Christopher Buehlman’s debut novel is a hit for dark fantasy fans.
Most authors need a bit of time to truly find their voice when writing. Normally there’s some amount of growth as they become more familiar with the writing process. This may yet prove to be true of Christopher Buehlman. If that’s the case though, I’m very excited to see what he produces next.
The Blacktongue Thief follows protagonist Kinch Na Shannack (the aforementioned blacktongue thief) as he becomes unintentionally embroiled in a continent spanning adventure. If you enjoy gritty worlds and anti-heroes, then there’s a good chance you’ll like the Blacktongue Thief. In fact, the Blacktongue Thief is best compared to the Gentleman Bastards sequence. There are less cunning schemes and a distinct lack of the buddy duo dynamic that makes Locke and Jean such appealing protagonists, but this is made up for by Kinch’s inner monologue, a surprisingly deep lore considering it’s the first book in the series and a much faster pace to events than Lynch’s Locke Lamora achieves.
What you need to know about The Blacktongue Thief
| Length | 416 pages |
| Series | The Blacktongue Thief |
| Number in series | 1 |
| Author | Christopher Buehlman |
| Publisher | Gollancz |
| Publication date | 12th May 2022 |
| Target Age | Adult |
| Genre | Dark fantasy |
| Themes | Anti-heroes, war-torn world, thieves, wise-cracking protagonist, magic |
| Similar books | The Gentleman Bastards Sequence |
| Complexity | Buehlman throws lore and made up words and phrases at readers constantly, but always while weaving in explanations. Some may find this more difficult to follow than more straightforward language. |
| Spice (out of 5) | 🌶️🌶️ – Sex occurs among main characters but these occurrences are never described in detail. |
| Potential trigger warnings | Rape is referenced, but is either briefly referred to as a past event, or threatened without actually occurring. The world is unforgiving and violent. Many individuals and creatures are especially violent. Mutilations and cannibalism are part of the events of the book. Profanity is very regular throughout the book. |
What’s it about?
The Blacktongue Thief is a single point of view, character driven story about Kinch Na Shannack. He literally has a Blacktongue (as do others of his heritage) and he is a thief. Trained at the highest level and possessing a small amount of magical acumen.
Kinch’s Blacktongue is both literal and figurative. Compelled to answer insult and opportunity with foul-mouthed witticism, Kinch quickly finds himself embroiled in much larger machinations than the usual light burglary he’s accustomed to. Sent on a mission across the continent, he finds himself chased by danger at every turn.
I won’t spoil the finer points of the plot, they’re worth discovering for yourself. But while the ramifications of his assignment eventually have large consequences, the stakes tend to feel much more personal, perhaps due to the first person perspective from which Kinch speaks.
A new world with rich lore
The lore of the Blacktongue Thief feels deep. This world feels lived in with detailed history and religion, and yet the breezy way in which Kinch offers up this lore makes it feel like we as readers are just scratching the surface in a way that seems suitable for the first book in a series.
Multiple wars have unfolded, multiple nations are detailed along with political maneuvering and motivations. Multiple religions along with their customs are revealed as well as guilds, species and monsters. And all of this is woven in a uniquely rapid-fire way. There’s never really any great long exposition, and yet, I never felt lost in understanding what I needed to know about the world.
Perhaps even more impressive is the way Buehlman throws around different languages (mostly insults) while naturally explaining why such things are insults in increasingly creative ways.
A satisfying ending with a few clever twists
While this review is absolutely spoiler-free, it’s important to know that the ending is both satisfyingly concluded while leaving space for more adventures for the Blacktongue Thief. Solutions are woven in cleverly and mysteries teased earlier in the book are neatly wrapped up and concluded.
A few surprising twists hint at more mysteries that are just about intriguing enough to make you want to know exactly how all of this is working.
Perhaps a little too grim for some tastes
The book is excellent, with wonderful prose, a strong plot and interesting characters. The only criticism I can level at it (and it won’t be a criticism for many) is that perhaps the world is just a little too grim.
I don’t mind grim fantasy, but sometimes I find that these worlds can become too despairing, almost to the point of disbelief. A succession of wars against vicious enemies feels like it should have eliminated all life on the continent, and yet nations somehow cling on. I kind of felt like some of the despair was dialled just a bit higher than I like it. Many will love this, but that just isn’t for me, I like just a little more hope with my despair, but this is a taste thing rather than a quality thing.
Conclusion
Extreme grimness aside, The Blacktongue Thief is a masterfully crafted novel. With a likeable and motley cast of characters, delightful witticism, deep lore and a plot that satisfies and hooks, the Blacktongue Thief absolutely delivers for fans of Grimdark fantasy.
If you’re partial to the Gentleman Bastards sequence, then you may find that Blacktongue Thief scratches that kind of itch, and I’m very pleased that it does!
8/10