The library at Mount Char

Until about half way through, I was pretty sure this was only going to get 3 stars from me. I already knew it was innovative and inventive (there is no other book quite like this) but it was just too dark and miserable and I couldn’t see a reason for that. BUT… the last half changed my mind. I’m still not entirely sure what the message is (something about power) but the sheer craft of the plot and ideas is truly amazing. I can’t think of any other book I’ve had quite this reaction to.

The writing isn't it's strongest part. The story is strong, the characters quirky, but the ending is weak if mostly satisfying. Resurrection seems to be the main fantastical tool used with few archaic Arabic sounding words that just feel thrown in. The size of the library becomes a little too Warehouse 13 or those TV movies and series 'The Librarian' or 'The Librarians' - where this story diverges is not in missing artifacts or books, but rather in the focus on 'The Librarians' being criminally insane and it's an adopted-family feud. I did enjoy this book, but it lacked something in the story, the writing was the weakest part, dialogue was fine, but the actual writing was the weakest part.