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In the Name of the Worm #1
His Black Tongue
There is no plague in Enfaire…
Dead things have been found in the fields of Enfaire, a God-fearing town north of Reams. Not just dead things but twisted forms… unholy shapes. And there are rumours, too—of a blasphemous union and of fell creatures that haunt the night. Yet, even as plague and witch pyres blacken the sky, the town remains untouched by the malady that has already claimed thousands and will claim thousands more.
It is here, in Enfaire, that an old Franciscan friar and his ward take shelter from a storm. It is here, in a little town on the edge of civilization, that they will have their faith truly tested.
His Black Tongue is a tale of medieval horror, plunging the reader into the plague-torn land of 14th century France, when pestilence and death walked hand-in-hand, and life was little more than a sputtering candle, waiting to be put out. But there are worse things than death, than sickness and decay… and it comes upon leathery black wings.
Includes The Bone Fields novella and the short stories The Knights of the Non-Euclidean Table and Necropolis.
Dead things have been found in the fields of Enfaire, a God-fearing town north of Reams. Not just dead things but twisted forms… unholy shapes. And there are rumours, too—of a blasphemous union and of fell creatures that haunt the night. Yet, even as plague and witch pyres blacken the sky, the town remains untouched by the malady that has already claimed thousands and will claim thousands more.
It is here, in Enfaire, that an old Franciscan friar and his ward take shelter from a storm. It is here, in a little town on the edge of civilization, that they will have their faith truly tested.
His Black Tongue is a tale of medieval horror, plunging the reader into the plague-torn land of 14th century France, when pestilence and death walked hand-in-hand, and life was little more than a sputtering candle, waiting to be put out. But there are worse things than death, than sickness and decay… and it comes upon leathery black wings.
Includes The Bone Fields novella and the short stories The Knights of the Non-Euclidean Table and Necropolis.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2021
1197 people are currently reading
11202 people want to read
About the author
Mitchell Lüthi
18 books289 followersThe Pilgrim Illustrated Limited Edition Kickstarter is launching in September 2024! Check it out here: https://t.ly/xsNeh
The limited edition includes 12 full-page illustrations by artist Tyrone Le Roux, 9 character illustrations by Filipe Pagliuso, full-colour book ends by Alicja Tereszczenko, an illustrated slipcase by Anthony Ventura, custom interior design, medieval chapter drop caps, metallic rose gold on the front, spine, and rear, gold-edged pages, and a ribbon bookmark.
Mitchell Lüthi is a writer and producer based in Cape Town, South Africa. He has written a number of scripts, short stories, and radio plays. "Pilgrim" is his first full-length novel.
In addition to his writing, Lüthi produces and scores the Sentinel Creatives Podcast. With a passion for storytelling, Lüthi has established himself as a versatile writer who can create compelling narratives across various genres.
His short story, "The Bone Fields", received an honorable mention in the 2020 L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Competition. The story is available in the Write Like Hell: Kaiju anthology.
The limited edition includes 12 full-page illustrations by artist Tyrone Le Roux, 9 character illustrations by Filipe Pagliuso, full-colour book ends by Alicja Tereszczenko, an illustrated slipcase by Anthony Ventura, custom interior design, medieval chapter drop caps, metallic rose gold on the front, spine, and rear, gold-edged pages, and a ribbon bookmark.
Mitchell Lüthi is a writer and producer based in Cape Town, South Africa. He has written a number of scripts, short stories, and radio plays. "Pilgrim" is his first full-length novel.
In addition to his writing, Lüthi produces and scores the Sentinel Creatives Podcast. With a passion for storytelling, Lüthi has established himself as a versatile writer who can create compelling narratives across various genres.
His short story, "The Bone Fields", received an honorable mention in the 2020 L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Competition. The story is available in the Write Like Hell: Kaiju anthology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 811 reviews
May 20, 2024
This is probably the best audiobook I have ever listened to [PETITION to have this duo narrate every book from here on produced]. THAT being said, I would have LOVED to see that first story (The Bone Fields) fleshed out a bit further (maybe that twist ending built up a bit more) ...and the second two stories left out (although I really did like the ending of the second story).
Reviews below for each individual story...
THE BONE FIELDS NOVELLA: 5⭐
◘ Medieval horror.
