The Blacktongue Thief focuses on the character of Kimchi Na Shannack, a liar and a thief who is in debt to the Takers Guild for the training and education they provided him with. Being in debt makes a person do crazy shit and that is where this story begins. One day Kimchi finds himself waiting by a forest road in the hopes of robbing someone. However, the traveller Kimchi meets on that fond day is someone to avoid. He meets Galva a prestigious knight who fought in goblin wars. Galva is on her own quest to find the Queen who has been missing for some time. Soon Kinch finds himself stuck with Galva as they must hunt down the queen together.
The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman was a highly entertaining, exciting, and hilarious fantasy novel that I really enjoyed. I absolutely love a good quest story and this is definitely up there with one of my favourite fantasy novels with a brilliant quest.
This book literally had me laughing my ass off due to the dialogue between the main character and others. Kinch is one of my favourite characters ever now and I am so so happy to have discovered him. His personality and characer is sheer brilliance and he stole the show for me. Having listened to the audiobook while reading this, Kinch has his own distinct voice which again allows him to shine brighter than an ogre with a flaming arrow up his arse. Kinch goes through the worst of it in this novel and although it makes for hilarious moments you can’t help but worry for the unlucky guy.
There are also many memorable side characters such as Galva, Norigal, Bully Boy, and Malk. Each of them have a unique relationship with Kinch. Galva for example is very much a closed book at the beginning and it looks as if she will stay that way at the start. However, she soon begins to trust Kinch and both become each other’s allies.
When considering the world building, I loved the idea of a thieves guild, magic drawn from tattoos, and the idea of the goblin wars was brilliant. It was such a joy learning about the world and It made me want to read on and continue to learn about this amazing world Christopher Buehlman has created. There are also creatures galore from krakons, giants witches, goblins, and many more.
Overall, this book is an absolute delight that I think everyone should read! From start to finish you will be on the edge of your seat crying of laughter while also excitingly awaiting what happens next. I would recommend you read the book along with the audiobook too. Christopher Buehlman narration is now one of my favorites ever!
Thank you to the glorious Will and Gollancz for sending me a copy! I appreciate you infinitely 🙌🏼.
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