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The Many Travails of John Smith #4
The Italian Screwjob
It's been several years since John Smith became San Diego's supernatural mediator, and he's as surprised to still be alive as anyone. A lot of the credit goes to Anastasia, the vampire whose relationship status with John can be safely filed under 'It's complicated.'
So when Ana's boss, Lucia, informs John that Ana has been imprisoned for killing Tomas, King of the Italian Court, he drops everything to go to her defense. If he can find the real killer--and unravel a centuries-old mystery in the process--his trip to Rome might just have a storybook ending. Assuming that Anastasia isn't the killer, anyway, which is far from a certainty, given both her career as an assassin and the very public blood feud between Tomas and Lucia.
John has survived a lot of things--divorces, conspiracies, even insane demigods--but politics can be deadly even before regicide is thrown into the mix. This case is looking more and more like an Italian screwjob.
So when Ana's boss, Lucia, informs John that Ana has been imprisoned for killing Tomas, King of the Italian Court, he drops everything to go to her defense. If he can find the real killer--and unravel a centuries-old mystery in the process--his trip to Rome might just have a storybook ending. Assuming that Anastasia isn't the killer, anyway, which is far from a certainty, given both her career as an assassin and the very public blood feud between Tomas and Lucia.
John has survived a lot of things--divorces, conspiracies, even insane demigods--but politics can be deadly even before regicide is thrown into the mix. This case is looking more and more like an Italian screwjob.
681 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
92 people are currently reading
61 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 two series; The Murder of Crows and The Travails of John Smith. He frequently shares new content 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 two series; The Murder of Crows and The Travails of John Smith. He frequently shares new content on his author website at https://christullbane.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 9, 2023
If you enjoy urban fantasy with snark, cultural references and a protagonist who gets himself in and out of situations by the seat of his pants…you’ll love this series. I recommend listening in the order of their release. Character relationships, allies and consequences make starting from the beginning a must.
After John’s near-death experiences in Ghost of A Chance, we get an update on his life. He’s got roommates and working his private investigation business with them. Ana, his vampire love interest, is in Europe and things are fairly quiet. Until he awakens to find Queen Lucia in his kitchen. The story that unfolds pulled me in and never let go.
Nothing says fun like traveling to Rome with the ice queen to rescue your love from death, but here we are. Apparently, Ana has been charged with killing Tomas, the vampire king (Lucia’s brother). They, or should I say John, will have three weeks to gather evidence before facing the tribunal.
I absolutely love the world Tullbane has created, and traveling to Rome was a blast. We got to see more unique creatures and some scary old vampires. We also had to deal with bugs. Enormous bugs. Something I am not prepared to talk about. (the horror)
I think this was the longest audio of the series. The pacing and story were so well done that it just flowed and I lost myself in the tale. The mystery of who killed Tomas was grounded and the evidence against Ana seemed overwhelming. Is it a frame job? Is it the same person who killed Lucia’s father? Assuming Lucia is telling the truth about events from her past.
I loved how the bond/link between Lucia and John works. It was interesting being privy to both of their thoughts. John has a way of making allies and seeing things others don’t. One of the council hinted about John not being entirely human and it has me bubbling with curiosity.
If you haven’t started the series, I highly recommend you dive in! Rich characters, and fantastic world-building combined with suspenseful mysteries and humor make them a must listen/read.
Joel Richards narrates and does such a stellar job with the voices of these characters. He captures their attitude, humor and emotions perfectly. The story/series lends itself to this format and I have been devouring them as quickly as they release. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
After John’s near-death experiences in Ghost of A Chance, we get an update on his life. He’s got roommates and working his private investigation business with them. Ana, his vampire love interest, is in Europe and things are fairly quiet. Until he awakens to find Queen Lucia in his kitchen. The story that unfolds pulled me in and never let go.
Nothing says fun like traveling to Rome with the ice queen to rescue your love from death, but here we are. Apparently, Ana has been charged with killing Tomas, the vampire king (Lucia’s brother). They, or should I say John, will have three weeks to gather evidence before facing the tribunal.
