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The (Second) Life of Brian #1
Speaker of Tongues: The (Second) Life of Brian, Book 1
The season of peace has ended, the dawn of war has come, and even the gods are restless...
Brian Fieldings just buried his dad and lost the only job he's ever had. Waking up in an unfamiliar, pitch-black room the next morning feels a lot like the rotten cherry on a particularly awful sundae. Especially given the inhuman howling coming from the other side of the door.
He's only been conscious for a minute or so, but Brian already has questions. Where is he and how did he get here? What is making those terrible noises? And why does the room he's in have an altar?
First, he’ll need to survive long enough to get answers… then he’ll have to survive those answers. Because Brian has been tapped to play a role in a bloody drama that spans multiple realities, and nothing from his short life in Midton, Ohio has prepared him for what's next.
Speaker of Tongues is the first book in a slow-burn progression fantasy where the numbers and stats typical of LitRPG books are grounded in an epic fantasy world and balanced by a focus on party-based adventuring, group dynamics, and themes of personal growth.
Brian Fieldings just buried his dad and lost the only job he's ever had. Waking up in an unfamiliar, pitch-black room the next morning feels a lot like the rotten cherry on a particularly awful sundae. Especially given the inhuman howling coming from the other side of the door.
He's only been conscious for a minute or so, but Brian already has questions. Where is he and how did he get here? What is making those terrible noises? And why does the room he's in have an altar?
First, he’ll need to survive long enough to get answers… then he’ll have to survive those answers. Because Brian has been tapped to play a role in a bloody drama that spans multiple realities, and nothing from his short life in Midton, Ohio has prepared him for what's next.
Speaker of Tongues is the first book in a slow-burn progression fantasy where the numbers and stats typical of LitRPG books are grounded in an epic fantasy world and balanced by a focus on party-based adventuring, group dynamics, and themes of personal growth.
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
First published June 18, 2024
173 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Chris Tullbane
21 books212 followersChris 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 multiple series; The Murder of Crows, The Storm Who Rides, The (Second) Life of Brian, and The Many Travails of John Smith. He frequently shares updates on his author website at https://christullbane.com.
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 multiple series; The Murder of Crows, The Storm Who Rides, The (Second) Life of Brian, and The Many Travails of John Smith. He frequently shares updates on his author website at https://christullbane.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 7, 2024
I've become a big fan of this author over his last couple of books, and finding out he was trying his hand at Litrpg had me excited. Its one of those genres that for me at least, is a total hit or a complete flop.
Well I'm happy to say it was a hit.
Darker than anticpated at times, more like the author's Murder of Crows series than the trevails of John Smith. It has a unique leveling system and I dont think i've seen its like in this genre, not just xp but skill requirements and a cultivation-like breakthrough at higher levels. Boosts in any number of general skills along with deductions for not mainting them, 4 general classes but endless branching off based on skills worked on etc.
Not that we see those higher lvls from anyone but Brian's enemies in this volume, dont expect him to be to be slaying dragons or commanding armies. I dont think its a spoiler to say even at the end of the book Brian is still a low level in this world, and its not a small book.
The author seems content to be dealing with small numbers, the gains are immediate and noticeable but a blade through the heart will kill you all the same. I appreciate this as much as I enjoy ridiculous feats as any nerd, sometimes the numbers reach the millions and the battle scenes reach a point of nonsense flashing lights or it stagnates as the story reaches its ceiling too quickily.
The story is supported strongly by its supporting cast (often times quite alien to the usual elf or dwarf archetypes), which I really enjoyed, the framework provides zero information to Brian (or anyone really) and its realistic and more interesting that our MC understands his limitations and seeks help from wherever he can get it.
Overall if you like the author's previous work and you've never tried litrpg or you just like fantasy in general, you cant really go wrong with Speaker of tongues. Numbers dont flash at you every couple of pages and the combat is still 'Combat' as you may be used to in other books. That being said I think fans of Litrpg will also enjoy this as they have an opportunity to see a slightly different take to a leveling system from an experienced author. I will certainly be continuing the series when book 2 is released.
Well I'm happy to say it was a hit.
Darker than anticpated at times, more like the author's Murder of Crows series than the trevails of John Smith. It has a unique leveling system and I dont think i've seen its like in this genre, not just xp but skill requirements and a cultivation-like breakthrough at higher levels. Boosts in any number of general skills along with deductions for not mainting them, 4 general classes but endless branching off based on skills worked on etc.
Not that we see those higher lvls from anyone but Brian's enemies in this volume, dont expect him to be to be slaying dragons or commanding armies. I dont think its a spoiler to say even at the end of the book Brian is still a low level in this world, and its not a small book.
The author seems content to be dealing with small numbers, the gains are immediate and noticeable but a blade through the heart will kill you all the same. I appreciate this as much as I enjoy ridiculous feats as any nerd, sometimes the numbers reach the millions and the battle scenes reach a point of nonsense flashing lights or it stagnates as the story reaches its ceiling too quickily.
The story is supported strongly by its supporting cast (often times quite alien to the usual elf or dwarf archetypes), which I really enjoyed, the framework provides zero information to Brian (or anyone really) and its realistic and more interesting that our MC understands his limitations and seeks help from wherever he can get it.
Overall if you like the author's previous work and you've never tried litrpg or you just like fantasy in general, you cant really go wrong with Speaker of tongues. Numbers dont flash at you every couple of pages and the combat is still 'Combat' as you may be used to in other books. That being said I think fans of Litrpg will also enjoy this as they have an opportunity to see a slightly different take to a leveling system from an experienced author. I will certainly be continuing the series when book 2 is released.
