‘The Library at Mount Char’ by Scott Hawkins is about a group of people who look human but have otherworldly powers.

Carolyn and her ‘siblings’ were raised by a pretty cruel father who had his own agenda and some pretty fierce enemies. Each of the children learned a specialty. One can talk to animals, one can find lost things, one is good at torture and killing. When Father goes missing, the grown children are suddenly free to do as they wish, but Carolyn has her own endgame in mind, so she blackmails a human named Steve to be her pawn.

This was a difficult book to read because for a large part of the book, the characters are just not very likeable and some are quite cruel. The violence is brutal, but for the patient reader, things start to make sense most of the way through the book. I ended up liking it, but it’s not going to be for everyone.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I loved the characters, the story, the writing, and the finale. I did not want this book to end!

Did not receive/read in time due to technical error on kindle/tablet. Not having left feedback has due to error has impacted my shelves. Leaving 4 stars.

This book had a very interesting premise but, unfortunately, wasn't for me. I am a big fan of grimdark fantasy but this is definitely not for the faint of heart! Some of the scenes were quite unsettling. Thank you for the opportunity to review.

I really wanted to read this book, especially because it has library in the title. The premise sounded intriguing, but I just couldn't get interested in it. Thank you for the opportunity to read it, but it's not for me.

This is a fantastic fantasy book geared toward young adults.

Awesome world-building and fully believable characters combine to create an unforgettable READING experience.

5 out of 5 Stars

The Library at Mount Char is one of those practically perfect books that we readers are gifted with every now and again. Scott Hawkin's writing style draws the reader in, the characters are engaging, and the plot is such that I didn't want to put the book down until it was finished. I loved pretty much everything about this book, which surprised me a little because some of the story elements were a bit more gritty than I normally like. Honestly, I can't recommend this book highly enough, and can't wait to see what else will come from this author.

I read this a year ago and forgot to submit feedback!

Full review is linked below, but I liked this book once I got into it. Some scenes were very difficult to read and I can't recommend this to any reader with a weak stomach, but if this kind of story if your jam, then it's an easy sell. This book was crazy, imaginative, brutal, and unlike anything I had read before.

I absolutely fell in love with The Library at Mount Char, and I was not expecting the wild ride it provided me. The writing was phenomenal, the characters (although unique) felt so real, and the action was perfectly spaced out.

I really struggled with what to rate this book because, for the first half, I just wasn't sure what to think. I really loved certain aspects of the book--especially the mystery of what the heck Carolyn was up to--but it wasn't my typical read, and I found myself struggling through parts of the story. This has lots of pretty horrific violence and also includes rape, so if you're sensitive to those things, be forewarned.

I really started warming up to the book in the second half when Carolyn's plans all start to come together. By that time, I wasn't quite as confused about what was going on, and the action was really picking up.

Then the last quarter of the book happened. And I suddenly realized that Scott Hawkins is a genius and everything I thought I knew had to be thrown out the window and it all came together in amazing ways.

So, yeah, I ended up at four stars (or maybe 3.5?), even though it took me a very long to get there. Because what I will remember about the book is that ending, and that's really how it's meant to be.

The narration was excellent as well, and I'm really glad I listened to it because this is the type of book I'd probably end up skimming in print (I have a much higher tolerance for slower moving or more confusing books via audio). And, like I said, the ending was excellent, so I'm glad I didn't miss those earlier details.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (but then ended up listening to the audiobook from the library). No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

Eerie, terrifying, deep, confusing, and driven are the major descriptors I can articulate for this book. It's been almost a week since I finished it, but I'm still not sure what I want to say. This was a clever, unreliable narrator tale of epic proportion, so I'm highly recommending it. I did have a bit of trouble with the timeline at times due to the narrator and abrupt change in POV or timing in the text itself. But it's definitely a compelling read!

I loved this book! It is creepy and weird but completely addicting. Hawkins has developed a whole new existential world that is incredibly intriguing. The author has been incredibly vague over whether or not he will be creating a full sequel to the book. There NEEDS to be one. I need to know more. I need to read more.

I read the first few pages, but this wasn't what I expected, either.