I absolutely love the world Tullbane has created, and traveling to Rome was a blast. We got to see more unique creatures and some scary old vampires. We also had to deal with bugs. Enormous bugs. Something I am not prepared to talk about. (the horror)
I think this was the longest audio of the series. The pacing and story were so well done that it just flowed and I lost myself in the tale. The mystery of who killed Tomas was grounded and the evidence against Ana seemed overwhelming. Is it a frame job? Is it the same person who killed Lucia’s father? Assuming Lucia is telling the truth about events from her past.
I loved how the bond/link between Lucia and John works. It was interesting being privy to both of their thoughts. John has a way of making allies and seeing things others don’t. One of the council hinted about John not being entirely human and it has me bubbling with curiosity.
If you haven’t started the series, I highly recommend you dive in! Rich characters, and fantastic world-building combined with suspenseful mysteries and humor make them a must listen/read.
Joel Richards narrates and does such a stellar job with the voices of these characters. He captures their attitude, humor and emotions perfectly. The story/series lends itself to this format and I have been devouring them as quickly as they release. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 3, 2024
From the writing, to the plot, to the narrating. 👌 *chef's kiss
January 22, 2022
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of the 4th book in The Many Travails of John Smith and I can say without question, this is the best of the series so far. Each book has done a terrific job of world building and character development. Mr. Tullbane continues to excel at breathing life into his characters and keeping them believable.
In book 4, John finds himself pulled into an unwinnable situation. I've been very intrigued by Tullbane's ability to allow his characters to show their flaws and work through their own self-doubt. At this point in the series, John has come to terms with who he is and what he is capable. I love that John accepts that even if he's scared out of his mind, he knows he has to go all in and he does so without reservation.
The pacing of book 4 is excellent and that is critical as this is a rather long entry to the John Smith series. I was pleased that Tullbane manages to do an excellent job of bringing us back into his John Smith universe in such a smooth fashion that we don't feel lost or like we need to go re-read books 1-3 in order to figure out what is really going on.
The book manages to maintain it's mystery without putting the characters through overly contrived circumstances and that is an important part of the success of this entry. I especially loved that this book is 1 part mystery, 1 part urban fantasy and has a smidge of romance and plenty of action.
After finishing this entry in the series, my only concern is for Tullbane to be able to continue this saga in a fashion that is appropriate to what he's accomplished thus far. It would be easy for this to be the shark that the series jumps over.
Another important note to readers is to have the awareness that Tullbane is highly active on his website and maintains a great level of transparency regarding what he's working on. He's almost Sanderson like in his productivity and his online activity.
If you haven't read Chris's other books, be sure to check out the Post-Break World series starting with See These Bones. It's a very different world and tone, but is excellent and complete.
In book 4, John finds himself pulled into an unwinnable situation. I've been very intrigued by Tullbane's ability to allow his characters to show their flaws and work through their own self-doubt. At this point in the series, John has come to terms with who he is and what he is capable. I love that John accepts that even if he's scared out of his mind, he knows he has to go all in and he does so without reservation.
The pacing of book 4 is excellent and that is critical as this is a rather long entry to the John Smith series. I was pleased that Tullbane manages to do an excellent job of bringing us back into his John Smith universe in such a smooth fashion that we don't feel lost or like we need to go re-read books 1-3 in order to figure out what is really going on.
The book manages to maintain it's mystery without putting the characters through overly contrived circumstances and that is an important part of the success of this entry. I especially loved that this book is 1 part mystery, 1 part urban fantasy and has a smidge of romance and plenty of action.
After finishing this entry in the series, my only concern is for Tullbane to be able to continue this saga in a fashion that is appropriate to what he's accomplished thus far. It would be easy for this to be the shark that the series jumps over.
Another important note to readers is to have the awareness that Tullbane is highly active on his website and maintains a great level of transparency regarding what he's working on. He's almost Sanderson like in his productivity and his online activity.
If you haven't read Chris's other books, be sure to check out the Post-Break World series starting with See These Bones. It's a very different world and tone, but is excellent and complete.
