Looking for a mysterious fantasy story? One with scary supernatural creatures with no fluffy unicorns or sparkly vampires? Then check out "The Library at Mount Char" by Scott Hawkins.
I was lucky enough to win a drawing from Unshelved.com in May and received an advance reader's copy of this title. I loved it! I didn't even notice any typos, and since this is an uncorrected proof copy there are bound to be some, but the characters, action and writing kept me reading at a quick pace.
The story starts by introducing us to Carolyn walking alongside the highway covered in blood. From that starting sentence, I knew this was not going to be your average fantasy story. Carolyn is in her early 30s and has lived at the library in Garrison Oaks with Father since she was about 8.
She and 11 others have all grown up together since the day their parents died. Father informed them they would live with him now and be his Pelapi, a word meaning something between pupil and librarian. Each child was assigned a catalog. Carolyn's is languages, all languages: modern languages from around the world, languages that are no longer spoken and even animal languages. It is forbidden to read outside of your own catalog.
Carolyn doesn't remember when she realized Father was not like other adults. They refer to all others, no matter what age, as Americans - which is the reader's first hint that the story takes place somewhere in the United States. Hints and clues to who or what Father is and to how his actions can affect the whole country, even the president, kept me turning pages.
The main mystery is Father has either disappeared or been killed by one of his enemies. His 12 librarians are trying to solve what happened to Father and who has placed some kind of protective ward around the library preventing any of them from returning home.
The writing keeps you guessing as Carolyn slowly reveals her childhood and training to you through memories. She also involves an American - Steve, a petty criminal who is trying to turn his life around but is manipulated by Carolyn into her dangerous world. I wondered along with Steve: why him? Why does Carolyn know so much about him? Why does she seem to care only about what happens to him? Why does all of this matter for the future of mankind? To find out, you'll have to read the novel.
This title will officially be released June 16. Missouri River Regional Library has already placed a pre-order on this title, so you can place your request today.
Tammy Paris is a circulation assistant at Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City.