Caffeinated Reviewer

Godswar by Chris Tulbane continues The Many Travails of John Smith. I was excited for a new book and delighted that Tantor Audio picked up the newest novel on audio with Joel Richards continuing the narration. He has become the voice of John and his motley crew of friends, allies, and enemies. What follows is another addictive tale with battles, humor, and bundles of joy!

John Smith, supernatural mediator and private investigator, has come a long way since he first got kidnapped by vampires.

He has a girlfriend now and an ever-growing list of responsibilities. Even the supernatural species of San Diego seem to think he's someone to be reckoned with.

And then Bill, the asparagus Demigod of Nightmares, Terror, and Vindication, shows up in John's dream with ominous one of Bill's fellow immortals has been murdered.

How do you kill a demigod, especially in the heart of their own domain? And was that death an isolated incident, or the start of something even worse? John will have to find those answers quickly, because more than just San Diego's fate hangs in the balance.

When gods war, reality itself trembles. Now, one mortal mediator finds himself stuck in the middle of all that chaos, with no way out but through.

Fans of the Dresden Files need to check out this urban fantasy series. John is a human private investigator and the mediator between supernatural factions in San Diego. He has come along way from the barely getting by PI who lived in his parent’s basement in book one. He now finds himself with plenty of work, coin in his pocket, and the hottest and most dangerous woman in San Diego is his vampire girlfriend.

Like most urban fantasy, it is important to listen to this series in the order of its release. Series arches, relationships, allies, character growth, and discoveries about John’s own abilities all unfold over the series. Tullbane does a great job of catching listeners up, but trust me, you are only cheating yourself.

The story is a blend of mystery, mythology, magic, humor, and character growth as John and Lady Anastasia Dumenyova work to protect the city and their secret. (Lots of development on the home front fans will not want to miss) Humor, food, and lots of detective work ensue.

In my humble opinion, each novel in the series is better than its predecessor. John is having troubling dreams and soon finds he has been tasked to solve the death of an immortal god and find Bill, the asparagus Demigod of Nightmares, Terror, and Vindication. He needs to call upon his friends, allies, and other immortals to aid him. Things aren’t easy because as he tries to investigate, doors are closed and someone is trying to kill him. But when has that ever stopped John?

The world-building in this series has been phenomenal, from the vampires that run the city to the different gods and demigods. I mean the god of traffic violations- I love it. Tullbane’s vivid imagination shines as both gods and lesser demons join in the battle when the stakes become too high. We traverse worlds and realms joined by shifters, giant cockroaches, and more. Don’t even get me started on the humorous nods to some of my favorite fandoms, like Monty Python. I love these little Easter eggs.

Joel Richards once again rocks the narration. Even though I bought the ebook when it was released earlier this year, I held out for the audiobook. Richards has become the voice of John and these characters. He elevates the story and my enjoyment of this world.

While the deadly problem wraps up in Godswar, we learn of some troubling developments ensuring more stories in this world. I, for one, cannot wait.

Amazon* | Audible | Libro.fm

*Available in 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.

Website | Instagram

About Joel Richards

Joel Richards was the kid who did crazy things just to have a good story to tell afterward. On deciding to make his affection his profession, he received a BFA in acting and a BA in English from the University of Utah, and later an MA in oral storytelling from East Tennessee State University. He has narrated over 150 audiobooks (fiction and nonfiction) and continues to tell his original stories to live audiences.

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 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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