First published 2012
Balthazar leads a band of murderous thieves fleeing through the Judean desert. They need disguises and sanctuary from their pursuers. When they stumble upon a newborn in a manger, they seize the opportunity to pose as the legendary three wise men bearing gifts. What begins as a desperate con becomes something larger. The thieves must protect the holy family from King Herod's soldiers while battling the last magical creatures of the Old Testament. Their journey takes them past Pontius Pilate and John the Baptist as they escort Mary, Joseph, and the infant to safety in Egypt. Balthazar discovers that playing the role of a king might transform him into something he never expected to become. Seth Grahame-Smith reimagines the most famous birth story in history through the eyes of unlikely protectors.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, unlikely-heroes
Setting: Egypt, Judean Desert
Period: Ancient
307 pages · Hardcover · Grand Central Publishing