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The Storm Who Rides #1
The Queen of Smiles
The Queen of Smiles has long been a mystery, even to herself. A storm of steel wrapped in a human shell, she's spent decades crossing the continent in search of answers about her origin and the rules she has been forced to live by. Three years ago, under a bright New Mexico sun, she finally got those answers… and they were as unsatisfactory as they come.
And so, she withdrew from the world, doing only small jobs for the people of the nearby town of Eclipse. But life carries on and the post-Break world won't stop spinning. When she returns from a trip to find Eclipse burned to the ground and its people slaughtered, the Queen of Smiles begins a mission of revenge that will take her through the Badlands, into the path of the horrors of Texas, and ultimately, to the seat of power of the teenage warlord who calls herself the Crimson Queen.
Because sometimes, the biggest question isn't why; it's what's next.
And so, she withdrew from the world, doing only small jobs for the people of the nearby town of Eclipse. But life carries on and the post-Break world won't stop spinning. When she returns from a trip to find Eclipse burned to the ground and its people slaughtered, the Queen of Smiles begins a mission of revenge that will take her through the Badlands, into the path of the horrors of Texas, and ultimately, to the seat of power of the teenage warlord who calls herself the Crimson Queen.
Because sometimes, the biggest question isn't why; it's what's next.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2022
81 people are currently reading
103 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 30 reviews
November 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this book, and it will be a reread. And I rarely reread books. Small confession, I’ve loved all of Chris Tullbane’s books, looking forward to each and every new release like a kid breathlessly waiting for Christmas. But this book? This book, with a heroine every woman can identify with, is special. A little background. I love westerns, and I love a good blow-em-up, dystopian fantasy, or disaster. Also, female heroines. So from the moment, The Queen of Smiles appeared in the Murder of Crows Trilogy, I started hoping for a spin-off. I wanted her to have a chance to tell her own story. And boy, I was not disappointed.
People are complicated; at least some of them are. I just finished writing a scene about exactly that. Moreover, some people are more complex than others. Queenie is even more complicated. Physics, as opposed to algebra. What she has going on should land her on an analyst’s couch. But being her, she just forges on. I can identify with that approach, having grown up when one didn’t seek mental health help unless one was barking at trees. We, and she, just kept going. And doing. And fighting. And winning. Against all odds.
So, in addition to being masterfully written, as all Chris’ books are, this book, The Queen of Smiles, with a perfect female protagonist, was my favorite. Although she is not human, I empathize and identify with her pain, perseverance, uncertainty, determination, and sense of justice. Also, with the metal storm that certainly comes out of me whenever I’m hungry. Now, if only I could figure out how to use that storm for good, like The Queen of Smiles!
People are complicated; at least some of them are. I just finished writing a scene about exactly that. Moreover, some people are more complex than others. Queenie is even more complicated. Physics, as opposed to algebra. What she has going on should land her on an analyst’s couch. But being her, she just forges on. I can identify with that approach, having grown up when one didn’t seek mental health help unless one was barking at trees. We, and she, just kept going. And doing. And fighting. And winning. Against all odds.
So, in addition to being masterfully written, as all Chris’ books are, this book, The Queen of Smiles, with a perfect female protagonist, was my favorite. Although she is not human, I empathize and identify with her pain, perseverance, uncertainty, determination, and sense of justice. Also, with the metal storm that certainly comes out of me whenever I’m hungry. Now, if only I could figure out how to use that storm for good, like The Queen of Smiles!
January 12, 2023
Good book.
This is a good book. I hate doing reviews. The rules say 8 more words are required. Now just three.
This is a good book. I hate doing reviews. The rules say 8 more words are required. Now just three.
November 24, 2022
Perfect timing!
This book appeared in my sights just as I was about to re-read his Crow series. Auspicious as all get-out, and I purchased it immediately. What a marvelous development of a minor character! A well-developed and written story, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
This book appeared in my sights just as I was about to re-read his Crow series. Auspicious as all get-out, and I purchased it immediately. What a marvelous development of a minor character! A well-developed and written story, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
November 15, 2022
I had the pleasure of receiving an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation.
