Kejkl Ptzsch Oliver (2020)

This Czech-language historical adventure novel is set in 1486, when Knittlingen is a peaceful town in the hilly Kraichgau region until a group of entertainers arrives. Children suddenly begin disappearing from the surrounding area, but Johann Georg, known as Faustus and the Lucky One, pays no attention. He is interested only in Tonio del Moravia, a juggler and magician who predicts a great future for him. Johann joins his mysterious companion, and together they travel across the country while the young man eagerly absorbs everything Tonio teaches him. Yet his masters lessons conceal unexpected danger, and Johann soon begins to suspect that Tonio is connected with dark powers that will shape the rest of his life. Oliver Ptzsch, author of the series about the hangmans daughter, draws inspiration from the historical figure of Doctor Faust for this compelling adventure novel.