| book review |
The Atlas Six
by Samantha Hanchett , Marketing Coordinator , Thomas County Public Library System
It is an indisputable fact that everything existing in this world is interdependent on something else that exists in this world . Everything is connected . Everything is ultimately one . But what about magic ? If magic existed in our world , how would it fit into the mix ? What would it be dependent on ? Or would it exist on its own , like magic ?
This is one of the numerous questions posed within Olivie Blake ’ s soon-to-be-adapted novel , “ The Atlas Six .” Upon first starting this book , I wasn ’ t sure it was for me . I told myself , “ Give it a few chapters and see if you are still into it .” Thirty minutes and sixty pages later , I realized I was definitely into it . Reading like a dark academia novel with a philosophical bend , the book leaves the agenda of each and every character in a veiled uncertainty until the very end and beyond .
The story follows six magicians representing the best of the best-of-the-world within their field of specialty : physics — the ability to manipulate the physical realm ; telepathy ; illusions — the ability to conjure visual deceptions ; empathy ; and nature — the ability to manipulate the plant realm . Hand-picked by the cultishly secret Alexandrian Society , the six are invited for a year of study within the believed-to-be-lost Library of Alexandria , followed by an initiation into this exclusive and highly-connected society but only for five of the six . One of their number will be eliminated . As the saying goes , “ Let the games begin !”
What follows is a story of deep-rooted deception , lies , secrets , self-doubt and desire . It felt as if I had delved into an evolved version of M . L . Rio ’ s “ If We Were Villains ,” replacing the exploration of Shakespeare for the exploration of every philosopher lost or known to time . Each character is out for themselves . Their intentions for access into the archives of the Library of Alexandria one of self-interest , each candidate willing to use the others to secure their spot within the Society . While this is not a new plot twist by all means or the story itself much different from
90 June | July 2022 Thomasville Scene