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.

I was so excited to dive into this ARC. Second novels are always harder than first ones, in my opinion. This picks up a few days after the ending of The Atlas Six, and it succeeds. The characters are both softer now and have more sharp edges. It's an impressive line of personal growth. Astoundingly, I don't even hate Callum anymore, that's how great the character work is in this. This follows the group's second year within the archives and their various independent studies. Blake's characters, plotting, and pacing continue to be completely outstanding. Now the long wait for the third book begins.

LIBBYYYYYYYYY! libby rhodes u have my absolute heart. no really. bc i LOVE HER.

ok legitimate review time. i struggled with how to rate this book because so much of it i wasn’t really interested in? like i didn’t really care about the other characters except for libby and/or gideon and nico (and reina a little bit). i of course read all of the chapters but i can’t say with total certainty i in any way understood the arcs of many of the characters this book. olivie blake has a unique writing style and i commend her for the wittiness and (when it works) lyricism of it. when it’s whittled down a bit, the prose shines, and i felt this was most evident at the end of the book, where things finally heated up (literally LOLZ). however, for most of the book, the plot was bogged down by complicated descriptions/writing and a disappointing amount of telling instead of showing. the book began with a needlessly long “initiation” that carried in for like five or six chapters and almost made me put down the book entirely. i think this wouldn’t have been the case were it not for the monumental amount of exposition added onto the fight scenes—it was impossible to concentrate on any one thing, and not in a good way. however, the story drastically improved/sped up once it hit libby’s storyline, which was BY FAR the best part of the atlas paradox. like DAMN. blake pulled this whole thing out of her ass and it’s SOOOO GOOD. so that’s probably why my rating is high here. libby rhodes is powering it <3333 n e wayz i ended up loving this book more than the original. AND MY SHIP GOT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!

An incredible sequel to The Atlas Six. Blake has a phenomenal talent for writing richly complex characters that you can loathe, love, and deeply empathize with in equal measure.