The Knave of Graves

by S.J. Shank

"With The Knave of Graves, Shank delivers an entire cosmology in shovelfuls of earth. Cerebral dark fantasy from a terrific storyteller." — Coy Hall, author of The Owl Men of Shanidar

"An elegantly written historical dark-fantasy filled with heart, humour, and dark magic." — Suzan Palumbo, author of Countess

Jeppo loathes his hometown and he can scarcely tolerate the townsfolk. Mostly, he despises his life as a gravedigger. He went to the Academy in the south, after all. He was never meant to take up his father’s shovel.

When a wicked sorcerer arrives at his gate demanding the bones of the local saint, Jeppo has no objection in principle. But he fears the wrath of the night hag, to whom he has been selling corpses for years.

Jeppo must choose the lesser of two evils, and do so quickly. The spiraling feud threatens to spill innocent blood … and worse still, his darkest secrets.

Genres: Fantasy, Horror

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

About the author

S.J. Shank is a lover of dead languages and collapsed empires. His writing inhabits the grim borderlands between fantasy, horror and historical fiction. He is the author of The Knave of Graves, Mountain Fast and Rare Specimen and Other Stories.

Reviews

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Knave of Graves
By S.J. Shank
350 Pages
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trigger Warnings: Grave robbing, corpse commerce, night hags, bone magic, academic disappointment

What Did I Just Walk Into?
Jeppo hates his hometown, his neighbors, and—most of all—his life as the local corpse concierge. A gravedigger with a diploma and daddy issues, he thought his shovel-wielding days were behind him… until a bone-hungry sorcerer knocks on his crypt-side door. The problem? Jeppo’s already got a regular buyer: a night hag with a temper and a corpse punch card. Things spiral fast into a dirt-smeared showdown between evil sorcery, ancient grudges, and the kind of secrets that should stay buried.

Here’s What Slapped:
⚰️ Jeppo is the perfect dark fantasy antihero: bitter, begrudging, and quietly hilarious.
🪦 The graveyard setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s practically a character, oozing folklore, rot, and gothic charm.
🧙 The villain? Delightfully awful. The hag? Nightmarishly wonderful. The moral compass? Absolutely wrecked.
📖 Shank’s prose is sharp, atmospheric, and rich with that “digging up cursed bones before breakfast” kind of dread.

What Could’ve Been Better (But Didn’t Ruin My Day):
Look, if you’re not into brooding bone collectors or slow-burning graveyard diplomacy, this might be too weird for you. But for the rest of us unholy goblins? It’s literary necromancer fuel.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Graveyard gothic with teeth
📖 Sorcerers vs. hags vs. morally gray men in muddy boots
📖 Grimdark small-town politics
📖 Occult deals gone wrong
📖 Quiet horror with lyrical rot

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This morally grey gravedigger has me sitting here unable to decide how to rate this book. Somewhere between 4 and 5 stars for sure.

This book is like a D&D story: somewhat cozy but somewhat dark, and entirely fantastical. I loved it.

The vibes:
- the aforementioned gravedigger
- his amulets and talismans with special properties
- the bones of saints
- a dark sorcerer
- questionable midnight deals with a night hag
- telling fortunes by method of…. snake readings ?
- shekels, potions, dark woods, and more

I kept asking myself, what trouble is this fool going to get himself into next? I guess an academy (of magic? sorcery? sheer mystical willpower?) flunkie is bound to make some questionable decisions. He really just needed a moral compass and it turns out that’s a 10 year old girl who stops by his cemetery gate with a basket and a single goose egg.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Coy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Knave of Graves, Shank delivers an entire cosmology in shovelfuls of earth. Cerebral dark fantasy from a terrific storyteller. One of my favorite writers working today.

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I found this really hard to put down. Thank god for ebooks. This was one I was reading on my phone whenever I had five minutes to spare because these characters would not leave me alone. I had to know what was going to happen next! I really enjoyed the interplay of folk magic, more organized religion, and the darker arts of the creatures of the night, and how those overlaid but didn't precisely correspond to good and evil. The society that Shank has created, where all these belief systems co-exist (and are all effective?) was fascinating. He did a good job of allowing the reader to absorb the mechanics of the magical/religious aspects of the story in an organic way that went hand in hand with the plot. Jeppo, the morally grey gravedigger/unsanctioned charm maker was difficult and frustrating at times but such a great point of view character. Literally the only thing keeping this from being a 5 star read from me is that I felt the ending was a bit abrupt.

