One Tin Solider by Chris Tullbane is the final audiobook in the Murder of Crows trilogy. Narrated by Joseph Vernon, it’s the third year at the academy and we are going out in the field with other capes when Damian volunteers to a multi-month expedition to bring hope and relief to the Badlands. A favor has come due, and he’s hunting for Mr. Nowhere. An epic tale that hooked me from the first line to the last.
by Chris Tullbane
Series: The Murder of Crows #3
Narrator: Joseph Vernon
Length: 12 hours and 17 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.4x
Damian Banach's journey from Crow to Cape comes to a thrilling conclusion in this fall's One Tin Soldier!
Every year, the best Academy third-years are offered internships with Free States Cape teams, while the rest join the Mission on a multi-month expedition to bring hope and relief to the Badlands. This year is different though... and it's not just because Damian Banach, the Academy's only Crow, actually volunteered for the Mission.
The fact is, Damian's not headed into the Badlands for relief work. He's going because he owes someone a favor, and that favor has come due. Somewhere in the lawless lands east of the Free States is the person responsible for the Break and all the chaos that came after, and it's Damian's job to find him.
He's hunting for Dr. Nowhere.
I love the world and characters Tullbane has created with the Murder of Crows series. It’s a story of a broken world, redemption, friendship, growth and saving the world. Since the beginning of the series, we have known how Damian Banach’s journey will end because he told us. The journey was brilliant and I cannot recommend this fantasy superhero series enough. If you enjoy Sanderson, Butcher and Ilona Andrews, this series is for you.
It’s year three at the academy and the best capes are selected to join one of the Cape teams as an apprentice. Before anyone can request Damian, he volunteers to join the expedition into the badlands. You see, Damian owes the Queen of Smiles a favor and she has come calling. He will look for Mr. Nowhere, the one responsible for the Break and all the chaos it rendered.
The badlands sit well beyond the protected borders of the Free States. There you will find communities of humans who stayed in this lawless land. Damian and the others are delivering precious supplies. It was much like I imagined the wild west, with fortresses, and gated towns in the middle of nowhere. Along the way, Damian’s skills grow as we draw ever closer to danger.
The dead, the creatures and dangers we encounter in this lawless land kept me listening into the wee hours. Tullbane does a stellar job of allowing the reader/listener to connect with our protagonist and secondary characters. The obstacles they face and how each reacts differently… some for the greater good and others crying no man left behind. It will make you ponder your own reactions. I loved the inner struggle we bear witness to.
The characters are well developed and flawed. You feel their struggles, wins and loses as they bond. Damian is so much more than his power and the author really allows him to grow despite it all.
The ending delivered an epic battle scene as we learn how the Break occurred and face of a nemesis. We suffer loss, as Damian fully understands his own fate. I felt EVERY emotion. This was an epic trilogy.
If you haven’t yet purchased the audiobooks, I recommend grabbing the boxed set of the Murder of Crows trilogy. It contains the novelette, Only the Dead Remains, which shares what happened after the ending scene of the trilogy. It was all I hoped for, and more.
While the trilogy is over, there are more stories to explore. A Sure Thing, The Storm in Her Smile and The Stars That Sing all take place in the same world and stand on their own. Tullbane just released an all new full-length audiobook set in the same world called The Queen of Smiles. I cannot wait to listen!
Joseph Vernon narrates and elevates the stories by giving voice to each character. He does a remarkable job with Damian, and I highly recommend listening.
*kindleunlimited
About Chris Tullbane
Chris Tullbane began as a gleam in someone’s eye, but birth and childhood were quick to follow. He’s been fortunate enough to live in Spain, Germany, and all over the United States of America, and is busy planning a tour of the distilleries of Scotland. He currently lives in Nevada with his angelic wife and ever-expanding whisky collection and occasionally ventures outside to peer upwards, mutter to himself about ‘day stars’, and then scurry back into the house. Chris is the author of two series; The Murder of Crows and The Many Travails of John Smith, as well as a collection of novelettes and stand-alone novels, Stories from a Post-Break World, which are set in the world of The Murder of Crows.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
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UPDATES
Ethan
The blend of high-stakes adventure, well-developed characters, and Damian’s emotional growth sounds so compelling!
Sophia Rose
Wow, it does sound super! I’ll watch for that boxed set with the extension novella.
Kimberly
It’s available on Audible. 🙂
Chris
Thank you for coming on Damian’s journey with me, and I’m so glad the story resonated with you!
It’s a series that will always be near and dear to my heart, and Joe’s narration in the closing chapters is (for me) just pitch perfect for the moment. I love what he brought to the series and am glad he was able to complete it before his retirement!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Great these continue to be a win.