What is The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman about?

The Blacktongue Thief follows Kinch, a hilariously vulgar thief deeply indebted to the shadowy Takers' Guild who trained him. After a botched robbery, he's ordered to befriend and travel with the very knight he tried to rob, forming an uneasy alliance. Their journey takes them across a richly imagined world filled with goblins, krakens, giants, and dark magic, blending sardonic humor with adventure in this character-driven fantasy novel.

Who is Christopher Buehlman and what are his other works?

Christopher Buehlman is an American novelist, comedian, and playwright born in St. Petersburg, Florida, known for his literary horror novels and fantasy fiction. He won the 2007 Bridport Prize in poetry and gained a cult following as "Christophe the Insultor" on the renaissance festival circuit. His notable works include the horror novels *Between Two Fires*, *Those Across the River* (nominated for a World Fantasy Award in 2012), and the fantasy sequel *The Daughters' War*.

Who should read The Blacktongue Thief?

The Blacktongue Thief is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with dry, sardonic humor and strong first-person narration. Fans of Joe Abercrombie's witty dialogue, *The Lies of Locke Lamora*, or Sebastian de Castell's Greatcoats series will find this book appealing. However, readers who prefer complex, multi-layered plots over straightforward adventures, or those who don't connect with irreverent humor, may find it less engaging.

Is The Blacktongue Thief worth reading?

The Blacktongue Thief is highly worth reading if you prioritize entertainment, humor, and memorable characters over complex plotting. The book excels with its laugh-out-loud humor, strong character voice, and excellent chapter hooks that keep readers engaged. While the plot is linear and the protagonist shows limited growth, the brilliantly witty narration and creative world-building make it an incredibly fun read that many reviewers give their highest recommendation.

What makes Kinch such a memorable protagonist in The Blacktongue Thief?

Kinch stands out as a first-person narrator through his self-aware, sardonic humor and conversational storytelling style that makes readers feel like they're hearing tales from a close friend. His personality is defined by his love of adventure, coins, and his debt to the Takers' Guild, creating a flawed but entertaining perspective. While some readers note he shows little character growth throughout the story, his dry wit and depth revealed through humor make him comparable to beloved rogues like Abercrombie's Glokta.

How does the audiobook of The Blacktongue Thief enhance the reading experience?

The audiobook of The Blacktongue Thief is narrated by Christopher Buehlman himself, which significantly enhances the storytelling through his intimate understanding of the material and comedic timing. His conversational delivery brings subtle jokes to life that might otherwise be missed in print, making many readers recommend the audio version specifically. The only minor drawback is less differentiation between character voices, requiring closer attention to dialogue tags, but this is far outweighed by his engaging, hilarious narration.

What is The Blacktongue Thief series and what comes next?

The Blacktongue Thief is the first book in Christopher Buehlman's fantasy series set in a world filled with magic, goblins, and guild intrigue. The sequel, *The Daughters' War*, was published in 2024, continuing the story in this richly imagined universe. Buehlman first signed the deal for The Blacktongue Thief in spring 2019, with the book releasing in 2021 after an extended wait.

How does The Blacktongue Thief compare to The Lies of Locke Lamora?

The Blacktongue Thief and *The Lies of Locke Lamora* share similar irreverent humor, roguish protagonists, and guild-based thieves navigating dangerous adventures. Both feature witty first-person narration and blend humor with darker fantasy elements. However, The Blacktongue Thief has a more straightforward, linear plot compared to Locke Lamora's intricate schemes and heists, focusing more on character voice and journey-based adventure than complex plotting.

Le Voleur de langue noire

Christopher Buehlman

4.19(48439 Reviews)

Fiction

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Chapitre 1

A Thief's Journey Through a World of Magic and Monsters

The Blacktongue Thief isn't just another fantasy novel-it's a revelation that's been captivating readers since its 2021 release. This gritty, darkly humorous tale has become a favorite among fantasy enthusiasts, with Neil Gaiman himself praising its "wonderful voice" and "terrific storytelling." Christopher Buehlman's creation stands out in a crowded genre by blending classic fantasy elements with a distinctly modern sensibility, creating a world that feels both familiar and startlingly original. The novel's popularity has grown through word-of-mouth among fantasy readers seeking something fresh, with many citing its unique first-person narrative and unflinching portrayal of a dangerous world as a welcome departure from traditional epic fantasy. Beyond entertainment, it offers a meditation on debt, loyalty, and the price of survival in a world where magic exists alongside brutal reality.