May 25, 2022
An amazing, far-reaching fantasy epic!
Though the final version of "The Italian Screwjob" - Chris Tullbane's 4th and easily most incredible of his "John Smith: Mediator to the Weirdly Extraordinaire" books - is still some weeks away (the release date below is not correct btw), I have been lucky enough to be involved in the beta/ARC review for this release! And all I can tell you fans is that you are going to love this book!! I could barely carry out my role as moderately qualified proofreader because I was so totally enamored by this tale! All I wanted to do was read and read some more, minor punctuation errors be damned (and hyphens, too! Good gods, but you can never have too many hyphens)!
Wowzers, I'm not kidding because this one really has it all! If you have also been following Tullbane's current "other" series, namely "The Murder of Crows" trilogy and its accompanying novellas, then I can safely confirm that this offer will easily rival THAT ENTIRE trilogy including the triumphant last chapter, "One Tin Soldier", in terms of scope and gravitas (which I hope is even close to the correct word)! First and foremost, we are treated to essentially a tie-in (or -up?) of the JS series to-date (or at least over the 5 years that John has had all this [waves vaguely] going on) - from the early days of being attacked by crab men on the back streets of San Diego to the touching finale of Book 3 which saw John defeating witches, demons and even saving his friends and The White Ladies! It's just amazing how "The Italian Screwjob" acts as a final* crescendo for many of those events, all of which will play a role in this latest saga! (*famous last words)
At the same time, "TISJ" opens up so many new avenues that the author will take us down in the coming books. I can't do them justice in terms of the hints, cues or even outright neon signs (a seldom used but effective literary tool) that say "Hey, look here, we're all gonna die!" Heck, if I'd have known what was coming up, I might have even procured a "foreshadowing" notebook before I had started reading! Without giving away any spoilers, all I'll say is that within moments after this book starts, we're whisked away to the Eternal City of Rome to deal with cries of MURDER! most foul as well as political and personal vendettas galore. Even then, our merry band has to deal with so so much more in terms of intrigue and mystery amongst not only the People that make up the Vampire Nation, but also more gods, demons, devils and worse that keep finding their way into poor John's life! Just the plethora of NEW creatures, cretins and incubi we meet along the way is worth the price of admission alone!
In addition to the most definitely uncertain fate of our plucky group of heroes, the fate of the Borghesi Empire itself hangs in the balance... then again, you could argue that so does the fate of all reality (and then some). I promise you: you will find yourself breathless and blissfully exhausted by the end, particularly after enjoying some of the better fight scenes I've come across in quite a while!
Just as with everything else of his I've read, Tullbane has constructed a fast-moving, nearly perfect story for true fans! This includes those who adore both urban fantasy and especially non-sparkly vampires of all shapes, sizes and forms, as well as just a damn fine mystery! The author's smooth writing style, ability to whip up witty banter between characters and a sense for big surprises (you will NOT see the conclusion coming!) that defies belief is all on display! Granted he still has to put on another coat of turtle wax and polish this up just a bit more, but this story is already incredible as it is!
Kids: go scream at your parents until they pre-order a copy for you today! I've done the same (MOM!!!!) and can't wait to get my shiny copy ASAP! Enjoy!
Though the final version of "The Italian Screwjob" - Chris Tullbane's 4th and easily most incredible of his "John Smith: Mediator to the Weirdly Extraordinaire" books - is still some weeks away (the release date below is not correct btw), I have been lucky enough to be involved in the beta/ARC review for this release! And all I can tell you fans is that you are going to love this book!! I could barely carry out my role as moderately qualified proofreader because I was so totally enamored by this tale! All I wanted to do was read and read some more, minor punctuation errors be damned (and hyphens, too! Good gods, but you can never have too many hyphens)!