August 18, 2024
Chris Tullbane is a master storyteller, and once I start any of his books, I have trouble putting it down. That goes double for his massive RPG-inspired portal fantasy, Speaker of Tongues. At 850+ pages, it's a chonker, but I whipped through it in a week, and I'm not an especially fast reader. Speaker of Tongues is a massively entertaining book that sucked me in and left me drained! If the 2nd volume were available today, I'd dive right in. Fans of adventure fantasy (and who isn't) will want to drop whatever they're doing and start on this one right away!
What makes this book work (beyond Tullbane's exceptional ability to craft a compelling story) are the characters, the setting, and (for role-playing gamers especially, but anyone can appreciate it) the sense of achievement the reader feels when the main character--Brian--levels up. I totally identified with Brian's eagerness to see quantifiable results as he acquired and improved his skills (often in unexpected ways). But this story is more than simply a recreation of an RPG. The emotions, friendships, enmities, horror, discoveries (including self-discoveries), frustrations, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs all come across as very real. This is a world the reader can immerse themselves in, just as Brian does. He has no choice, of course, but readers will find themselves happy to ride along with him (sadly, you won't be able to pick up his skill points, but you'll enjoy the journey).
A hundred stars!
What makes this book work (beyond Tullbane's exceptional ability to craft a compelling story) are the characters, the setting, and (for role-playing gamers especially, but anyone can appreciate it) the sense of achievement the reader feels when the main character--Brian--levels up. I totally identified with Brian's eagerness to see quantifiable results as he acquired and improved his skills (often in unexpected ways). But this story is more than simply a recreation of an RPG. The emotions, friendships, enmities, horror, discoveries (including self-discoveries), frustrations, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs all come across as very real. This is a world the reader can immerse themselves in, just as Brian does. He has no choice, of course, but readers will find themselves happy to ride along with him (sadly, you won't be able to pick up his skill points, but you'll enjoy the journey).
A hundred stars!
July 2, 2024
Wow!! An incredible book!
I almost skipped this book because the title didn’t “grab” me and the blurb was just “ so-so”. Boy am I glad I changed my mind! This book is one of the best stories I’ve read recently. The plot is fresh, creative and engaging. The characters grab you from page 1 and immerse you into their world. You’re part of their story - laughing , crying, getting angry, etc right along with them. The writing is brilliant. I need book 2!!!
I almost skipped this book because the title didn’t “grab” me and the blurb was just “ so-so”. Boy am I glad I changed my mind! This book is one of the best stories I’ve read recently. The plot is fresh, creative and engaging. The characters grab you from page 1 and immerse you into their world. You’re part of their story - laughing , crying, getting angry, etc right along with them. The writing is brilliant. I need book 2!!!
March 24, 2024
I'm so excited about this book and this series I can't stand it. Chris could write furniture assembly instructions and they'd be engaging and entertaining.
June 22, 2024
Excellent!
I was not expecting a LitRPG from Chris Tullbane, but holy hell he hit it right out of the park! I can't wait for the next one!
I was not expecting a LitRPG from Chris Tullbane, but holy hell he hit it right out of the park! I can't wait for the next one!
February 3, 2025
4 stars if you like litrpg, decidedly less if you don’t. That said, this really is more of a fantasy with a slight litrpg overlay - good writing, good characters, good mystery.
June 19, 2024
Great Job as usual from the author
I have liked the author's other series, especially the John Smith series. This series is a more grounded look at LitRPG that carries the same good character development the author's other series have and I would like to see Brian's story continue on in the next few books especially how his friendship with Miko progresses.
The elements of progression are really well thought out and we are not plastered with long status updates that some other books in this genre have. This is one of those books where I could actually follow the logic of the characters choices in their level ups.
The prose is remarkably easy to follow and I found myself invested in Brian's journey and adventures. He has to work hard for his progression and it shows, but there is some nice payoff too, if again grounded in the realities the protagonist inhabits. His choices are rational, well thought out and his circumstances as explained in this book, set up for interesting developments in the next one.
I cannot wait to see where the author takes Brian's story next and hope we have many more books to come.
I have liked the author's other series, especially the John Smith series. This series is a more grounded look at LitRPG that carries the same good character development the author's other series have and I would like to see Brian's story continue on in the next few books especially how his friendship with Miko progresses.
The elements of progression are really well thought out and we are not plastered with long status updates that some other books in this genre have. This is one of those books where I could actually follow the logic of the characters choices in their level ups.
The prose is remarkably easy to follow and I found myself invested in Brian's journey and adventures. He has to work hard for his progression and it shows, but there is some nice payoff too, if again grounded in the realities the protagonist inhabits. His choices are rational, well thought out and his circumstances as explained in this book, set up for interesting developments in the next one.
I cannot wait to see where the author takes Brian's story next and hope we have many more books to come.
June 27, 2024
A fantastic read
A true novel in length with a dark, complex, magical world and equally dark and complex creatures. The litrpg is actually crucial to Brian's development and to the story instead of being an annoying interruption to the tale. I really like when a character earns their skills and learns to use them. In a story of personal growth, loss, triumph and survival this book has everything a good fantasy novel should contain. This is easily one of my favorite books and possibly overall favorite story out of the hundred or so I have read this year.
A true novel in length with a dark, complex, magical world and equally dark and complex creatures. The litrpg is actually crucial to Brian's development and to the story instead of being an annoying interruption to the tale. I really like when a character earns their skills and learns to use them. In a story of personal growth, loss, triumph and survival this book has everything a good fantasy novel should contain. This is easily one of my favorite books and possibly overall favorite story out of the hundred or so I have read this year.
