With a secret society of magical academics and a competition that pits ruthlessly ambitious candidates against each other, The Atlas Six is a literary masterpiece that left me questioning the very nature of humanity. Typically one to shy away from the fantasy genre, I was drawn to the complex morally grey characters, and their interactions, which certainly did not disappoint. Through alternating perspectives the intricate thoughts and motives of each character is slowly revealed, yet there is much left uncovered leaving the truth questionable.
Telling a group of six young adults that only five of them will be initiated into the Alexandrian society, securing them a life of infinite wealth, power and prestige, is sure to have chaos ensue. Especially when that group of six is comprised of inseparable enemies capable of controlling matter, a seductive manipulator with the ability to read minds, an enigmatic naturalist, a pretentious empath with no remorse, and a truthseer unable to grasp the true extent of his power.
The character dynamics are enticing enough but the intricately crafted sentences, dark academia aesthetic and elaborate plot left me reeling. Her control of language in its exploration of morality and humanity is nothing short of intoxicating.
The Atlas Six has only one flaw, and that is that it ended. I suppose this is a blessing in disguise, because I don’t think I would’ve ever been able to put it down otherwise.
Reviewed by Luna Pandiella-McLeod
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexene Farol Follmuth, also known under the pen name Olivie Blake, is a lover and writer of stories, many of which involve the fantastic, the paranormal, or the supernatural, but not always. More often, her works revolve around the collective experience, what it means to be human (or not), and the endlessly interesting complexities of life and love.
Alexene tripped and fell into writing after abandoning her long-premeditated track for Optimum Life Achievement while attending law school, and now focuses primarily on the craft and occasional headache of creating fiction. Under her Olivie byline, New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling The Atlas Six released 2022, followed by its sequel The Atlas Paradox and the re-release of her viral literary romance Alone With You in the Ether. She has also been published as well as the writer for the graphic series’ Clara and the Devil’ and a variety of other adult SFF books. As Alexene, she is the author of YA romance.
Alexene lives and works in Los Angeles with her husband and goblin prince/toddler, where she is generally tolerated by her rescue pit bull.
0 Comments