Books › The redemption of Althalus
The redemption of Althalus
First published 2001 · 792 pages
A cozy, banter-filled epic fantasy where a cynical thief accidentally becomes the savior of the world.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like slipping into a comfortable, familiar armchair by a warm fire. It delivers the quintessential classic fantasy experience, trading grimdark grit for wry humor, magical cats, and the irresistible charm of a scoundrel making good. The narrative unfolds at a steady, deliberate pace, heavily driven by the dry, witty banter of a ragtag found family rather than breathless action. The prose is accessible and conversational, creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that wraps the reader in a sense of ultimate safety despite the world-ending stakes. It is a delightful, low-stress epic perfect for readers who love competent, silver-tongued rogues, sprawling quests, and the heartwarming transition from cynical loner to reluctant hero.
- Mood
- cozy
- adventurous
- nostalgic
- Tone
- wry
- lighthearted
- conversational
- optimistic
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- found family · reluctant heroism · myth and destiny · redemption of a scoundrel
- The writing
- Accessible and dialogue-heavy, relying on dry wit, comfortable banter, and a breezy storytelling cadence.
- The arc
- Moves from cynical, self-serving detachment to a warm, reluctant embrace of duty and found family.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave classic, comfortable epic fantasy where charming rogues trade banter while saving the world.
Content notes
- fantasy violence
- mild peril
About the book
It would be sheer folly to try to conceal the true nature of Althalus, for his flaws are the stuff of legend. He is, as all men know, a thief, a liar, an occasional murderer, an outrageous braggart, and a man devoid of even the slightest hint of honor.Yet of all the men in the world, it is Althalus, unrepentant rogue and scoundrel, who will become the champion of humanity in its desperate struggle against the forces of an ancient god determined to return the universe to nothingness. On his way to steal The Book from the House at the End of the World, Althalus is confronted by a cat--a cat with eyes like emeralds, the voice of a woman, and the powers of a goddess. She is Dweia, sister to The Gods and a greater thief even than Althalus. She must be: for in no time at all, she has stolen his heart. And more. She has stolen time itself. For when Althalus leaves the House at the End of the World, much wiser but not a day older than when he'd first entered it, thousands of years have gone by.But Dweia is not the only one able to manipulate time. Her evil brother shares the power, and while Dweia has been teaching Althalus the secrets of The Book, the ancient God has been using the dark magic of his own Book to rewrite history. Yet all is not lost. But only if Althalus, still a thief at heart, can bring together a ragtag group of men, women, and children with no reason to trust him or each other.
Description from Open Library.
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