A review by killa_bunnies
The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 

Christopher Buehlman entered my library through Between Two Fires, an amazing blend of historical fiction and dark fantasy horror, welded together through the eternal struggle between the forces of light and darkness. What struck me most was the attention to detail, the rich world of Plague-ridden medieval France full of little peculiarities and elements that create a lively, authentic universe. It was instant love, so it was just natural I continue to read what this author writes. 

The Blacktongue Thief is a different book, yet very similar. This time set in a world of its own, with a character of similar style, Kinch Na Shannack – a small-time thief at the end of the ranks of the Taker’s Guild. Deep in debts, the guild gives him a chance to repay its debt: accompany a stranger, a veteran of the Daughters’ war on a way into the giant-invaded land of Oustrim. That’s how this dark fantasy story starts. 

Buehlman again proves his mastery in worldbuilding. Through various details, hints and by-the-way mentions creates a portrait of a land recovering from the devastating wars. We get a bleak image of a land after war, where everything is scarce, from resources, to people and animals

(yes, no horses, as those extinct during the war)

. The overall atmosphere is similar to Buehlman’s other books: dark, gruesome fantasy full of horrors, death and suffering. Death is as  common as dirt, mud and blood. Various characters come and go.This grimdark-ish atmosphere in combination with the setting reflecting the real-life world has reminded me of the old Old World settings of the Warhammer Fantasy, especially echoed here in the various societies, as well as overall feel. Another blood kin here is The Black Company series by Glen Cook, especially the Infant Mireya has some similarities to the likes of the White Rose (not surprised Cook’s praising the book right on the cover!). 

To sum up, The Blacktongue Thief is a great read, especially if you are a fan of dark, low fantasy with dubious characters, outcasts and gutter-runners, rather than epic fantasy soap operas. The story will plunge its dirty claws in you and won’t let you go. Just enjoy the trip.