Book details
The Gravedigger's Son
Description
A Digger must not refuse a request from the Dead." Rule Five of the Gravedigger's CodeIan Fossor is last in a long line of Gravediggers. It's his family's job to bury the dead and then, when Called by the dearly departed, to help settle the worries that linger beyond the grave so spirits can find peace in the Beyond.But Ian doesn't want to help the deadhe wants to be a Healer and help the living. Such a wish is, of course, selfish and impossible. Fossors are Gravediggers. So he reluctantly continues his training under the careful watch of his undead mentor, hoping every day that he's never Called and carefully avoiding the path that leads into the forbidden woods bordering the cemetery.Just as Ian's friend, Fiona, convinces him to talk to his father, they're lured into the woods by a risen corpse that doesn't want to play by the rules. There, the two are captured by a coven of Weavers, dark magic witches who want only two thingto escape the murky woods where they've been banished, and to raise the dead and shift the balance of power back to themselves.Only Ian can stop them. With a little help from his friends. And his long-dead ancestors.Equal parts spooky and melancholy, funny and heartfelt, The Gravedigger's Son is a gorgeous debut that will long sit beside Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and Jonathan Auxier's The Night Gardener.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
304 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Mystery: 'The Gravedigger's Son' offers a gripping and mysterious plot that keeps readers engaged as they follow the protagonist, Ian Fossor, on his quest to uncover the secrets of his family's past and the strange occurrences in his town.
- Supernatural Elements: The book weaves supernatural elements into the story, providing a thrilling experience for readers who enjoy fantasy and the paranormal. It's a perfect blend of reality and the supernatural, making it an exciting read for young fans of the genre.
- Themes of Family and Identity: Through Ian's journey, the book explores deep themes such as the importance of family, understanding one's heritage, and finding one's place in the world. These themes resonate with readers of all ages, making it a meaningful story beyond just its entertainment value.
- Accessible and Relatable: Patrick Moody writes in a way that is accessible to middle-grade readers without talking down to them, creating characters that are relatable and situations that reflect the challenges and triumphs of growing up. This makes 'The Gravedigger's Son' a great choice for young readers looking to see themselves in literature.