4.5
The audiobook is definitely the way to go with this story as Travis does an excellent job of narrating his own book and the accents he does for his characters add to their charm. This is just as sweet and comforting as you'd expect, however I would've liked a few more tie-ins to "Legends and Lattes." The ones we got were great though and I loved all the friends Viv made while stuck recovering from an injury in a small seaside village. There's a bookstore in need of saving, but first Viv must discover her love of fiction and that it's okay to slow down sometimes. Overall, very enjoyable, just doesn't add too much relevant backstory and is more like a cute little side-quest for Viv.

A delightful sweeping soft prequel to a book that completely rocked the idea of "cozy fantasy" in the best way. I was truly a delight and the audiobook rivaled Jim Dale.

If you liked Legends & Lattes, I personally think Bookshops & Bonedust IS EVEN BETTER!! I love the cozy fantasy, the witty banter, and the mutually respectful friendships between characters who are inherently different! 5☕️

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I looooooooooved the narration of this book. It fit the setting and characters perfectly. I think that his voice is made for this genre. It was a cute story and the absolute perfect type of read for a cozy fantasy fan, I think that the overall book was 100% low stakes- very mild with not a ton of action. Just an easy read with character building.

Bookshops and Bonedust is simply an adorable adventure in facing what is before you, learning limits and changes inside and out. Fantasy, slice of life and crime drama with some warm fuzzy moments.

I got to experience the audiobook and it is soooo good! The voices, because it's the author I felt like I could read more into the characters because of his intonations and tone.

The characters are robust, not overly built with trope or stereotypical and fun to "interact with" as you read about them. I didn't emotionally invest in the story till we met the bookstore owner and then I was hooooooked!

The world building is contained to a pretty small area, mostly in a town, but I felt like I had a good balance of framework and space for my imagination to help fill in, and new breadcrumbs to help make it more robust.

I cannot recommend this book and the audio version enough.

As someone who didn’t really love legends and lattes I LOVED THIS.

Disclaimer: I was provided an audiobook arc by netgally! Thank you netgally.

The author reads his own works in this audiobook and I ALWAYS think that’s the best route. Everything comes across perfectly, 5 stars for narration.

Most of my complaints with legends and lattes was solved in this book. We got more action, no repeating menus, no repeating scenes of discovery and resolution in the coffee shop- this read like a cozy fantasy novel that won’t put you to sleep.

I loved the characters in this one even if they did feel kind of similar to the characters in legends and lattes ( I.e. quiet guy who’s grumpy but helpful, sassy/sarcastic love interest ) I thought the ‘rest and recovery’ plotline was done so well as a prequel and we get to see into the past in a very fun way.

The action was great, the repair of the bookshop didn’t see repetitive, and the romance was super cute. The descriptions were absolutely amazing ( where are my buns. Seriously. How do I get my hands on one of those ) overall, I can see myself picking up more works by this author ( especially the audiobooks ) and will be recommending this book! I may even give legends and lattes another chance?

Travis Baldree has done it again! Bookshops & Bonedust is, if possible, even cozier than its predecessor. I loved every second of this prequel staring everyone's favorite lesbian orc Viv. I was curious to see what adventures we'd see her engage in, and I was not disappointed to find it was full of bookstores, baking, and found family. The mystery subplot was layered in so well and I really enjoyed what this story had to say about the value of relationships with an expiration date, the magic of storytelling, and the vibrance of community engagement and mutual aid. This book is an utter delight!

3.5 rounded up. I loved the first one from start to finish and was super excited to read this one. I can’t exactly pinpoint what was so different but it took me ages to get into this. Honestly until Satchel appeared I was having a hard time sticking to it. But after he got there everything picked up and he was just adorable and hilarious. And whereas the love story in L&L felt well developed and the pacing was on point, this one felt thrown together abruptly and I just could not bring myself to care or believe that they cared for each other. Whereas I could absolutely see and believe in the friendship connection between Viv and Fern.

Everything else was great and I hope Fern opens up a bookshop next to legends and lattes.

