Why read The Blacktongue Thief?

Book cover of The Blacktongue Thief

Book description

Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, USA Today bestselling author 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…

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Goblins

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Blacktongue Thief as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Mark A. Rayner

Author

This is just an amazing book. The world-building is completely seamless. Pieces of the puzzle just drop in to place while the narrator, who is an engaging and amusing rogue, gives us a great sense of the place. No info dumps. No narrative bloat. Amazing writing that is truly laugh-out-loud funny in parts and exceptionally horrific in others. If you enjoy a fresh take on fantasy, you have to check The Blacktongue Thief out!

From Mark's 3 favorite reads in 2026.

Justin C. Davis

Author

This book absolutely clawed its way into my top shelf.

It’s filthy, heartfelt, lyrical chaos with a dagger between its teeth. I kept stopping mid-page to laugh—or reread lines out loud in awe. It made me want to write with more teeth, more voice, more profanity. I recommend it to anyone who likes their fantasy grubby and glorious.

From Justin's list on The best books where magic feels dangerous, wild, and weirdly intimate.