This was supposed to be a “Books I read in October” post, but I only read two non-fiction books – one self-help one which was ok, a German one about various aspects of modern law, which was great – and the Atlas Series, which even though it’s three books is sort of one big story and deserves it’s own, albeit post. I’m also not sure if I’ll continue with the “books I’ve read in…” post either to be honest. We’ll see.
This post was supposed to go up on the 1st or 2nd of November. But then a stomach bug knocked me down for a week. And things happened. US elections. German government coalition imploding. After a week off sick I had to catch up on work and other stuff. And I was still tired from ALL of it. Physically, emotionally…
I enjoyed it! All three parts, some more than others though to be fair. The first one I enjoyed probably most and the third one least, but unlike other reviews and people I talked to about it, I didn’t hate the final book. Because I read all three books in a row parts of the plot and the various character developments blend and I can’t recall if that happened in book 1 or 2. Well except for everything around Libby in book 2, I guess. The final book had its flaws, I admit that. The plot was all over the place. There seemed to be a lot happening but it didn’t always move the plot forward and in parts felt rather redundant. THE experiment which was such a focus of many conversations and activities in the first two books was quite the disappointment though, wasn’t it?
But that aside I actually liked the world building in this whole story, our contemporary universe but with magic. It felt more grown-up magical as for instance Harry Potter, even though books like The Atlas Series probably wouldn’t have been possibly or successful without Harry Potter, so there is that.
I liked the variety of characters among the six (but also the supporting characters) and how they were allowed to grow and change. Not always for the better, but that’s life, I guess.
What I especially enjoyed about the series and what might make me re-read them all over time was the various ethical and philosophical issues raised and discussed all throughout. What are you / what are we as a group or society willing to do? And for what reason? What does it take?
And then of course there was Blake’s writing, which I still adore. I lack the vocabulary to explain why. I just do! So much that after a the disappointment of “We Solve Murders”, which I did not finish, because ugh, I think so much is wrong with this book, I will read Alexene Farol Follmuth (Olivie Blake in real life) second YA romance next, because I’m pretty confident I’m going to enjoy that one much much more.
