Cloud Atlas Reviews Book Novels & Stories

“You don’t have to sugarcoat it. I know you think I’m pathetic. Showing up here. Staying in your house like—like some stray.” “Is that what you think?” Daniel’s voice dropped, low and steady. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the island, close enough that Evan could see the faint scars across his knuckles, the gray flecks in his stubble. “Because that’s not what I see.” Evan swallowed hard, his skin prickling with heat despite the storm outside. “Then what do you see?” Daniel held his gaze, unblinking. “A boy who gave too much of himself to someone who didn’t know what to do with it.” His mouth curved, the faintest suggestion of a smile. “And someone I’d rather not watch keep drowni

“Yes, you can. I got this.” Lily turned back to Atlas, who was waiting patiently. After a beat, she sighed. “Fine. But if this is some elaborate scheme to get me into a hiking trail, I’m out.” Atlas laughed. “Noted. Come on.” Lily wasn’t sure what she expected, but it definitely wasn’t this. “A bookstore café?” she asked as they stepped inside the cozy space. Atlas grinned. “You get coffee and books. It’s basically your version of paradise.” Lily glanced around, taking in the warm lighting and endless rows of bookshelves. She had to admit it was perfect.

"Many things are unexpected, aren't they? We can't judge a book by its cover.” "How are you so sure it's him?" I asked in confusion. "The timing. Everything that has happened since my father's return is related to him," Atlas said confidently. "Anything could happen." I couldn't help but admire Atlas's meticulousness. He wouldn’t overlook any detail. I told him about my previous feelings toward this person. Atlas scoffed, pinching my cheek and saying, "When someone does something, they’ll always leave traces behind.” "I can't imagine a person like that could be associated with a notorious fugitive." I shuddered at the thought.

I was sitting in silk sheets eating while Marcus was rotting and Theo was losing his mind in a hotel room. My phone buzzed on the mattress. I didn't have to look to know it was Theo. I didn't touch it. "I have to travel this morning," Atlas said, checking his watch. "Important work, even for a Saturday. I’ll be back before you know it." He leaned in close, his shadow falling over me. He didn't go for my mouth. He whispered right against my ear, his breath hot enough to make my skin crawl in the best way. "Stay home and rest. I want you recovered by the time I get back." He nipped my ear hard. "Because the second I walk through that door, I’m going to unravel you all over again."

“She got lucky.” Atlas snorted so loud I thought he might choke. “Lucky? That girl has been glued to books for weeks. She practically camped in the library. You saw it coming, Enzo.” I slammed a hand on the desk. “I did not see it coming!” “Oh, you saw it,” Atlas pressed, moving closer to my desk like he wanted front-row seats to my misery. “You just didn’t believe she’d actually win. And then she did. Fair and square.”

"I do. Atlas is a lot of things—arrogant, ruthless, vindictive but he has a weird sense of pride. If he realizes the game is broken, he'd rather flip the board over himself than let someone else win by default." We fell into a comfortable silence, the rhythmic hum of the Zamboni filling the empty space between us. For the first time since he had transferred into my Literature class, there were no spies watching us. There was no Charlotte waiting with a camera, no Atlas looming in the shadows, no Dean Vance threatening my future. It was just us

"I'll search the library for books. Perhaps we can find someone similar to Saf in the registry." Saf tilts her head at Atlas, eyes narrowing, not in challenge, but in the kind of ancient skepticism that makes you feel like your skin doesn’t quite fit right. “You won’t find me in any book,” she says flatly. "But we will try. I also want to understand you." "Thank you, Atlas." Atlas nods, sharp and certain. It’s not a polite gesture. It’s a vow. A we’re doing this together kind of vow. And I feel better, seeing him in peace.

Atlas turned around fiercely and was about to angrily spit out the words, "Get out!" However, he immediately recognized the woman walking into the clinic, and he quickly bowed. "Hello, Madam Goddard." Felix was confused as to why Deborah was here this time. "Ah, it's Atlas! You've been running around North City recently. Are you here looking for Natalie? What are you doing here then?" Since the Maximus family would never reveal the information about true Dragonspine, Atlas quickly replied, "I saw a new clinic opening up here, so I came in to take a look. I'll be taking my leave now."

Atlas immediately leaned over Ryan’s shoulder excitedly, his eyes shining. “The blue book mommy! The blue one!” he giggled loudly and points at the suitcase. I searched through the clothes until I spotted the worn hardcover book Quincy had bought him a year ago. The corners were bent from how often Atlas forced me to read it to him. When I held it up, Atlas clapped happily. “Yes, that one!” I walked to them and Ryan smiled softly as he took the book from my hand, his fingers brushing mine briefly. The contact made a zap of electricity to pass through me and my breath hitches while my pulse jumped traitorously.

It hurt me to have to leverage a child that would never get to live, but it had to be done. And it worked. Atlas’ gaze stayed on my stomach for a long moment before lifting back to my face. “Interesting,” he murmured. My heart thumped violently in my chest. “Do you know what I think, Mrs Winslow?” I swallowed. “What?” “I think you are either incredibly brave…” his voice lowered, “…or incredibly desperate.” Silence stretched between us, then he leaned back slowly. “And desperate people make the best allies.” “Take ten.” He said to the driver.