Tullbane delivers a new series set in his Post-Break World and you do not want to miss it. The Queen of Smiles by Chris Tullbane, the first in the Storm Who Rides, was completely unputdownable. Narrated by Reba Buhr, Tullbane takes us across the badlands as our motorcycle riding queen hands out justice.
by Chris Tullbane
Series: The Storm Who Rides #1
Narrator: Reba Buhr
Length: 12 hours and 13 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x
They burned her town.
They killed her friends.
They roused the storm.
They won't live to regret it.The Queen of Smiles has long been a mystery, even to herself. A storm of steel wrapped in a human shell, she's spent decades crossing the continent in search of answers about her origin and the rules she has been forced to live by. Three years ago, under a bright New Mexico sun, she finally got those answers… and they were as unsatisfactory as they come.
And so, she withdrew from the world, doing only small jobs for the people of the nearby town of Eclipse. But life carries on and the post-Break world won't stop spinning. When she returns from a trip to find Eclipse burned to the ground and its people slaughtered, the Queen of Smiles begins a mission of revenge that will take her through the Badlands, into the path of the horrors of Texas, and ultimately, to the seat of power of the teenage warlord who calls herself the Crimson Queen.
Because sometimes, the biggest question isn't why; it's what's next.
I first discovered Tullbane when Tantor Audio published his urban fantasy series, The Many Travails of John Smith. A series I highly recommend. When I saw he had a new series starting, I asked questions and dove into The Murder of Crows trilogy before beginning his newest, The Queen of Smiles. Another series I absolutely love with superheroes in a post-break world. Queenie was a secondary character and now has her own series. You could read her novella, The Storm in Her Smile and dive in, but I bet you’ll go back for more.
Queenie is a power who was created and her origin story is unique. She is badass, fearless, and has seen some shit. Seriously. I love her and fear her. After learning her origin story, Queenie headed to Eclipse and has busied herself taking minor jobs. When she returns from a job, she finds Eclipse burned to the ground and heads out for answers and revenge.
I love the tale that unfolds as we traveled across the badlands and Texas as she hunts down the power responsible, known as the Crimson Queen. Along the way, she seeks answers from contacts and ends up with a traveling companion. She names this silent nomad, Two-Feathers. Traps, battles, and favors called made for an addictive listen.
The world-building and character development elevate this story & world. From the pacing to the prose, Tullbane is in his element as this story unfolds. Queenie is a complex character who pulls you in. Chris Tullbane has become an auto-buy author and I cannot wait for the next audio in this series! This author is perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson and Pierce Brown.
Reba Buhr narrates and did a stellar job of giving voice to Queenie. She captured everything about her, from her coldness to a tender side. The story lends itself perfectly to the audio format, and the production is well done. 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.
About Reba Buhr
Reba Buhr grew up in the Pacific Northwest and now lives in Los Angeles, working in theater, film, and television. She has degrees from Occidental College in theater and classical voice. Reba began recording audiobooks in 2012 and has turned her love for performance into a passion for narrating characters that jump off the page.
Stay Caffeinated!
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge
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
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Not sure what I expected this to be about from that creepy cover, but it sounds like it was a good one! Thanks for sharing!
Sophia Rose
That is neat that you took a gamble on a new to you author and now are still reaping the dividends with another fab series start. I’ll have to start at the beginning when I’m in the mood for a new Urban Fantasy world.
Chris
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Her Majesty is a challenging character to write, but I feel like she’s always worth the effort. And we were so lucky to get Reba on narration!
Kimberly
She truly is one of my favorite characters. Complex and scary as hell, but I also feel for her. I can’t wait for more!
Lindsi
This sounds like something I might enjoy! I just have no idea how anyone is able to listen to audiobooks over 1.0 speed. 😅 I envy you guys! I feel like that would speed books along that are dragging.
Kimberly
I always start the audiobook at 1.0x and slowly increase speed until the narrator sounds normal to me. Lol
Lindsi
That’s actually a really good idea. Ease myself into it… like the frog in lukewarm water analogy. 😅
Anne- Books of My Heart
These do look so fun!