The Library at Mount Char

The Library at Mount Char

Scott Hawkins

Enjoyment: 3.5Quality: 4.25Characters: 3.75Plot: 3.25

Carolyn's not so different from the other human beings around her. She's sure of it. She likes guacamole and cigarettes and steak. She knows how to use a phone. She even remembers what clothes are for. After all, she was a normal American herself, once. That was a long time ago, of course—before the time she calls “adoption day,” when she and a dozen other children found themselves being raised by a man they learned to call Father. Father could do strange things. He could call light from darkness. Sometimes he raised the dead. And when he was disobeyed, the consequences were terrible. In the years since Father took her in, Carolyn hasn't gotten out much. Instead, she and her adopted siblings have been raised according to Father's ancient Pelapi customs. They've studied the books in his library and learned some of the secrets behind his equally ancient power. Sometimes, they've wondered if their cruel tutor might secretly be God. Now, Father is missing. And if God truly is dead, the only thing that matters is who will inherit his library—and with it, power over all of creation. As Carolyn gathers the tools she needs for the battle to come, fierce competitors for this prize align against her. But Carolyn can win. She's sure of it. What she doesn't realize is that her victory may come at an unacceptable price—because in becoming a God, she's forgotten a great deal about being human.


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  • Enjoyment: 3.0Quality: 3.5Characters: 4.0Plot: 3.0

    Both horrific and humorous, with bizarre fantasy twists that will make your head spin. A bit too long for my taste, but what a weird ride. I'd recommend this to a certain type of reader, but probably not everyone.

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    This was an absolutely trippy read. I bought this years ago on a whim strictly because it has the word 'Library' in the title (I'm a sucker for a story about books in any capacity). Considering how long ago I bought it/read the blurb, I went into this pretty blind which is exactly what I would recommend to anyone even remotely interested in picking this up because this story is truly just something you have to give a try. 

    I honestly struggled with the book for the first 70 or so pages but then the characters/plot started to actually make sense (only a little though as it is seriously a confusing story) and I started to feel invested in learning more. There were several moments where I thought the plot was wrapping up but I still had 150..100..50 pages left and I'm sitting there thinking 'What more could happen??' - the answer is a lot more. The last 75ish pages were quite a shock and I really loved how the lessons learned were fleshed out and character reactions to these lessons. 

    There is very little I can go into detail on without feeling like I'm revealing too much - I highly recommend going in blind, not getting too caught up on the nonsense, and enjoying the ride. 

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