Chapitre 2

A Desperate Thief in a Broken World

In a world still recovering from devastating goblin wars, Kinch Na Shannack is no hero-he's a trained thief with a massive debt to the powerful Takers Guild. His black tongue marks him as a Galtish speaker, his pointy ears hint at elven ancestry, and the tattoo on his hand brands him as Guild property until his debt is paid. When we meet Kinch, he's participating in a highway robbery gone terribly wrong. His victims turn out to be formidable-particularly an Ispanthian warrior woman with a massive war corvid (a raven the size of a stag) who decimates his bandit companions. This encounter with Galva, the Ispanthian warrior, sets Kinch's life on an unexpected trajectory. Soon after, the Takers Guild assigns him to follow her on a mysterious mission to Oustrim, a kingdom that has fallen to giants. The Guild plants an assassin named Sesta to monitor him-first as a blind cat named Bully Boy, and later in human form. This assignment is no coincidence; the Guild has orchestrated the giant invasion as revenge against Oustrim for expelling them. The world Buehlman creates is brutal yet fascinating-a place where magic exists but comes with steep costs. Free magic is dampened by iron but enhanced by copper. Caught magic, stored in tattoos or objects, offers more reliability. This is a world where horses have been nearly extinct since the goblin wars, where women often lead armies because so many men died in previous conflicts, and where goblins remain a terrifying threat despite an uneasy peace. What makes Kinch compelling isn't heroism but his pragmatic approach to survival. He's skilled in lockpicking, wall-scaling, and various "subtle arts," but his greatest asset is his quick thinking. His narrative voice-sarcastic, profane, and often hilarious-guides us through this dangerous landscape with a mix of cynicism and reluctant hope. Despite his criminal profession, Kinch maintains a personal code and a devotion to Fothannon Foxfoot, the trickster god of thieves, revealing layers beneath his roguish exterior.

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Chapitre 3

Companions on a Perilous Journey

As Kinch's journey unfolds, he assembles an unlikely group of traveling companions, each with their own secrets and motivations. Galva, the Ispanthian warrior with her war corvid, initially seems like a straightforward soldier, but her story gradually reveals greater complexity. She's actually Galva Braga, daughter of the Duke of Braga from Ispanthia, on a mission to rescue Queen Mireya of Oustrim-who happens to be her former lover. The relationship between Kinch and Galva evolves from mutual suspicion to grudging respect. Their dynamic highlights the novel's exploration of prejudice and cultural differences. Galva, with her Ispanthian honor code and direct approach to conflict, contrasts with Kinch's more devious methods, yet they find common ground in their determination to survive. Perhaps the most intriguing relationship develops between Kinch and Norrigal, a young witch who joins their party. Their moon-marriage-a temporary arrangement lasting one month-grows into something deeper as they face dangers together. Norrigal's magical abilities complement Kinch's thieving skills, and their banter provides moments of tenderness in an otherwise harsh world. Other memorable characters include Yorbez, Galva's gruff swordmaster; Malk Na Brannyck, a fellow Galt who despises Kinch for avoiding military service during the goblin wars; and Deadlegs, an ancient witch with mysterious connections to Norrigal. Each character brings their own cultural background and personal history, enriching the world-building and creating a tapestry of competing interests and alliances. The antagonists are equally compelling. Sesta, the Guild's Assassin-Adept, is a formidable presence with her magical tattoos and ruthless efficiency. The Full Shadow, a high-ranking Guild member orchestrating events from the shadows, represents the far-reaching power of the criminal organization. And the giants themselves, initially presented as mindless monsters, gain humanity through characters like Misfa, who shares her "death song" with Kinch. Through these relationships, Buehlman explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the bonds formed in adversity. Each character must decide where their true allegiances lie when faced with conflicting obligations to family, country, guild, or personal survival.

