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The Library at Mount Char: A Novel

“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 Magazine

A 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 Char

“An 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

BUY THE BOOK

Published Mar 15, 2016

400 pages

Average rating: 7.52

151 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Jayme B.
Nov 27, 2024
5/10 stars
*We also finished The Poppy War trilogy and discussed The Burning God.
kgill
Aug 25, 2025
9/10 stars
Very well done. Unique plot. Enjoyable writing style. Graphic horror. Endearing characters. Existential angst. Highly philosophical.
FernGully
Jul 19, 2025
8/10 stars
This book was something else.... the beginning was confusing asf and it didn't really become a page turner for me until about 100 pages in. After finishing it, things become "clearer" but my brain still feels like "wtf did you just have me read?" It was a fun and quirky ride, and I enjoyed knowing it was a debut novel. Scott Hawkins has quite the imagination, and I'm here for it!
CHare!
May 07, 2025
9/10 stars
At first I wasn't into it but I've just spent the whole day reading on and off to finish it. Not paranormal but a different version of life. Good book.
Cheesy Brie
Apr 09, 2025
9/10 stars
Enjoyable read, i enjoyed the premise and the author’s storytelling. Bouncing between the characters within our world and Carolyn was fun and I kept wanting to know more.

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