical.' The modern alt-reality world of Olivie Blake is a fun one that follows six young magic users invited to join a secretive Alexandrian Society.
What's great about the story is the way Blake handles magic, making them more akin to small sciences and psychic abilities. She also builds a fantastic backstory overtop the world we live in — not a secret one, but one that exists in lieu of reality. It's clever and enjoyable, especially learning how each of the six initiates is different. The six of them include two physical magicians, one naturalist (commune and control plants), one telepath, one empath, and one who is immune to magical deception (illusions and whatnot) plus something even more extraordinary that comes later.
The reward for being brought into the fold is clear. If they are accepted, they gain access to the most powerful library in the world, which will give them a leg up on maximizing their abilities.
The catch (of course there is a catch) in joining the ranks of this society — that selects six candidates every decade — is that only five will be accepted. The sixth will be murder, presumably by the others.
And that, more than any other plotline, consumes most of the book. In addition to defending the library against society-defined unsavory types, the six candidates spend a significant amount of time trying to sort out which of them is expendable and whether or not their task to kill one of their own is ethical. Alas, it's a thought experiment and Blake does a great job of allowing readers to see each perspective as well as asking themselves what they might do if they were in one of their shoes.
Aside from the ending, which feels a little jarring in how abruptly a new POV is inserted into the story, and that the discovery tends to focus on the individuals as opposed to the library or society behind it, Atlas Six is a very enjoyable modern-day fantasy with plenty of legs. While there were times that I wished it was more physical in its presentation (although there is one grand action scene), the mental components are strong enough to carry the day. Four stars overall, with a five-star concept.
Bonus points for the fact Blake initially self-published her title. It was picked up by Tor after the fact. I love that she took this path, which is the same one I took as an author, too.