I loved both the Murder of Crows trilogy and Queenie's solo novella The Storm in Her Smile, so I jumped at the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Queen of Smiles, a western-inspired post-apocalyptic road-trip adventure tale with mythic overtones. Let me say right off the top that The Queen of Smiles exceeded all my expectations, and that "Queenie," one of the most original and unique protagonists I've ever encountered, is now my favorite of all Chris Tullbane's characters. She reminds me in many ways of Clint Eastwood's Man With No Name character: a powerful, nearly unstoppable force of nature with a good heart buried somewhere beneath many layers of world-weary cynicism. All she needs is some cool theme music following her as she guns her electric motorcycle over the devastated landscape of a broken and transformed America. A self-identified monster created from a nightmare, Queenie struggles to find a strand of humanity somewhere in the core of her being. Helping her is the mysterious Two-Feathers, a mute "Nomad" (post-apocalyptic Native American) who shows up out of nowhere and is fiercely loyal to her while at the same time refusing, with no explanation, her offers to enter into a more intimate relationship. The two of them form a refreshing modern post-apocalyptic version of the Lone Ranger and Tonto, although ol' Kemosabe would have been sickened by the ruthlessly murderous Queenie, who is most definitely an antihero.
The Queen of Smiles is a powerful and beautifully written tale begging for a sequel. Mr. Tullbane is a busy author with a lot of irons in the fire, but the further adventures of Queenie can't come soon enough for me!
I loved both the Murder of Crows trilogy and Queenie's solo novella The Storm in Her Smile, so I jumped at the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Queen of Smiles, a western-inspired post-apocalyptic road-trip adventure tale with mythic overtones. Let me say right off the top that The Queen of Smiles exceeded all my expectations, and that "Queenie," one of the most original and unique protagonists I've ever encountered, is now my favorite of all Chris Tullbane's characters. She reminds me in many ways of Clint Eastwood's Man With No Name character: a powerful, nearly unstoppable force of nature with a good heart buried somewhere beneath many layers of world-weary cynicism. All she needs is some cool theme music following her as she guns her electric motorcycle over the devastated landscape of a broken and transformed America. A self-identified monster created from a nightmare, Queenie struggles to find a strand of humanity somewhere in the core of her being. Helping her is the mysterious Two-Feathers, a mute "Nomad" (post-apocalyptic Native American) who shows up out of nowhere and is fiercely loyal to her while at the same time refusing, with no explanation, her offers to enter into a more intimate relationship. The two of them form a refreshing modern post-apocalyptic version of the Lone Ranger and Tonto, although ol' Kemosabe would have been sickened by the ruthlessly murderous Queenie, who is most definitely an antihero.
The Queen of Smiles is a powerful and beautifully written tale begging for a sequel. Mr. Tullbane is a busy author with a lot of irons in the fire, but the further adventures of Queenie can't come soon enough for me!
November 22, 2023
Excellent read
I found myself liking this book more than I thought I would. I came at it from being a bit disappointed with the way that the last book in the crow series had ended (I liked all three books in the series tremendously, but it ended in a battle that had been heavily foreshadowed for at least two books, and we never even get to experience it, we're told only briefly that it occurred without us (the readers) present, it was kind of a big letdown, probably wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't been foreshadowed so heavily), so I do hope we'll get to have another chance to commune with Bakersfield even if it's only through the Queen's eyes, maybe hear something more of that battle or even just the present day Bakersfield. It just feels like there's a loose end there, a thread I hope the author pulls someday.
As for Her Majesty, she didn't disappoint in this book, not at all. I appreciate how her character developed, apparently not even the Queen of Smiles can stay the same forever, even if she might live that long. All the characters have depth, their own stories, they change and grow as the book moves forward, there's more focus on some characters than others of course, but none are totally left behind. Great read from start to finish, took me less than two days (7-8 hours probably) to read it, and how fast I devour a book generally says something about how good it is.
I found myself liking this book more than I thought I would. I came at it from being a bit disappointed with the way that the last book in the crow series had ended (I liked all three books in the series tremendously, but it ended in a battle that had been heavily foreshadowed for at least two books, and we never even get to experience it, we're told only briefly that it occurred without us (the readers) present, it was kind of a big letdown, probably wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't been foreshadowed so heavily), so I do hope we'll get to have another chance to commune with Bakersfield even if it's only through the Queen's eyes, maybe hear something more of that battle or even just the present day Bakersfield. It just feels like there's a loose end there, a thread I hope the author pulls someday.
