The Blacktongue Thief

Starred review from April 1, 2021

Kinch Na Shannack learns that strange circumstances can bring essential acquaintances together when he and a loosely bound group of highwaymen try to rob Galva on the White Road. Their robbery is a failure, but they escape with their lives; Galva is an exquisite fighter who wields with magical precision the shield Kinch covets. Kinch and Galva later set out on a Tolkienesque quest through their Europe-inspired world, during which they are joined by fellow thieves, more warriors, a witch, and a cat. Each member of the party has their own goal, and secrets they hide from the others. The journey is made more tenuous by memories of the Goblin Wars, and news that giants have attacked a frontier city. VERDICT Readers of epic fantasy novelists, like Tolkien or Brian Sanderson, will enjoy this journey, which is by turns fun, magical, or terrifying for the travelers. Buehlman (The Lesser Dead) offers a departure from his horror novels in this fantasy with dark undertones. With fabulous examples of invented languages and dialects, this title is transporting.--Elizabeth Masterson, Mecklenburg Cty. Jail Lib., Charlotte, NC

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2021
Kinch Na Shannack is a thief--he freely admits to this fact and is proud of the training he received at the Takers Guild. Because of this training, he is in debt to the Guild. When they tell him to befriend and follow the knight Galva, he has to obey. Galva's quest to find a stolen queen brings them both to Oustrim, an area currently overrun with giants. Before they get there, though, they need help from a witch named Deadlegs. Among other boons, Deadlegs sends her apprentice Norrigal along with them. Goblins, a kraken, and human enemies stand in their way as they travel westward. Kinch's sardonic, world-weary narration is a delight. Full of adventure, magic, humor, and a touch of romance, The Blacktongue Thief exhibits a fully realized fantasy world. From card games to songs to long-ago wars, this world is lived in and awash in intriguing details. Give this to those readers eager for George R. R. Martin or Patrick Rothfuss to finish their series, or to any fantasy fan. Highly recommended for all library collections. This is epic fantasy adventure at its best.

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