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Description
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.
Summary
I had the joy of reading The Blacktongue Thief by US author Christopher Buehlman.
Review
The Blacktongue Thief is an epic world-building and fantasy endeavour that more than punches above its weight. The protagonist Kinch Na Shannack, a dishonoured theif among a Guild of Theives (known as the Takers Guild) is marked by the tell-tale signs of preteratrual talents suited The Takers Guild being born with a black coloured tongue. Kinch is more than a thief who notoriously falls afoul of the law and guild. He also possesses a rare gift to read any language but this he keeps secret as it’s a valueable talent coupled with his skills at theivery, makes him a danger to any opposing ruler, kingdom or opportunistic coup.
Fate has a bad way of catching up with Kinch and not in the most life-preserving of ways. Soon recruited to pay off his debt of disobedience to the Takers Guild, Kinch is pressed into working with a shift-shaping assassin, a powerful witch and a sworn soldier determined to see the rightful queen returned to her usurped throne.
Buehlman has created an intricate fantasy world of witches, assassins, shape-shifters, giants, goblins and many more marvellous beings. this is an action-packed and high-paced adventure written with great storytelling craftsmanship, wit and well-timed irony. The beginning of what will hopefully expand into an epic fantasy series of adventure and daring that doesn’t reneg on strong and highly unique characters, fascinating lore and a huge historical backdrop.
Conclusion
A grimdark fantasy like no other. This is perfect for fans of Mark Lawerence Broken Empire, Scott Lynch The Gentleman Bastards, Jay Kristoff The Nevernight Trilogy and Empire of the Vampire. Perfect for fans of epic fantasy works tending towards the darker side and darker humour. A highly recommended read!
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 