As for Her Majesty, she didn't disappoint in this book, not at all. I appreciate how her character developed, apparently not even the Queen of Smiles can stay the same forever, even if she might live that long. All the characters have depth, their own stories, they change and grow as the book moves forward, there's more focus on some characters than others of course, but none are totally left behind. Great read from start to finish, took me less than two days (7-8 hours probably) to read it, and how fast I devour a book generally says something about how good it is.
June 16, 2025
I had trouble maintaining interest in this story, because there's quite a lot of relatively mundane stuff, and a lot of sometimes repetitious introspection. I suspect my reaction to this protagonist is similar to the one for Superman, in that she has flaws, but she's experienced and a creation from a dream/nightmare, rather than self-made, and that's just not as compelling to me.
The only reason I finished that last 20% was to skim, since I'd assumed the surprise power and the ending and was unsurprised to find out I was right. Given that I'm unperturbed by "spoilers," it's not often I guess an ending plus am dissatisfied, but here we are.
The only reason I finished that last 20% was to skim, since I'd assumed the surprise power and the ending and was unsurprised to find out I was right. Given that I'm unperturbed by "spoilers," it's not often I guess an ending plus am dissatisfied, but here we are.
December 27, 2022
This was a nice return to the world of the Break. The Queen of Smiles was an obvious choice for a full spin-off book and she certainly carried the bulk of the action well. Unfortunately the plot was once more my least favourite kind of plot.
I apparently fell out of love with the quest kind of plot and this didn't reignite it. The Queen collects a fun motley crew on the way to kill a warlord who made it personal. They're all varying levels of interesting and many adventures are had on the way. There are close calls, betrayals and a big showdown.
I was entertained and got more glimpses into the world of the Break. I'm looking foward to the next real trilogy.
I apparently fell out of love with the quest kind of plot and this didn't reignite it. The Queen collects a fun motley crew on the way to kill a warlord who made it personal. They're all varying levels of interesting and many adventures are had on the way. There are close calls, betrayals and a big showdown.
I was entertained and got more glimpses into the world of the Break. I'm looking foward to the next real trilogy.
November 22, 2022
I went into this book having never read the previous trilogy this book is an off-branch of, and therefore, had very little idea of what the Post-Break world was. But that did not matter! I was flung into an action-packed novel with a kickass heroine that would not let me go. It was easy enough for me to navigate the world the Queen lived in without having prior knowledge of it, so if you've stumbled across this book and have never read the Murder of Crows, this novel will stand alone just fine. If you enjoy anything post-apocalyptic, lots of sarcastic humour, and women who know how to navigate both a motorcycle and a group of bumbling men across a country to carry out a vendetta against someone who has destroyed her home, this is the book for you.
December 3, 2022
Long live the queen
I am not sure how to describe this super powered apocalypse story other than to say I loved it and couldn't put it down. The post break world is a mixture of the Wild West combined with bastions of civilization and tenants ranging from normals to powered to apocalyptic beings, human and other. The Queen of Smiles is more chaos unleashed than human and after decades of existence is starting to find out who she could be. The next trilogy in this convoluted world can't be released quickly enough.
I am not sure how to describe this super powered apocalypse story other than to say I loved it and couldn't put it down. The post break world is a mixture of the Wild West combined with bastions of civilization and tenants ranging from normals to powered to apocalyptic beings, human and other. The Queen of Smiles is more chaos unleashed than human and after decades of existence is starting to find out who she could be. The next trilogy in this convoluted world can't be released quickly enough.
January 15, 2023
A must read
I really don't know how to talk about this book. And that is nowhere near a negative thing.
It you read the murder of crows series, then you are fully familiar with her majesty. This book was a wonderful look at both who she is as a character, and where she is going how that her initial mission from the first series is done.
If you enjoyed the original series, then you definitely need to read this!
I really don't know how to talk about this book. And that is nowhere near a negative thing.
It you read the murder of crows series, then you are fully familiar with her majesty. This book was a wonderful look at both who she is as a character, and where she is going how that her initial mission from the first series is done.
If you enjoyed the original series, then you definitely need to read this!
November 2, 2023
long live the queen
Queenie is a dark and fearsome hero, even when she would deny the hero part to everyone, especially to herself. Her crew is as strange and wonderful as she is, their back stories filling out who they were and who they have become. I look forward to continuing her travels.
Queenie is a dark and fearsome hero, even when she would deny the hero part to everyone, especially to herself. Her crew is as strange and wonderful as she is, their back stories filling out who they were and who they have become. I look forward to continuing her travels.
