I loved the first book, so I was excited to read this one! I’m pleased to say that it lived up to its predecessor. Bookshops and Bonedust brought all the cozy, small town feels plus some more action. The narrator’s voice was calm and soothing, and it added to the reading experience, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, found family and small towns but make it queer.

I loved the print version of Bookshops & Bonedust, and I enjoyed the audio version even more. This will be a definite addition to our library’s audio book collection.

Now I know what you are thinking. I loved Legends and Lattes so much, I’m not sure I want to read about Viv’s life before.

That’s where you are wrong. Or I was wrong. I found myself even more engrossed in Viv’s story and more intrigued in her journey from mercenary to barista. We find an injured Viv doing her best to hunt for a necromancer but also heal so she can get out of this quaint little town with nothing to do. Or of course so she thinks. We find our fearless Orc spending her days in a bookshop, and honestly that’s the best way to recover from an injury. In fact I feel an injury coming up in my near future if that’s where I get to heal.

Anyways. Since Viv can’t relax if she tries, she finds plenty of things to keep her busy. From remodeling to romancing to eventually merc’ing around. There are lots of pastries, stolen kisses, adventures and good books. Most importantly there’s Satchel.

All in all I am hooked and will read any and every part of Viv’s life.

Thank you again to netgalley for providing me with the audiobook in exchange for a fair review of the story.

I absolutely loved this one! I loved Legends and Lattes, and wasn’t exactly sure what to expect going into this one. I went in blind, and was thrilled by the journey. There’s a lot to be said about a character driven story that manages to capture and hold onto my attention, and Baldree managed to knock it out of the park yet again.
The cast of characters throughout this book are so endearing and heartwarming. I fell in love with all of them. Fern?! POTROAST!!! Ugh they were all adorable and will now live in my head rent free.
I loved the addition of the books within the book, from all of the different sides. As a reader, having someone recommend me books is always fun, so being able to see some newer readers in the story experience that was awesome.
Books can bring people together, whether they’re mysteries or the “spicy and moist” ones 😂
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend for anyone who’s interested in character based fantasy stories. The audiobook is narrated by the author, and it’s outstandingly well done. There’s a ton of variation in his voice that helps to add to how individual the characters sounded

I REALLY love this book. Small town with a book and coffee shop! What’s not to love about this book? It’s one of those feel good books that you will have to read every now and then.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for allowing me to arc read this book. Beautifully written! I was not paid for the review as it is my honest review.

Y'all! This book was perfect, yes, perfect. I needed a cozy, autumn read that had some excitement, love, understanding, renewal, and discovery... and this was it! If you love all those things plus fantasy and books and imagination then you need to read this book! Plus it is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside... so buy a copy for your shelf! That's what I plan on doing. Thank you so much to Travis Baldree for writing (and narrating) this gorgeous story and to Netgalley for the audio-arc!

It took me a while to track that the author reads this audiobook. At first, I was like, "I'm not sure about this narrator's voice. Eight hours is quite a commitment..." But within just a few chapters, I was all, "Dang, the pacing and characterization are perfect. Absolutely spot-on. I wonder what other books this narrator has read..."

Then, boy, did I feel sheepish. Perhaps I should pay closer attention?

All this to say, Bookshops & Bonedust is all kinds of fun to listen to. It's cozy and charming and a perfect escape from the real world. Plus, Fern, the bookshop owner who draws Viv out, is basically the readers' advisory of my dreams.

Ahem...I listened to Bookshops & Bonedust before Legends & Lattes, so now please excuse me while I cue it up.

Cozy, mysterious and heartfelt

The prequel to the much loved Legends and Lattes brings back Viv, a lovable half orc with a soft spot for helping those in need. An overall charming book that reaffirms all creatures need community and connection to thrive.

After an injury forces her to slow down, Viv finds herself in a small town where she uses her strength and size to help a local bookshop owner. Her new found friends and lover keep the town safe from a necromancer determined to bring the town to ruin. After developing a love for books and small, local enterprises, Viv heads off for her next adventure.

Better than Legends and Lattes. Yes better. I was a puddle at the end. As always, Travis Baldree absolutely crushes it with weaving in cozy with adventure and coming up with the most inventive characters. I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio, obviously narrated by the author. He does such a fantastic job reading his own work. I hope Viv comes around again but if not, I’d be very excited to see what his next writing venture brings.

I was extremely lucky and grateful to have received the advanced audiobook copy of Baldree’s newest book! Once again, he does a brilliant job in narrating his own story. I absolutely loved this one! Dare I say more than the first? Fern was a delightful new character and she had me cracking up throughout. I also really enjoyed the addition of a summer fling for Viv! The sleepy water front setting, the constant talk of books and bakery treats, and the character we grew to love in L&L made this the coziest read. And of course there was some action thrown in! If you have a love for fantasy or Baldrees’s previous work… this is an absolute must read! Curl up and enjoy ☺️

Rating:★★★★★

With Bookshops & Bonedust, Travis Baldree once again demonstrates his talent for imaginative storytelling in the richly crafted world of Legends & Lattes. This prequel centers on Viv, a headstrong young orc whose dreams of mercenary glory are derailed by injury. Forced to recuperate in the quiet town of Murk, Viv finds herself drawn into the dusty aisles and eccentric characters of a struggling bookshop.

