'The Blacktongue Thief' by Christopher Buehlman is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Kinch Na Shannack, a thief in training who embarks on a secret mission to save himself and potentially the world. The story is epic in scale, featuring different peoples, languages, societies, giants, goblins, witches, and kings and queens. The writing style is witty and concise, filled with humor that is dark and black, keeping readers engaged and entertained throughout the book.
The plot of 'The Blacktongue Thief' is fast-paced, filled with great characters, adventures, magic, snark, and a touch of romance. The story revolves around Kinch's journey, his encounters with various creatures like battle corvids and blind cats, and his quest to pay off his debts while navigating a world full of political intrigue, magic, and danger.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, dark humor, and themes of horror, including scenes that may be unsettling to some readers.
Has Romance?
The book features a moderate level of romance, intertwined with the main adventure.
From The Publisher:
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
Ratings (49)
Incredible (16) | |
Loved It (19) | |
Liked It (10) | |
It Was OK (4) |
Reader Stats (115):
Read It (50) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (56) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (6) |
4 comment(s)
Full disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book - Buehlman is an excellent narrator of his own work. I loved the general tone of dark, wry, humor, and was caught up enough in the events that I listened to it very quickly. I would definitely pick up another of his books, and look forward to future installments in this series.
My only real criticism is that the female character felt like a bit of a cipher because we never see the world from her perspective. It does makes sense from a story perspective because she is meant to be a bit mysterious, and the book is also very much from the main character's perspective.
However, it still seemed like an omission because I'm used to authors like Joe Abercrombie who jump around between viewpoints and help us understand every character.
Surprised at how enjoyable this was- witty , fast paced and entertaining
Overall Rating: 4/5
Prose: 3/5 :: Written in a very colloquial way. I absolutely
loved the filthy rawness of the narration style, though I recommend reading a sample online/in store before buying.
Pacing: 4/5 :: Never a dull moment and very easy to read
Characters: 5/5 :: These folks were written so well. The reader comes away with an understanding of what makes each of them tick and their individual personalities, craggy and foul-mouthed as they are, are so much fun.
Read this book if you're looking for: Laugh out loud debauchery, simple magic system, adventure, pottymouth characters, a world with inventive textures
Perhaps the best use of character 'voice' I have read, Buehlman takes a fine plot of intriguing set pieces woven to a near masterpiece via Kinch's recollection.
What can you read after
The Blacktongue Thief?
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