Chapitre 4

A World Scarred by War and Magic

The setting of The Blacktongue Thief is a continent still bearing the scars of devastating conflicts. The Goblin Wars-the Threshers' War (1210-1217) and the Daughters' War that followed-decimated the population, with nine in ten men perishing in some regions. This demographic shift has reshaped society, with women filling roles traditionally held by men, including military leadership. The geography spans multiple kingdoms with distinct cultures. Holt, where Kinch's journey begins, is a relatively stable realm with towns like Cadoth and the port city of Pigdenay. Norholt features the mysterious Snowless Wood, home to powerful witches like Deadlegs. Molrova, with its cities of Grevitsa and Rastiva, has a culture that values deception-they consider it polite to lie in conversation. And Oustrim, the fallen kingdom beyond the Thrall Mountains, was once prosperous before the giants came. Buehlman excels at creating locations that feel lived-in and distinct. The Downward Tower of Deadlegs, with its inverted interior where visitors must climb down from the ceiling, exemplifies the novel's creative approach to magical spaces. The sewers beneath Hrava, where refugees hide from giants, become a microcosm of society with their own economy and power structures. Magic in this world comes in various forms, each with its own rules and limitations. Witchcraft, practiced by characters like Norrigal and Deadlegs, involves rituals, potions, and deep connections to nature. The Magickers Guild uses more formalized spellcasting, while the Takers Guild employs magical tattoos and enchanted objects. Even the goblins have their own magical traditions, including the dreaded "bone-mixers" who create unnatural hybrid creatures. The novel doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of this world. Slavery exists in various forms, from the kynd-meat captured by goblins to the debt bondage that traps Kinch in the Guild's service. Prejudice between different peoples-humans, goblins, giants-drives much of the conflict. And the powerful exploit the vulnerable, whether it's the Guild manipulating events for profit or nobles using commoners as cannon fodder in their wars. Yet within this harsh reality, Buehlman finds moments of beauty and wonder. The description of Edth, with its terraced pyramids of flowers and magnificent Stone Baths, offers a glimpse of civilization's achievements. The rare sight of a horse-nearly extinct since the goblin wars-becomes almost mystical. And the bonds formed between characters from different backgrounds suggest the possibility of overcoming ancient hatreds.

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Chapitre 5

Trials by Sea and Land

Kinch's journey takes him across treacherous terrain, with each leg of the adventure bringing new dangers and revelations. After leaving Cadoth with Galva, they travel north to meet Deadlegs, the witch of the Snowless Wood. This detour introduces them to powerful magic outside Guild control and brings Norrigal into their party. Their path then leads to Pigdenay, where they book passage on a whaling ship, the Suepka Buryey. The sea voyage becomes a nightmare when the ship encounters both a massive red whale and a vengeful kraken. Buehlman's description of the kraken attack is particularly vivid: "The beast showed itself, raising its mantle and rolling one huge plate-sized eye at us. It did that to frighten us. And it worked." After their ship capsizes, the survivors reach a small island where they face starvation until a goblin vessel discovers them. The ensuing battle ends with their capture, but they eventually turn the tables when the goblins are mysteriously poisoned-likely Sesta's work, though Kinch and Norrigal claim credit to maintain their cover. Rescued by a Middlesea fireship, they reach the canal city of Edth, where Kinch and Norrigal become "moon-married" under a temporary arrangement. Their journey continues with Galva's Ispanthian army, across Molrova and into the Bittern Mountains, where they meet the eccentric magician Fulvir. Throughout these travels, Kinch struggles with his conflicting loyalties-to the Guild that trained him, to his new companions, and to his own survival. The final leg takes them into Oustrim itself, now overrun by giants. In the ruined capital of Hrava, Kinch descends into the sewers to meet Urmehen, an "Upright Man" of the criminal underworld who reveals crucial information about Queen Mireya's kidnapping. Following the trail of the Guild agents who took her, Kinch and his companions track them to a cave where they face both giants and the Guild's assassin in a climactic confrontation. Each stage of this journey tests Kinch in different ways. The sea voyage forces him to confront Malk, a reminder of his past cowardice. The goblin capture brings him face-to-face with humanity's ancient enemies. And the final battles require him to choose sides definitively, abandoning his Guild loyalty in favor of his new companions.