June 26, 2024
Amazing story
I really loved this book. Got sucked into it on the 2nd page. I loved the new world and all the adventures that Brian and his crew get thrown into. My only complaint is that you really get to liking a character, and then they die. If you like rpg games, a world set in medieval times with a sci-fi twist, you will enjoy this book.
I really loved this book. Got sucked into it on the 2nd page. I loved the new world and all the adventures that Brian and his crew get thrown into. My only complaint is that you really get to liking a character, and then they die. If you like rpg games, a world set in medieval times with a sci-fi twist, you will enjoy this book.
June 29, 2024
Looking forward to book two!
It was a slow burn as Chris focused on backstory and world building but the story picked up pace rapidly. I loved the character development - Chris did a phenomenal job of writing each in a way that the reader can relate. An excellent entry into the genre. Highly recommend!
It was a slow burn as Chris focused on backstory and world building but the story picked up pace rapidly. I loved the character development - Chris did a phenomenal job of writing each in a way that the reader can relate. An excellent entry into the genre. Highly recommend!
July 21, 2024
This is one of the best books I’ve read in the genre. Main supporting characters die (minimal plot armor), check. The main character isn’t OP, check. It all seems plausible if a random dude got dumped into it, check.
Based on how he’s ended other series, I’ve got high hopes that there’s a wild ride ahead.
Based on how he’s ended other series, I’ve got high hopes that there’s a wild ride ahead.
Read
August 10, 2024DNF at 42 %
The protagonist must be the most boring and useless savior character I had the ill fortune to read about. His skills and progress were absolutely embarrassing, his character underwhelming and he got already saved multiple times by plot armour. I am done with the book..
The protagonist must be the most boring and useless savior character I had the ill fortune to read about. His skills and progress were absolutely embarrassing, his character underwhelming and he got already saved multiple times by plot armour. I am done with the book..
June 21, 2024
Very good book
This is a fine gamelit fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the lizard girl. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine gamelit fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the lizard girl. I anxiously await the sequel.
July 11, 2025
great story byt with an off kilter litrpg vibe. it's an unusually low litrpg system but the author makes it work ( i think it's his first book in this genre)
July 9, 2024
I was a level-one Warrior in a strange world filled with things that could kill and eat me.
I'm going to go ahead and go off on a bit of a tangent here before getting into the nitty-gritty of my review of Chris Tullbane's "Speaker of Tongues: A Fantasy LitRPG (The (Second) Life of Brian Book 1)" - though I will supply a bit of teaser by saying this was in my 'humble' opinion an absolutely wonderfully written and extraordinarily executed epic of a tale! No, before we truly get underway, I just want to point out that this is my first completed LitRPG story, something I thought I might never get added to my list of reads throughout the years and certainly without the 'DNF' label I've affixed to other stories of this ilk - and yes, that even includes that series that has so many authors, um, crawling to the waterhole to get their own sip of the available LitRPG profits before the next dry season. Hm, desert watering hole idioms might not translate well...
If this was what dungeons were like, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be an adventurer anymore.
But you see, it's only that I've never, well, even RPG'd at all in ANY form. Ever. No, I was the nerdy kid that was too nerdy to even get invited to the local DnD gatherings. And in terms of video renditions of same, I mean, sure I'm as up for a rousing and highly strategic round of SUDOKU as the next Copper-level paladin, but that's really where it kind of stops for me. Yeah, I did the whole Asteroids thing back in the days where we had to go to actual arcades with a ton of quarters in our pockets, but nothing really since. I'm talking no Warhammers, no Marios, nada (those were the only two I could even think of, sorry). So if I'm making myself clear at all (nope! they cried), what I'm trying to say is I went into this beast of a book (see also references to 'chonky boi' and 'too heavy for carry-on luggage') with some trepidation.
Level 6 was already in view. And all it had taken was a small war and the likely death of everyone I knew.
My fears proved to be unfounded though because as I've come to learn over the past several years, Tullbane can flat out write a good story … with "Speaker of Tongues" being no exception in any way, shape, or form to what he's delivered before. Truly, I've learned this time and again, including from his initial incredibly tense dystopian trilogy (plus accompanying supporting novellas) "Murder of Crows" to my own favorite (so far) "The Queen of Smiles". He's also shown how adept he can be at humourous urban fantasy "John Smith" series, which I hope continues for at least another 20 books or so. Not that I'm demanding at all. It's no wonder then that this young(er than me) author has established himself as one of my all-time favorites with his collection of must-read offers!
I was a kid from Midton, Ohio. I wasn’t supposed to be running around killing people.
In all cases - and definitely true for SoT - these stories are first and foremost populated by amazing characters. Sure, many of the ones we start to develop true feelings for meet untimely ends (seriously, we're looking at a 50 - 80% mortality rate in some cases) but dang, it was sure great to know 'em while we did! And in this case, Brian Fieldings - known throughout the lands as, well, Brian Fieldings - definitely fits the bill. Finding himself thrust into a strange new world (universe and reality maybe, too) after the worst of bad days - namely, attending the funeral of his long-ill dad, getting fired from his shitty job (yep, still same day!), and 'accidentally' devouring a plate full of special brownies - poor Brian, the guy who had been an outcast with a missing mom most of his life as well as he of 'less-than-optimal height' but good of heart, finds himself in some pretty freaky circumstances. And as the author is so adept at, this means of course Brian not only gets the living snot kicked out of him throughout the book but just about gets eaten right away by creepy crawly giant-sized bear-cat centipedes which of course set off most of my phobias (CT's never written a sequence about climbing a tall, unfinished building that sways in the wind yet, but I'm just waiting). Never mind that Brian is apparently "that moron who always ends up dying first in zombie movies", things are bound to work out okay, right? Hm…
Disrobing in the middle of a forest fire while being hunted by giant predatory lizards was just another Tuesday.
