Recommended Reading Order for Tales of the Kin
Because Douglas Hulick’s bibliography focuses entirely on a single story arc following the same protagonist, there is only one logical way to read his work. You must follow the publication order to trace the character development, shifting criminal alliances, and overarching plot line.
- Among Thieves (2011)
- Sworn in Steel (2014)
These two books form the entirety of Hulick’s published fiction. While a third novel was planned, the series remains an unfinished duology. Fortunately, the narrative design of the first book allows it to be enjoyed as a relatively self-contained adventure, meaning readers can dive in without fearing an unsatisfying cliffhanger at the very beginning.
Tales of the Kin: A Closer Look at the Books
Hulick's fantasy world is built around the gritty, realistic, and street-level criminal syndicate known as the Kin. Here is what to expect from each installment in the duology.
Among Thieves (2011)
This debut novel introduces Drothe, a professional relic-smuggler and information broker—known in the local slang as a "Nose"—who operates in the sprawling, decaying imperial capital of Ildrecca. Drothe's primary job is to sniff out secrets and report them to his boss, an underworld kingpin (or "Upright Man"). However, Drothe's routine is shattered when he comes into possession of a mysterious ancient book written in a language that shouldn't exist. This relic draws the attention of rival gang leaders, corrupt imperial officials, and deadly mages. Drothe is forced to navigate a labyrinth of betrayal where brute force is far less valuable than quick wits and a sharp blade.
Sworn in Steel (2014)
The sequel picks up several months after the chaotic events of the first book. Drothe has been elevated to a position of significant power within Ildrecca’s underworld, but this new status comes with a massive target on his back. When the emperor's elite investigators start closing in and rival factions threaten to tear the Kin apart from the inside, Drothe must leave the safety of Ildrecca to secure his position. The stakes are elevated from localized gang warfare to city-wide conspiracies, forcing Drothe to decide how much of his own humanity he is willing to sacrifice to survive in a hierarchy built on blood and deception.
Decoding the Jargon: The Cant of the Kin
One of the most distinctive aspects of Douglas Hulick’s writing is his immersive use of criminal slang, inspired by historical thieves' cant from Elizabethan England and early 20th-century street jargon. Rather than providing a glossary, Hulick drops readers directly into the vernacular, allowing the meaning of terms to emerge naturally through context. To help you get your bearings before you start reading, here is a quick reference guide to the key terms used by the Kin:
- The Kin: The collective term for the criminal underworld, its members, and its shared code of conduct.
- Nose: An information broker or spy manager. A Nose gathers street-level rumors, verifies them, and sells or reports the intelligence to higher-ups. Drothe is a Nose.
- Ears: The street-level informants, beggars, and lookouts who supply information to a Nose.
- Upright Man: A regional gang boss or crime lord who controls a specific district of the city and demands tribute from the Kin operating within it.
- Lighter: A term used by the Kin to describe law-abiding citizens who live "in the light" of the law, often viewed with contempt or seen as easy marks.
- Deger: A professional assassin or hired muscle who specializes in lethal work.
- Fist: A bodyguard or enforcer who provides muscle for a crime boss or Nose.
Historical Authenticity and Western Martial Arts Influence
Unlike many fantasy authors who rely on cinematic or highly exaggerated fight scenes, Douglas Hulick brings a unique level of realism to his action. Hulick is an active practitioner of Historical Western Martial Arts (HEMA), with a specific focus on 17th-century Italian rapier combat. Armed with this practical training and a master's degree in medieval history, he designs combat sequences that reflect actual historical fencing techniques. In Drothe's world, fights are fast, messy, and decided by leverage, distance, and split-second decisions rather than grand magical gestures or impossible acrobatic moves. The weight of the steel, the strain of the muscles, and the tactical reality of fighting in confined alleys are palpable throughout the series.
The Status of the Third Book: Court of Lies
For years, fantasy readers have searched for news regarding the third book in the Tales of the Kin series, which was widely referred to under the working title Court of Lies. However, Hulick has since stepped away from the project and writing in general. The author has been open with his readership about his struggles with severe anxiety, clinical depression, and the mounting pressure associated with publishing deadlines. Additionally, recovery from major surgeries and caregiving responsibilities led him to prioritize his health and family over continuing the series. In late 2017, Hulick confirmed that he had ceased work on the book. While fans remain hopeful for a potential return to the world of Ildrecca in the future, readers should approach the series with the understanding that it is currently an unfinished duology.
Practical Reader Advice: Should You Read an Unfinished Series?
Despite being incomplete, the Tales of the Kin duology is highly recommended for fans of gritty, low-magic fantasy. If you enjoy the street-level focus and clever protagonists of Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard sequence, the grim mercenary tone of Glen Cook’s Black Company, or the underworld politics of Steven Brust’s Vlad Taltos novels, Hulick's work is a must-read. The first book, Among Thieves, wraps up its central mystery satisfyingly, meaning it can be read as a standalone novel. While Sworn in Steel leaves more narrative threads hanging, the rich world-building, visceral HEMA-inspired combat, and dense, atmospheric use of thieves' cant make the journey well worth the time for any lover of classic sword-and-sorcery fantasy.