Jeppo never intended to return to the small provincial town of his birth. His father's death has left the graveyard unattended, though, and Jeppo is called back to make good on the debt he owes. This is why the town paid his way at the Academy, after all: to refresh the phylactograms that ward the tombs; to keep them safe from spirits who cannot rest. But no love is lost between Jeppo and the townsfolk who look down on him for the work he performs. When a dark sorcerer proposes a trade for the saint's bones that lie within Jeppo's purview, his concern is not for his soul, but how the night hag he usually sells corpses to will react.

[D.H. Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I feel like it has everything you could want in a dark fantasy: dangerous entities, a dark magic system in which the protagonist is in too deep, coveted bones, snakes used in fortune telling, graveyards, and a healthy number of plot twists. I was most impressed with how tight it is. It is a perfect example of the iceberg theory of worldbuilding. Only enough information is ever given so the reader knows what is happening, but is not overwhelmed, while a much larger world is hinted at. The story is contained in a single village, but it is easy to feel the weight of a much larger world and a much longer history just beneath the surface. The magic functions in this way too. You get the sense there are rules for it, even if you do not know it, and this adds to the drama as Jepe keeps trying to contend with it, but only makes his situation worse. It is both funny and tragic at once.

[D.S. LaLonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, especially for those who appreciate solid worldbuilding, grim undertones, and esoteric magic systems.
This is a dark fantasy featuring a bitter protagonist who lurks around a graveyard, playing the hero in a rather self-serving and begrudging manner. Nicely complex but without overwhelming the reader with extraneous details.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the description and cover and was so glad I was able to read this. It had that concept that I wanted and enjoyed the overall feel of this world. It uses the dark fantasy element that I was wanting and enjoyed getting into this world. The characters were so well written and had that feel that I was looking for. S. J. Shank has a strong writing style and can't wait for more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[callie's book nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

i wasn’t sure this one was going to be for me at first, but once i started using text-to-speech, it totally clicked. the story opened up, and i started to really appreciate the layers—the lore, the worldbuilding details, and the moody atmosphere. there’s something quietly rich about it, and once i found the rhythm, i was all in. S.J. Shank’s storytelling is seriously good, and i’d recommend it just for that alone.

the characters are written super well and had a lot of intrigue. i was genuinely interested in them and their relationships with the main character. the plot was simpler than i expected, but what made it spectacular was the storytelling and the author’s ability to build such a complex, layered world full of complications and secrets.

i 100% recommend this book, especially if you’re into atmospheric stories, dark folklore, and rich, immersive worldbuilding!


thank you so much to S.J. Shank, along with Carthago Nova Press, for reaching out and providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

my blog!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Knave Of Graves by SJ Shank, the book is about Jeppo Krakiskjo he’s a grave digger but he’s also a much sought after charm and spell maker. he is even tasked with caring for the tomb of Saint Vattis. In his youth he went away to a school to become a doctor and an accredited charm and spell maker but due to a final test that Jeppo thinks dubious. he’s now back in his little village full of those he distains and his biggest enemy is the priest Doctor Michkinn but right now he’s not the biggest of Jeppo’s problems. besides promising the Saints skull to two different nefarious demons he also inadvertently got a bunch of goose to fall in love with him made a widow angry and accidentally fell in love and all this and I haven’t even mentioned the murders Jeppo having to fight demons with his enemy and his arrest. This is not only a funny book but an ohso entertaining story. The story not to mention the humor flowed so naturally and you could tell Mr. Shanks was very comfortable with the subject matter I really loved this book and would definitely enjoy reading more by the author what a fabulous read!#TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #SJShank, #TheKnaveOfGraves,

[groofay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the more unique dark fantasies I've read in recent memory. The setting, characters, and magic all work in perfect harmony to make a world that feels lived in and drew me in accordingly. The POV character, while definitely a flawed person, was very relatable to me, and I found him easy to root for. The surrounding cast (for much of it is decidedly not "supporting") again felt real and true to the events that take place.

