Review: The Atlas Paradox (The Atlas #2)
Available at Bookshop.org
3/5
For fans of: libraries, secret societies, character-driven plots, incredibly flawed characters
The Big Questions:
What genre is this in? Fantasy
Are there any swoon-worthy characters? When I tell you everyone is swoon-worthy, EVERYONE IS SWOON-WORTHY
Is it spicy? Fade to black, but the seduction is immaculate
Is it violent or gory? There’s violence, but not gore
Should I buy, borrow, or pass on this book? Borrow
“What does this have to do with sex?” Reina muttered, gaze fixed straight ahead.
“It’s not about sex,” said projection-Parisa. “You know that. It’s never about sex.”
“Then what’s it about?”
Projection-Parisa’s lips twisted upward. “Power.”
Synopsis: Six magicians. Two rivalries. One researcher. And a man who can walk through dreams. All must pick a side: do they wish to preserve the world—or destroy it? In this electric sequel to the viral sensation, The Atlas Six, the society of Alexandrians is revealed for what it is: a secret society with raw, world-changing power, headed by a man whose plans to change life as we know it are already under way. But the cost of knowledge is steep, and as the price of power demands each character choose a side, which alliances will hold and which will see their enmity deepen?”
“The moment you let yourself love, Reina Mori, it will be the death of you. I promise you that.”
Review: No one is more disappointed in my response to this hotly anticipated sequel than I am. I don’t know what happened because I absolutely loved the messy, flawed, a touch deranged cast of characters flung together in this house of manipulative horrors. Honestly, I think it’s me, so take my rating and this review with a grain of salt. I made the mistake of diving right in after finishing The Atlas Six rather than taking a break and reading something less character-driven and more plot-driven. My brain could not handle the constant introspective monologues and complicated conversations. The rapid flashbacks within conversations also didn’t help.
Not much happens plot-wise other than a few key reveals for each character and the overarching dilemma of getting Libby back to the present, which takes a back seat for the vast majority of the book. Yes, there’s backstabbing, lots of personal work done for each character, excellent character growth for everyone, and yet, it was a chore for me to get through this book. The action really doesn’t pick up until the last quarter of the book. But the thing is, I trust Olivie. I trust that she will bring the chaos and carnage in the final installment and this book just suffers from the sagging middle syndrome that so many trilogies go through.