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
Their journey is punctuated by encounters with fallen angels and corrupted saints. A highlight is the portrayal of the antagonists—not just mindless monsters, but ancient entities with grievances. The "Old Enemy" is intelligent, charming, and terrifying, making for a conflict that feels genuinely dangerous.
This is balanced by a relentless depiction of , both corrupted and pure. The world is filled with false prophets, corrupt clerics, and those who have twisted religion into a justification for depravity. Yet, Delphine’s simple, unquestioning faith acts as a foil to all of it. She is not preachy but is a living testament to the power of belief, standing as a beacon in a world that has been completely given over to darkness. As one review notes, the novel is one of the most compelling and profound explorations of faith, all while a knight fights a river monster and deals with other horrific encounters. between two fires christopher buehlman vk
The transition is seamless. The horrors of the plague are so grotesque that when actual demons begin to manifest, it feels like a natural escalation of the apocalypse rather than a genre shift. Buehlman posits a terrifying question: What if the Black Death wasn't just a bacteria, but a symptom of a heavenly retreat? As God remains silent, the forces of Hell move into the vacuum.
. Set in 1348 France during the height of the Black Death, the novel follows a disgraced knight, a drunken priest, and a mysterious girl on a perilous journey to Avignon. The Story: A Road Trip Through Hell The story is set in 1348, a year
If you're a fan of authors like Joe Abercrombie, Mark Lawrence, or Neil Gaiman, you owe it to yourself to check out "Between Two Fires". Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
In the context of contemporary literature, "Between Two Fires" stands out for its bold and unflinching exploration of the human condition. Buehlman's novel joins a growing canon of post-apocalyptic works that challenge readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of our actions. The Unlikely Trio Their journey is punctuated by
, a young orphan who claims to have visions of angels and insists she must reach Avignon—then the seat of the Papacy—to fulfill a mysterious mission that could save humanity. Accompanying them is Father Matthieu
For readers on VK who enjoy dark fantasy that respects history (think The Witch meets Berserk ), this is essential reading. It is a solid, well-crafted novel that argues that even when God is silent, humanity—and perhaps a stubborn knight—can still find a reason to fight.
: A guilt-ridden, alcoholic priest who joins them along the road.
