First published 2013
On a storm-swept night, old grave robber Knobbe le Bent finds an ornate chest washed ashore. Inside lies a crying baby. Knobbe takes the child home and raises him as his apprentice in the tomb-raiding trade. The boy, called Hans, learns the ways of the grave robber brotherhood but grows to despise the work. One evening Hans runs away, determined to discover his real parents. His journey leads him to a castle where young Countess Angela lives. Hans witnesses soldiers of Archduke Arnulf kidnapping Angela and her parents. The archduke plans to force Angela into marriage against her will. Hans must decide whether to continue his search for his origins or help rescue the captive family.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Castle, Tomb
Period: Storm-Swept Night
404 pages · Paperback · Bayard Jeunesse