Yet another wonderful and evocative read from SJ Shank, and I'll look forward to what he has up his sleeve in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

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

Full review on my blog: https://www.blog.melodyemcintyre.com/...

[Dean Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

A thoughtful and original tale that will keep you guessing until the end. The magic system is unique and adds depth to an already fantastic story. Highly recommended for those who enjoy dark fantasy.

[Ai Jiang]

A mystic, slow burn story of dark ancient power, chilling yet humourous bargains, faith and religion, cozy yet comedic, at times quirky and absurdist, and reminiscent at times of Midnight Mass.

[John May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to start, and a lot of long weird names, but when it gets going it's very compelling. Jeppo is a deeply flawed character, but Shank has you rooting for him by the end.

[Steve Stred]

*Huge thanks to S.J. for sending me a digital ARC of this one!*

It was only last August of 2024 that I read Shank’s debut novel, ‘Mountain Fast,’ a historical fiction horror novel about a group of soldiers heading to a fortress where nobody wants to go.

It was really well done, very densely layered and the atmosphere Shank created was top notch. Amazingly, I got to meet up with Shank at DreadCon later in the year and we chatted like old friends.

Fast forward to early this year and I saw Shank announce his next novel, ‘The Knave of Graves.’ The cover looked great and the synopsis was intriguing and when he reached out to see if I’d give it a go, I was very excited. He warned me that it wasn’t horror, but I love to read pretty much anything, so that wasn’t a concern.

And, while ‘Knave…’ isn’t horror per se, it walks the line very closely, especially with the supernatural elements.

What I liked: The novel follows Jeppo, caretaker of the graves within the town, as well as the sacred bones that lie within. He left the town when he was younger to train at the Academy, but has returned without completely his teachings after his father has died and he needs to take over for him. The town has paid his way to go to the Academy, so he has a debt owed to pay off. That doesn’t mean he isn’t without some magical powers, and these powers help him within his job. On top of that, he’s developed a tentative working pact with the witch who lives near, trading things when needed and overall he’s built himself a solid and stable life, though one that he finds lonely.

It all changes when an outsider visits from a large city and wants to hire Jeppo to manufacture him knock off Academy jewelry that has charms infused within. Jeppo can see a better life for himself by doing so, but he suspects something is off with the man and soon enough we learn his instincts are right.

Shank does a wonderful job of fully forming Jeppo, creating a character you connect with, want to see better himself, while still knowing that there are secrets within the man that will only be revealed over time.

Those secrets are slyly teased out when this stranger reveals what he really is and wants to collect the skull of the Saint buried within the graveyard. This is a problem, for Jeppo has already promised the skull to two others, including the witch, and this is when the battle of good versus evil begins and we see Jeppo try to work all of his tangled mess together into some way to save the town and those within it.

Along the way, Shank infuses this with a lot of wry humor, including a hilarious angle of a flock of geese accidentally falling in love with Jeppo.

Throughout, I really connected with what Shank was trying to do and how the character of Jeppo was a study in an individual fighting internal desires with external realities.

What I didn’t like: I will say, because of the historical nature of this one, and the thoroughness that Shank writes with, some of the dialogue did feel stilted and a bit dry. It made sense as to ‘why’ they spoke like that and said things how they did, but for this reader, some of it was didn’t have the impact it should’ve.

Why you should buy this: This read closer to a ten-episode HBO series than a novel. Shank does a wonderful job of creating this world and the characters within and from start to finish you feel fully immersed in the land you find yourself in.

Shank has easily carved himself a slot in the historical fiction world and readers who love those settings will find themselves very happy with this one.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!
I really didn’t expect this story and writing style to be so immersive but this one had me hooked. The world in which this is set was given some history, just enough to show how rich the world was. It’s hard to pinpoint the time and place of this but I really enjoyed that.

Jeppo has good intentions even if he does make some morally wrong choices. This was dark, but oh so funny at times. I’m still losing it at the geese!!

I absolutely loved this and will need to check out more of this author in the future!