Wowzers, I'm not kidding because this one really has it all! If you have also been following Tullbane's current "other" series, namely "The Murder of Crows" trilogy and its accompanying novellas, then I can safely confirm that this offer will easily rival THAT ENTIRE trilogy including the triumphant last chapter, "One Tin Soldier", in terms of scope and gravitas (which I hope is even close to the correct word)! First and foremost, we are treated to essentially a tie-in (or -up?) of the JS series to-date (or at least over the 5 years that John has had all this [waves vaguely] going on) - from the early days of being attacked by crab men on the back streets of San Diego to the touching finale of Book 3 which saw John defeating witches, demons and even saving his friends and The White Ladies! It's just amazing how "The Italian Screwjob" acts as a final* crescendo for many of those events, all of which will play a role in this latest saga! (*famous last words)
At the same time, "TISJ" opens up so many new avenues that the author will take us down in the coming books. I can't do them justice in terms of the hints, cues or even outright neon signs (a seldom used but effective literary tool) that say "Hey, look here, we're all gonna die!" Heck, if I'd have known what was coming up, I might have even procured a "foreshadowing" notebook before I had started reading! Without giving away any spoilers, all I'll say is that within moments after this book starts, we're whisked away to the Eternal City of Rome to deal with cries of MURDER! most foul as well as political and personal vendettas galore. Even then, our merry band has to deal with so so much more in terms of intrigue and mystery amongst not only the People that make up the Vampire Nation, but also more gods, demons, devils and worse that keep finding their way into poor John's life! Just the plethora of NEW creatures, cretins and incubi we meet along the way is worth the price of admission alone!
In addition to the most definitely uncertain fate of our plucky group of heroes, the fate of the Borghesi Empire itself hangs in the balance... then again, you could argue that so does the fate of all reality (and then some). I promise you: you will find yourself breathless and blissfully exhausted by the end, particularly after enjoying some of the better fight scenes I've come across in quite a while!
Just as with everything else of his I've read, Tullbane has constructed a fast-moving, nearly perfect story for true fans! This includes those who adore both urban fantasy and especially non-sparkly vampires of all shapes, sizes and forms, as well as just a damn fine mystery! The author's smooth writing style, ability to whip up witty banter between characters and a sense for big surprises (you will NOT see the conclusion coming!) that defies belief is all on display! Granted he still has to put on another coat of turtle wax and polish this up just a bit more, but this story is already incredible as it is!
Kids: go scream at your parents until they pre-order a copy for you today! I've done the same (MOM!!!!) and can't wait to get my shiny copy ASAP! Enjoy!
August 21, 2022
Another fun story about John Smith. I’ll be honest, the first half of the book was challenging to read. I felt pretty bored by the foreign vampire politics and trying to piece it all together without any of the familiar favorite characters moving things along. Also, being subjected to that much Lucia was painful. However, once Anastasia was back in the picture and some of the new characters had developed some rapport, the book picked up quickly and the mystery intensified significantly. I was really happy with the ending and look forward to the next book.
May 29, 2022
So I had the dubious good fortune of arriving late to this series and at the time of reading, the 4th book had already been released, so I have gotten to enjoy all 4 back to back. Although there's more planned in the series, it was great finishing at this volume as its quite a satisfying stopping point while I wait for the next book.
Tons of characters were introduced in the book and the author spent time fleshing the key players out. Judging by the epilogue I think the author might have been concerned about the increased size of the book but I thought it was great.
If you checking out reviews for book 4 trying to figure out if you want to start the series, I highly recommend it for a bit of fun, it has a good blend of madness/drama/romance and urban fantasy. Once I clear out some of my tbr I'll probably look into trying the author's other series.
Tons of characters were introduced in the book and the author spent time fleshing the key players out. Judging by the epilogue I think the author might have been concerned about the increased size of the book but I thought it was great.
If you checking out reviews for book 4 trying to figure out if you want to start the series, I highly recommend it for a bit of fun, it has a good blend of madness/drama/romance and urban fantasy. Once I clear out some of my tbr I'll probably look into trying the author's other series.
August 3, 2022
I freaking love this series, John Smith is unbelievably hilarious, he’s ALWAYS getting himself into trouble. I’m talking about to die trouble and still he somehow always manages to make it out alive.
