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Between Two Fires

Between Two Fires is a 2012 historical horror novel by Christopher Buehlman, set in France during the Black Death.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Between Two Fires is a 2012 historical horror novel by Christopher Buehlman, set in France during the Black Death. It follows a disgraced knight, a mysterious orphan girl, and a priest as they travel through a plague-ravaged landscape where supernatural forces appear to be at war. The novel blends medieval history, horror, and religious imagery.

Plot

The novel follows Thomas, a disgraced knight, who travels across plague-stricken France with an orphan girl and a priest. Their journey reveals a larger supernatural struggle unfolding alongside the devastation of the Black Death.

Setting and themes

The book is set in 1348 during the spread of the Black Death in France. Its themes include faith, survival, redemption, violence, and the blending of medieval history with apocalyptic horror.

Publication

Between Two Fires was first published in October 2012. Available bibliographic listings identify Christopher Buehlman as the author and Blackstone Publishing among the listed publishers/retailers.

Reception

The novel has been discussed as a notable example of medieval horror and has attracted reader interest for its atmosphere and blend of historical and supernatural elements.

Key facts

  • The novel is set during the Black Death in 14th-century France.
  • Its main characters include Thomas, a disgraced knight, a young orphan girl, and a priest.
  • The story combines plague-era historical fiction with supernatural horror.
  • The plot presents a conflict involving angels, demons, and the fate of humanity.
  • It was published in 2012 and written by Christopher Buehlman.
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Canadian context

The book is available to Canadian readers through major English-language book retailers and is part of the broader market for historical horror and speculative fiction in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Between Two Fires?
It was written by Christopher Buehlman.
What is Between Two Fires about?
It follows a disgraced knight, a young orphan girl, and a priest travelling through plague-ravaged France amid a supernatural conflict.
When was Between Two Fires published?
It was published in October 2012.
What genre is Between Two Fires?
It is generally described as a historical horror novel.
Where is the novel set?
It is set in France during the Black Death in 1348.

References

  1. Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/13543121-between-two-fires
    Supports: Author, basic synopsis, setting during the Black Death, and main characters.
  2. Books-A-Million — https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Between-Two-Fires/Christopher-Buehlman/9781470825553
    Supports: Publication date, ISBN, publisher listing, and plot synopsis.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Between_Two_Fires_(novel)
    Supports: Author, language, setting, publication date, and genre description.
  4. TOR Publishing Group — https://torpublishinggroup.com/between-two-fires/
    Supports: Author biography identifying Christopher Buehlman as the author of Between Two Fires.