The Blacktongue Thief

· Blacktongue Book 1 · Sold by Tor Books
106 reviews
Ebook
416
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

A USA Today bestseller!

Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, Christopher Buehlman's The Blacktongue Thief begins a 'dazzling' (Robin Hobb) fantasy adventure unlike any other.

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.

“The Blacktongue Thief is fast and fun and filled with crazy magic. I can't wait to see what Christopher Buehlman does next." - Brent Weeks, New York Times bestselling author of the Lightbringer series


At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
A USA Today bestseller! Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, Christopher Buehlman's The Blacktongue Thief begins a 'dazzling' (Robin Hobb) fantasy adventure unlike any other. Kinch Na Shannack owes the Takers Guild a small fortune...

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Ratings and reviews

106 reviews
SATINA BATTLE JACKSON
December 30, 2025
This book was so enthralling that I almost didn't sleep at all for 2-days. Halfway thru the 1st chapter, I knew i was committed till the end. It was like a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around me, giving me a soft hug. Perhaps even tugging at my heartstrings a little. It's one of my best reads yet! Perfectly told and absolutely captivating! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...Lesley White Daytona Beach, Florida
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Neels van Wyk
October 12, 2026
Phenomenal. Such a casual way of writing the protagonists train of thoughts in a way that's easy to follow and entertaining. What a great world has been created. I actually recommend starting with The Daughters' War.
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preston skinner
August 28, 2021
Three words. Fantastic, Phenomenal, Stellar, and Amazeballs. I know that's 4 and one is arguably not a word, but I'm speaking Molrovian. (You'll get it after you read the book.) Ok, No more Molrovian. Mr. Bhuelman has always been an incredible world builder, but this....this... is a pièce de résistance. I know He's never done a sequel, but this is a beautiful cornerstone if he's so inclined. Up's, Down's, sideways's(?) this story skitter scatters masterfully. My favorite thing is that not only is this a world built plot driving book, but he juggles that with it being a superb character driven plot as well. And the Intrigue! Definitely won't hesitate to recommend this one.This book also has one of my favorite features in a work of art: "Replay value". I'm going to have even more fun re-reading it, just to pick up all the stuff I wasn't contextually aware of the first time around. I'm still very excited after just having read it.
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About the author

CHRISTOPHER BUEHLMAN (he/him) is an author, comedian, and screenwriter from St. Petersburg, Florida. He tours the country most years, writing fantasy and horror and performing at Renaissance festivals. He and his wife, Jenn, travel with their rescue dog, Duck, and a black cat named Jane Mansfield, who is proficient in ninjutsu.
CHRISTOPHER BUEHLMAN (he/him) is an author, comedian, and screenwriter from St. Petersburg, Florida. He tours the country most years, writing fantasy and horror and performing at Renaissance festivals. He and his wife, Jenn, travel with their rescue dog, Duck, and a black cat named Jane Mansfield...

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