◘ WOWWWW ...this audio is fantastic 🔥 I feel like I'm watching a movie.
◘ This story makes me really uncomfortable 😕 the way women of this time could be so easily accused by anyone for almost anything. And be beaten, killed. This book just really drives home the notions held that women were witches that could wield evil. The word "witch" to be hurled around like a promise of retaliation. It makes me sick.
◘ I won't deny that the horror behind these witches is certainly scary. It's only the religious fervor and persecution of women in the name of god that hurts my heart.
◘ This really could be a movie. The production behind this audiobook just WOW
◘ This is story is WILD.
◘ THAT TWIST!!!
◘ UMMM... can I get a sequel please? I have so many questions 😅
LONG SHIPS: 3⭐
◘ Viking horror.
◘ The nouns are extremely difficult to follow and differentiate so I can't seem to remember who is who or where they are.
◘ This whole slave thing is icky. 😬
◘ Kind of reminds me of "The Descent" in this cave scene.
◘ Just a bit over the top for me. Good ending though.
The knights of the non-Euclidean table: 2⭐?
◘ Witcher vibes. Boring.
Reviews below for each individual story...
THE BONE FIELDS NOVELLA: 5⭐
◘ Medieval horror.
◘ WOWWWW ...this audio is fantastic 🔥 I feel like I'm watching a movie.
◘ This story makes me really uncomfortable 😕 the way women of this time could be so easily accused by anyone for almost anything. And be beaten, killed. This book just really drives home the notions held that women were witches that could wield evil. The word "witch" to be hurled around like a promise of retaliation. It makes me sick.
◘ I won't deny that the horror behind these witches is certainly scary. It's only the religious fervor and persecution of women in the name of god that hurts my heart.
◘ This really could be a movie. The production behind this audiobook just WOW
◘ This is story is WILD.
◘ THAT TWIST!!!
◘ UMMM... can I get a sequel please? I have so many questions 😅
LONG SHIPS: 3⭐
◘ Viking horror.
◘ The nouns are extremely difficult to follow and differentiate so I can't seem to remember who is who or where they are.
◘ This whole slave thing is icky. 😬
◘ Kind of reminds me of "The Descent" in this cave scene.
◘ Just a bit over the top for me. Good ending though.
The knights of the non-Euclidean table: 2⭐?
◘ Witcher vibes. Boring.
October 6, 2025
Certainly different!
These short stories were a bit like the proverbial Curate's Egg, something for everyone. The first story, His Black Tongue, was my favourite. It was set in 13th century France, plague ridden and beset by witches and demons. A jolly good tale of the virtues of medieval Catholicism with a wicked twist at the end.
Other tales of horror varied from reimagined Arthurian legends, Viking exploits on a remote island that should not exist, Danish folk-lore (echoes of Rosemary's Baby) and a couple of dark sci-fi tales.
All in all this was an enjoyable and worthwhile read.
These short stories were a bit like the proverbial Curate's Egg, something for everyone. The first story, His Black Tongue, was my favourite. It was set in 13th century France, plague ridden and beset by witches and demons. A jolly good tale of the virtues of medieval Catholicism with a wicked twist at the end.
Other tales of horror varied from reimagined Arthurian legends, Viking exploits on a remote island that should not exist, Danish folk-lore (echoes of Rosemary's Baby) and a couple of dark sci-fi tales.
All in all this was an enjoyable and worthwhile read.
April 30, 2024
I’m afraid this is going to be an unkind review. My complaints are twofold: the writing, and the constant anachronisms. This is supposedly a horror, but the writing is so juvenile as to almost be cartoonish. There is no suspense, no pacing. The book seems to constantly be checking if you’re scared yet and the answer is: no. A villain monologues with all the aplomb of a Scooby Doo climax. The main characters themselves talk like they are in a Sherlock Holmes novel, using words that were not coined until several centuries later (“Resurrectionist”, for example) and about concepts that were not popularised in that region of the world for quite a time yet. (A lot of the author’s ideas of witches and witchcraft seem singularly inspired by an American perspective). I had a sinking feeling in my gut the moment I stumbled on three seperate similes in the first two paragraphs. Stick with “Between Two Fires”, I’m afraid.