Because if there's one thing you can count on in ANY of these series - on-going or not - is that there are going to be some pretty utterly terrible albeit extremely imaginative beasties to best. And in 'Speaker of Tongues', the author outdoes himself, relying on some trusted stand-bys - giant Thunderbirdies and spider-slash-centipede thingies - as well as a host of new nasties that can only come from a mind regularly boiled by the desert sun. My own favorite this time are surely the berry-loving 'lurkers', which you just have to see to believe (no spoilers)! And in addition to having a skill for mutating the very nature around us, we are also treated by Senor Tullbane to some of the best battle scenes you'll find in any genre! Which I have to say is not easy to do, as most authors like to provide a good ol' "slash and burn" variety without much meat on the bone when it comes to actual strategy and/or what happens after first contact with the enemy (hint: it involves excrement and fans). But not only are we well supplied with the flayed flesh of both sides in the various conflicts, we get to feel what the pro-/antagonists go through as these same battles wear on, taxing both us and them physically as well as mentally. It gets pretty deliciously harsh is what I'm saying!
The battle was over, and we were still standing. It wasn’t victory, but survival.
And of course, the characters themselves are just off the charts fantastic. OK, I will say it here: none of them reach quite YET the awesomeness and leather-clad goodness (?) that is the Queen of Smiles herself or even the sexy power of Anastasia, the previously mentioned John Smith's vampire lover, but the gang in this book is fun to hang with, even with a notable lack of vengeful Asparagus Gods to join in on the excitement. Yeah, ok, we spend a long time in Brian "Yes, I'm Short Dammit" Fielding's head, but at the risk of achieving the next level in Pun Telling, he does grow on you, especially with his god(s)-given ability to understand all languages, including even demonic dog talk! And our merry band of adventurers is certainly a blast and a half (again, prepare yourself for both literal and metaphorical examples of same) along with many of the folks we meet along the way. And they not only carry the story like champs, but also provide us with one of the best cliffhanger-y endings I've seen in many a moon. There will indeed be hell to pay and to mete out in the next instalment for sure (they killed the snowmen, dammit)!
Freedom isn’t about living forever; it’s about living the life you want.
Finally, I do want to address how the whole "LitRPG" aspect of the book worked. I will say that I'm still not an overwhelming fan of seeing "screens" appear to list out each players skills, increased talents, or what have you. I didn't dwell on it, no, but it still just strikes me as making things harder than they need to be, that is, as an alternative we could have just said "I'm getting better and stronger" rather than focusing on actual point gathering and level, um, levelling. But despite my feelings about this aspect, I will confess that Tullbane makes his own version work. These aren't your usual "find the chest, gather the loot, and watch your points glow in the air" moments, all while rescuing a princess that seems to have no qualms about shacking up with various rescuers along the way. No, I definitely did appreciate how it's much more tied into the pantheon (right word?) of gods, demi-gods, and left-over bits of gods that somehow survived the Godswar, as well as how it has seemingly regional differences in understanding, ranking, and so on. Sure, I still often glanced about as quickly as comfortable over some of the fine details, but in the end, appreciated how it was organically made part of the entire adventure, including why Brian is here in the first place and what might be his ultimate role in the future.
My scream hit a note well beyond the high range of most sopranos.
So in conclusion, I could and will definitely recommend this not only to LitRPG fans but just fans of plain, top-notch, good ol' fantasy. This is a tale of heroes, redemption, loss, and adventure and frankly I was spell-bound for the entire journey, even if I did read some days until my eyes stopped working. You will find characters to love, some to like a whole lot less than that, but definitely have your feelings all turned mushy in parts by what transpires! And if sometimes along the way you run into a grizzly-sized millipede or a giant spider with a spooky human face or, worst of all, satanic cultists from Ohio, stab first with your pointy stick and ask questions later. Which means 10 points for Griffindor, huzzah! No wait, wrong franchise, strike that… anyway, between you and me, this is a LOT better! Enjoy!
I'm going to go ahead and go off on a bit of a tangent here before getting into the nitty-gritty of my review of Chris Tullbane's "Speaker of Tongues: A Fantasy LitRPG (The (Second) Life of Brian Book 1)" - though I will supply a bit of teaser by saying this was in my 'humble' opinion an absolutely wonderfully written and extraordinarily executed epic of a tale! No, before we truly get underway, I just want to point out that this is my first completed LitRPG story, something I thought I might never get added to my list of reads throughout the years and certainly without the 'DNF' label I've affixed to other stories of this ilk - and yes, that even includes that series that has so many authors, um, crawling to the waterhole to get their own sip of the available LitRPG profits before the next dry season. Hm, desert watering hole idioms might not translate well...
If this was what dungeons were like, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be an adventurer anymore.
But you see, it's only that I've never, well, even RPG'd at all in ANY form. Ever. No, I was the nerdy kid that was too nerdy to even get invited to the local DnD gatherings. And in terms of video renditions of same, I mean, sure I'm as up for a rousing and highly strategic round of SUDOKU as the next Copper-level paladin, but that's really where it kind of stops for me. Yeah, I did the whole Asteroids thing back in the days where we had to go to actual arcades with a ton of quarters in our pockets, but nothing really since. I'm talking no Warhammers, no Marios, nada (those were the only two I could even think of, sorry). So if I'm making myself clear at all (nope! they cried), what I'm trying to say is I went into this beast of a book (see also references to 'chonky boi' and 'too heavy for carry-on luggage') with some trepidation.
Level 6 was already in view. And all it had taken was a small war and the likely death of everyone I knew.
