Top 100 Fantasy Books Of All Time
Looking for great fantasy books? Take a look at the 100 pages we rate highest
Scott Hawkins is an American author best known for his genre-defying debut novel, "The Library at Mount Char" (2015). Born in 1969, Hawkins spent over two decades working as a software engineer and technical writer before finding major literary success. His technical background, which includes writing manuals for companies like Intel, often informs the meticulous, systems-based logic found in his imaginative world-building.
"The Library at Mount Char" was a critical sensation, earning high praise for its unique blend of contemporary fantasy, cosmic horror, and mythic storytelling. The novel follows a group of "librarians" raised by a cruel, god-like figure known as Father, with each librarian mastering a specific "catalog" of universal power. The book was a finalist for the Locus and Bram Stoker Awards, establishing Hawkins as a major voice in modern "weird fiction."
Hawkins resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and several dogs. While he has maintained a relatively low profile since his debut, his work continues to be a foundational recommendation for readers seeking mythic fantasy that challenges traditional tropes. As of early 2026, "The Library at Mount Char" remains a cult classic, frequently cited for its highly original take on divinity and the heavy price of power.
Looking for great fantasy books? Take a look at the 100 pages we rate highest
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Our fantasy books of the year, from 2006 to 2021