Read to page 206 before stopping. Just could not get interested no matter how much I tried.... ( )

This book was so good, I'm not sure what to say. It was unlike most of the fantasy that I've been reading lately, other than being dark.

I guess I'll just have to recommend this to anyone that enjoys fantasy. ( )

I'm not entirely sure how to describe this book. It is truly an original work of art. It contained fascinating, multi-dimensional characters who constantly surprised me. It was well paced, and hard to put down. The story itself was both horrific and wonderful at the same time. I look forward to reading more from this author! ( )

"The Library on Mount Char" by Scott Hawkins is a literary rollercoaster that defies conventional storytelling. From the first page, Hawkins immerses readers in a world that's both bizarre and captivating. The narrative weaves through a labyrinth of twists and turns, leaving you constantly on the edge of your seat, unsure of what will happen next. The characters, each with their unique quirks and mysteries, add layers to the story, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

What makes this book stand out is Hawkins' ability to blend fantasy, horror, and humor seamlessly. The unconventional nature of the plot might make you question how it all fits together, but somehow, it does, creating a narrative tapestry that's both intricate and satisfying. The author's imaginative prowess is on full display, turning what could have been a chaotic mess into a brilliantly orchestrated symphony of weirdness.

"The Library on Mount Char" is not a book that fits neatly into a specific genre—it's a genre of its own. Hawkins has crafted a tale that challenges expectations, and while it might not be for everyone, those who appreciate a wild and unpredictable journey will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this peculiar and enthralling literary adventure. ( )

"With this particular species of crazy, you stop trying to make things better. You start trying to maximize the bad. You pretend to like it. Eventually you start working to make everything as bad as possible. It's an avoidance mechanism." Jennifer looked Carolyn directly in the eyes. "It can't actually work. That's why they call it crazy."

I've been singing the praises of this novel for years, but it's also been years since I've read it. Spurred on by a fellow author's initial love, and ultimate disappointment with the novel, I decided it was time to revisit it.

My original review from October 16, 2016 read like this:

Holy hell, what did I just read?

Imagine, if you will, Clive Barker's The Great and Secret Show sitting at a bar. Neil Gaiman's American Gods comes in, sits down, and buys the Barker book a drink. Probably something mixed by Alan Moore. They slow dance to Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, then go back to one of their bedrooms and make sweet, sweet love. Nine months later, this is the book you would get from that union.

That's the best I can do. That's the only description I can think of, and trust me, I thought about this a lot as I went through this amazing novel.

I will say, for the first quarter of this book, I mostly thought, What the hell am I even reading? None of this makes sense. Characters come and go and I don't know why.

For the next quarter of the book, I began to understand the shape of the story, and I thought, Enh. It's okay, but nothing to write home about. Some neat concepts, but where is it all leading?

Then, around the halfway point, shit began to happen. I sat up and took notice. Then, shit turned left, then left again. Then shit went into seventeen dimensional space. I was hooked.

The first half is necessary set-up. The last half? It's fucking genius. I am in awe of Scott Hawkins.

This book easily... easily wins best book of the year for me. Nothing else I have, or will read this year will come close to its scope, its imagination, or sheer breathtaking wonder.

It's a shame I can only award five stars. This one sits in a dimensional reality all its own, and in that reality, it wins all the stars.

_______

So, that was seven years, two months and five days ago. How did I feel about it the second time around?

That I was pretty much spot on with that last review, that's how.

There's so much that happens in this novel. There's so many concepts. This novel is the embodiment of two quotes from famous authors, both published in 1962. Arthur C. Clarke's "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." And Stan Lee's "With great power there must also come great responsibility."

But, for all the wild events, the universe-shaking occurrences, I think the thing that hit me the most on this re-read was the heart of the characters, especially toward the end of the novel. Just the little moments with the Black Beauty novel alone.

Hawkins takes liberties with the pacing and the plot, but they're all in service to the story. Trust me, outside of Tom Sweterlitsch, I don't think you'll find another novel quite as mind-blowing as this one.

I loved it seven years ago. I love it more now. ( )