The education system, as a whole, is a real pain. By the time you earn a serious qualification, you’re already neck-deep in debt. If you’re studying to become a thief, the situation is even worse. The Association of Thieves, known as the Takers’ Guild, is well aware that from this point on, you possess every skill necessary to make money. So, they’ll make you work your guts out for them. Kinch Na Shannack, the protagonist of The Blacktongue Thief, finds himself in an even worse predicament. The mysterious mission he’s forced into offers nothing but loss. However, Christopher Buehlman’s readers are in for a treat, as Kinch Na Shannack’s adventures are incredibly entertaining.
Christopher Buehlman – A Refreshing Voice in Fantasy
Standing out in the fantasy genre is no easy feat, that’s for sure. On one hand, there’s an overproduction crisis, and on the other, thanks to sites like Goodreads, it’s often the most mediocre works that gather the biggest fanbases (see: S. A. Chakraborty’s City of Brass). Yet, the multi-talented Buehlman—writer, poet, actor, comedian—has the ability to disarm readers almost immediately, particularly with his humor.
Kinch Na Shannack, the Blacktongue Thief, is the kind of guy who finds humor in everything. His sarcastic remarks, snarky comments, and constant wisecracks accompany him on his dangerous journey westward.
However, rest assured, Christopher Buehlman’s book never devolves into cheap comedy or parody. Instead, it smartly blends humor into the fantasy adventure. Kinch Na Shannack is a sharp-tongued, cunning rogue. Period.
A Detailed World and Splendid Adventures
The world of The Blacktongue Thief operates within the usual fantasy boundaries. Yet, Buehlman fills these boundaries to the max. The backdrop is surprisingly well-crafted, often making you feel like you could easily get lost in the details if you don’t pay close enough attention. Empires, wars, ancient and current rulers, politics, various races, great wizards, poetry—often woven into the text with numerous verses—all appear to some extent in the book.
Among the many virtues of The Blacktongue Thief, one stands out: its characters find themselves embroiled in great adventures on both land and sea. Sea battles, sea monsters, duels, assassin attacks, and battle mages all eventually cross their paths.
Goblins and Giants – Merciless Creatures All
Buehlman’s craftsmanship is further evident in how he manages to make typical fantasy foes—like pesky goblins and colossal giants—truly terrifying. When the goblins—completely unexpectedly—show up to hinder the black-tongued Galti thief and his companions, you already know just how vile and dirty these creatures are.
But Buehlman manages to escalate the tension further when the goblins sit down for dinner…
You encounter giants along the way too, and the situation is the same: the thief and his small band stand no chance against them.
In short, there’s always a reason to worry, as the stakes are always high.
The Blacktongue Thief Steals a Kiss—With Tongue
A thief isn’t exactly the most trustworthy character. But a veteran steeped in fantasy books or role-playing games certainly won’t get hung up on that (unless, of course, one sits next to them on the subway). It’s just a job, after all—one might say. And yet, on deeper reflection, it’s astounding how quickly Buehlman makes you warm up to his morally questionable protagonist. Let’s not forget, we first meet him in the middle of a highway robbery!
Let’s add to this that Kinch even likes cats! (Who doesn’t?)
So, when Norrigal, the particularly charming witch’s apprentice, joins the adventuring party, the book gains another layer. If you’re a sucker for a seemingly hopeless romance (see The Unspoken Name, for instance), then you’re in luck. Norrigal is incredibly cute. No wonder the Blacktongue Thief thief pines after her from that point on. Naturally, this process is also highly entertaining, full of playful banter and constant uncertainty.
Magic at Your Fingertips
In The Blacktongue Thief, the use of magic is highly varied. Buehlman doesn’t bother with an exhaustive explanation of the magic system. If one of his characters knows how to use it, they just do it. Kinch can only manage a few simple tricks, but for instance, the Takers’ Guild assassins have some serious stunts up their sleeves. Not to mention the powerful sorcerers like the Deadfoot. However, even they don’t have an unlimited supply of spells.
The book’s few flaws are also tied to the magic. In a couple of cases, the these elements feels childish, like something out of a fairy tale. The mechanical horse hidden in the walking stick is one such example. (Oh well, after all, we’re not reading The Witcher here!)
Another somewhat annoying aspect is the Blacktongue Thief’s special ability to instantly understand any text placed before him, even if he’s never seen that alphabet before. This is not only unimaginable but also unfair. After all, if you want to read a Turkmen text, you’d better get on Duolingo and learn the language first!
Summary
Thanks largely to its sharp-tongued protagonist, Christopher Buehlman’s The Blacktongue Thief is an excellent and entertaining read, despite being set in a grim and brutal world. Wild monsters, political intrigues, and the corrupt machinations of the all-encompassing Thieves’ Guild make for numerous adventures and an intelligent fantasy novel that stands out from the genre.
Rating: 8.5/10
The Blacktongue Thief (Blacktongue #1) by Christopher Buehlman
416 pages, Hardcover
Published in 2021 by Tor Books
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