I mean who doesn’t enjoy reading about a slightly overweight human P.I. turned supernatural mediator getting himself into dangerous situations, using humor to deflect, almost getting himself killed and yet somehow saves the day and closes the case? I sure do!
These books are packed full of action, adventure, mystery and humor. John also gets ragged on (hilariously) by all but one woman he comes into contact with and makes friends out of the most unexpected characters. This series is seriously worth read and I 💯 recommend it to anyone that enjoys humorous paranormal P.I/Mediator mysteries full of action, adventure, and magic.
I mean who doesn’t enjoy reading about a slightly overweight human P.I. turned supernatural mediator getting himself into dangerous situations, using humor to deflect, almost getting himself killed and yet somehow saves the day and closes the case? I sure do!
These books are packed full of action, adventure, mystery and humor. John also gets ragged on (hilariously) by all but one woman he comes into contact with and makes friends out of the most unexpected characters. This series is seriously worth read and I 💯 recommend it to anyone that enjoys humorous paranormal P.I/Mediator mysteries full of action, adventure, and magic.
March 17, 2022
All I’d hoped it would be and so much more.
I’d been looking forward to this book ever since finishing the Ghosts of a Chance (Book 3 in the Many Travails of John Smith series).
Sadly, 95% of the time when I’m excited about a new book, it fails to meet my expectations. Thankfully, The Italian Screwjob is one of those rare 5% that exceeded my already high expectations.
The only issue I had with the book was that I finished reading it and now have to wait again for the next one.
I can’t recommend this series strongly enough. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
I’d been looking forward to this book ever since finishing the Ghosts of a Chance (Book 3 in the Many Travails of John Smith series).
Sadly, 95% of the time when I’m excited about a new book, it fails to meet my expectations. Thankfully, The Italian Screwjob is one of those rare 5% that exceeded my already high expectations.
The only issue I had with the book was that I finished reading it and now have to wait again for the next one.
I can’t recommend this series strongly enough. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
August 10, 2022
Excellent book!
I really love this series, but I have to say, this installment was even better than the previous ones, something I wouldn't have thought possible! John Smith makes lots of very memorable friends (and some worrisome enemies) in each book, and he changes slightly in unexpected ways in each, too. There's lots of laughs, as always, but lots of tension, too, but John somehow keeps landing on his feet...eventually!
I really love this series, but I have to say, this installment was even better than the previous ones, something I wouldn't have thought possible! John Smith makes lots of very memorable friends (and some worrisome enemies) in each book, and he changes slightly in unexpected ways in each, too. There's lots of laughs, as always, but lots of tension, too, but John somehow keeps landing on his feet...eventually!
December 8, 2022
Definitely the best yet
I laughed, I cried, and I loved every sentence.
I read a lot of urban fantasy. I have a few favorites, but my number one is the Dresden Files. One of the reasons it is my favorite, is the characters are written as more than the sum of their parts. That is how this book feels to me, in terms of how the characters have developed over these four novels. I cannot wait to read the next book, and I am so excited to know that it is already in process.
I laughed, I cried, and I loved every sentence.
I read a lot of urban fantasy. I have a few favorites, but my number one is the Dresden Files. One of the reasons it is my favorite, is the characters are written as more than the sum of their parts. That is how this book feels to me, in terms of how the characters have developed over these four novels. I cannot wait to read the next book, and I am so excited to know that it is already in process.
January 29, 2023
This time it's serious
But still funny! Early into the book, it had a different feel than the others. The previous books read like the author was just having fun. After reading The Italian Screw Job I picture the author rolling up his sleeves, cracking his knuckles and bearing down. I think Tullbane still enjoyed writing this book, but it felt like he threw himself into this one.
Maybe I'm wrong but, either way, , still a very enjoyable book.
But still funny! Early into the book, it had a different feel than the others. The previous books read like the author was just having fun. After reading The Italian Screw Job I picture the author rolling up his sleeves, cracking his knuckles and bearing down. I think Tullbane still enjoyed writing this book, but it felt like he threw himself into this one.
