Caffeinated Reviewer

Narrated by Reba Buhr, The Queen of the Road by Chris Tullbane takes us back to his post-break world in the second novel in the Storm Who Rides series featuring a character first encountered in the Murder of Crows series set in the same world. The Queen of Smiles, aka Storm Who Rides, Queen of the Road, Queenie, has become one of my favorite characters. Brilliant character growth and self-reflection alongside danger, squabbles and the open road.

A storm of steel wrapped in a shell of human flesh, the Queen of Smiles has finally become a ruler in more than just name. But before she can get down to the business of empire building, there are words that must be said to a person she once a boy who became a man, then a monster, and then something else entirely.

Her quest will take her back through the Badlands, down past the ruins of Old Texas and into the heart of Fallen Mexico, and not even she knows what she'll do when she finds her target.

Because this isn't just another job. This one is personal.

After the events of The Queen of Smiles, Queenie and Two-Feathers are headed back through the Midwest to return to her empire, but first she needs to speak to a man turned monster. Her journey will take her through Kansas City; she and Two-Feathers will visit his clan, and problems will arise in Dallas. The story that unfolds held me captive as once again Reba Buhr gave us the voice of the Queen of Smiles.

The Queen of Smiles is clad in leather and wears a motorcycle helmet with a smiley-face. Inside a storm rages, and when forced to protect the innocent and what is hers, she lets loose that steel storm. After defeating the Crimson Queen, she is now ruler but prefers the open roads, which is why she and Two-Feathers are on a diplomatic mission of sorts overseeing her territories and negotiating treaties with others.

Since I first met Queenie, I have loved how complex she is, how she balances her scales of justice and her own internal struggles with her creator, herself and the place she holds in this messed up world. I loved seeing her in action in Kansas City as she dealt with warring factions over territory within the city walls. Both the battle and negotiations were intense, as was the stop in Wichita.

We visit Two-Feather’s clan for two reasons: one, to negotiate a treaty, and the second one Queenie isn’t sure she is ready to do. We learn Two-Feather’s story, and battle creatures as Queenie struggles internally with her own feelings. Tullbane impressed me with the supernatural battle scenes, his wry humor and how wrapped up he had me in their story.

This story is far from over, but it ended in the perfect place with just enough hook but satisfying concerning certain threads. While I am excited that Tullbane is working on a new Many Travails of John Smith novel, I cannot wait for the next audiobook in the Storm Who Rides series! This series is available in KindleUnlimited, but I highly recommend that you grab the audiobooks narrated by Reba Buhr. She captures all the emotions and intense moments perfectly. She is the voice of Queenie and owns it brilliantly.

Amazon* | Audible

*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 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.

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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

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