Christopher Nix is 14 years old, and it's 1969. His life is a turbulent echo of the times as he discovers sex, drugs and rock 'n roll in the heart of Florida. But into this struggle between the young long-haired hippie and the rednecks who'd just as soon kill him comes a strange offer that will completely change his life. The Nix family is contacted by a mysterious benefactor who wants to send Chris to an exclusive private school, no expense spared. Mr. Jay Dumont claims that Chris's grandfather saved his life during WWI, and though Grandpa Uvdall is dead, the debt remains to be paid. But as Chris will discover, there is a great deal more to it than that. He will have to accept and understand the Powers that have surrounded his family all his life, and learn to use his own magical gifts, if he is to survive Dumont's plan. As he did with Dogland, Will Shetterly has used a deceptively simple tale to explore some very deep issues. The Gospel of the Knife explores questions of faith and responsibility, and the always complex relationship between man and God and the world.