If you've ever wondered what would happen if a cozy mystery and a dusty old bookstore decided to have a baby, the answer is "Bookshops & Bonedust" by Travis Baldree. Let me tell you, this book is so cozy it practically comes with a pair of fluffy slippers and a cup of piping hot cocoa. If you enjoyed the first one, you'll enjoy this one!

The cozy factor in this book is off the charts. Picture a warm, crackling fire in the background, a purring cat in your lap, and a mug of tea that mysteriously refills itself. Every chapter feels like a cozy blanket wrapped around your imagination, and you'll find yourself sighing with contentment as you read.

Travis Baldree has a knack for witty one-liners and absurd situations that will have you chuckling at every turn. Who knew that a bookshop could be the backdrop for so many hilarious mishaps.

In the end, "Bookshops & Bonedust" is a delightful romp through the world of Viv and her quirky companions. It's a cozy read that you won't want to put down, as you'll be too busy savoring every delicious moment and laughing out loud at the absurdity of it all. So, grab your favorite reading nook, a warm beverage of your choice, and prepare to be enveloped in a world where the coziest of mysteries unfold in the most charming of bookshops.

🌶️ Spice Meter 🌶️ : 2 out of 5 Peppers

Final Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see where Viv started out and how she came to be in Rackam's group. I would recommend this to anyone who just needs a cozy read with a little bit of spice and a whole lot of love.

Disclaimer:
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This book has already made it to the top of my favorites list. With it being a prequel, there is always a chance it does not live up to expectations. The characters are as wonderful as I hoped and the story once again had the excitement, intrigue, and heart that I was looking for. Viv has easily become one of my favorite characters with her flaws and growth.

I enjoyed this cozy bookshop read ❤️ a prequel with younger viv injured. Action & some romance. I feel like this is a cozy, cuddle up with a blanket page turner. Bookshops & Lattes with a strong Orc. I think Travis made cozy fantasy a hit ❤️
#netgalley

In this prequel to Legends and Lattes, Viv is stuck in a town to heal after she receives a nasty leg wound. She befriends Fern who owns a bookshop in the town and begins to help her fix up the bookshop. Along the way, she accumulates more friendships with the town baker, a reclusive author, and others. While Viv feels like she's missing out on the action while she heals the action ends up coming to this small town and Viv plays a big part of it.

While this prequel wasn't as great as Legends and Lattes, I still really enjoyed it. The characters were well developed - especially Satchel! However, the romance did feel a little forced. The epilogue and connection to L&L was particularly exciting because it gives a preview into what the subsequent L&L book will be.

Legends and Lattes introduced readers to Viv, a battle weary orc who has retired from the mercenary life who runs a coffee shop. Bookshops and Bonedust takes fans back in time to Viv’s fighting days, were we meet a wounded Viv. Like the first book in this delightful series, Viv’s origin story is full of quirky characters and magical creatures. Readers will delight in watching Viv discover the joys of reading. The ending perfectly sets up future tales and I cannot wait!

Do you love Dungeons and Dragons? Do you love indie bookstores? Yes? Same, then you’ll love this book. This story is the poster child of cozy fantasy. It’s fun, sweet and light.

There’s literally a mouse-like character that owns a bookstore, as if she got kicked out of Beatrix Potter’s work for swearing too much and ended up in Murk.

I love when authors narrate their own books and this was not exception. I had a really nice time with this book.

I DNF this book - I just couldn't get into the story. There was nothing wrong with the audiobook, it just wasn't my taste: there was not nearly enough romance to keep me interested. I guess it was *too* low-stakes for me 🤷‍♀️

The narrator, who I believe is actually the author of the book, was good, and the story seems like something someone else will really love. My library will purchase a copy of this and that it will do well here. We own two copies of Legends and Lattes and they circulate very well, so I imagine a prequel will do just as well.

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint! This is the backstory of Viv that is the main character in Legends and Lattes. Reading her backstory made me appreciate what she accomplished in Legends and Lattes all the more. This story had wit and banter, extremely poignant moments that brought tears to my eyes, a smidge is romance, and low stakes that are just enough stakes. Oh yeah, and a bag of bone dust that keeps the bookshop tidy. What more could you want?

This was a fun prequel to Viv’s story. Set in another tiny village filled with interesting and heartwarming characters. It was wonder to see how Viv got to where she is.

I cannot wait until my physical copy of Bookshops & Bonedust arrives, I loved this book so much. Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for this audio ARC of my most anticipated read of 2023!

I feel like this book was MADE for the BookTok community. There are so many fun, silly elements that speak to all readers (especially if you’re just now discovering your love of books). This prequel to Legends & Lattes may bring you new characters and a new location, but still gives the cozy vibes we’ve all been chasing.