Maybe I'm wrong but, either way, , still a very enjoyable book.
March 16, 2022
This book series is a riot.
John Smith is a cut-up, he's a card, and this series is delightful.
I'm just upset that we will have to wait a year for the next volume.
If I had one criticism, it would be that Juliette is barely in book 4. I can understand why, though. There are a ton of new characters.
Looking forward to book 5 in 2023.
John Smith is a cut-up, he's a card, and this series is delightful.
I'm just upset that we will have to wait a year for the next volume.
If I had one criticism, it would be that Juliette is barely in book 4. I can understand why, though. There are a ton of new characters.
Looking forward to book 5 in 2023.
March 30, 2022
Trials in Rome
The questions are, how much trouble can John Smith find in Rome and will he survive. John is still sophomoric for his age and experience but his occupational common sense and surprisingly good gestures make this a fun tale of murder, vampires, gods, magic and other trials and tribulations. The next book can't arrive soon enough.
The questions are, how much trouble can John Smith find in Rome and will he survive. John is still sophomoric for his age and experience but his occupational common sense and surprisingly good gestures make this a fun tale of murder, vampires, gods, magic and other trials and tribulations. The next book can't arrive soon enough.
March 30, 2022
John Smith as his usual, charming self
I like this series particularly because of its comedy and self awareness. John continues on as his lovable, sometimes idiotic, entirely charming persona.
Recommended for fans of Drew Hayes (Vampire Accountant), Dan Willis (Arcane Casebook) et al. This is urban fantasy done right, with it's own unique flavor.
I like this series particularly because of its comedy and self awareness. John continues on as his lovable, sometimes idiotic, entirely charming persona.
Recommended for fans of Drew Hayes (Vampire Accountant), Dan Willis (Arcane Casebook) et al. This is urban fantasy done right, with it's own unique flavor.
April 1, 2022
Best in the series so far
This book hooked me fast and kept me reading way past my bedtime. I have been enjoying this series, but this book cemented me as a loyal fan. If you need characters who you’re interested in and care about, we’ll paced action and story, and enough humour to keep your spirits up, this book and its predecessors are for you.
This book hooked me fast and kept me reading way past my bedtime. I have been enjoying this series, but this book cemented me as a loyal fan. If you need characters who you’re interested in and care about, we’ll paced action and story, and enough humour to keep your spirits up, this book and its predecessors are for you.
March 18, 2022
A strong new volume in a very good series
Really enjoying these. Well written. Well plotted. Engaging characters. Can't wait to see what happens next. Also enjoyed his very different, but equally good, other series.
Really enjoying these. Well written. Well plotted. Engaging characters. Can't wait to see what happens next. Also enjoyed his very different, but equally good, other series.
March 19, 2022
Very good book
This is a fine light comedy fantasy adventure novel in a great series. It is well written and edited. The author's necromancer Crow series is even better in the dark fantasy genre.
This is a fine light comedy fantasy adventure novel in a great series. It is well written and edited. The author's necromancer Crow series is even better in the dark fantasy genre.
March 20, 2022
Excellent as always
Chris Tullbane continues to write engaging, well balanced, and entertaining stories. I highly recommend any of his work for anyone looking for modern/urban fantasy.
Chris Tullbane continues to write engaging, well balanced, and entertaining stories. I highly recommend any of his work for anyone looking for modern/urban fantasy.
March 20, 2022
Most Excellent
Tullbane has a way of making you love this screwball more and more with each book. Mr. Smith gets the laughs, and, yet you never know what pain will be the cause or result of those light-hearted quips. Love it, and looking forward the 4th installment in 2023.
Tullbane has a way of making you love this screwball more and more with each book. Mr. Smith gets the laughs, and, yet you never know what pain will be the cause or result of those light-hearted quips. Love it, and looking forward the 4th installment in 2023.