Chapitre 6

Thieves, Assassins, and the Power of Guilds

The Takers Guild stands at the center of the novel's power structures-a criminal organization with influence across multiple kingdoms. More than simple thieves, they operate as a shadow government with their own schools, hierarchy, and magical resources. Their reach extends from picking pockets to manipulating international politics, as revealed when Kinch discovers they orchestrated the giant invasion of Oustrim. Guild membership is marked literally on the body-Kinch bears the "Debtor's Hand" tattoo that identifies him as owing service to the organization. This visible brand makes him vulnerable to public humiliation; anyone can slap him with impunity, exercising the "Guild-gift" that reinforces his lower status. The debt system keeps members like Kinch in perpetual servitude, with interest accumulating faster than they can pay it down. The Guild's training is comprehensive, teaching not just thieving skills but languages, fighting techniques, and magical cantrips. The Low School in Pigdenay, where Kinch studied for three years, produces professionals who follow a code and respect hierarchy. This isn't disorganized crime but a parallel society with its own rules and traditions. At the top of this hierarchy sit the eleven Full Shadows, the secret rulers who direct operations across the continent. Their power comes not just from wealth but from knowledge-as demonstrated by the Book of the Full Shadow, which contains both deadly magic and damning secrets about Guild operations. Opposing the Guild are various forces, including Queen Mireya, who drove them from Oustrim, and independent operators like Urmehen, the "Upright Man" of Hrava's sewers. The novel suggests that the Guild's power, while vast, isn't absolute-it faces resistance from those who value freedom over security or profit. Through Kinch's evolving relationship with the Guild, Buehlman explores themes of debt, loyalty, and personal agency. Initially, Kinch accepts his role as a Guild tool, rationalizing that it saved him from certain death in the goblin wars. But as he witnesses the organization's corruption and cruelty, he begins questioning this bargain. His ultimate rejection of Guild authority represents a reclaiming of his autonomy, though at great personal cost.

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Chapitre 7

Magic, Monsters, and Mayhem

The fantastical elements of Buehlman's world are both familiar and refreshingly original. Magic exists in multiple forms, each with its own rules and practitioners. "Free magic" involves spells cast in the moment, while "caught magic" stores spells in objects or tattoos for later use. Iron dampens magical effects, while copper enhances them-a detail that clever characters exploit by sheathing weapons in copper. Witchcraft, as practiced by Norrigal and Deadlegs, connects to natural forces and often requires specific components. When Norrigal's seasickness spell fails because she can't find turmeric, it illustrates how this magic system has practical limitations. More powerful witchcraft, like Deadlegs transforming a staff into a mechanical horse or Mireya creating an endless flow of water, approaches the miraculous but remains grounded in the novel's internal logic. The creatures populating this world range from the familiar to the bizarre. Giants, traditionally fantasy antagonists, gain nuance through characters like Misfa, who shares her "death song" with Kinch. Goblins remain primarily villainous but have their own culture and language, with Buehlman describing their ships as "strangely beautiful in their asymmetry." Perhaps most distinctive are the war corvids-massive ravens bred during the goblin wars to terrify the enemy. Galva's bond with her corvid, which can transform from a tattoo on her chest into a living bird, exemplifies the novel's creative approach to magical companions. When the bird dies, Galva's grief is palpable, highlighting the emotional connections that transcend species. Fulvir's "mixlings"-hybrid creatures combining different animals or animals with humans-represent the darker side of magical experimentation. The fox-headed boy in a cage labeled "Fothannon" particularly disturbs Kinch, as it blasphemes against his deity. These creations raise questions about the ethics of magic and the limits of human interference with nature. Through these fantastical elements, Buehlman explores how magic and monsters reflect human nature. The giants aren't inherently evil but retaliate against Guild provocation. The goblins, while genuinely threatening, have their own society with rules and customs. Even the kraken displays intelligence and purpose in its attacks. By giving depth to these creatures, the novel avoids simplistic good-versus-evil narratives in favor of more complex moral terrain.