August 22, 2024
I’d like to start this review with mentioning I listened to the audiobook and the production and narration was absolutely a 10/10. It almost like watching a movie. Really incredible stuff. HOWEVER, while the audiobook was well done, the stories were a bit too fantastical for my own personal enjoyment. If you’re into fantasy aspects in horror then I think you’ll really like this. For me though, it completely took me out of the stories.
What I thought would be a 5 star listen for me took a turn I didn’t anticipate and it’s just not for me ultimately. Bravo though to the team to put together that audiobook!
What I thought would be a 5 star listen for me took a turn I didn’t anticipate and it’s just not for me ultimately. Bravo though to the team to put together that audiobook!
August 10, 2023
His Black Tongue is the title story, and arguably the best of the collection here. The rest are ok.
September 19, 2023
The first story reads like catholic anime. After a strong start I couldn’t finish it.
August 31, 2025
3.5☆ Overall
After reading the synopsis for this book I thought it was a novel not a collection of six short stories. Each story has the potential to become a good novel. I wish some of them will be fleshed out further to full length novels.
Below is my rating for each story.
•His Black Tongue (4.5☆) ~ This is the story described in the synopsis. Who doesn't like an epic battle between a demon and a "little saint?"
•The Bone Fields (3☆) ~ Vikings trying to return home after successful raiding become stranded on an unknown island. Yes, there are monsters! I did not like the ending.
•The Knights of the Non-Euclidian Table (4☆) ~ Great twist to the King Arthur, Mordred, Lancelot saga.
•Necropolis (3☆) ~ It was okay. I am not a fan of sci-fi, but it wasn't bad at all.
•The Breeding Mound (3.5☆) ~ Two Danish brothers making their way home after the war stumble upon a village that still practices the old ways. I wanted more!
•The Blessed Tomb (3☆) ~ This has loose ties to Necropolis, and again, was not my thing.
I do like Mitchell Luthi's writing style and I will read his other works.
After reading the synopsis for this book I thought it was a novel not a collection of six short stories. Each story has the potential to become a good novel. I wish some of them will be fleshed out further to full length novels.
Below is my rating for each story.
•His Black Tongue (4.5☆) ~ This is the story described in the synopsis. Who doesn't like an epic battle between a demon and a "little saint?"
•The Bone Fields (3☆) ~ Vikings trying to return home after successful raiding become stranded on an unknown island. Yes, there are monsters! I did not like the ending.
•The Knights of the Non-Euclidian Table (4☆) ~ Great twist to the King Arthur, Mordred, Lancelot saga.
•Necropolis (3☆) ~ It was okay. I am not a fan of sci-fi, but it wasn't bad at all.
•The Breeding Mound (3.5☆) ~ Two Danish brothers making their way home after the war stumble upon a village that still practices the old ways. I wanted more!
•The Blessed Tomb (3☆) ~ This has loose ties to Necropolis, and again, was not my thing.
I do like Mitchell Luthi's writing style and I will read his other works.
May 20, 2024
1.5 stars
The production quality of the His Black Tongue audiobook is unmatched and unparalleled. It's absolutely showstopping in quality. It's got the church bells, the sounds of a Gothic monastery, the demonic voices of possession and when a demon presents its true form, sound effects of battle, and excellent voice work from the actors. The listening experience was fantastic, but the story itself felt like I was listening to a corny-ass Christian video game. The big epic finale was corny AF and I was trying not to laugh while driving and listening to it. I'm marking this book in the superhero section because this nun literally was so touched by God and His light that she was able to wield an archangel's weapon against a demon, heal from several wounds that are impossible to heal from, and somehow manage to fight a demon with both arms broken. It was a ridiculous plot, but the epilogue/ postscript chapter had me SHOOK. The author totally pulled a fast one on me and I was pleasantly happy with the ending, so I'm giving His Black Tonuge 2 stars.
This, however, is a collection with two other stories in it and boy were they both boring stinkers. WHAT SNOOZE FESTS. "The Bone Fields" was a Norse fantasy story and "The Knights of the Non-Euclidean Table" was a Merlin jerk fest. It was draining to listen to and beyond me. If you decide to listen to the book, skip the final two stories unless you are either a diehard Norse fan or a Merlin buff. Otherwise, the only story with truly outstanding production value and an almost worthwhile story is His Black Tongue.
