Between Two Fires – Christopher Buehlman

Set in 1348 France during the Black Death, Between Two Fires follows Thomas, a disgraced knight, and Delphine, a mysterious orphaned girl who claims to communicate with angels. As the plague ravages the land, Delphine insists a celestial war between heaven and hell is spilling into the mortal realm, and she alone can stop it. Thomas, haunted by his past, reluctantly becomes her protector on a perilous journey to Avignon.

The novel weaves visceral horror with medieval history, painting a bleak yet vivid world where demons lurk in forests, corrupt clergy exploit chaos, and ordinary people cling to hope. Buehlman’s rich prose immerses readers in the grit and despair of the era, balancing grotesque supernatural threats with quiet moments of humanity. Themes of faith, redemption, and sacrifice emerge as Thomas and Delphine confront both earthly and otherworldly evils.

Buehlman’s meticulous research grounds the story in authentic medieval detail, from the brutality of knightly combat to the stark realities of life during the plague. The dynamic between Thomas and Delphine evolves from distrust to profound mutual loyalty, adding emotional depth to the relentless tension. Secondary characters, like a hardened priest and a cunning mercenary, enrich the narrative with wit and tragedy.

The final act escalates into a cosmic clash, blending epic stakes with intimate character moments. Buehlman avoids easy resolutions, instead delivering a haunting, thought-provoking conclusion that lingers. Fans of The Witch or Dark Souls will appreciate its atmospheric dread and moral complexity.