Last updated on May 7, 2026
What if you could read any book in the world….even the ones that haven’t been written yet?
Despite the druids’ prediction that Rian would become a great warrior, he hates the king’s training program. One day, mud-covered and angry, he flees the other squires to hide in the cellars…where he finds a magical library, and a wren-like Fae who explains that he can choose his own fate.
Buoyed by his new discoveries, Rian makes two new friendships. He encounters a newly blind princess in a castle corridor, and soon is assigned to spend his afternoons with her. And another princess, Nessa, who is determined to learn the warrior’s arts so she can avenge her twelve beloved foster fathers.
But as Rian’s own fate becomes entangled with his new friendships, mysterious figurines start to vanish from the magical library one by one. With each passing year, does he have any choice left about his own future—and what will the library answer?
With characters based on Irish mythology, this historical fantasy has plenty of action but no gore. It takes place in the same world as the other “Castle in Kilkenny” books, but is a true stand-alone.
Click ‘read now’ to journey back to 3rd-century Ireland with a reluctant young hero!
“…richly woven with relatable, flawed characters who I truly rooted for right up to the beautiful and emotional ending.”
“From the first chapter, I was transported. Christy Matheson has created a universe where stories quite literally shape the world around us…”
“Author Christy Matheson excels at weaving ancient folklore with subtle fantasy, and her world feels both mystical and grounded.”
This e-book is available wide from most retailers, and is included on Kobo+. Every element is human created.
Paperback: The Knight & His Magical Library includes this entire novel, plus a novella about Rian as an adult, at a better price for readers than producing them separately.
Note on coziness/content warning:
This cozy historical fantasy is written in the tradition of Robin McKinley’s and Tamora Pierce’s coming-of-age novels, perfect for readers who empathize with the warriors who no longer want to fight in “Legends & Lattes” and “Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea.” It is set in the warrior class of a violent society, and there are dark elements in the mythology. However, these are in the background while the story focuses on friendship and self-determination.
“Oh how I desperately craved some cozy vibes and this visit back to the Castle of Kilkenny series was just what I needed. Rian’s story was in turns heartbreaking and beautiful.”
“…perfect for readers who enjoy mythic fantasy with heart, rich cultural roots, and introspective characters.”