May 11, 2022
Love the romance
Its about time john and anya became a thing. The books are going to be even more enjoyable going forward without that anxiety over laying the main story. Looking forward to the next story
Its about time john and anya became a thing. The books are going to be even more enjoyable going forward without that anxiety over laying the main story. Looking forward to the next story
May 19, 2022
So here’s the problem. I can’t prove how delightful this book was without spoilers, so you’re just going to have to take my word for it. It was so good. Even without my favorite character, which is saying a lot.
John Smith may be insecure and offhand about his skills, but isn’t it always that way with the truly talented? Throughout the series, he has matured more than a little, learned a lot, and been rewarded for his perseverance. It’s a long book, but it didn’t feel that way while I was reading, the story flies along. More laughs than tears in this book, a great nail biter of a battle, and the delicious twist made for a fun read. I’m only sorry it’s over and I have to wait a year for the next one.
Don’t wait, get the book. You really, really, won’t be sorry.
John Smith may be insecure and offhand about his skills, but isn’t it always that way with the truly talented? Throughout the series, he has matured more than a little, learned a lot, and been rewarded for his perseverance. It’s a long book, but it didn’t feel that way while I was reading, the story flies along. More laughs than tears in this book, a great nail biter of a battle, and the delicious twist made for a fun read. I’m only sorry it’s over and I have to wait a year for the next one.
Don’t wait, get the book. You really, really, won’t be sorry.
February 18, 2023
Inhaled. And now have to wait impatiently for the next book.
Tiny smidgen feedback - maybe a bit less of an eleventh hour revelation? The last chapters were breakneck speed crammed into a tad too short of a racetrack...
Tiny smidgen feedback - maybe a bit less of an eleventh hour revelation? The last chapters were breakneck speed crammed into a tad too short of a racetrack...
March 22, 2022
as always: fantastic !
Mr Tullbane is the perfect bland between Drew Hayes, Benedict Jaga and Patricia Briggs. Go on and read you mongrel!
Mr Tullbane is the perfect bland between Drew Hayes, Benedict Jaga and Patricia Briggs. Go on and read you mongrel!
April 1, 2022
loved it! No surprise there.
This series has made its way into my list of favorites.
I’ve loved all of the books Chris has published to date and can’t wait for what comes next!
This series has made its way into my list of favorites.
I’ve loved all of the books Chris has published to date and can’t wait for what comes next!
April 19, 2022
All of the books were a fun read, but this one was definitely the best. Looking forward to the next one!
May 4, 2022
Perfect
Wonderful and hilarious! Enjoy when you can read in one sitting! Looking forward to other books and series'. Please read:)
Wonderful and hilarious! Enjoy when you can read in one sitting! Looking forward to other books and series'. Please read:)
May 31, 2022
Five minutes later....
Love these books. They are funny, witty, entertaining, and totally different than any other vampire type novel. The characters are great, well formed, written and you fall in love with them all. Sergei!!!
Love these books. They are funny, witty, entertaining, and totally different than any other vampire type novel. The characters are great, well formed, written and you fall in love with them all. Sergei!!!
January 8, 2023
I love a proper whodunit.
Good enough to let you theorize, but the answer can't come out of left field either.
Plus I I love court intrigue.
Good enough to let you theorize, but the answer can't come out of left field either.
Plus I I love court intrigue.
July 3, 2023
A good fourth entry in the series, i would've given it 5 starts if not for the auther's insistence on forcing john's relationship with anastasia. Imo ana, although a total badass.. is kinda bland personality wise. On the other hand, the chemistry between john and Juliette is off the chart, not to mention that julliette is infinitely more entertaining imo, a totally missed opportunity, in my opinion.
March 16, 2022
This just highlights the MC's many, many deficiencies.
I don't know if it is the break between book three and book four, or if I just expect more from the character given how long he has been immersed in the supernatural, but this just paints John as a complete imbecile. The ending is shear luck and nothing more. Plot armor at its finest.
I don't know if it is the break between book three and book four, or if I just expect more from the character given how long he has been immersed in the supernatural, but this just paints John as a complete imbecile. The ending is shear luck and nothing more. Plot armor at its finest.
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