December 31, 2022
Long live the Queen
Perfect. A wonderful mix of the superhero genre and a good old-fashioned Western. Picture the Queen as a young Clint Eastwood who is 6'2" woman with no face. I've loved all the Post Break stories and I'm thrilled that more are in the works.
Perfect. A wonderful mix of the superhero genre and a good old-fashioned Western. Picture the Queen as a young Clint Eastwood who is 6'2" woman with no face. I've loved all the Post Break stories and I'm thrilled that more are in the works.
January 2, 2023
Now this is a job
Tullbane does an exquisite job taking us back to a world on the brink of collapse and still bringing forth new questions that keep the reader engaged. I can’t wait for more.’
Tullbane does an exquisite job taking us back to a world on the brink of collapse and still bringing forth new questions that keep the reader engaged. I can’t wait for more.’
February 23, 2023
A good read!
Picked thus on a whim, was surprised at the gritty depth. This is like a post apocalyptic western, action, good and evil, a tiny bit of romance and characters to love or hate. It also had a better story line than most Westerns.
Picked thus on a whim, was surprised at the gritty depth. This is like a post apocalyptic western, action, good and evil, a tiny bit of romance and characters to love or hate. It also had a better story line than most Westerns.
June 1, 2023
Where to start? Such a detailed and large world the author has built. Along with characters with flaws and true depth. The Post-Break World is a wonderfully fascinating place. The Queen of Smiles…. Great to learn so much more about this character and the storm she has inside.
June 29, 2024
A definite must read
Even if you never were interested in the post-break series this character started in, this story is worth your time. I can’t exactly define how unique the post-apocalyptic style Tullbane created is, and how much more readable it is, to me. This character is so very fun to read!!
Even if you never were interested in the post-break series this character started in, this story is worth your time. I can’t exactly define how unique the post-apocalyptic style Tullbane created is, and how much more readable it is, to me. This character is so very fun to read!!
December 9, 2022
Very good book
This is a fine dark post apocalyptic fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Two Feathers. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine dark post apocalyptic fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Two Feathers. I anxiously await the sequel.
January 17, 2025
Truly don't understand why this book and author is flying under the radar - amazinnnng characters and world building. An auto buy for me.
February 7, 2023
Sometimes, the line between murderer and hero was just a matter of perspective.
Wow. Just absolutely, effing wow. P.S. And wow, too. And this is coming from a fan that just plain expects this promising young author's work to just rock each and every time! After all: I haven't been disappointed yet!
Cut me and the world bleeds.
To w(h)it, I already thought that Chris Tullbane's previous books in his "Murder of Crows" trilogy or even the accompanying though not always obviously integral "Stories from a Post-Break World" novellas would make for GREAT graphic novel materials, if not just the most awesome series on NETFLIX ever created (yes, that's what I'd do with my money if I won that big billion dollar lottery … that and adopt every shelter puppy in the world…). But really with "The Queen of Smiles" we have entered Phase 4-plus, no-but-seriously Disney should buy this company territory. This, dear friends and fiends alike is just damn good writing, damn good plotting and just a fucking amazing story. And yes, I feel perfectly allowed to use such colorful language. After all, our author has never shied away from same whilst keeping the usage thereof always on point and always on theme (ye hath been warned he cried ominously)! I say that knowing I will never get an invitation from his parents to Thanksgiving dinner but fresh cranberry sauce be damned I'm statin' my opinion at the dinner table!
The storm is chaos given shape, and chaos is rarely silent or subtle.
I don't know how the young man (still Tullbane here, keep up, ok?) pulled this one off. After all, he had just some months ago completed what was not only an across-the-board amazing trilogy that I mentioned earlier, but had the, um, testicular fortitude to take it out of the comfort of the previous 'super-powered teens Academy' environment to the harsh realities of the post-Break Badlands. Kind of a 'git along li'l doggies' version of Avengers if you will. Seriously, if you haven't read "One Tin Soldier" by now, well, your reading CV isn't complete. And that's not even taking into account the books that led up to what - at the time - I considered his best work. Oh and should we mention the "John Smith" books, too, including the incredible "The Italian Screwjob", available in all formats for your enjoyment? No? OK, your loss…
I didn’t have a heart. Not the flesh and blood organ anyway. Just the endless spiral of a tornado about to touch down.
