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  • The Thrice-Bound Fool

The Thrice-Bound Fool

Blacktongue #2 / 3
by Christopher Buehlman
The Thrice-Bound Fool (Blacktongue #2) by Christopher Buehlman
⧗ 9.88 / 16
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The Thrice-Bound Fool is the epic, rollicking next chapter in the bestselling and “awesome as hell” (Nicholas Eames) fantasy adventure series that began with The Blacktongue Thief.

Professional thief and inveterate trickster Kinch Na Shannack has always enjoyed a good book. But now his life, and the future of all of Manreach, depends on him deciphering a very bad book indeed; a stolen, sentient tome that tries to kill him every time he opens it—and often when it’s closed.

Galva, veteran of the goblin wars and death’s sworn handmaiden, has vowed to protect Kinch while he mines the book for its dark magic and even darker secrets. She does so not for Kinch’s sake—though the cheeky bastard is growing on her—but because the book is the key to stopping the shadowy tyrants out to kill the queen she serves, and loves.

The ruthless, all-seeing Taker’s Guild dogs their every step, and thief and knight must flee the known world entirely if they hope to succeed in their mission. But trouble finds Kinch wherever he goes, and the pair may have traded the devil they know for horrors far darker and hungrier as they enter lands unknown.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Also known as The Blacktongue Thief Book 2.
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FantasyEpic FantasyHigh Fantasy
Release date: October 13, 2026

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Readers also enjoyed

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★ 8.62 / 8
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★ 9.84 / 6
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★ 8.80 / 5
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★ 8.28 / 11

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Christopher Buehlman

Christopher Buehlman

Christopher Buehlman has a unique ability to take the macabre and make it not only thrilling but eerily beautiful. As an author, he has an innate talent for weaving dark, atmospheric tales that grip readers from the first page and refuse to let go. His novels, often a blend of horror, fantasy, and historical fiction, transport readers to worlds where the line between the supernatural and the human condition blurs with unsettling results.

Buehlman’s storytelling journey began in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he first began to explore his love for the darker side of fiction. Before he became an author, Buehlman had a varied career, dabbling in everything from acting to writing for TV. But it was his passion for storytelling—specifically for tales that embrace the gothic and the eerie—that led him to focus on his true calling: writing novels that delve into the unknown, the strange, and the terrifying.

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His debut novel, Those Across the River, immediately set the tone for what would become a hallmark of his writing style: a blend of the supernatural with a deeply human narrative. The book, set in the small town of Whitbriar, is a haunting story of love, loss, and the horrors that lurk just beyond the veil of normal life. The success of the novel earned Buehlman a devoted fanbase and a reputation for writing with a voice that is as chilling as it is captivating.

As he continued to develop his voice, Buehlman pushed boundaries with his subsequent works, including The Lesser Dead and The Suicide Motor Club. His stories often explore themes of isolation, survival, and the impact of the past on the present, all while maintaining an undeniable element of suspense. Whether it’s a vampire horror tale or a psychological thriller, Buehlman’s ability to create tension and build atmosphere is unmatched.

He also brings a rich historical context to his stories, which gives his works a grounded yet timeless quality. In The Suicide Motor Club, for example, Buehlman takes readers into the dangerous, gritty world of mid-century America, where vampires ride motorcycles and leave a trail of destruction in their wake. This kind of world-building, combined with Buehlman’s knack for dark humor and heartbreaking character development, keeps readers coming back for more.

Through his books, Buehlman has established himself as a force in modern horror, creating stories that are as emotionally resonant as they are terrifying. His books have been praised for their sharp prose, unforgettable characters, and their ability to explore the darker corners of the human experience.

Today, Christopher Buehlman continues to push the boundaries of horror and fantasy, writing stories that don’t just scare, but make you think. His work resonates with readers who crave stories that are as thoughtful as they are terrifying, and with each new release, he continues to carve out his place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary horror fiction.

When he’s not writing, Buehlman is often found reflecting on the eerie side of life, working on new projects, or just indulging in his love of books and history. His deep respect for the past and his fascination with the unknown inform every page of his novels, making them as immersive as they are unsettling.

Photo: Christopher Buehlman

Blacktongue

In Blacktongue, Christopher Buehlman invites readers into a grim, vividly realized world where violence, magic, and twisted allegiances shape the fate of its characters. This dark fantasy series is a striking departure from typical tales of heroes and villains, weaving together intricate world-building with rich, morally complex characters who live on the edge of survival.

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At the heart of Blacktongue is a world plagued by the brutality of its past, where ancient powers still simmer beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed. Buehlman’s atmospheric prose pulls readers into a place where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and every choice has a heavy cost. The story unfolds amidst a fractured society, filled with mercenaries, witches, and untrustworthy gods, all of whom have their own agendas, secrets, and vengeful plans.

The main character, Kormak, is a haunted warrior whose path is paved with personal loss and the ghosts of his past. His journey through this brutal landscape is one of survival, redemption, and discovering that sometimes the darkest battles are fought within. As he uncovers buried truths and encounters other unforgettable characters—each with their own sharp edges and unresolved desires—readers are taken on a tumultuous ride through a land where loyalty is a rare commodity and betrayal is a constant companion.

Buehlman’s trademark blend of horror and fantasy shines through in Blacktongue. The world itself feels alive, breathing with danger and lurking horrors that threaten to consume those who dare to traverse it. The magic is raw and dangerous, adding an extra layer of menace to the already treacherous landscape, and the characters are deeply flawed, making them both relatable and unsettling.

While the series explores familiar themes of revenge, power, and morality, its strength lies in how Buehlman challenges readers to reconsider the nature of these ideas. What happens when redemption is no longer possible? Is it worth seeking a cause that’s destined to fail? Blacktongue doesn’t offer simple answers. Instead, it leaves readers questioning the true cost of the choices made within its pages.

Dark, rich, and brimming with tension, Blacktongue is an unforgettable series for fans of gritty, immersive fantasy that doesn’t shy away from the horrors of its world—or its characters’ souls. With each twist and turn, Buehlman takes readers deeper into a realm where the consequences of every action are dire, and the story’s grip only tightens as it unfolds. Prepare yourself for a journey where the real monsters may not always be the ones you can see.


Blacktongue consists of one primary book, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Daughters War (Blacktongue #0.5)
★ 8.00 / 1
The Blacktongue Thief (Blacktongue #1)
★ 8.80 / 5
The Thrice-Bound Fool (Blacktongue #2)
⧗ 9.88 / 16
The Blacktongue Thief Book 3 (Blacktongue #3)
⧗ 10.00 / 7


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