Knave of Graves by S. J. Shank

A story of growth, change, and acceptance – The Knave of Graves – is a profound piece of work. It starts as a slow burn but soon evolves into a harrowing exploration of right, wrong, and learning from our mistakes. The story is easy to settle into, but difficult to climb out of. I took my time reading it, but it was still over too soon, leaving me with that post-book “can I have some more, please?” that often comes of good books.

Jeppo is a grave digger, but he does not want to be. His true calling is an apotropaist – someone who makes charms/trinkets to ward off evil or for luck. Many take him for a charlatan, but his charms actually work and, despite perceptions, are what saves the little town he lives in from unseen disasters. He protects their cemetery from ghouls, and during the course of the novel, an evil sorcerer who seeks the bones of the saint protected by Jeppo and will stop at nothing to get them.

Yet, Jeppo is not a standard hero. Resentful of his position, he often abuses the town’s trust in him to make deals with a local witch to secretly sell the townsfolk’s bones. Why does Jeppo resent his position? It’s because he sees himself as a failure. He went to the Academy to become a licences apotropaist but did not finish his studies. Instead, he returned home to take up his father’s shovel. As someone who completed an MA but did not continue on to a PhD and instead, chose a simpler job, I can relate to Jeppo. I do not share his resentment, but I could relate to his character, and perhaps that led me to forgive some of his more grievous errors. Do not come into this story if you are looking for a pure hero. Jeppo is a flawed man who must face his mistakes and decide where his allegiances truly lie. Jeppo’s character arc is well defined and any redemptions are earned without erasing his missteps. 

The lore woven into this tale is deep and intelligently presented. I do not know how much is based on existing mythology or built from the author’s head, but it gives the feel of ancient knowledge and a strong sense of realism.

Knave of Graves is a well-written historical novel and I recommend picking up a copy.

 

 

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