"The Queen of Smiles" is simply one of those story-lines that will - and SHOULD - have phrases like "tour de force" bandied about. It reads like smooth silk and will take you on a journey filled with rage, redemption and a whole heap of kick-ass scenes. All of that and it also features some of the finest prose that Tullbane has seen fit to provide us with over goodness knows how many pages by now! And that ending? Oh my oh my oh my…
The time for fear is over. Come rage with me.
And quite frankly, the character of "Her Majesty" is unlike any you have EVER seen be it from mutant-kind, cosmic-ray-formed foursomes or goodness knows what kind of mythical, magical or other irradiated beings that may be in your lexicon. And while you aren't REQUIRED to have read any of the books that come (came?) before it to be able to follow along, again, you aren't doing yourself any favors by having passed on those earlier chapters! I know I've gone back and read at least two of the novellas just to remind myself just how nasty some of these, well, nasties that are mentioned in passing could be!
I’d been created from an errant thought, the barest sketch of an idea, born as a creature of action with a body to match.
Whether you believe it or not, doubt plays a huge role in this tale. That's right. Does Her Majesty still have doubts throughout this quest? Absolutely. Does she wonder what her purpose is in a world she was never born into but created from a madman's dream? Definitely. Is she perhaps not only more human than she realizes but also the most kick-ass "Power" (wink wink) some of us that were reportedly born with a Marvel comic in their hands have seen in decades? Oh darlings, hell yes to all of that and more. Kids, this is just what you've been looking for ever since you started putting your collection in plastic sleeves to pretend like you weren't reading them all the time and one day might part with them for some unfair price at a hastily constructed merchant's table. Pffft, as if…!
If there’s anything I’ve learned about people, it’s that the breaking’s never done.
Truly though, this is the good stuff fans. And I can't wait for the next instalment(s)! There's enough foreshadowing and more than a few tendrils of connectivity left to explore along with the rest of this Universe to keep us going for many more tales to come! So sign me up now!
Wow. Just absolutely, effing wow. P.S. And wow, too. And this is coming from a fan that just plain expects this promising young author's work to just rock each and every time! After all: I haven't been disappointed yet!
Cut me and the world bleeds.
To w(h)it, I already thought that Chris Tullbane's previous books in his "Murder of Crows" trilogy or even the accompanying though not always obviously integral "Stories from a Post-Break World" novellas would make for GREAT graphic novel materials, if not just the most awesome series on NETFLIX ever created (yes, that's what I'd do with my money if I won that big billion dollar lottery … that and adopt every shelter puppy in the world…). But really with "The Queen of Smiles" we have entered Phase 4-plus, no-but-seriously Disney should buy this company territory. This, dear friends and fiends alike is just damn good writing, damn good plotting and just a fucking amazing story. And yes, I feel perfectly allowed to use such colorful language. After all, our author has never shied away from same whilst keeping the usage thereof always on point and always on theme (ye hath been warned he cried ominously)! I say that knowing I will never get an invitation from his parents to Thanksgiving dinner but fresh cranberry sauce be damned I'm statin' my opinion at the dinner table!
The storm is chaos given shape, and chaos is rarely silent or subtle.
I don't know how the young man (still Tullbane here, keep up, ok?) pulled this one off. After all, he had just some months ago completed what was not only an across-the-board amazing trilogy that I mentioned earlier, but had the, um, testicular fortitude to take it out of the comfort of the previous 'super-powered teens Academy' environment to the harsh realities of the post-Break Badlands. Kind of a 'git along li'l doggies' version of Avengers if you will. Seriously, if you haven't read "One Tin Soldier" by now, well, your reading CV isn't complete. And that's not even taking into account the books that led up to what - at the time - I considered his best work. Oh and should we mention the "John Smith" books, too, including the incredible "The Italian Screwjob", available in all formats for your enjoyment? No? OK, your loss…
I didn’t have a heart. Not the flesh and blood organ anyway. Just the endless spiral of a tornado about to touch down.
"The Queen of Smiles" is simply one of those story-lines that will - and SHOULD - have phrases like "tour de force" bandied about. It reads like smooth silk and will take you on a journey filled with rage, redemption and a whole heap of kick-ass scenes. All of that and it also features some of the finest prose that Tullbane has seen fit to provide us with over goodness knows how many pages by now! And that ending? Oh my oh my oh my…
The time for fear is over. Come rage with me.
