Between Two Fires Christopher Buehlman Vk
Christopher Buehlman’s Between Two Fires is widely regarded as a masterpiece of historical horror, blending the visceral reality of the Black Death with a supernatural war between Heaven and Hell. Since its original publication in 2012, it has grown from a cult classic into a New York Times Bestseller, frequently cited as a definitive "grimdark" read for fans of medieval fantasy and cosmic horror. Core Premise: A World Abandoned
Set in 1348, the novel centers on Thomas de Givras, a disgraced French knight turned brigand whose honor was stripped after he was excommunicated and lost his lands. His life changes when he encounters Delphine, a young orphan girl in a plague-ravaged Norman village. Delphine claims to have seen angels and insists that the Black Death is not just a disease, but a secondary war on Heaven initiated by Lucifer’s fallen angels.
The Mission: Delphine convinces a faithless Thomas to escort her across a depraved landscape to Avignon, the seat of the Papacy, to confront the evil devastating the earth.
The Companions: They are eventually joined by Father Matthieu, an alcoholic priest grappling with his own sins and lost faith. Themes and Atmospheric Style Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Between Two Fires
The year is 1348. Thomas, a disgraced knight, has found a young girl alone in a dead Norman village. An orphan of the Black Death, Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Between Two Fires
If you are looking to share Between Two Fires Christopher Buehlman
(or any bookish community), here is a structured post designed to capture its grim, atmospheric essence. 🗡️ [Book Review] Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman Medieval Horror / Dark Fantasy / Historical Fiction France, 1348. The height of the Black Death. between two fires christopher buehlman vk
"The Lord God has turned His face from the business of men."
Imagine the Black Plague isn't just a biological disaster—it's the opening salvo in a literal war between Heaven and Hell. God has gone silent, and Lucifer’s fallen angels are rising to claim the world of men as their newest battleground The Story:
, a disgraced knight turned brigand, who finds a mysterious young girl named in a dead village
. She claims she can see angels and has a mission to reach Avignon to save what remains of humanity
. Joined by a sinful, wine-soaked priest, this unlikely trio must trek across a landscape filled with both human depravity and literal monsters Why you should read it: Between Two Fires: Buehlman, Christopher - Amazon.com
The phrase "between two fires" typically evokes a state of being caught between opposing, equally destructive forces. In Christopher Buehlman’s 2012 historical horror novel, Between Two Fires Public libraries – Many carry physical copies
, this metaphor is literalized through a harrowing journey across 14th-century France during the height of the Black Death. The Historical and Supernatural Backdrop
The story is set in 1348, a year when the Bubonic Plague decimated Europe. However, Buehlman adds a terrifying theological layer: the plague is not merely a biological catastrophe but a byproduct of a literal war between Heaven and Hell. The "two fires" represent this cosmic conflict, with humanity trapped in the middle, suffering the collateral damage of a divine rebellion. The Unlikely Trio
The narrative follows three central characters who form a makeshift family unit:
A disgraced, excommunicated knight who has turned to banditry to survive.
A mysterious young girl who claims to see angels and believes she has a mission to save the world. Father Matthieu:
An alcoholic priest struggling with his faith and his own moral failings. 2. Free or Low-Cost Legal Sources
Their journey from the scorched countryside to Avignon is a "danse macabre" through a landscape populated by both human cruelty and mythological nightmares—from cannibalistic cults to demons masquerading as nobility. Themes of Redemption and Horror
At its core, the novel explores whether redemption is possible in a world that seems abandoned by God. Thomas, a man defined by violence and cynicism, is forced to confront his own soul through his protection of Delphine. Buehlman uses the "grimdark" aesthetic—gritty, hopeless, and visceral—to highlight the few sparks of genuine self-sacrifice and love that remain. Style and Legacy
Buehlman, who is also a poet and performer, writes with a lyrical intensity that balances high-stakes horror with profound melancholy. Between Two Fires
has gained a massive cult following, often cited alongside works like Kentaro Miura’s Dark Souls
video game series for its medieval "dark fantasy" atmosphere.
By weaving together historical accuracy regarding the 14th century with surreal, Bosch-inspired imagery, Buehlman creates a story that is as much about the resilience of the human spirit as it is about the monsters lurking in the dark. summary of the ending , or would you like to explore how this book compares to other historical horror novels
1. Library Access (Free)
- Public libraries – Many carry physical copies. Request an inter-library loan if needed.
- Libby / OverDrive – Free digital loan with a library card. The eBook and audiobook are often available.
- Hoopla – Some library systems offer Hoopla, which has the audiobook.
What to Read After Between Two Fires
If you loved this book, explore:
- The Lesser Dead and The Suicide Motor Club – Buehlman’s vampire novels set in 1970s NYC.
- Those Across the River – His debut; Southern Gothic werewolf horror.
- The Blacktongue Thief – A high-fantasy prequel set in the same universe as Between Two Fires, but more comedic.
- Hellmouth by Giles Kristian – Similar plague-era supernatural horror.
- The Enterprise of Death by Jesse Bullington – Historical dark fantasy with occult themes.
2. Free or Low-Cost Legal Sources
- Kindle Unlimited – Try a 30-day free trial. Between Two Fires is frequently included.
- Scribd (Everand) – Free 30-day trial; the book is on the platform.
- Audible trial – Get a free audiobook credit, use it for the excellent narration by Steve West.
- Project Gutenberg – No, this book is not in the public domain (copyright until at least 2080s). Avoid fake “free” sites.