by Michael Shea
First published 1982
Nifft the Lean stretches his long, bony fingers toward another prize. This master thief possesses skills that take him far beyond ordinary heists. His talent for appropriation leads him into the Stygian realms themselves, where the rules of the upper world no longer apply. Down in the vermiculous grottos beneath the demon sea, Nifft faces creatures that embody the worst of human nature. The subworld's crimson sky illuminates horrors that shift between calm and chaos without warning. Each theft becomes a battle for survival against monsters born from spiritual corruption. Nifft must rely on his larcenous expertise and his distinctive physique to navigate these infernal territories. The underworld tests every skill he has learned, pushing him toward confrontations at the very gates of Hell. His adventures blend the art of thievery with supernatural horror, creating a journey where each stolen moment might be his last.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, horror, supernatural
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, supernatural-elements
Setting: Hell, Stygian Realms
304 pages · Mass Market Paperback · DAW
Content warnings: body-horror, gore, violence