And quite frankly, the character of "Her Majesty" is unlike any you have EVER seen be it from mutant-kind, cosmic-ray-formed foursomes or goodness knows what kind of mythical, magical or other irradiated beings that may be in your lexicon. And while you aren't REQUIRED to have read any of the books that come (came?) before it to be able to follow along, again, you aren't doing yourself any favors by having passed on those earlier chapters! I know I've gone back and read at least two of the novellas just to remind myself just how nasty some of these, well, nasties that are mentioned in passing could be!
I’d been created from an errant thought, the barest sketch of an idea, born as a creature of action with a body to match.
Whether you believe it or not, doubt plays a huge role in this tale. That's right. Does Her Majesty still have doubts throughout this quest? Absolutely. Does she wonder what her purpose is in a world she was never born into but created from a madman's dream? Definitely. Is she perhaps not only more human than she realizes but also the most kick-ass "Power" (wink wink) some of us that were reportedly born with a Marvel comic in their hands have seen in decades? Oh darlings, hell yes to all of that and more. Kids, this is just what you've been looking for ever since you started putting your collection in plastic sleeves to pretend like you weren't reading them all the time and one day might part with them for some unfair price at a hastily constructed merchant's table. Pffft, as if…!
If there’s anything I’ve learned about people, it’s that the breaking’s never done.
Truly though, this is the good stuff fans. And I can't wait for the next instalment(s)! There's enough foreshadowing and more than a few tendrils of connectivity left to explore along with the rest of this Universe to keep us going for many more tales to come! So sign me up now!
December 5, 2022
Great spin-off
Another great novel from the Post-break world series of books, seeing this world through such a great side character makes me excited for the next book, awesome job.
Another great novel from the Post-break world series of books, seeing this world through such a great side character makes me excited for the next book, awesome job.
June 10, 2023
3.5 stars. Good, not great. I would have been well-served to have read a bit of a refresher beforehand as there were some callbacks to events/characters in the Crow trilogy that I’d didn’t really recall.
June 13, 2024
Excellent!
It was a real pleasure to dig into Her Majesty's life, one of the most interesting and mysterious characters of The Post-Breakup trilogy. Let's hope there will be more about her.
It was a real pleasure to dig into Her Majesty's life, one of the most interesting and mysterious characters of The Post-Breakup trilogy. Let's hope there will be more about her.
December 5, 2022
post apocalyptic revenge story
This is another story in the post beak world with the queen of smiles. Unlike Damian in the murder of crows trilogy, queen is a known quantity. Her growth is more character driven than powers, which is the best and worst thing about this novel. It drags at times, but the side characters are all rogues and mercenaries which helps keep the plot interesting. Queen of Smiles is unfortunately not that interesting, but her interactions and adventures are. I'd recommend this if you want another story in the post-dream world.
This is another story in the post beak world with the queen of smiles. Unlike Damian in the murder of crows trilogy, queen is a known quantity. Her growth is more character driven than powers, which is the best and worst thing about this novel. It drags at times, but the side characters are all rogues and mercenaries which helps keep the plot interesting. Queen of Smiles is unfortunately not that interesting, but her interactions and adventures are. I'd recommend this if you want another story in the post-dream world.
November 1, 2023
Loved it!
There was blood, there was revenge, there were some deep thoughts, some heroics...and oftentimes a hard look on reality.
The first 20% were a bit stiff and difficult to read, due to the main character travelling alone from town to town. Its a long book with more than 400 pages so the slow start its not that much of a problem.
There was blood, there was revenge, there were some deep thoughts, some heroics...and oftentimes a hard look on reality.
The first 20% were a bit stiff and difficult to read, due to the main character travelling alone from town to town. Its a long book with more than 400 pages so the slow start its not that much of a problem.
November 6, 2022
This is an excellent addition to the post-break world that began with See These Bones. While there are a few mentions of events from the previous trilogy, this novel stands alone very well.
Queen of Smiles is the title character and we begin learning about her background as well as what makes her tick immediately. I was thrilled that Tullbane gave us as much background as he did.
We also see the post-break world continue to grow and other characters that were previously referenced make appearances. Tullbane is never shy about showing the power his characters can bring to bear or disappoints his audience by holding back. We get to see the powers being powers throughout this novel.
What impressed me most was Queens growth. Her life has changed and she learns about herself and is humanized as this book progresses. Amazingly, the author blends her growth with a cold blooded ruthlessness I absolutely love.