The production quality of the His Black Tongue audiobook is unmatched and unparalleled. It's absolutely showstopping in quality. It's got the church bells, the sounds of a Gothic monastery, the demonic voices of possession and when a demon presents its true form, sound effects of battle, and excellent voice work from the actors. The listening experience was fantastic, but the story itself felt like I was listening to a corny-ass Christian video game. The big epic finale was corny AF and I was trying not to laugh while driving and listening to it. I'm marking this book in the superhero section because this nun literally was so touched by God and His light that she was able to wield an archangel's weapon against a demon, heal from several wounds that are impossible to heal from, and somehow manage to fight a demon with both arms broken. It was a ridiculous plot, but the epilogue/ postscript chapter had me SHOOK. The author totally pulled a fast one on me and I was pleasantly happy with the ending, so I'm giving His Black Tonuge 2 stars.
This, however, is a collection with two other stories in it and boy were they both boring stinkers. WHAT SNOOZE FESTS. "The Bone Fields" was a Norse fantasy story and "The Knights of the Non-Euclidean Table" was a Merlin jerk fest. It was draining to listen to and beyond me. If you decide to listen to the book, skip the final two stories unless you are either a diehard Norse fan or a Merlin buff. Otherwise, the only story with truly outstanding production value and an almost worthwhile story is His Black Tongue.
June 15, 2023
Comprised of four stellar novellas, His Black Tongue is a dark descent into the Middle Ages. The learned consensus of the time was that a pernicious Hellscape hugged the underbelly of this mortal coil, and Lüthi captures what occurs when the twilight line between the living and the dead is blurred, when Hell seeps through the cracks.
From Franciscan Friars to Viking Warriors to Arthurian Knights to Cryptic Curators, His Black Tongue delivers the grue, dread, and period detail that makes historical horror the grand escape that it is.
From Franciscan Friars to Viking Warriors to Arthurian Knights to Cryptic Curators, His Black Tongue delivers the grue, dread, and period detail that makes historical horror the grand escape that it is.
July 6, 2025
The audiobook was so good and tbh it did most of the heavy lifting for me .
It's not to say the book was bad itself i can see an audience for it but it was just not for me.
For me it felt more like medieval adventure stories then horror ,i enjoyed the gothic vibe but i wasn't particularly scared .
It's not to say the book was bad itself i can see an audience for it but it was just not for me.
For me it felt more like medieval adventure stories then horror ,i enjoyed the gothic vibe but i wasn't particularly scared .
August 20, 2025
hmmm. no.
March 14, 2025
Even more disappointing because I'd been looking for this for a while.
The story is basically Diablo fan fiction. With none of the horror or foreboding necessary to make such a story work. The writing is extremely amateur. The fight between Saint and demon is extremely corny.
Honestly I wonder if this was written by ai.
This should not be compared to Christopher Buehlman's Between Two Fires.
The story is basically Diablo fan fiction. With none of the horror or foreboding necessary to make such a story work. The writing is extremely amateur. The fight between Saint and demon is extremely corny.
Honestly I wonder if this was written by ai.
This should not be compared to Christopher Buehlman's Between Two Fires.
February 9, 2025
I, for sure, got spoiled with this being a full on cast with music and sounds effects!
October 28, 2024
picked up this book for the titular novella and it did not disappoint. there is something for everyone in this collection
his black tongue → religious horror, medieval times, hell, the plague ― 4.5/5
the bone fields → norse/vikings, secluded island, caves and folk tales ― 4/5
the knights of the non-euclidian table → arthurian, battle, monstrs ― 3.5/5
the breeding mound → remote village in the forest, breeding horror à la rosemary's baby ― 4/5
necropolis → crypts, dystopian, murder ― 3/5
the blessed tomb → planet hoppers, forgotten civilizations, monoliths, evil ooze ― 4/5
although it wasn't as scary as i thought it would and none of the stories really took it as far as i wanted it to go, it had great writing and great ideas that i enjoyed a lot. i can also say that some of these stories are really cinematic and the audiobook listeners are convincing me to try listening to some of my favourite stories again (apparently the narrator is great!)
his black tongue → religious horror, medieval times, hell, the plague ― 4.5/5
the bone fields → norse/vikings, secluded island, caves and folk tales ― 4/5
the knights of the non-euclidian table → arthurian, battle, monstrs ― 3.5/5
the breeding mound → remote village in the forest, breeding horror à la rosemary's baby ― 4/5
necropolis → crypts, dystopian, murder ― 3/5
the blessed tomb → planet hoppers, forgotten civilizations, monoliths, evil ooze ― 4/5
although it wasn't as scary as i thought it would and none of the stories really took it as far as i wanted it to go, it had great writing and great ideas that i enjoyed a lot. i can also say that some of these stories are really cinematic and the audiobook listeners are convincing me to try listening to some of my favourite stories again (apparently the narrator is great!)
