Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, Christopher Buehlman's The Blacktongue Thief begins a 'dazzling' (Robin Hobb) fantasy adventure unlike any other.
Kinch Na Shannack owes the Takers Guild a small fortune for his education as a thief, which includes (but is not limited to) lock-picking, knife-fighting, wall-scaling, fall-breaking, lie-weaving, trap-making, plus a few small magics. His debt has driven him to lie in wait by the old forest road, planning to rob the next traveler that crosses his path.
But today, Kinch Na Shannack has picked the wrong mark.
Galva is a knight, a survivor of the brutal goblin wars, and handmaiden of the goddess of death. She is searching for her queen, missing since a distant northern city fell to giants.
Unsuccessful in his robbery and lucky to escape with his life, Kinch now finds his fate entangled with Galva's. Common enemies and uncommon dangers force thief and knight on an epic journey where goblins hunger for human flesh, krakens hunt in dark waters, and honor is a luxury few can afford.
"The Blacktongue Thief is fast and fun and filled with crazy magic. I can't wait to see what Christopher Buehlman does next." - Brent Weeks, New York Times bestselling author of the Lightbringer series
The series
In Blacktongue, Christopher Buehlman invites readers into a grim, vividly realized world where violence, magic, and twisted allegiances shape the fate of its characters. This dark fantasy series is a striking departure from typical tales of heroes and villains, weaving together intricate world-building with rich, morally complex characters who live on the edge of survival.
Read full series description
At the heart of Blacktongue is a world plagued by the brutality of its past, where ancient powers still simmer beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed. Buehlman’s atmospheric prose pulls readers into a place where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and every choice has a heavy cost. The story unfolds amidst a fractured society, filled with mercenaries, witches, and untrustworthy gods, all of whom have their own agendas, secrets, and vengeful plans.
The main character, Kormak, is a haunted warrior whose path is paved with personal loss and the ghosts of his past. His journey through this brutal landscape is one of survival, redemption, and discovering that sometimes the darkest battles are fought within. As he uncovers buried truths and encounters other unforgettable characters—each with their own sharp edges and unresolved desires—readers are taken on a tumultuous ride through a land where loyalty is a rare commodity and betrayal is a constant companion.
Buehlman’s trademark blend of horror and fantasy shines through in Blacktongue. The world itself feels alive, breathing with danger and lurking horrors that threaten to consume those who dare to traverse it. The magic is raw and dangerous, adding an extra layer of menace to the already treacherous landscape, and the characters are deeply flawed, making them both relatable and unsettling.
While the series explores familiar themes of revenge, power, and morality, its strength lies in how Buehlman challenges readers to reconsider the nature of these ideas. What happens when redemption is no longer possible? Is it worth seeking a cause that’s destined to fail? Blacktongue doesn’t offer simple answers. Instead, it leaves readers questioning the true cost of the choices made within its pages.
Dark, rich, and brimming with tension, Blacktongue is an unforgettable series for fans of gritty, immersive fantasy that doesn’t shy away from the horrors of its world—or its characters’ souls. With each twist and turn, Buehlman takes readers deeper into a realm where the consequences of every action are dire, and the story’s grip only tightens as it unfolds. Prepare yourself for a journey where the real monsters may not always be the ones you can see.
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