The Librarian and the Knife of Death

Strangely Scary Funny #5

by Brian Yansky

Kevin Austin has no plans of staying in the strange mountain town of Eden when he ends up becoming the new librarian after the previous one is murdered. He soon realizes this is no ordinary library. The books actually talk and fly around the rooms, and there's a ghost haunting the premises. Not to mention a collection of dangerous magical artifacts in the basement. Inthe town of Eden, Kevin encounters witches, zombies, demons, talking crows, angels, even gods and goddesses. Everyone in town seems to have secrets, including the alluring Olive, who Kevin falls for in book 1.
In this, book 5, Olive and Kevin are finally in a relationship and firmly in love. Unfortunately, the time-cat predicts their love affair will end the world unless they can find a way to change fate. Also, in book 5, an evil spirit, Jack, perhaps as old as time itself, is searching for the Knife of Death, literally Death’s lost knife, and thinks the librarian can help him. The Knife has magical properties that might just make it the weapon to end everything. The librarian must find the knife before Jack does. As with all the novels, a lot happens, some of it silly, some of it serious, all of it fun—I hope.

Genres: Horror, Humor, Zombies, Fantasy

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2024

About the author

I write supernatural horror suspense comedy (a mix of dark humor, quirky, silly humor and satire.), .

I love many kinds of stories. I especially love off-beat, quirky stories with unusual characters and settings that have a sense of wonder and humor.…Falling in love with stories saved me from a life of crime (I’m only sort of kidding; they did save me from something). A lot of my main characters are adopted. Like them, I was adopted. I seem to write often about identity. I live in Austin, Texas. I have no horses or cowboy hats. I do have a 125 pound sheep dog. I’ve taught college, been a bartender and waiter and am now a full-time writer.

I've had five novels traditionally published and something like fifteen independently published. My independently published series, Strangely Scary Funny, is, by far, my most popular.

I like writing most anything. My grocery lists are excellent.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining fantasy relationship listening 🎶😮

This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book five of twelve

The libertarian is once again in the middle of a battle against evil and demons. The action is non-stop but it all comes to a happy ending.🤔🎆

I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 adventure thriller evil novels 💏😄 2025 😕🙄

[Lori Greenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost…

Okay, still a fun series but the mixed up names (Is the healer Sara or Rachel? Which of Lucy’s daughters took Kevin’s order and when?) and the weirdly random injuries to Fluffy after attacking the Collector in what must have been a missed sentence or two, along with all the random typos is starting to distract from the interesting story. Hold that editor accountable, Brian! And don’t forget to check your notes! Still plowing ever onward…

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read but wish for better proofreading/editing

I really like these characters, I really enjoy the stories, I think the humor is great & I like how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The storyline jumps around at times but in a way I find entertaining. I just wish that editing was better. There are often misspelled words, missing words or incorrect words (like weld instead of wield in regard to using a sword). Once there was just a letter H at the beginning of a sentence (maybe supposed to say ‘He’?) and I know spellcheck would not let that go by without a little red underline. Anyway, it’s not enough to make me stop reading them but it does occasionally take me out of the story for a minute so if that will drive you nuts these books are not for you.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story

The author is a great storyteller.. but this really needs editing/proofreading. While it’s interesting the errors definitely throw me out of the story at time.

[Coralee Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 in the 12-volume series opens with Kevin in a peaceful mode, sharing an intimate moment with Olive. For once, our reluctant hero is at peace. Within a few short chapters, this peace is shattered: Kevin has been summoned to Hell to join his family. They plan to honor Karl, also known as Satan, on Father's Day. Of all the children sired by Karl, Kevin is the least likely to desire to be the Antichrist. Of course, Karl has other plans. It is as if Karl has hung a sign saying "Kill me now" around Kevin's neck. Of greater threat, Jack, the psychopathic immortal killer, and Death itself are also looking for an artifact of great power. Naturally, Karl wants it as well.

The artifact, the Knife of Death, is a powerful, world-ending item that rightfully belongs to Death. Yansky's Death is both amusing and terrifying. On one hand, he/she/they are a primordial force. On the other hand, this Death has a dry sense of humor and enjoys bantering with Kevin. Fate, which plays a heavy hand in this tale, has given us three key forces: Kevin (good), Death (neutral), and Jack and Karl (evil).