Chapitre 8

Cultures, Languages, and the Clash of Worlds

One of the novel's strengths is its rich tapestry of cultures, each with distinct traditions, languages, and worldviews. Kinch's Galtish heritage marks him as an outsider in many places-his black tongue (literally darkened from chewing a particular herb) identifies him as a speaker of this language. Galtish culture values cleverness and trickery, with their patron deity Fothannon Foxfoot embodying these traits. In contrast, Ispanthian culture emphasizes honor and direct confrontation. Galva's approach to conflict-facing enemies head-on rather than employing subterfuge-reflects these values. Ispanthians respect those who hurt them, as demonstrated when Galva compliments Kinch's arrow shot after their first encounter. Their tradition of female warriors who "take the cut of Dalgatha" by removing their breasts represents a radical commitment to their martial path. Molrovan customs include the strange practice of valuing lies over truth in conversation. When Fulvir hosts the travelers, he expects them to express disinterest in things they actually want, creating a complex social dance of deception. This cultural quirk extends to their fighting style, as seen in "the pull" contest where goblins and Molrovans engage in a deadly tug-of-war across a chain barrier. Religious diversity adds another layer to this cultural mosaic. The Allgod church provides a common framework across kingdoms, but local deities maintain strong followings. Norrigal's pragmatic approach-"Whichever suits the present spell or keeps me out of any hell. That's the god I'll take today, I had another yesterday"-contrasts with more devoted worship like Kinch's relationship with Fothannon. Languages serve as both barriers and bridges between cultures. Kinch's facility with multiple tongues-Galtish, Holtish, Gallardian, and some Ispanthian-makes him valuable as an interpreter but also marks him as potentially untrustworthy, someone who can shift between identities. The novel frequently includes untranslated words and phrases, immersing readers in its multilingual world. Through these cultural interactions, Buehlman explores themes of prejudice, understanding, and adaptation. Characters must navigate unfamiliar customs and overcome ingrained biases to work together. The unlikely alliance between Kinch, Galva, and Norrigal demonstrates the possibility of transcending cultural differences in pursuit of common goals.

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Chapitre 9

The Politics of Giants and Men

The novel's political landscape is as complex as its cultural one. The invasion of Oustrim by giants initially appears to be a straightforward conflict between civilized humans and savage monsters. However, as Kinch discovers, the reality is far more nuanced. The giants attacked in response to Guild provocations-disguised men crossing the Thrall Mountains to murder giants, creating the impression that Oustrim had broken ancient treaties. This revelation transforms our understanding of the conflict. The giants aren't mindless aggressors but a people responding to perceived threats. Their society has its own structures and values, as demonstrated by Misfa's "death song" tradition of speaking truth before dying. By giving voice to a giant character, Buehlman challenges simplistic narratives about monstrous "others." The human kingdoms have their own political complexities. Ispanthia's internal struggle between King Kalith and his niece Mireya forms a crucial backdrop to the main plot. Kalith, who murdered his brother to seize power, represents tyrannical rule enforced through fear and Guild assistance. His court practices, including the use of "knife-boys" trained from toddlerhood to kill on command, illustrate the cruelty of his regime. Queen Mireya of Oustrim, in contrast, represents a more benevolent approach to power. As a witch-queen who drove out the Guild, she threatened their control over the continent's affairs. Her rescue becomes not just a personal mission for Galva but a potential turning point in the larger political struggle against Guild influence. The novel doesn't present a simplistic view of good versus evil governance. Even "good" rulers like Mireya make compromises and mistakes. The Ispanthian army supporting her cause isn't above using violence to achieve its ends. And common people often suffer regardless of who holds power, as demonstrated by the refugees hiding in Hrava's sewers. Through these political machinations, Buehlman explores questions of legitimacy, resistance, and the responsibilities of power. The Guild's manipulation of giants and humans alike reveals how those with privilege can exploit differences to maintain control. Yet the novel also suggests possibilities for alliance across traditional boundaries, offering hope that understanding might eventually triumph over division.

