The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake (The Atlas #2)

Reviewed by Sam!

What I drank prior: I’m not really sure how much I’ve had cause i drank wine from a box but I’ve had 5 extremely generous glasses of wine while watching Scrubs with our very own Parker.

Goodreads Overview:

“DESTINY IS A CHOICE”

The Atlas Paradox is the long-awaited sequel to dark academic sensation The Atlas Six—guaranteed to have even more yearning, backstabbing, betrayal, and chaos.

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?”

Drunk Overview: so this is the sequel to The Atlas Six so if you haven’t read that book you’re going to be in for a big surprise. I wont spoil this book but I will spoil the first one so GET OUT. Or don’t.. Like Minda always says, im not your mom.

So we left off with Libby being kidnapped by her bf and everyone apparently supposed to think she’s dead. The problem is, the society recruits smart people and they know better. So basically, this book is about year two of initiation plus also trying to find Libby. LIBBY is literally in the past. No one knows how she got there but that’s where she is. Not a spoiler, happens in the first 60 pages of the book you find out.

Spoiler-free Thoughts: this one was actually just as good as the first. Which is saying something cause i loved the first one so much. I was definitely anticipating second book syndrome but i was pleasantly surprised.

Characters: i weirdly love all our initiates more than i did in the first one. The villains become more gray and that’s super fun. We also get a new character, but I’m actually going to leave her out cause it’s more fun to figure her out for yourself.

we’ve got:

• – Libby: still super rambunctious and sort of annoying with how much she wants to prove herself, but in this she doesn’t really have a choice. She’s in the past and has to figure out what to do. She knows things she shouldn’t but needs that knowledge to get home so she’s walking a fine line
• Callum: He’s… the same. But also I think he’s my actual fave. Annoyingly because he’s a lot like me. Which makes me sad to say. But it’s true and that’s not so great for me
• Nico: really just wants whatever is going to save his bae? Bestie? Idk. I can’t tell if they’re romantically involved or just really close besties, not that it matters but i think after two books it might be good to know. Maybe we’re not supposed to know cause Nico doesn’t know? That’s probably it.
• Parisa: is the same, literally doesn’t change and i cant figure out how she’s really relevant
• Same with Reina
• and then there’s Tristan. Poor sweet boy. He shouldn’t ever be called that cause he;s like actually dangerous but that’s what I think about him.

Plot: so while the first book was a combo of plot and character driven, this was 100% character driven. In theory a year passes but it doesn’t really feel that way. It’s more about the characters and their journey. I never felt bored not once. And at one point I was stunned by the turn of events… listening to audio in a friggen grocery store, i didn’t know what i was supposed to do.

Writing Style: these books are so good. I have now twice dropped whatever i was doing to read these. I literally read this book in a crowded bar. The last one at the pool with a bunch of my friends. It’s enthralling and I love it.

World Building: i can’t wait to figure out if/how they. Resolve this.

What to pair it with: this is an amber ale. It’s rich and light and high a v and delicious

Rating: 4/5 shots

Until next time, we remain forever drunkenly yours,
Sam