Well, this was a delight.
Ok, let me back up a little.
I absolutely adored Legends & Lattes, so much in fact that when I finished it the first time, I went right back to the beginning and started it all over again. So when I heard that there would be another book centered around Viv, the orc and mercenary, I all but jumped for joy. Then I heard it was a prequel and I was just a little less excited.
I don't very much enjoy prequels in general. While I always want more of any story I love, I very rarely find myself longing to learn more backstory. Furthermore in an already low stakes situation, the stakes seem even lower (even tho per the plot in Bookshops & Bonedust they technically weren't) because we already know our characters make it out alive. These minor (personal) grievances aside, I absolutely adored this book. Every single one of these wonderful characters (with the exception of the necromancing villain) is now a friend for life and I wish I could carry them around with me in a satchel (IYKYK) wherever I go. Can't wait to get my hands on an actual paper copy of this gem, so I can visit with my newfound family whenever I feel like it! This was cozy, warm, fuzzy, loveable, a little exciting and a whole lot of fun!
But, yes there is a but, I wish there hadn't been this monstrosity of an epilogue. It felt entirely unnecessary and will keep people from reading the books out of order, which I would otherwise recommend they do, because, as stated above, I do not love a prequel.
So overall we are deducting a star from what could have been blissful cozy fantasy perfection, because it is a prequel and the epilogue spoils parts of the next book. Still love it tho, and I will certainly read every single thing Travis Baldree decides to add on to this universe!
Final note: Listen to the audiobook. Treat yourself. It's phenomenal.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree has immediately become one of my favorite reads of the year. I received a free digital audio book ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review and have already preordered a finished copy to reread upon release.
The story has all the elements that made Legends and Lattes so cosy and enjoyable but managed to feel fresh and original. This book is more plot driven than the first in the series but still has the loveable characters and beautiful descriptions that you expect from this world. I really loved learning more about Viv's origins, past loves and old friends. I very much hope this series continues in the future.

This had so much potential! The writing is witty and quotable, and mythical creatures that read books? I love that! Unfortunately, I got burned out by the consistent use of profanity and females flirting with each other.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ARC! I throughly enjoyed Legends & Lattes and was so excited to read Bookshops & Bonedust. I enjoyed this one, the bookshop aspect was perfect and the storyline was incredibly intriguing near the end. I think what missed the mark for me was the narrator. This is so unfortunate, because the narrator is the author and he is excellent at crafting a cozy and fun fantasy story. I think I would prefer a full voice cast or even a female narrator since the MC is female.

Bookshops & Bonedust is the follow up novel to Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes. Baldree narrates the book and does a fine job. This is a prequel and we get to know a younger version of Viv.

Some things I enjoyed:
The world is in a small sea-side town. It was fun getting to know some of the town patrons.
Baldree continues the cozy fantasy theme.
Fern and the bookstore.

Some things I less enjoyed:
I really liked Satchel, and would have enjoyed his presence more.
As with Legends & Lattes, this is a slow paced book.
More in-depth character development. I did not feel a great attachment to most of the characters, including Viv, because I didn’t really get to know them.

3.5 rounded up. Overall, I enjoyed Bookshops & Bonedust. It is a slow-paced, low-stakes, cozy fantasy. If you enjoyed Legends & Lattes, you will get the same “feels” from this.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved legends and lattes and I think I loved this one even more. The audio book took me to another world and I’m absolutely obsessed.

I adored this. It was a delight to meet a young, brash Viv, and the cast of characters was so, so much fun. Felt like the pacing and plot were smoother than Legends & Lattes, which is an exciting sign for books to come. Travis Baldree has really cemented himself for me as an instant read.

This prequel made me happy by giving us a look into a beloved character's backstory.
I loved seeing her develop friendships and a love of reading. The pace was a bit slow and it just didn't give me as much excitement as Legends & Lattes, so it's a 3☆.
Still a very cozy book and the ending made me smile.

Thank you, Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Is it as good as Legends & Lattes? Nope! Is it worth a read? Possibly yes! Full video review below.

https://youtu.be/nl_QIwi6p5I

I loved this story! I have zero complaints with the writing. I love the coziness and the vibes are vibing. However, my issue is with the audiobook. I love that Travis Baldree gets to narrate his own books but I just wasn’t a fan of his narration for this book or Legends and Lattes

3.5/5

Not as strong as Legends & Lattes, but this prequel brings us an injured and healing Viv in a new setting at a sleepy beach town and discovering the joys of a cozy bookstore. I enjoyed the variety of creatures we get introduced to and all the vivid descriptions of food. It was nice to see Viv discover a new side of herself while she connects with the locals and with a dash of romance.

Love love love!! A great read that had foreshadowing and kept you guessing! I love how the narrator really brought you into the story.