The Atlas Complex (The Atlas, #3) by Olivie Blake Series: The Atlas #3
Published by Pan Macmillan on January 9, 2024
Source: Publisher
Genres: Adult Fantasy Fiction, Fantasy & Magic, Fiction
Amazon | Publisher | Booktopia
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Only the extraordinary are chosen. Only the cunning survive.
An explosive return to the library leaves the six Alexandrians vulnerable to the lethal terms of their recruitment.
Old alliances quickly fracture as the initiates take opposing strategies as to how to deal with the deadly bargain they have so far failed to uphold. Those who remain with the archives wrestle with the ethics of their astronomical abilities, while elsewhere, an unlikely pair from the Society cohort partner to influence politics on a global stage.
And still the outside world mobilizes to destroy them, while the Caretaker himself, Atlas Blakely, may yet succeed with a plan foreseen to have world-ending stakes. It’s a race to survive as the six Society recruits are faced with the question of what they're willing to betray for limitless power―and who will be destroyed along the way.
In the Atlas Six series, you’ve got 6 powerful magicians with the ability to not only take over the universe, but to form and shape new worlds. In the Atlas Six, we met them. In The Atlas Paradox, we got to know them deeper along with the caretaker. In Atlas Complex, we see their end game, and what becomes of these beloved characters.
Confessions are made, strong feelings are to be had, camaraderie and unlikely friendships occur. After studying a paradox together, conducting research, unravelling the mystery of the universe, including trying to decide who to kill, Nico and co have formed a bond (and some grudges). In The Atlas Complex, we see what becomes of these characters and whether some of them are endgame. Perhaps my favourite thing about the Atlas Complex was seeing a long waited confession, which was memorable and worth the wait.
While the last book had a lot of angst and emotion to work through, I found the plot of it to be quite convoluted. It gets pretty repetitive as we hear a lot about the morality of Atlas and how his decisions didnt make him a good man. Some of the moral decisions and internal angst between characters are rehashed.
It also explores much of the character exposition that has been present and repeated over the past two books – how Callum is vain and selfish, Tristan with his daddy issues, Parisa being lonely despite her looks and manipulative powers and Reina with her greater meaning of life. Then you’ve got Libby who has an unlikely villain character arc. Her impulsiveness and emotion makes her dangerous, especially when there is no one else keeping her in check.
Some of the character resolutions was satisfying, particularly the twin flame concept between Nico and Libby, and how they balance each other out in terms of their power and personality. Some others were less so as they were kind of vague and left without clarity. This pretty frustrating after experiencing so much through these character’s thoughts.
There were a few scenes in the Atlas Complex that had me clutching the book with emotion, so I was glad to find a conclusion in that respect. The book leaves us with a lasting message – its not about your past, connections, wealth or power. It’s about the relationships that you form and the people you befriend along the way.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Thank you Macmillan Australia for sending me a review copy!
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