Adding to the mixture is the Time Cat, a lovely being who at times takes on the Cheshire Cat image, telling Olive and Kevin they must end their love or they will be fated to bring about the end of the world. This thread is promising and most likely will be developed later in the series.

The ending offers an unexpected hero, resulting in the closing chapter being filled with regret. Fortunately, Yansky writes quickly. This reader hopes the cliffhanger will be resolved soon.

Recommended for Young Adult (YA) readers through all adults who look for horror with minimum gore and a wry touch.

[Old Time Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger! Danger!

I’ve been having fun reading the Librarian series. It has a rich, abundant blend of mythos, mythology and religion which create an interesting supernatural world hidden alongside our own. That is cool.

What is not cool is turning this into a romance novel.

I really like how Kevin has always been a loner, without the need of a long-term romantic relationship. He is independent and capable of a rich, full life on his own.

And now we have Olive. I just don’t see the chemistry between them. It is more a high school level crush than a “romance for the ages”.

Kevin is a good guy, the romance is unnecessary for him to want to help Olive and protect her.

And Olive is selfish, the rules of the relationship are all hers, and she makes rules that she already knows Kevin can’t commit to.

I do like Olive, and they make a good team. But the romance is hurting the story. It will be interesting to see where we go with it.

Cheers!

[Cape Rust · Rating 4 out of 5]

A knife by any other name...

I feel like Yansky really hit his stride in this installment. The pacing was spot on again. There were some tender philosophical moments that were a deep and thought provoking The Librarian felt like he is growing into his role both as keeper of the tomes and town protector. There were a few mechanical errors in the book and a few times when the action felt too abrupt as if a paragraph was omitted. Not enough problems to take away from a great story, just enough to lose half a star.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've said this with every book so far. The editing is terrible. This one was so bad. There were characters being called different names. One character was called Rachel and Sarah. This happened a few times. Towards the end, instead of another quotation mark, it was an > symbol. There were extra words in sentences, missing punctuation, so many things. These were just very distracting annoyances.

[Dash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of a pretty good series

I've been enjoying this series, including the staccato rhythm of the prose. Unfortunately, in this book, the author includes a portrayal of the w*nd!go, which is a being/creature/myth that should not be named, nor portrayed, according the indigenous nations it belongs to. Out of respect, I think that's important.

[Bambi Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

This series will feed your imagination. The son of Lucifer is ordered by his father and God to begin Armageddon. But what side should he choose when both sides will end humanity as we know it? Not funny? Just you wait.

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

The early books in this series were a bit dry but the series is picking up substance and deepening its plot. However, where, oh where, has the editor gone! Yikes, the grammatical mistakes are bad enough but missing words from sentences and words mixed up in sentences is just out of control.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky

Good read with amusing jokes, but they typos and missing words in the one were rather annoying. The first few didn't have this many and I hope the rest are better, because there were enough to make me want to quit reading.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the mayor dead, the spirit that controlled him is still very much around. He wants the knife of death and believes Kevin and the library have it. As Kevin searches, he is contacted by Angels, demons and death, who also wants the knife.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for The Librarian and The Knife of Death

I absolutely loved it! Oh my heart is hurting for Kevin! I hope things work out in the next book! I loved the bonus story at the end! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Kim Drayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost the end!

I have to tell you something important. Read the story at the end of the story! It's good, too. You won't he disappointed.

[Robert Knudsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read if you like to laugh

This was a funny story, I love the cast of characters in these stories. This is a very funny series to read/listen to. You will not be disappointed

[Kath Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil

Olive and Kevin go back in time to find death's knife. Kevin finds out how master Lee died and olives dad becomes a hero. Read on

[Linda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I am enjoying these books a lot. They are quirky, funny and mystery all wrapped up together. I will be finishing the series for sure.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odd

There are Odd characters and very funny creatures visit Eden. I like it, but I wonder what's going to happen next. It's addictive.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been eating this series up ngl

[Tamara Rickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

silly but funny

Not a serious read but a clever distraction and I am effortlessly entertained by this series. Zombies, Death, demons, and whatnot…what’s not to like?