February 19, 2024
A variety of historical horror/kind of dark fantasy stories. I bought it for the titular novella, His Black Tongue, which I probably liked the most of all the stories in the collection, although it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. A little too surface level for my taste, I felt like it could have gone a little deeper and dirtier.
September 8, 2024
3.0 ⭐️
If you enjoy medieval, occult themes then this is a worthy read. It contains several short stories that are all similarly themed.
I think, because I recently read Christopher Buehlman’s phenomenal medieval epic, Between Two Fires, that this collection lacked depth for me.
If you enjoy medieval, occult themes then this is a worthy read. It contains several short stories that are all similarly themed.
I think, because I recently read Christopher Buehlman’s phenomenal medieval epic, Between Two Fires, that this collection lacked depth for me.
October 11, 2025
the proper way to experience these stories is through the FREE(!) immersive audiobook by sentinel creatives! do yourself a favour and throw it on. the complete performance with the narrators, score, sound effects, etc... holy shit it was scary good.
·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·
his black tongue: 5/5
the apocalyptic, hellish, religious imagery...so rad! luthi's prose is so evocative - creating visualizations akin to the terrifying imagery depicted in revelation.
the bone fields: 2/5
meh...
the knights of the non-euclidian: 4/5
knights will forever have my heart ♥️🤺
necropolis: rtc
·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·
A young man had become possessed by a devil. The thing within him burst into loud lamentation and departed from the man. At once the youth’s eye fell out on his cheek, and the whole of the pupil which had been black became white.
“There is no soul so lost that can no longer be found.”
The Devil never runs upon a man to seize him with his claws until he sees him on the ground, already having fallen by his own will.
·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·
his black tongue: 5/5
the apocalyptic, hellish, religious imagery...so rad! luthi's prose is so evocative - creating visualizations akin to the terrifying imagery depicted in revelation.
the bone fields: 2/5
meh...
the knights of the non-euclidian: 4/5
knights will forever have my heart ♥️🤺
necropolis: rtc
·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·
A young man had become possessed by a devil. The thing within him burst into loud lamentation and departed from the man. At once the youth’s eye fell out on his cheek, and the whole of the pupil which had been black became white.
“There is no soul so lost that can no longer be found.”
The Devil never runs upon a man to seize him with his claws until he sees him on the ground, already having fallen by his own will.
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January 21, 2022
A pretty good collection of four long-form stories. Each has a compelling premise and a good twist or two, even if the prose doesn't always match the creativity of the plot. "The Knights of the Non-Euclidean Table," however, really fires on all cylinders. It's an excellent story of what I can only describe as Lovecraftian, Arthurian legend. Worth the price of admission for that story alone.
July 9, 2025
Fun campy horror stories elevated by amazingly over the top audio production. All three stories kind of felt like the same idea though, and also felt kind of video game-ish? Formulaic all the way to the boss battles at the ends.
April 16, 2024
DNF at 50%. Very hammy and whimsical. No depth or intigue.
July 17, 2025
conceptually interesting, uninteresting execution
October 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Firstly- everyone should be proud of me. I typically read medieval romance only and this book is medieval horror. No romance here! Look at me getting outside my comfort zone to step into an era I love in a different mood. ✨
Secondly- it’s really hard to give ⭐️s to a book that isn’t a whole book / full story but is broken down into multiple short stories. So the overall ⭐️s is a reflection of buying this and reading one story that carried the weight of the entire book. The other stories felt like a writer having really good ideas but instead of turning said good ideas into individual books.. the writer tossed them into one book as short stories- not fully fleshed out and developed- and it showed.
That being said- I’m going to rate each story individually. The entire theme of the book is HELL and escaped demons. So each story pretty much focused on hellish creatures.
