"The Library at Mount Char" by Scott Hawkins is a dark and twisted fantasy novel that follows the story of Carolyn, a young woman who becomes embroiled in a mysterious and otherworldly library.
The book begins with Carolyn, known as the Librarian, who has been raised alongside a group of children by a man they refer to as Father. Each child is assigned a specific catalog in the library, which contains knowledge about a particular aspect of the universe, ranging from languages and animals to warfare and death.
Father possesses immense power and knowledge and has taught his children to harness supernatural abilities, making them virtually immortal. However, their training is brutal and involves unimaginable cruelty. Carolyn, in particular, is chosen as Father's favorite and receives the most extensive training, becoming an expert in languages.
The peace within the library is shattered when Father goes missing, and his children are left to fend for themselves. Carolyn and her siblings must navigate the outside world, which they are ill-prepared for, in search of their Father and the knowledge contained within the library.
As Carolyn ventures into the human world, she encounters various supernatural beings, including angels and demons. She also interacts with ordinary people, including Steve, a former student of Father who is desperate to uncover the secrets of the library. Carolyn forms an uneasy alliance with him as they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding Father's disappearance.
The narrative weaves together past and present, gradually revealing the dark history of the library and the origins of Father's power. It becomes apparent that there are other forces at play, and Carolyn and her siblings are caught in a complex web of power struggles and ancient rivalries.
As the story unfolds, Carolyn and Steve face numerous challenges, including encounters with murderous gods, battles with ancient entities, and confronting their own inner demons. The line between good and evil blurs, and the characters must grapple with their own morality and the consequences of their actions.
"The Library at Mount Char" is a chilling and engrossing tale of power, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge. It explores themes of family, identity, and the nature of good and evil. Scott Hawkins masterfully combines elements of fantasy, horror, and mythology to create a unique and compelling narrative that will leave readers questioning the boundaries of human nature and the lengths we are willing to go to attain knowledge and power.