My fears proved to be unfounded though because as I've come to learn over the past several years, Tullbane can flat out write a good story … with "Speaker of Tongues" being no exception in any way, shape, or form to what he's delivered before. Truly, I've learned this time and again, including from his initial incredibly tense dystopian trilogy (plus accompanying supporting novellas) "Murder of Crows" to my own favorite (so far) "The Queen of Smiles". He's also shown how adept he can be at humourous urban fantasy "John Smith" series, which I hope continues for at least another 20 books or so. Not that I'm demanding at all. It's no wonder then that this young(er than me) author has established himself as one of my all-time favorites with his collection of must-read offers!
I was a kid from Midton, Ohio. I wasn’t supposed to be running around killing people.
In all cases - and definitely true for SoT - these stories are first and foremost populated by amazing characters. Sure, many of the ones we start to develop true feelings for meet untimely ends (seriously, we're looking at a 50 - 80% mortality rate in some cases) but dang, it was sure great to know 'em while we did! And in this case, Brian Fieldings - known throughout the lands as, well, Brian Fieldings - definitely fits the bill. Finding himself thrust into a strange new world (universe and reality maybe, too) after the worst of bad days - namely, attending the funeral of his long-ill dad, getting fired from his shitty job (yep, still same day!), and 'accidentally' devouring a plate full of special brownies - poor Brian, the guy who had been an outcast with a missing mom most of his life as well as he of 'less-than-optimal height' but good of heart, finds himself in some pretty freaky circumstances. And as the author is so adept at, this means of course Brian not only gets the living snot kicked out of him throughout the book but just about gets eaten right away by creepy crawly giant-sized bear-cat centipedes which of course set off most of my phobias (CT's never written a sequence about climbing a tall, unfinished building that sways in the wind yet, but I'm just waiting). Never mind that Brian is apparently "that moron who always ends up dying first in zombie movies", things are bound to work out okay, right? Hm…
Disrobing in the middle of a forest fire while being hunted by giant predatory lizards was just another Tuesday.
Because if there's one thing you can count on in ANY of these series - on-going or not - is that there are going to be some pretty utterly terrible albeit extremely imaginative beasties to best. And in 'Speaker of Tongues', the author outdoes himself, relying on some trusted stand-bys - giant Thunderbirdies and spider-slash-centipede thingies - as well as a host of new nasties that can only come from a mind regularly boiled by the desert sun. My own favorite this time are surely the berry-loving 'lurkers', which you just have to see to believe (no spoilers)! And in addition to having a skill for mutating the very nature around us, we are also treated by Senor Tullbane to some of the best battle scenes you'll find in any genre! Which I have to say is not easy to do, as most authors like to provide a good ol' "slash and burn" variety without much meat on the bone when it comes to actual strategy and/or what happens after first contact with the enemy (hint: it involves excrement and fans). But not only are we well supplied with the flayed flesh of both sides in the various conflicts, we get to feel what the pro-/antagonists go through as these same battles wear on, taxing both us and them physically as well as mentally. It gets pretty deliciously harsh is what I'm saying!
The battle was over, and we were still standing. It wasn’t victory, but survival.
And of course, the characters themselves are just off the charts fantastic. OK, I will say it here: none of them reach quite YET the awesomeness and leather-clad goodness (?) that is the Queen of Smiles herself or even the sexy power of Anastasia, the previously mentioned John Smith's vampire lover, but the gang in this book is fun to hang with, even with a notable lack of vengeful Asparagus Gods to join in on the excitement. Yeah, ok, we spend a long time in Brian "Yes, I'm Short Dammit" Fielding's head, but at the risk of achieving the next level in Pun Telling, he does grow on you, especially with his god(s)-given ability to understand all languages, including even demonic dog talk! And our merry band of adventurers is certainly a blast and a half (again, prepare yourself for both literal and metaphorical examples of same) along with many of the folks we meet along the way. And they not only carry the story like champs, but also provide us with one of the best cliffhanger-y endings I've seen in many a moon. There will indeed be hell to pay and to mete out in the next instalment for sure (they killed the snowmen, dammit)!
Freedom isn’t about living forever; it’s about living the life you want.
Finally, I do want to address how the whole "LitRPG" aspect of the book worked. I will say that I'm still not an overwhelming fan of seeing "screens" appear to list out each players skills, increased talents, or what have you. I didn't dwell on it, no, but it still just strikes me as making things harder than they need to be, that is, as an alternative we could have just said "I'm getting better and stronger" rather than focusing on actual point gathering and level, um, levelling. But despite my feelings about this aspect, I will confess that Tullbane makes his own version work. These aren't your usual "find the chest, gather the loot, and watch your points glow in the air" moments, all while rescuing a princess that seems to have no qualms about shacking up with various rescuers along the way. No, I definitely did appreciate how it's much more tied into the pantheon (right word?) of gods, demi-gods, and left-over bits of gods that somehow survived the Godswar, as well as how it has seemingly regional differences in understanding, ranking, and so on. Sure, I still often glanced about as quickly as comfortable over some of the fine details, but in the end, appreciated how it was organically made part of the entire adventure, including why Brian is here in the first place and what might be his ultimate role in the future.
My scream hit a note well beyond the high range of most sopranos.
So in conclusion, I could and will definitely recommend this not only to LitRPG fans but just fans of plain, top-notch, good ol' fantasy. This is a tale of heroes, redemption, loss, and adventure and frankly I was spell-bound for the entire journey, even if I did read some days until my eyes stopped working. You will find characters to love, some to like a whole lot less than that, but definitely have your feelings all turned mushy in parts by what transpires! And if sometimes along the way you run into a grizzly-sized millipede or a giant spider with a spooky human face or, worst of all, satanic cultists from Ohio, stab first with your pointy stick and ask questions later. Which means 10 points for Griffindor, huzzah! No wait, wrong franchise, strike that… anyway, between you and me, this is a LOT better! Enjoy!