Through Viv's engaging perspective, Baldree explores themes of purpose, community, and personal growth with insight and humor. The settings come alive, from the cozy bookshop to the sun-soaked beaches of Murk. Supporting characters like Fenny the foul-mouthed shop owner and Gray the mysterious traveler are vividly drawn. The touch of romance and hint of greater adventures lend an exciting spark.

Though the pace starts leisurely, the stakes ramp up with skeleton-filled action, necromantic intrigue, and high fantasy fun. Baldree's nimble storytelling ensures it all flows naturally from Viv's choices and relationships. There's thoughtful commentary on prejudice amidst the humor and thrills.

Bookshops & Bonedust is a delightful glimpse into this multilayered fantasy world. Baldree deftly balances character development, action, and heart. Viv is a compelling guide through a tale where second chances and serendipity turn the pages. I'm left wanting much more time in the Legends & Lattes universe. A brilliant five stars!

This book is just as good as the first one while bringing so much more to the world!
It has less of a cozy vibe with a bit more action and mystery but while keeping the wholesomeness.
The world feels more fleshed out as this book takes place in a new setting with new characters and shows a new magic!
The bookshop setting really felt like a love letter to reading in a way, and about the magic of books and also helping people find the books they need.
My only minor criticism is with the audiobook some of the swearing was a little jarring and took me out of the story a bit, the tone of which some were said just didn't seem to fit the current tone happening in a scene, but again this is very very minor and not enough to make me love this book any less!

This story is so super cute. It was a fun prequel to Legends & Lattes. I really enjoyed the narration as well, I would be excited if the author narrated any future sequels in the universe.

I loved Legends and Lates and this was just as sweet! The audiobook is great, Travis is an amazing narrator and I love that he is both the author and the narrator. The story was a fun sweet cozy fantasy, I think I liked it a little less than Legends but this book is super good and I love all the book and bookshop scenes, so fun for a reader.

The prequel to Legends and Lattes that we didn't know we needed! This is basically Viv's origin story and it takes place in a little town called Murk. Viv was wounded badly in the fight against an evil necromancer, so she must recuperate before her mercenary friends come back for her. She makes friends with a foul-mouthed bookshop proprietor, has a summer fling with the baker, and basically saves the town and all its adorable inhabitants. I clearly need this series to go on forever. Who knew orcs could be so darn awesome?

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio e-arc.*

This was adorable and just what I needed after reading so many intense books last month. Was this as good as Legends and Lattes? No, but I still had a good time. The setting was great and the friends Viv makes in this prequel are so cute.

I think because this was a prequel, I just didn't allow myself to become too invested in the new friends that we're introduced to. I will say that the epilogue was so good and s great set up for a next book? Maybe?

All in all, great fun and great for the holiday season for all the cozy vibes!

Thank you Netgalley for the ALC

Viv, a mercenary with Rackam’s Ravens, has been injured in battle and forced to recover in Murk. In this quiet little town, she soon finds herself restless and venturing out itching to get back with her crew. On one such outing she stumbles across an interesting bookstore with a quirky owner. Viv soon finds herself becoming attached to this quaint town, especially once a threat emerges that could harm her newly found friends.

This was an enjoyable audiobook for the most part. I did struggle with some of the inflection on certain characters’ voices. It was often mumbled at times. I listened at 1.25x speed but normally that is not a problem. Otherwise I liked the narration and each character was easily distinguished.

As far as the novel goes, this second book in the series was once again a very light, quick read. Much like the first was coffee shop and barista centric, this was definitely book seller and author centric. The villain and supporting characters had a bit more depth this time around and were original. Perfect for someone looking for a fluffy read after finishing an epic fantasy. 3 stars.

Review based on a Advanced Audiobook provided by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley. Thank you!

If you enjoyed Legends and Lettes, I think you'll love this! It comes with a little more action. But all in all, another feel good cozy read from Travis Baldree. The epilogue though!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC!

I liked Legends and Lattes, but I loved Bookshops and Bonedust! Fern is possibly my favorite character of any book ever, I loved her so much! Seeing Viv progress as a character and becoming the person you see later was so satisfying, and the ending of this book had my tearing up and salivating for more.

The audio for this book was also amazing, listening to the author voice it how it was intended was everything.

A wonderful addition to the world of Legends & Lattes. Travis Baldree did a fantastic job of showing us the moment in Viv’s life when she first learned that a slower pace wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Not only that but he was a phenomenal narrator for this story. I once again fell in love with all the characters that fill out this world, not just the main characters. Overall, another home run from Baldree, an author who has now cemented himself as an auto-buy author for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for early access to this title in exchange for an honest review.