There are lots of reasons I might not have liked this book…I’m not a fantasy reader…I read this before Legends and Lattes…etc. But I really liked it and will be reading Legends and Lattes as well. The characterization was so well done. The angst that Viv felt came off the page. I’ve heard Legends and Lattes described as a cozy fantasy, and I would describe this that way as well.

I like the idea of a found family. I enjoy this, I might have enjoyed it more it I had listened to legends and lattes because I would have know more about Viv.

Super fun and cozy fantasy read! Love love love this book! I hope that Baldree makes more books like this because I just cannot get enough.

I’ve recently started reading more and more monster romance featuring Orcs and was so excited to get to this story. A prequel to Legends and Lattes, Bookshops & Bonedust was a light read for me and I loved that it featured books!

I just love the cozy fantasy world that the author has written, and the storytelling was so good. I listened to the audiobook format, which was so fun to be pulled into the story this way. I would definitely recommend this format, and loved the narration too.

*thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review.

An absolute treat! A fun, cozy, and quaint prequel to the story we all fell in love with. In this installment we follow Viv as she falls in love with reading and helps a struggling bookstore survive. Baldree voices the book himself, a special treat I wish more authors did, and so we know that the book is being read exactly as intended. Not only is he an excellent writer but also a talented voice actor. I was immediately immersed and could not stop listening!

Another wonderful cozy fantasy from Travis Baldree. I loved learning more about Viv and I need more books in this world! Full review on Youtube.

Such a cute a light read that got me out of my reading slump. Who doesn't like to read about books in a quiet little town? Still loved the first novel but, but this was cute too.

Can I say it? This was as much good as the first one was ! My favorite orc in the happiness of books! I was sad to leave those characters being, but happy to learn that at the end, they are still together from the first book.

I was expecting a turn up of a vilain coming in, but never about an adorable spirit/skellington friend. Ever characters were again adorable and so friendly and of course having a mouth of there own. The dog owl !! Such a good compagnon and I was so scared when the vilain grab him. I was like NOOOO don't die. And then for the Satchel to save the day!! Gods, I was really happy. I knew in a way that, that couldn't happen, but I wanted to see to be sure.

The meeting of Liv a friend from a band from the first book was special, really. I think that the first one was as good at the second one. Thank you so much Travis Baldree for this one, it was the right amount of emotion and feels goods!

Our favorite orc is back!

If you were a fan of Baldree's LEGENDS & LATTES, you will love this prequel! This story is as thrilling, heartwarming, and satisfying as the original. This was a cozy and delightful book from beginning to end.

I am very sorry, but I have to DNF this at 10%. I barely made it out of Legends and Lattes with my sanity intact and this is no better. Nothing against the author, cozy fantasy just is not for me. I need stakes and action and this is not it.

Who knew cozy fantasy could be so good! This book is a warm hug on a fall day that you want to curl up with a coffee and read by the window.

Sometimes, high fantasy can be exhausting and dense to read through. I love it, but there are days you just want something simple that you can loose yourself in but still enjoy the fantasy elements. This book is perfect for that.

A tightly-paced cozy story, perfect for a quiet day at home, or as a respite from the bustle of the world around us. I loved visiting this world again, and finding new friendships within it.

This was such a perfect prequel. I loved every second of it. And Satchel. Omg, Satchel. I need an entire series just about Satchel. Baldree is an excellent narrator, so much so that I'm likely to buy the audios for my private collection.

Bookshops & Bonedust has quickly become my favorite read of the year. Travis Baldree creates a world with low stakes but high impact. I think about this book often and will definitely be re-reading in the future. I hope to see more titles in the future featuring his outstanding characters and lushly built world.

This was one of my top listens in 2023. I listened to it not only once, but twice. I love Travis Baldree's storytelling, his voice, and his way of spinning fantasy to make you feel like you are living it.

Another fantastic book by this author. I really loved the narration they did a good job. I don't want to give spoilers, I would highly recommend this one. If you were a fan of the first one, you'll love this one too.

It’s a 4.25 for me. To get it out of the way, I don’t think it’s as good as Legends and Lattes. But it is a good cozy fantasy, with much more of a mystery and plot than its predecessor. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, narrated by the author himself.

I do recommend this book for readers who love fantasy worlds, cozy pacing, books about books, and the found family trope.

It was awesome. What a solid prequel! The narration from the author is just *chefs kiss.* This cozy fantasy is a must for anyone looking to get lost in a new world!

I loved this so much!! Definitely did not have second book syndrome!!
I honestly cannot wait to hear what book will be written next for this series because it has been so good and so well done! I have my thoughts of what book 3 might be, but I’m excited to see when it’s announced!
Viv is such an amazing character and I loved going back and seeing her prior to Legends & Lattes.
This was so much better than I could have ever imagined! I fell in love with this book and even more in love with the characters.
These two books are must reads!

I have recently been getting into fantasy and I love the cozy side of it. This book was fun and adventurous but also sweet and just a feel good story. I had a good time being inside the world. Sometimes I feel like I rush through books to see what's going to happen or what twists are coming but sometimes there are those books I am just happy to be on the ride with and this was one of those.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!