Chapitre 10

A Journey's End and a New Beginning

As the novel reaches its climax, Kinch and his companions track Queen Mireya to a cave where she's held captive by Guild agents. The ensuing confrontation brings together all the story's threads-Kinch's conflict with the Guild, Galva's mission to rescue Mireya, Norrigal's connection to Deadlegs, and the broader political struggle against Guild domination. The battle against Sesta, the Guild's assassin, forces Kinch to make his final choice between loyalty to the organization that trained him and the companions who've earned his trust. When he shoots Sesta with an arrow, he irrevocably breaks with his past. This decision leads to Norrigal's apparent death, though we later learn she and Deadlegs share an existence where one lives while the other remains elsewhere-a magical connection that offers hope for reunion. In the aftermath, Queen Mireya entrusts Kinch with translating the Book of the Full Shadow, whose secrets could "rend the Guild to tatters." This mission gives purpose to his rebellion, transforming him from a reluctant participant to an active agent of change. Meanwhile, Deadlegs performs one last miracle-freeing a living horse from Misfa's tattoos, restoring something precious that had been lost to the world. The novel ends with Kinch and Galva fleeing westward, carrying the dangerous book and accompanied by Bully Boy, the blind cat. Their future remains uncertain, but they've established a partnership based on mutual respect rather than convenience or coercion. Mireya and Deadlegs ride eastward on the miraculous horse, seeking the Ispanthian army and the possibility of reclaiming power from those who abused it. This conclusion avoids neat resolution in favor of new beginnings. The immediate threat has passed, but larger conflicts remain unresolved. The Guild still holds power across much of the continent. Giants and humans have yet to establish lasting peace. And Kinch himself must navigate a world where he's now hunted by his former masters. What makes this ending satisfying isn't triumph but transformation. Kinch has evolved from a debt-bound thief focused on survival to someone willing to risk everything for principles and people he values. His journey reflects the novel's central theme-that true freedom comes not from escaping obligations but from choosing which ones matter most.

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Chapitre 11

The Enduring Magic of Storytelling

The Blacktongue Thief is ultimately a story about stories-how they shape our understanding of ourselves and others. Throughout the novel, characters share tales that reveal cultural values and historical truths. The play about Princess Mireya performed in Cadoth, the Galtish poem about lovers separated by war, and Misfa's death song all represent different approaches to narrative. Kinch himself is a storyteller, both within the tale and as its narrator. His voice-profane, witty, and occasionally vulnerable-guides readers through this complex world with remarkable clarity. His perspective transforms even mundane observations into opportunities for insight or humor, as when he describes Grevitsa as "a study in contrasts - exquisite lace and amber jewelry displayed in shops along streets patrolled by garbage-eating pigs owned by tough ex-soldiers." The novel also explores how stories can deceive. The Guild's narrative about giants as mindless monsters justifies their manipulation of events for profit. Kalith's portrayal of Mireya as mad conceals his own illegitimate seizure of power. Even Kinch's self-image as a clever survivor rather than a coward represents a story he tells himself to justify his choices. By revealing these deceptions, Buehlman suggests that true understanding requires questioning received narratives and seeking multiple perspectives. When Kinch learns the giants' side of the conflict or hears Misfa's death song, he gains insight that transforms his worldview. This openness to alternative stories ultimately enables his break with the Guild and its controlling narrative. In this way, The Blacktongue Thief celebrates the power of storytelling while warning against its misuse. The Book of the Full Shadow represents knowledge that can liberate or destroy, depending on who controls it. By entrusting it to Kinch-a thief with a conscience and a growing sense of justice-the novel suggests that stories belong not to institutions but to individuals brave enough to tell them truthfully. Through Kinch's journey from debt-bound thief to potential revolutionary, Buehlman creates a tale that both entertains and challenges readers to question their own narratives about power, loyalty, and difference. Like all great fantasy, it uses an imagined world to illuminate truths about our own.

★★★★★

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Thèmes clés dans Le Voleur de langue noire

indentured servitude
goblin war aftermath
criminal underworld politics
magical cost
unlikely traveling companions

Citations de Le Voleur de langue noire

The world Buehlman creates is brutal yet fascinating.
His greatest asset is his quick thinking.
Magic exists but comes with steep costs.
Prejudice between different peoples drives much of the conflict.
The novel doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of this world.