1349: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First thing I need to tell you is that this story felt like a live action movie. The production and narration on audible inside this short story was hands down the best Audible book I’ve ever listened too. I was there for it all- the creaking of the gate opening, the oozing of mud sticking to boot as they walked inside the village, the crackling fire in the hearth and coughs of sick people in the background. Dramatized audiobooks should be a whole thing for all audiobooks. It felt like an experience. 10/10 recommend this to anyone who loves to listen to books. I love all the sound effects to this story. Plus the instrumental soundtrack playing in the background of the narration only at the mood more.
This might be one of my favorite short stories I’ve ever read. 10/10 would recommend this book simply for this story. The author would have had a five star book if he would have solely wrote a novella short book on this individual story. It was that powerful. Still focusing the other stories into their own books. I don’t really understand the logic here of making this entire book short stories. It hurt it.
This story. WOW. As a romance reader, this is a story with absolutely no romance and I loved every second of it. This story felt like stepping into a nightmare- inside a medieval time period where the plague has clawed its way across the land and has a deadly grasp on all the countryside villages. Death oozing everywhere. The reader follows a friar and his apprentice inside a village that is full of death- but not from the plague- from something else entirely. This story wrapped me in a world where holiness and horror blurred. The atmosphere felt heavy and cold- like a graveyard. 🪦 From suicide and demons to witches burning and witches casting curses and the gates of hell opening and holy men battling demons- all while being inside a medieval village. This might live in my mind rent free for some time. I wish it was a movie.
If you read this book- it would solely be for this first story.
THE BONE FIELDS ⭐️⭐️
This is a story about Vikings in a medieval setting of longships and sea and land and cave. It felt like Vikings meet zombies? Someone on here said it reminded them of the movie the decent - and I honestly can see that. The dramatize audiobook edition made this story more interesting. The storm in the background clashing with the roaring sea as the narrator sets the mood of the book made me invested - but idk this story didn’t feel fleshed out. I felt a disconnect? I can’t put my finger on it exactly but didn’t feel as full and excellent as the first story. And I love Viking stories! But wasn’t my favorite. Just okay.
The Knights of the Non-Euclidean Table ⭐️⭐️
I liked this story more than the Viking story but it’s still just okay. Not fleshed out either. Just like The Bone Fields- this story didn’t feel developed enough. These both are wonderful concepts but deserved so much more. The author could have dived deeper into these stories and created individual books- and I probably would have loved them more.
This one follows knights after King Arthur has died and Merlin has disappeared. This one felt like a mixture of fantasy meets medieval horror. Sort of a Witcher vibe to it when the three eyed elk appears during hunting. I enjoyed it but again.. something about this one didn’t feel satisfying. Just an okay read. Love the idea. Needed more from it.
There are other short stories but I’m not even going to talk about them because I didn’t care for them at all. The others were modernized and futuristic. What business do they have inside a medieval horror book? Felt misplaced amongst the other reads.
If you read this book- read it for 1349! And you can even try the Viking + knight stories to see. But 1349 made this book what it is- and should have been the book.
Little disappointed - little left in wow over the first story.
Firstly- everyone should be proud of me. I typically read medieval romance only and this book is medieval horror. No romance here! Look at me getting outside my comfort zone to step into an era I love in a different mood. ✨
Secondly- it’s really hard to give ⭐️s to a book that isn’t a whole book / full story but is broken down into multiple short stories. So the overall ⭐️s is a reflection of buying this and reading one story that carried the weight of the entire book. The other stories felt like a writer having really good ideas but instead of turning said good ideas into individual books.. the writer tossed them into one book as short stories- not fully fleshed out and developed- and it showed.
That being said- I’m going to rate each story individually. The entire theme of the book is HELL and escaped demons. So each story pretty much focused on hellish creatures.
1349: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First thing I need to tell you is that this story felt like a live action movie. The production and narration on audible inside this short story was hands down the best Audible book I’ve ever listened too. I was there for it all- the creaking of the gate opening, the oozing of mud sticking to boot as they walked inside the village, the crackling fire in the hearth and coughs of sick people in the background. Dramatized audiobooks should be a whole thing for all audiobooks. It felt like an experience. 10/10 recommend this to anyone who loves to listen to books. I love all the sound effects to this story. Plus the instrumental soundtrack playing in the background of the narration only at the mood more.