What we have here is a new entry into a gritty world but a prolific author that is accessible and transparent about his work. If you love super powers, character driven stories or even westerns this is a must read. There is so much here to love you'll find something. Give Chris Tullbane a shot, you won't be disappointed.
I was provided an advance copy of this book, but received no compensation for a review.
Queen of Smiles is the title character and we begin learning about her background as well as what makes her tick immediately. I was thrilled that Tullbane gave us as much background as he did.
We also see the post-break world continue to grow and other characters that were previously referenced make appearances. Tullbane is never shy about showing the power his characters can bring to bear or disappoints his audience by holding back. We get to see the powers being powers throughout this novel.
What impressed me most was Queens growth. Her life has changed and she learns about herself and is humanized as this book progresses. Amazingly, the author blends her growth with a cold blooded ruthlessness I absolutely love.
What we have here is a new entry into a gritty world but a prolific author that is accessible and transparent about his work. If you love super powers, character driven stories or even westerns this is a must read. There is so much here to love you'll find something. Give Chris Tullbane a shot, you won't be disappointed.
I was provided an advance copy of this book, but received no compensation for a review.
April 11, 2025
This book really does a better job of showing the "post-apoc" in the post-apoc with supers setting than the Murder of Crows trilogy in the same setting did.
I like the Queen of Smiles as a character and she's a good protagonist to carry the story. The supporting cast is fine. The pacing is pretty solid about conveying the months-long journey without feeling like a slog to read.
I like the Queen of Smiles as a character and she's a good protagonist to carry the story. The supporting cast is fine. The pacing is pretty solid about conveying the months-long journey without feeling like a slog to read.
August 16, 2025
Her Majesty isn't perhaps as colorful a protagonist as Damian, for all her unique nature. That said, her journey is definitely interesting in it's own right, and I would recommend this to any fan of the Post-Break World.
May 1, 2025
I really enjoy this world. Love coming back to it!
November 1, 2025
I first discovered Tullbane when Tantor Audio published his urban fantasy series, The Many Travails of John Smith. A series I highly recommend. When I saw he had a new series starting, I asked questions and dove into The Murder of Crows trilogy before beginning his newest, The Queen of Smiles. Another series I absolutely love with superheroes in a post-break world. Queenie was a secondary character and now has her own series. You could read her novella, The Storm in Her Smile and dive in, but I bet you’ll go back for more.
Queenie is a power who was created and her origin story is unique. She is badass, fearless, and has seen some shit. Seriously. I love her and fear her. After learning her origin story, Queenie headed to Eclipse and has busied herself taking minor jobs. When she returns from a job, she finds Eclipse burned to the ground and heads out for answers and revenge.
I love the tale that unfolds as we traveled across the badlands and Texas as she hunts down the power responsible, known as the Crimson Queen. Along the way, she seeks answers from contacts and ends up with a traveling companion. She names this silent nomad, Two-Feathers. Traps, battles, and favors called made for an addictive listen.
The world-building and character development elevate this story & world. From the pacing to the prose, Tullbane is in his element as this story unfolds. Queenie is a complex character who pulls you in. Chris Tullbane has become an auto-buy author and I cannot wait for the next audio in this series! Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson and Pierce Brown.
Reba Buhr narrates and did a stellar job of giving voice to Queenie. She captured everything about her, from her coldness to a tender side. The story lends itself perfectly to the audio format, and the production is well done. I highly recommend listening. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Queenie is a power who was created and her origin story is unique. She is badass, fearless, and has seen some shit. Seriously. I love her and fear her. After learning her origin story, Queenie headed to Eclipse and has busied herself taking minor jobs. When she returns from a job, she finds Eclipse burned to the ground and heads out for answers and revenge.
I love the tale that unfolds as we traveled across the badlands and Texas as she hunts down the power responsible, known as the Crimson Queen. Along the way, she seeks answers from contacts and ends up with a traveling companion. She names this silent nomad, Two-Feathers. Traps, battles, and favors called made for an addictive listen.
The world-building and character development elevate this story & world. From the pacing to the prose, Tullbane is in his element as this story unfolds. Queenie is a complex character who pulls you in. Chris Tullbane has become an auto-buy author and I cannot wait for the next audio in this series! Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson and Pierce Brown.
Reba Buhr narrates and did a stellar job of giving voice to Queenie. She captured everything about her, from her coldness to a tender side. The story lends itself perfectly to the audio format, and the production is well done. I highly recommend listening. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
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