The Grand Librarian: Life of an Immortal, tells the story of Alexander Merryweather, which begins initially in the year 1273 A.D. On the surface, the Grand Library appears normal. But underneath it, lies a secret chamber containing knowledge from Merlin's world of magic and wizardry. However, a rebel group known as the Knights of Niviane, led by Alexander's daughter, want the secrets for themselves. When they lay siege to the library, Alexander is forced to destroy the chamber with a fiery spell. The spell unexpectedly grants immortality to all survivors but displaces Alexander in time. When Alexander awakens in present day Chicago, he is shocked to learn he has been in hibernation for over seven hundred years. In his absence, the surviving Knights of Niviane have secretly ruled the eastern hemisphere. Alexander decides to take the fight to the Knights of Niviane on their turf, so he travels to Germany, Russia and China for one last magical showdown. Merlin's rise to prominence is also told through backstory. The Grand Librarian is part of The Hangman Universe (HMU), which takes its name from the novel The Hangman, published in 2015.