The Blacktongue Thief

Bookseller recommendation

“I devoured this book within days! Great for fans of high fantasy like Lord of the Rings and Dungeons and Dragons, yet it is still wholly original and refreshing. It reads like a tale told by the hearth of a musty tavern from the first-person perspective of our witty, vulgar, and downright hilarious protagonist Kinch Na Shannack. Our thief regales us with his journey through Manreach where he met noble knights, mighty war corvids, mysterious witches, drunken sailors, a fierce kraken, nasty goblins, and ferocious giants. The audiobook is narrated by the author himself, showcasing his talent with various accents! Like Tolkien's books, The Blacktongue Thief contains much music and poetry which I especially appreciated in the audio version. If you're looking for a fast-paced, magic-filled, action-packed thrill-ride that will keep you laughing out loud all the way through, you need to read this book!”

— Eli • Bookshop Santa Cruz

Bookseller recommendation

“This book captures everything I loved about high fantasy as a kid without the misogyny and racism. Christopher Buehlman's narration is compelling, his tone and pacing finely honed over his long career touring renaissance festivals. While remaining an utter delight from beginning to end, it is layered with a nuanced and honest exploration of a fantasy realm that doesn't hide its teeth, while always retaining care for characters and readers alike.”

— Stephanie • Print: A Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“The Blacktongue Thief (and prequel The Daughters' War -- note that they can be read in either order) are not the dime-store Tolkien that their synopses might lead you to imagine. Christopher Buehlman's strengths lie in thorough, subtle worldbuilding and using familiar fantasy trappings in surprising ways. He even made goblins scary! (No small feat, as a tabletop gamer.) What stands out most are his unforgettable narrators. Kinch made me laugh out loud with his many asides, while Galva is passionate, poetic, and wry. I can't wait to meet the third book's narrator. As audiobooks, they are top-notch. The Blacktongue Thief is read by the author in a Scottish brogue that becomes quite impressive when you learn that he's from Florida. His delivery is on the level of a professional voice actor. The Daughters' War narrator Nikki Garcia's delivery is perfect -- quiet, sorrowful, and strong. Several scenes that feature songs are actually set to music, and her singing is just as good as her reading. The song from Chapter 20 was stuck in my head for days!”

— Graham • Next Chapter Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“Whew! What a delight! Come on an epic adventure a la Dungeons & Dragons style. Our thief/rogue is in trouble (as always) and must get out of town. Ah! a quest awaits! Christopher Buehlman does his own reading in the audio version and it is absolutely fantastic and I will absolutely listen to it again.”

— Liesl • Boulder Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“Come for the battle ravens, stay for the probably-bewitched cat! Buehlman's latest will have you laughing one moment and gasping the next, and you'll wonder what fascinating new concept he'll come up with next. As Kinch Na Shannack takes an epic journey, you explore this exquisitely built world with him, your sardonic narrator, along with nonstop action. A few raunchy jokes and scenes (as a warning for those who don't prefer it). ”

— Amber • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Come for the battle ravens, stay for the probably-bewitched cat! Buehlman's latest will have you laughing one moment and gasping the next, and you'll wonder what fascinating new concept he'll come up with next. As Kinch Na Shannack takes an epic journey, you explore this exquisitely built world with him, your sardonic narrator, along with nonstop action. A few raunchy jokes and scenes (as a warning for those who prefer to skip it). ”

— Amber • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I came for murder crows and a master thief. I stayed for a bewitched cat and overly exuberant, hilariously unconventional dialogs and quips. This is a fantasy fever dream with crazy magic, sarcastic characters, terrifying enemies, and nonstop action. Every word and every character flew off the pages of this book, bringing to life a fast-paced and unforgettable story. WOAH! What a ride! This might possibly be one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. I HIGHLY recommend this book—even to non-fantasy readers!”

— Anna Rose • The Well-Read Moose