This might be one of my favorite short stories I’ve ever read. 10/10 would recommend this book simply for this story. The author would have had a five star book if he would have solely wrote a novella short book on this individual story. It was that powerful. Still focusing the other stories into their own books. I don’t really understand the logic here of making this entire book short stories. It hurt it.
This story. WOW. As a romance reader, this is a story with absolutely no romance and I loved every second of it. This story felt like stepping into a nightmare- inside a medieval time period where the plague has clawed its way across the land and has a deadly grasp on all the countryside villages. Death oozing everywhere. The reader follows a friar and his apprentice inside a village that is full of death- but not from the plague- from something else entirely. This story wrapped me in a world where holiness and horror blurred. The atmosphere felt heavy and cold- like a graveyard. 🪦 From suicide and demons to witches burning and witches casting curses and the gates of hell opening and holy men battling demons- all while being inside a medieval village. This might live in my mind rent free for some time. I wish it was a movie.
If you read this book- it would solely be for this first story.
THE BONE FIELDS ⭐️⭐️
This is a story about Vikings in a medieval setting of longships and sea and land and cave. It felt like Vikings meet zombies? Someone on here said it reminded them of the movie the decent - and I honestly can see that. The dramatize audiobook edition made this story more interesting. The storm in the background clashing with the roaring sea as the narrator sets the mood of the book made me invested - but idk this story didn’t feel fleshed out. I felt a disconnect? I can’t put my finger on it exactly but didn’t feel as full and excellent as the first story. And I love Viking stories! But wasn’t my favorite. Just okay.
The Knights of the Non-Euclidean Table ⭐️⭐️
I liked this story more than the Viking story but it’s still just okay. Not fleshed out either. Just like The Bone Fields- this story didn’t feel developed enough. These both are wonderful concepts but deserved so much more. The author could have dived deeper into these stories and created individual books- and I probably would have loved them more.
This one follows knights after King Arthur has died and Merlin has disappeared. This one felt like a mixture of fantasy meets medieval horror. Sort of a Witcher vibe to it when the three eyed elk appears during hunting. I enjoyed it but again.. something about this one didn’t feel satisfying. Just an okay read. Love the idea. Needed more from it.
There are other short stories but I’m not even going to talk about them because I didn’t care for them at all. The others were modernized and futuristic. What business do they have inside a medieval horror book? Felt misplaced amongst the other reads.
If you read this book- read it for 1349! And you can even try the Viking + knight stories to see. But 1349 made this book what it is- and should have been the book.
Little disappointed - little left in wow over the first story.
April 18, 2025
The book I read had several other of Lüthi’s stories. After I reached a certain page number it told me I had completed the book so I will just give a review of the title book.
His Black Tongue was a beautifully written, enthralling short story. Lüthi’s ability to provide an exposition and in-depth characters within the first chapter moved the story along at a great pace. In the times that he uses descriptive language the lines are incredibly crafted, pacing them like crumbs throughout the story in order to keep the reader interested but not overusing descriptions and losing the plot along the way.
I would highly recommend this author to anyone who enjoys medieval tales and/or horror. I wish the story was a full-fledged book but I am excited to continuing reading the short stories I still have in this publication.
His Black Tongue was a beautifully written, enthralling short story. Lüthi’s ability to provide an exposition and in-depth characters within the first chapter moved the story along at a great pace. In the times that he uses descriptive language the lines are incredibly crafted, pacing them like crumbs throughout the story in order to keep the reader interested but not overusing descriptions and losing the plot along the way.
I would highly recommend this author to anyone who enjoys medieval tales and/or horror. I wish the story was a full-fledged book but I am excited to continuing reading the short stories I still have in this publication.
August 4, 2025
I did not realize going in that this was a short story collection, and was confused why it felt like I was hitting the climax 70 pages in lol. Luthi is excellent at creating an unsettling atmosphere, but as with most short stories, I wanted all of these to be longer, as they were all super interesting premises.