June 28, 2024
Great first book
I've loved every book of his I've read and the start of this new series is no different. I can't wait for the next one book in this adventure to come out, great job.
I've loved every book of his I've read and the start of this new series is no different. I can't wait for the next one book in this adventure to come out, great job.
June 25, 2024
Can't Wait for Book 2
Couldn't put the book down and now I'm disappointed there's no sequel yet. It's a fun, well written example of LitRPG.
Couldn't put the book down and now I'm disappointed there's no sequel yet. It's a fun, well written example of LitRPG.
July 11, 2024
I tried really hard, because I wanted to like this book in a new series by Chris Tulbane.
And I actually succeeded. It wasn't even that difficult, in hindsight. "Speaker of Tongues" is an entertaining and engaging debut. it is an intriguing story with twist and turns, and I for one cannot wait for the next instalment!
And I actually succeeded. It wasn't even that difficult, in hindsight. "Speaker of Tongues" is an entertaining and engaging debut. it is an intriguing story with twist and turns, and I for one cannot wait for the next instalment!
September 25, 2024
I nearly dropped this novel early on when everyone dies to an overwhelming foe. After a little break I picked it back up and am glad I did. Not only is this one of the more believable magic systems in a LitRPG progression story, but the partnership between the two lead characters is something special.
Here's an author who's not afraid to depict consequences for the choices of the central ensemble cast. It makes the risks taken feel all the more frightening.
Here's an author who's not afraid to depict consequences for the choices of the central ensemble cast. It makes the risks taken feel all the more frightening.
August 31, 2024
I’m a big fan of Chris’s murder of crows series and so I was extremely excited to see him dip toes into the Isekai & litrpg fantasy realm (which unfortunately often suffers from a lack of quality writers).
I do have slightly mixed feelings about this read though if I’m being honest. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Did I enjoy it? Yes and no.
To start, the world building and characters are fantastic! The setting and the introduction are also all well crafted and it’s hard to not read the beginning and not feel invested and excited for more.
Then you hit the early/middle of the book and everything feels like it slows to a crawl in a sense, the litrpg progressing feels incredibly slow (really just one ability with no evolution or feeling of much growth/payoff for that long huh… the litrpg elements are a little underwhelming though I’m hoping that improves more in subsequent books), there is a lack of immediacy as well in the middle of this story which also doesn’t exactly help with the pacing. I honestly started losing interest in the story for a stretch.
Eventually though the story starts kicking back into gear and the ending of the story is everything I could hope for, there’s adventure (with exploration and new locations), the pacing is great and feels compelling with interesting plot developments, there is the possibility of some political intrigue and mystery, character progression, interesting character additions, actual stakes, unique enemies and dynamic fights.
Overall I enjoyed my read and can’t wait for the next release. The story seems to be headed in a direction I’m far more keen on and if the ending and world building is anything to go by than this is one series you might not want to sleep on if you’re a fan of fantasy isekai/litrpg.
I do have slightly mixed feelings about this read though if I’m being honest. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Did I enjoy it? Yes and no.
To start, the world building and characters are fantastic! The setting and the introduction are also all well crafted and it’s hard to not read the beginning and not feel invested and excited for more.
Then you hit the early/middle of the book and everything feels like it slows to a crawl in a sense, the litrpg progressing feels incredibly slow (really just one ability with no evolution or feeling of much growth/payoff for that long huh… the litrpg elements are a little underwhelming though I’m hoping that improves more in subsequent books), there is a lack of immediacy as well in the middle of this story which also doesn’t exactly help with the pacing. I honestly started losing interest in the story for a stretch.
Eventually though the story starts kicking back into gear and the ending of the story is everything I could hope for, there’s adventure (with exploration and new locations), the pacing is great and feels compelling with interesting plot developments, there is the possibility of some political intrigue and mystery, character progression, interesting character additions, actual stakes, unique enemies and dynamic fights.
Overall I enjoyed my read and can’t wait for the next release. The story seems to be headed in a direction I’m far more keen on and if the ending and world building is anything to go by than this is one series you might not want to sleep on if you’re a fan of fantasy isekai/litrpg.
December 8, 2025
Book length starter quest
This book is a bit of bait & switch compared to the blurb. Its a very well written book that for the most part has no association with being pulled from another world. Honestly it would have been less boring if the MC was just a new to the framework character instead of a dollar tree bargain bin zero knowledge former barista with social anxiety. Characters are as well fleshed out as the world and the book is well above average for writing quality. However its a slog of a read. I can see why so many people struggle to finish it. Basically you can easily start reading at the 50% point and not be lost or missing key facts as you learn no more than the blurb in that time. Not joking when I say its a book length starter quest. There are some serious inconsistencies in the framework system as well to the point that the book may have been better minus the LITRPG content. What made the book feel like such a slog to me was the main focus of the story seemed to be more about every day life details than anything else. Want a deep dive into transportation, clothing and bathroom habits of the world? How about furniture or flooring? Those seemed far more important than the story. Why was he chosen? Why was he set at the level and abilities of an adolescent? Why did the god that chose him not care to provide any context at all as to what or why? Why is the framework so vague and inconsistent on almost everything? If the author didn't care about any of those things then why should the reader?