Favorite Character: Fern
Favorite Aspect: the discovery of the love of reading
Cozy-Meter: 7 (a little more action/adventure than Legends & Lattes)

DO NOT SKIP THE EPILOGUE ❤️

This is such a wonderful novel and a great prequel to Baldree’s Legends & Lattes. Anyone that loved that will love seeing Viv’s journey. This also makes the perfect autumnal read. Curl up with a mug of something warm, and let Baldree take you to a different world.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor for allowing me to listen to this awesome audiobook that’s sure to be a beloved cozy read for all. My opinions are my own.

Travis, may I call you Travis? Good.
Viv deserves more awkward dates and flirty kisses. This is the second book you have tortured me with. I just want someone to be pinned against a wall by her strong arms. I get it she is a warrior Ork with a 'go-with-the-flow' personality and it's entirely charming, but dear God please give her the kisses she deserves. That is all.

A prequel to Legends and Lattes which was all the rage last fall, Bookshops & Bonedust gave us a glimps of Viv's origin story. It was every bit as cozy as Legends with some endearing characters that you just had to root for.

3.5/5

This was a delightful fantasy book. I thoroughly enjoyed all the different characters.
Viv is an orc who is injured in battle and ends up in Murk. Here she meets Fern, a ratkin, who owns a bookshop; Maylee, the baker; and a slew of other characters.

I found the story easy to read and very enjoyable. I listened to the audio version, read by the author, and he did a superb job. He made the story come alive, and some parts were laugh-out-loud funny. I especially enjoyed Satchel, the homunculus. You do not have to have read “Legends & Lattes” in order to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.

*3.75 stars*

This was another cozy slice of life fantasy. Fun, adventurous and full of found family just like the first book. Nothing revolutionary but you know exactly what you’re getting. I enjoyed getting to see more of Viv’s start but I am especially looking forward to continuing the story of Legends and Lattes.

The audiobook is again narrated by Travis Baldree who I think does a good job bringing the characters to life, even if I do find myself speeding up the playback speed more than usual.

If you liked Legends and Lattes you’ll definitely like this prequel

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ALC of this work. All opinions in this review are my own.

When I first saw this one announced I thought it was going to be a sequel with another orc opening a bookshop near Viv's coffee shop. I think I would have liked that story, too, but I did enjoy getting to learn about Viv's life as a young mercenary and what set her on the path of what she was like in Legends & Lattes.

We first encounter Viv in this story when she is a young, impetuous mercenary more likely to get herself killed than anything else. When her rash actions get her severely injured, her company leaves her behind in a small, quiet town to recuperate while they continue the job they've been hired to do. Viv isn't one to sit still and once she heals enough to move around more, she finds projects around town to help with (and friends attached to those projects). This cozy novel is a wonderful read for when you need a book about finding a love of reading and developing new friendships.

The audio version (narrated by the author) is really engaging. Many authors don't have voice acting skills. Travis Baldree is multitalented.

Initial Thoughts
Viv is staying in the town of Murk after being injured. During her recovery, she stumbles upon a little bookshop that is barely hanging on. She soon discovers a love of reading and some new friends and they work together to breathe new life into the bookstore. Things get a little more serious when danger comes to town and Viv must work with her new friends to save the day. This book was just a lot of fun with plenty of humor and action to keep things interesting. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the author, who narrates the book, did a great job of bringing the story to life through his narration.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Full review to be posted soon.

Legends & Lattes - 5 Stars
Bookshops & Bonedust - 5 Stars

I wasn't sure that cozy fantasy stories would be my thing, but oh my goodness how I was wrong.

I started with Legends & Lattes a few days ago, and finished Bookshops & Bonedust right after. The first book was a love, but Bookshops & Bonedust is a must read.

Set in a cozy bookshop, the new characters are nothing short of brilliant and relatable. I had a hard time figuring out who was my favorite. The relationships are heartwarming and sincere.

I hope to go on many more adventures with Viv. <3

Whether you've read the first one or not, you will love Bookshops & Bonedust!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ALC of this.

Like a warm hug and a D&D adventure at the same time! Really enjoyed reading this and getting out of my own head for a while! Loved the audio narration!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this book early!

This was a great companion to the hit debut Legends and Lattes. Baldree does an amazing job at creating a world that make the reader want to never leave. This prequel was just as good as the first book in terms of characters, atmosphere and plot. I’m happy to have returned to Viv as a character and see where she came from. Centering this story in a bookshop was perfect for the cozy fantasy genre and makes it an excellent companion for a coffee shop book. I am very excited to see what else Baldree writes.

Additionally, for the audiobook Baldree himself reads the story and does a fantastic job at it. He embodies his characters in a beautiful way.