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Robin Sloan
Robin Sloan is the author of Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, a novel that blends mystery and technology. He writes stories about the magic found in everyday life and the future of books.
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
Synopsis
Clay Jannon thought he was just taking a job at a strange bookstore after losing his tech career. But Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore is no ordinary shop; its customers check out ancient, mysterious books, and its owner is even more peculiar. Clay soon finds himself drawn into a secret world hidden within the pages, aided by his loyal friends, as they try to uncover the bookstore's true purpose.
Genres
Characters
Clay JannonProtagonist
An unemployed graphic designer who takes the overnight shift at Penumbra's bookstore and slowly uncovers the secret society behind its strange customers.
Marcus CorvinaAntagonist
The society's "First Reader," an old-guard leader deeply suspicious of using modern computers to crack its ancient code.
Mr. PenumbraSupporting
The bookstore's elderly, enigmatic owner, and a member of a secretive society of book-obsessed puzzle-solvers searching for immortality.
Kat PotenteSupporting
A Google engineer who becomes Clay's love interest and brings modern data analysis to bear on the bookstore's centuries-old puzzle.
Neel ShahSupporting
Clay's wealthy childhood friend, a tech entrepreneur who helps fund and support the investigation into Penumbra's secret.
Alex Award (2013)
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