Personnages de Le Voleur de langue noire

Kinch Na ShannackA cynical thief with a debt to the Takers Guild
Galva BragaAn Ispanthian warrior on a mission to Oustrim
NorrigalA young witch who joins Kinch's party
SestaA Guild assassin who monitors Kinch
Christopher BuehlmanThe author of the novel

À propos de l'auteur

Christopher Buehlman est l'auteur à succès de Le Voleur de langue noire (The Blacktongue Thief) et un écrivain acclamé de dark fantasy et d'horreur littéraire. Né en Floride en 1969, Buehlman apporte un mélange unique d'humour irrévérencieux et de narration atmosphérique au genre de la fantasy, s'inspirant de sa carrière de plusieurs décennies en tant qu'humoriste culte et de son parcours académique en langue et histoire françaises à l'Université d'État de Floride.

Le Voleur de langue noire illustre le style caractéristique de Buehlman — une construction d'univers brute, des personnages moralement complexes et un esprit acéré — ce qui lui a valu une reconnaissance tant dans les communautés de l'horreur que de la fantasy. Ses autres œuvres notables incluent Entre deux feux (Between Two Fires), qui se déroule pendant la peste noire dans la France du XIVe siècle, et Those Across the River, qui a été nommé pour le World Fantasy Award en 2012. Il a également remporté le prix Bridport de poésie en 2007 et a écrit un segment pour le reboot de Creepshow sur Shudder.

Buehlman a parcouru les festivals de la Renaissance pendant 25 ans sous le nom de « Christophe the Insultor », se constituant une base de fans dévoués qui influence le ton de comédie noire de ses fictions. La série du Voleur de langue noire se poursuit avec The Daughters' War (2024), une préquelle qui élargit son univers de fantasy richement imaginé.

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Mastering the Gothic Castle Romance

This plan is essential for novelists looking to elevate their romance writing with atmospheric depth and psychological complexity. It is specifically designed for authors who want to move beyond cliches to create immersive, haunting worlds and compellingly flawed leads.

1 h 30 m•3 Sections

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

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Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

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Chapitre 4

Le Voleur de langue noire

AperçuAperçu de Le Voleur de langue noire

Un livre. De nombreuses façons de l'écouter.

A Thief's Journey Through a World of Magic and Monsters

A Desperate Thief in a Broken World

Voyez chaque mot au fil de l'écoute

Companions on a Perilous Journey

A World Scarred by War and Magic

Profitez davantage de Le Voleur de langue noire

Trials by Sea and Land

Thieves, Assassins, and the Power of Guilds

Voyez chaque mot au fil de l'écoute

Magic, Monsters, and Mayhem

Cultures, Languages, and the Clash of Worlds

Profitez davantage de Le Voleur de langue noire

The Politics of Giants and Men

A Journey's End and a New Beginning

Voyez chaque mot au fil de l'écoute

The Enduring Magic of Storytelling

Vous êtes arrivé au bout de Le Voleur de langue noire

Thèmes clés dans Le Voleur de langue noire

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Découvrir plus

1,000,000+ curious minds.

1,000,000+ curious minds.

Un livre. De nombreuses façons de l'écouter.

A Thief's Journey Through a World of Magic and Monsters

A Desperate Thief in a Broken World

Voyez chaque mot au fil de l'écoute

Companions on a Perilous Journey

A World Scarred by War and Magic

Profitez davantage de Le Voleur de langue noire

Trials by Sea and Land

Thieves, Assassins, and the Power of Guilds

Voyez chaque mot au fil de l'écoute

Magic, Monsters, and Mayhem

Cultures, Languages, and the Clash of Worlds

Profitez davantage de Le Voleur de langue noire

The Politics of Giants and Men

A Journey's End and a New Beginning

Voyez chaque mot au fil de l'écoute

The Enduring Magic of Storytelling

Vous êtes arrivé au bout de Le Voleur de langue noire

Les utilisateurs ont aussi aimé

Découvrir plus

Aperçu de Le Voleur de langue noire