[Genevieve Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Knave of Graves is the story of a creepy little guy laboring tirelessly to make bad situations worse.

Jeppo had great ambitions, but failed out of magician school and then had to return to his tiny hometown to be the caretaker of the local cemetery. This was long enough ago that you might think he'd have moved on, but no. He chose instead to mire himself in resentment, and tends his magical cemetery with magic rune walls that keep the dead from becoming undead while listening to "Workin' at the Car Wash Blues" by Jim Croce.

There's a whole cosmology here, worldbuilding doled out in tasty pieces as you read. The world is vaguely eastern-European inspired, with tension between the vaguely Christian-but-not-Christian religion and occult forces of darkness.

The story really begins when Jeppo realizes that his cemetery is under assault by an evil entity determined to get the powerful bones of the saint in the central mausoleum. Unfortunately, Jeppo has made so many questionable choices in the past that he's effectively trapped himself between a rock and a hard place when it comes to fighting off this threat. He digs himself deeper and deeper, until finally events spin completely out of his control.

There are saints, immortal devils, runes and magic, petty local political squabbles, and an ever-increasing tangled web of lies. Jeppo remains unpleasant and off-putting throughout the whole book, but somehow by the end I was rooting for him. Even though it was pretty clear he did not learn any kind of lesson from these events.

Highly recommend to fans of unlikable protagonists and freaky necromantic magic.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Carthago Nova Press, and S.J. Shank for the chance to read this book.
Unfortunately, I really struggled to read The Knave of Graves, and ultimately decided not to finish it. The description of the book grabbed my attention and I was really excited to read it. Jeppo is the caretaker of the graveyard of his small town. He also uses some of the bodies to trade with a being/entity called Kuumasta. But there is another who is interested in the bones Jeppo guards, a warlock who goes by Mr. Borchega, a being Jeppo had originally thought was simply a man who he was going to sell amulets and charms to.
It is clear that the story is set in a bygone era and it shows in Shank's dedication to period accurate writing. This was the book's downfall for me. Conversations were stilted and the storytelling felted bloated and stodgy. It regrettably felt like I was back in school being made to read something for my English class. I think this is just a matter of taste though, I've always struggled with this kind of writing style.
It was a great concept that sadly missed the mark, for me.

[Andrew Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent last weekend reading this absolute page turner, The Knave of Graves by SJ Shank . A gravedigger, a night hag, an evil sorcerer, a saint, lovestruck geese, people trying to steal and haggle for human bones, and a fortune-telling snake...not my usual reading material and it was such a ride! There are elements of dark fantasy, the supernatural and the epic. The book would make a great series, bingeworthy for sure, as I found myself looking for times to continue the read, and see where Jeppo, our gravedigger with a magical side hustle, had ended up. I love how magic and talismans are as much a part of the society as religion, and how the supernatural plays a role in everyday life here.
This book is complex, imaginative and enthralling, and I also love how SJ keeps the layers coming as the tale comes to its climax. I don’t want to give anything away, go read it, and witness the gravedigger determine what the cost of evil and innocence may be.

[Micki-D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark but cozy, magical, horror story about Jeppo Krakiskjo a not so moral gravedigger that is sought after for his magical charms and spells who seems to have lost his moral compass or maybe he had one? And his graveyard that has a personality of its own full of goth charm, rot, and magical folklore.. this book comes with some trigger warnings but I call them the makings of a literary masterpiece we got it all grave robbing, night hags, corpse commerce, bone magic, academic disappointment as well as magical charms and positions small town politics, and more

[Nicolle Persoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great read.

Loved the characters, the wordbuilding, all in all a delight to read.

From the description of the town, its inhabirants and the graveyard the story played like a movie in my head.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly fantastic read. The author creates a detailed and immersive world that is slowly revealed to the reader. The characters are very human and realistic, while the supernatural elements of the story are genuinely creepy. Highly recommended.

[Noah Isherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the story of a washed-up gravedigger, this was downright heartwarming. Shank draws a vibrant world that feels vast despite how little we see, where uncanny happenings build a myth-logic all their own.

[Jen Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slow burn, complex and unique dark fantasy was a fun read! If you like weird folklore, night hags, necromancy or the occult, give this one a read!