The Library at Mount Char
Books | Fiction / Fantasy / Contemporary
4.3
(865)
Scott Hawkins
“Wholly original . . . the work of the newest major talent in fantasy.”—The Wall Street Journal“Freakishly compelling . . . through heart-thumping acts of violence and laugh-out-loud moments, this book practically dares you to keep reading.”—Atlanta MagazineA missing God.A library with the secrets to the universe. A woman too busy to notice her heart slipping away. Carolyn's not so different from the other people around her. She likes guacamole and cigarettes and steak. She knows how to use a phone. Clothes are a bit tricky, but everyone says nice things about her outfit with the Christmas sweater over the gold bicycle shorts. After all, she was a normal American herself once. That was a long time ago, of course. Before her parents died. Before she and the others were taken in by the man they called Father. In the years since then, Carolyn hasn't had a chance to get out much. Instead, she and her adopted siblings have been raised according to Father's ancient customs. They've studied the books in his Library and learned some of the secrets of his power. And sometimes, they've wondered if their cruel tutor might secretly be God. Now, Father is missing—perhaps even dead—and the Library that holds his secrets stands unguarded. And with it, control over all of creation. As Carolyn gathers the tools she needs for the battle to come, fierce competitors for this prize align against her, all of them with powers that far exceed her own. But Carolyn has accounted for this. And Carolyn has a plan. The only trouble is that in the war to make a new God, she's forgotten to protect the things that make her human.Populated by an unforgettable cast of characters and propelled by a plot that will shock you again and again, The Library at Mount Char is at once horrifying and hilarious, mind-blowingly alien and heartbreakingly human, sweepingly visionary and nail-bitingly thrilling—and signals the arrival of a major new voice in fantasy. Praise for The Library at Mount CharAn engrossing fantasy world full of supernatural beings and gruesome consequences."—Boston Globe"Vivid . . . the dialogue sings . . . you'll spend equal time shuddering and chortling."—Dallas Morning News"
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Author
Scott Hawkins
Pages
400
Publisher
Crown
Published Date
2016-03-15
ISBN
0553418629 9780553418620
Community ReviewsSee all
"Do not read this book if suicide or child abuse are triggers for you. This book is very dark in places, as it explores the intersections of fantasy/reality, morality/speciesism, death/life, love/hate, animal/human, good/evil. Do the ends always justify the means? Does the ant have the right to judge the actions of the elephant? Is it murder for the elephant to kill the ant? How far is too far? What is the price of absolute power? Is it possible to be all powerful and good? Is chaotic neutral the best we can hope for from God?"
"This book was wild and now that it's finished, I still don't quite understand what I read. Usually I'd give a lower star rating for being confusing but I just can't for this one. The book was well written and kept me hooked to the very end. I would recommend it, despite me still being confused about most of what I just read."
P H
Piper Havens
"So this was great. I have a few comments, though, that knock it down to a good 4 stars.
The first third of the book is rough. Most of the time, I love an odd duck of a book. However, there is usually a "straight man" involved. Someone from our reality who looks around and wonders just what is going on. We didn't get that character until more than a few chapters into the book. I nearly DNF'd it before they showed up.
As much as this book respects everything previously said, and usually wraps back around to previous references. I almost feel like some characters (minor) or some scenes could have been cut.
That said, this was a smart book. I really enjoyed the story told and the oddities it played out. I had a lot of fun."