This book is a bit of bait & switch compared to the blurb. Its a very well written book that for the most part has no association with being pulled from another world. Honestly it would have been less boring if the MC was just a new to the framework character instead of a dollar tree bargain bin zero knowledge former barista with social anxiety. Characters are as well fleshed out as the world and the book is well above average for writing quality. However its a slog of a read. I can see why so many people struggle to finish it. Basically you can easily start reading at the 50% point and not be lost or missing key facts as you learn no more than the blurb in that time. Not joking when I say its a book length starter quest. There are some serious inconsistencies in the framework system as well to the point that the book may have been better minus the LITRPG content. What made the book feel like such a slog to me was the main focus of the story seemed to be more about every day life details than anything else. Want a deep dive into transportation, clothing and bathroom habits of the world? How about furniture or flooring? Those seemed far more important than the story. Why was he chosen? Why was he set at the level and abilities of an adolescent? Why did the god that chose him not care to provide any context at all as to what or why? Why is the framework so vague and inconsistent on almost everything? If the author didn't care about any of those things then why should the reader?
August 24, 2024
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the Murder of Crows Trilogy by this author, and I have to say, this book did not disappoint.
This is my first time reading a LitRPG and, in all fairness, I any criticisms I have of it are probably more about the genre than they are about this story itself.
With that said,
PROS:
This story was incredibly creative. From names, cities, and cultures, to techniques, mechanics, and progressions, all the way down to creatures and units of time, Tullbane has created an unassumingly vast and imaginative world.
The main character was sympathetic, and it was fun walking alongside him as he takes in the new world around him with the same uninformed fear and wonder as the reader. There is also a measure of depth that is touched on and I expect will be explored more in future books.
CONS:
The characters weren't as nuanced as I thought they might be. The story took unexpected turns, but the strong focus on mechanics reduced the internal development of the characters compared to some of the author's other works. I expect that some of this is simply inherent to the genre.
Also, the sheer amount of information made it hard to keep track of certain terms until the 3rd or 4th repetition.
OVERALL:
There were times when the plot sped up or slowed down, but on the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could, and I expect and look forward to more surprises as this series continues.
This is my first time reading a LitRPG and, in all fairness, I any criticisms I have of it are probably more about the genre than they are about this story itself.
With that said,
PROS:
This story was incredibly creative. From names, cities, and cultures, to techniques, mechanics, and progressions, all the way down to creatures and units of time, Tullbane has created an unassumingly vast and imaginative world.
The main character was sympathetic, and it was fun walking alongside him as he takes in the new world around him with the same uninformed fear and wonder as the reader. There is also a measure of depth that is touched on and I expect will be explored more in future books.
CONS:
The characters weren't as nuanced as I thought they might be. The story took unexpected turns, but the strong focus on mechanics reduced the internal development of the characters compared to some of the author's other works. I expect that some of this is simply inherent to the genre.
Also, the sheer amount of information made it hard to keep track of certain terms until the 3rd or 4th repetition.
OVERALL:
There were times when the plot sped up or slowed down, but on the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could, and I expect and look forward to more surprises as this series continues.
November 24, 2024
Tullbane's brilliant writing
Chris Tullbane does it again! I've never read LitRPG before, nor have I ever been interested in it before. When I heard Tullbane was writing a LitRPG, I have to admit I was skeptical. However, I've enjoyed all of his other writings, so I optimistically gave Speaker of Tongues a try. I was not disappointed.
First, I really enjoy that the main character, Brian, is a human somehow (magically?) transported from earth to an entirely different planet/world. I like that he has to advance from his ordinary human self and that he wasn't transformed into this superhuman godlike hero the moment he stepped foot onto Eos.
Another highlight for me is the diverse friendships Brian has made along the way. With those friendships come moments of brevity as well as heartbreak. However, these moments are critical in continuing to shape Brian's character as he strengthens and grows.
Chris Tullbane has easily become my favorite author, and I can't wait to find out what other adventures are in store for Brian and Co. I also look forward to finding out the answers to the mysteries behind the Framework, Riok's spear, and Brian's abilities and what that means as Chosen.
Eagerly awaiting book 2 in The (Second) Life of Brian.
Chris Tullbane does it again! I've never read LitRPG before, nor have I ever been interested in it before. When I heard Tullbane was writing a LitRPG, I have to admit I was skeptical. However, I've enjoyed all of his other writings, so I optimistically gave Speaker of Tongues a try. I was not disappointed.
First, I really enjoy that the main character, Brian, is a human somehow (magically?) transported from earth to an entirely different planet/world. I like that he has to advance from his ordinary human self and that he wasn't transformed into this superhuman godlike hero the moment he stepped foot onto Eos.
Another highlight for me is the diverse friendships Brian has made along the way. With those friendships come moments of brevity as well as heartbreak. However, these moments are critical in continuing to shape Brian's character as he strengthens and grows.
Chris Tullbane has easily become my favorite author, and I can't wait to find out what other adventures are in store for Brian and Co. I also look forward to finding out the answers to the mysteries behind the Framework, Riok's spear, and Brian's abilities and what that means as Chosen.
Eagerly awaiting book 2 in The (Second) Life of Brian.
October 20, 2025
The writing quality is decent BUT 4 hours into the Audiobook and only just finishing the "Tutorial" or introduction to the book. The MC is getting info dumps after worldbuilding dumps and a basic genre introductional hand-holding.
Even if you've never read the genre, it's just too much rubbish. Get on with the actual story and do something. Instead, you have an intro battle and the MC just sits on a bloody horse derivative and asks the NPC basic world questions for 4 hours. Also immediately tells them he's a space alien.
Plus, they've changed the dates/times to be called, glass, moons .etc That's just silly when you compare that to the kindergarten handholding done in the story.
