The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

[Graeme]

Read in August 2016 - 5 stars.

Scott Hawkins has written a story that blends brutality, savagery, madness, beauty, compassion, self-sacrifice, duty, courage, friendship and wisdom in one book.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book to others.

A couple of things to note.

First, it is somewhat narratively complex, and requires careful reading, especially in the first half as the world of The Library at Mount Char is built. I missed a key aspect of the main character early in the story and then almost convinced myself there was a huge logic hole about half way through, but given that everything else was so good, I couldn't believe it, so I searched back through the story for what I must have missed - and found it.

Second, it sometimes describes very brutal and savage acts. If you are put off by violence and gore, probably not a good book for you. If on the otherhand, you don't have to look away, the violence is very well contexted by the overall meaning of the story and is not the least bit gratuitous.

The story stands alone and is a stunning work of imagination.

Awesome.

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