March 1, 2023
I received this book from StoryOrigand the author but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review. When a strange storm whips up in the ocean ate group of Viking Warriors have to retreat to a strange island but when they see their brother-in- ship on the island they feel a bit better but the mood quickly changes when no one is around in and the gully of the ship they see sworthing black snakes. Night is falling in the darkness doesn’t bring any relief just more things to be leery about. One of the shield maidens keeps seeing a shadow on the cliff and every time she tries to take a better look they disappear but they will be more than just shadow people to worry about when their slaves go missing they feared them just as dead as their peers on the other ship but it seems whoever is menacing this island is going to be kind to the slays but not so kind to the Warriors. this is a short read but there’s way more to the story than my brief summary just know this is a great book and what a great idea of all the people to put as the victim of an unbeatable foe but Viking warriors who raid kill and pillage and now they’re the ones in fear for their life I really thought the author had a great grasp on the attitude and emotions of these Vikings because non-coward in fear but soldier gone into whatever danger awaited. I loved the sport and highly recommend it if you love horror stories and Viking tales you’re in for a treat but if you don’t that doesn’t mean passbook it’s too good to miss a true five star horror tale.
October 28, 2023
His Black Tongue, the titular first story in this collection, was spawned in the murky moonlight where the A Plague Tale series meets Fantasia's Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria.
That should be all you need to know, but for the sake of giving it its due I will clearly state that I loved it and that the performances and soundtrack in the audio version were excellent. I'd been searching for authentic historical-horror, particularly medieval tales with elements of plague and pestilence, religious fervour and a tone of creeping dread, but until now I hadn't found one that worked as well as this.
I relish a glimmer of hope in the darkness of my reading though, so when I felt my soul ascend.
I also love a twist, however.
Though the other stories weren't quite as enthralling for me, they will satisfy the historical-fantasy and eldritch itch for the right person. The Bone Fields has an interesting premise and I enjoyed hearing it play out.
Needless to say I have more from Mitchell Lüthi and Sentinel Creatives lined in my tbr pile, hoping for more of the same.
That should be all you need to know, but for the sake of giving it its due I will clearly state that I loved it and that the performances and soundtrack in the audio version were excellent. I'd been searching for authentic historical-horror, particularly medieval tales with elements of plague and pestilence, religious fervour and a tone of creeping dread, but until now I hadn't found one that worked as well as this.
I relish a glimmer of hope in the darkness of my reading though, so when I felt my soul ascend.
I also love a twist, however.
Though the other stories weren't quite as enthralling for me, they will satisfy the historical-fantasy and eldritch itch for the right person. The Bone Fields has an interesting premise and I enjoyed hearing it play out.
Needless to say I have more from Mitchell Lüthi and Sentinel Creatives lined in my tbr pile, hoping for more of the same.
December 18, 2022
I was given this book, in exchange for an honest review, from the author.
Wow, Ok. So first story, which is the main one of the 4, was arguably the best in the collection. The reason for it is that it takes medieval France and combines it with a fantasy horror element with the demon like entity and someone who tries and puts an end to it. If you’re a fan of vidoe games; Tekken or Soul Calibur it can immediately feel like either one. I would also make the argument that this short story should have more to it because the protagonist is definitely interesting. Sadly the other stories didn’t hold my attention much, with necropolis being better of the 3. But still for the adventure I was taken on with the first I still will give this 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you, Mitchell, for the cool Story!
Wow, Ok. So first story, which is the main one of the 4, was arguably the best in the collection. The reason for it is that it takes medieval France and combines it with a fantasy horror element with the demon like entity and someone who tries and puts an end to it. If you’re a fan of vidoe games; Tekken or Soul Calibur it can immediately feel like either one. I would also make the argument that this short story should have more to it because the protagonist is definitely interesting. Sadly the other stories didn’t hold my attention much, with necropolis being better of the 3. But still for the adventure I was taken on with the first I still will give this 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you, Mitchell, for the cool Story!
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September 25, 2025unscary, why is the devil speaking in all caps
March 5, 2024
Alright. The first story (His Black Tongue) is a 10/10. I was hooked the whole time. The audio book had music and voice acting and was just *mwah*. Beautiful. The other two stories, not so much. I wasn't tracking. I wasn't interested. And tbh I couldn't get all the way through them. So that was a bit disappointing. But I cannot emphasize enough how awesome the audiobook was on Spotify. So good. Overall it's getting a 3 since only half of the book is good, but that one story is worth it.
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