DNF at 7h in. 40%+
Nothing happened, they still call the MC as his full name. Brian Johntson. They keep saying phrases: "It took 30 minutes, or half a glass." You've done the worldbuilding, stop wasting time.
MC finally sleeps/awakens, yes, that's 4h+ later, and he's just a normal noob person to his surprise, and even though he reads his stat screen, 2h later he's still not read his special "Defining trait" -Freedom- that he got.
I'm just going to pretend it's just bad AI or an author that doesn't read the genre much and had a try at it.
Even if you've never read the genre, it's just too much rubbish. Get on with the actual story and do something. Instead, you have an intro battle and the MC just sits on a bloody horse derivative and asks the NPC basic world questions for 4 hours. Also immediately tells them he's a space alien.
Plus, they've changed the dates/times to be called, glass, moons .etc That's just silly when you compare that to the kindergarten handholding done in the story.
DNF at 7h in. 40%+
Nothing happened, they still call the MC as his full name. Brian Johntson. They keep saying phrases: "It took 30 minutes, or half a glass." You've done the worldbuilding, stop wasting time.
MC finally sleeps/awakens, yes, that's 4h+ later, and he's just a normal noob person to his surprise, and even though he reads his stat screen, 2h later he's still not read his special "Defining trait" -Freedom- that he got.
I'm just going to pretend it's just bad AI or an author that doesn't read the genre much and had a try at it.
June 9, 2025
So far not a fan of the strange place the mc ends up alters cultists lizard woman saying she's a priest it's a little to alien he doesn't immediately get connected to a system 🤔 he is basically running around like a chicken with his head cut off I'm hoping that it doesn't lean to far into alien weirdness because this may be good 😉 will update later. Ok so once you get past all the strange races and deities it gets better but the lizards talk in riddles and overly educated 😴 talk and the mc and me have to read through the lines boring I hope he get around other people who don't talk in riddles it's annoying and confusing ( maybe it's my ADHD ). Awww man this just went down a star I hate stupid war campaigns why??? The book was already weird 😕 i hate that i get into a LitRPG book and it turns into a dumb war nooooo😐 well dnf plus it took almost 4 hours of word vomit 🤢 to even get the system boo 👎
Read
August 27, 2024Compelling Read
Speaker of Tingles is a wonderful story. Mr. Tullbane's books keep pulling me into genres I don't normally read and makes me want more.
Grieving the Los of his dad, Brian wakes up and finds he has been transported to a world similar to the ones in the fantasy games he once played. As soon as the immediate danger is over he starts to learn that he is a Chosen but also learns he is far from.qualified for that role.
The stoy follows him and his adventures with Miko, a.member of one of the many nonhuman species on Eos.
Like the other series I follow by this author, I eagerly await the next installment.
Speaker of Tingles is a wonderful story. Mr. Tullbane's books keep pulling me into genres I don't normally read and makes me want more.
Grieving the Los of his dad, Brian wakes up and finds he has been transported to a world similar to the ones in the fantasy games he once played. As soon as the immediate danger is over he starts to learn that he is a Chosen but also learns he is far from.qualified for that role.
The stoy follows him and his adventures with Miko, a.member of one of the many nonhuman species on Eos.
Like the other series I follow by this author, I eagerly await the next installment.
October 23, 2025
Somewhat above average litRPG. It eschews the overpowered protagonist trope, but not very convincingly. A lot of people die to make it seem like the world is dangerous, but the protagonist has plot armor like a Sherman tank which undercuts that effort. Some people get justifiably angry at the protagonist but they all eventually come around to, "wow, let me show in a gruff way that I think you are a great guy." What I'm trying to say is that the author is trying to create an appearance of difficulty and consequences for the protagonist while not actually having much difficulty or consequences for the protagonist.
November 14, 2025
This one was hard to rate because part of this book dragged really bad, but there are moments where it picks up and is pretty decent. The author does a really good job pacing the levelling whereas others typically go way too fast. The progression is a huge part of this genre and it’s done really well here. The characters are alright, and the protagonist is not solo for too long, which is good. The part where they were stuck in the town was pretty unbearable though. The world is a bit unique. I was picturing a very dark sun inspired setting.
Usually a 2 means I won’t be continuing the series, and a 3 means I will, but I’m really not sure here. I guess we’ll see what else comes up.
Usually a 2 means I won’t be continuing the series, and a 3 means I will, but I’m really not sure here. I guess we’ll see what else comes up.
March 5, 2025
Better than most, and that is not just a KU grade
Chris Tullbane is the best new writer I have run into in months, and Speaker of Tongues does not disappoint. I have to admit that the deliberately slow character growth was annoying, but that gives you more time to enjoy the prose. As messed up as the ending was, there is plenty of angst coming in the future. Will be looking forward to volume 2 of this saga.
Chris Tullbane is the best new writer I have run into in months, and Speaker of Tongues does not disappoint. I have to admit that the deliberately slow character growth was annoying, but that gives you more time to enjoy the prose. As messed up as the ending was, there is plenty of angst coming in the future. Will be looking forward to volume 2 of this saga.
January 12, 2026
I enjoyed it
This is probably one of the most enjoyable books I have read in some time. I am tired of reading stories about vastly over powered main characters who have no personality or real personal growth who trip from one fight to the next and stub a toe along the way.
I found the characters interesting and sympathetic and the story engaging enough that I didn't want to put the book down, roll my eyes and go play a game.
This is probably one of the most enjoyable books I have read in some time. I am tired of reading stories about vastly over powered main characters who have no personality or real personal growth who trip from one fight to the next and stub a toe along the way.
I found the characters interesting and sympathetic and the story engaging enough that I didn't want to put the book down, roll my eyes and go play a game.
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