This was a great prequel. I loved learning about how Viv got her sword Black Blood and when she first became a mercenary.

Read by the author he really brought his story to life. Since I read Legends and Lattes in Book form it was interesting to see his take on his characters and it was just as entertaining. This is another book that is like a big hug.

Viv can't help but gather people around her. Her true nature always shines through as she helps a bookseller update her store, a skeleton trapped in the service of a necromancer and a gnome that wants to be a mercenary. Just as fun as Legends and Lattes this is well worth grabbing.

Bookshops and Bonedust was a warm, wholesome, fast paced cozy fantasy. If you liked Legends and Lattes, you'll love getting to know Viv and her backstory. Travis Baldree is one of the authors we often think of when we think of the category cozy fantasy, a genre I consider to follow "cozy mystery rules". Stakes are not super high and someone might die but it won't be a central character and it will just be to move the story forward. I've heard others describe this genre as "low trigger" and I'd agree. I'm new to the fantasy and to Dungeons and Dragons-like plots but this delivers, with a central goal interrupted by side quests along the way.
In a nut shell, a young and reckless Viv gets herself seriously injured on a mission and her crew leaves her behind in a small town to recover and promise to return to pick her up on their way back. While she doesn't consider herself a reader, Viv happens into a used bookstore and befriends the owner. After a spooky stranger passes through and unnerves them, they begin to investigate. In true Viv fashion, she begins to accumulate a motley but sweet crew and hijinks ensue.

If you liked Legends and Latte’s, this one is right up your alley. If you’re new to this series pull up a chair and settle in while Travis Baldree weaves his magic about a mythical character Viv the mercenary.
While Viv is rehabbing in a lil podunk coastal town we follow her recovery not only physically but mentally as she learns to open up and trust. This prequel lays the foundation of the series masterfully!

I’m not the first to say it but if you loved Legends & Lattes, you’ll most likely love this one! Travis Baldree, once again, delivers another top tier cozy fantasy. I adored the first book and was so excited to dive back into this world. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this being a prequel and was half convinced it wouldn’t measure up to the first book, but I shouldn’t have bothered being worried because Baldree did not disappoint. I do think I would have enjoyed it slightly more if I didn’t already know where Viv ends up in Legends & Lattes. I found myself not caring quite as much about what Viv was up to because I knew she wouldn’t be staying where she was. What made this book a hit for me were the new characters, learning more about Viv’s backstory, hanging out in quaint bookshop with the characters and the overall comfy warm vibes that Baldree somehow manages to create so effortlessly. This series is the perfect comfort series to read snuggled up by a fire. I feel confident in saying that this is now an auto-buy author for me.

Thank you to Tor and Macmillan Audio for providing an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a super cute and easy listen. I enjoyed the slight mystery of the man in gray. The narrator did a good job with the voices. I don’t usually care for prequels but this was done well. I really like Viv

Review: "Bookshops & Bonedust" by Travis Baldree

A Delightful Journey of Self-Discovery, Adventure, and the Power of Books

"Bookshops & Bonedust," the latest offering from Travis Baldree, builds on the intriguing world first introduced in "Legends & Lattes." Set in a sleepy beach town named Murk, the story centers on Viv—a young, feisty orc soldier of Rackam's Ravens who finds herself sidelined due to an injury. What follows is an endearing journey filled with adventure, romance, and, of course, books.

Enchanting Setting & Atmosphere

One of the standout features of the book is its enchanting setting—a quaint bookshop that serves as a sanctuary for Viv. Baldree masterfully captures the inviting ambiance, the smell of old paper, and the sense of wonder that permeates a place full of stories. It's a love letter to bookshops and, by extension, to readers.

Dynamic Characters & Relationships

Baldree excels at character development, particularly with Viv, who returns once again to captivate readers with her determined spirit. The side characters are just as engaging, especially Fern, the foul-mouthed bookshop proprietor. She's not just comic relief; her wisdom and sass make her a memorable counterpart to Viv's boldness.

The Power of Books & Bonds

The narrative takes the time to delve into philosophical discussions on the themes present in various books, showing the characters bonding through literary critique. It is genuinely enchanting to see characters relate to books in a way that shapes their actions and worldviews. These scenes form the backbone of the novel and elevate it into something more than just another high-fantasy adventure.

This was so CUTE and FUN!! A fun little rough-mercenary-gets-wounded-in-battle-and-therefore-stranded-in-a-small-town-they-don’t-want-to-be-in-and-likewise-might-not-want-anything-to-do-with-them tale? AND it’s fantasy so all the characters are orcs and potty mouthed rats and elves and gnomes and dwarves??? The points hit in this story are relatively predictable but the actual events aren’t, if that makes any sense. I knew what shape things were going to eventually take but I had no clue as to how we would get there or what it would look like when we did. The main character learns to enjoy reading so there are snippets of other books within this book which I thought was neat! All the characters are lovable and silly. Big fun!! It’s a prequel to another book but I haven’t read that one yet oops

This book was a fun look into one of the many past adventures in Viv’s life, but it was not quite as good as the iconic Legends and Lattes, in my opinion.

Viv is a young orc, and after sustaining an injury, she must rest for a bit in a small town to heal. She befriends the owner of a struggling bookshop and, like she did with the coffee shop in Legends and Lattes, helps revive the bookshop and creates a sense of community in the town.

This is a cozy story full of friendship. love, and adventure. If you enjoyed Legends and Lattes then you will likely enjoy this prequel as well. Or if you’re new to this world then you could even start with this book; they can be read in either order.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Legends & Lattes, so when I saw Bookshops & Bonedust was coming out, I knew I had to try and snag a copy. Luckily, I got my hands on it and I devoured it. This had all the cozy vibes of L&L, but with the backdrop of a bookstore vs a coffee shop.

Viv has become a favorite character for me. I love the way she sees the world, love hearing her story, and I love watching things unfold around her. The new characters are wonderful, adding layers to Viv's past that make her so much more likeable than she already was.

Definitely read this after L&L!! Please don't read it first!! I keep describing it as a prequel sequel and I'll forever describe it as that.

Travis Baldree has a way with words that doesn't just flow beautifully, but also stays with you long after finishing his novels. I loved this book so much and I can't wait to reread it and get lost in this world again.

The audio of this book, performed by the author, is fantastic! The story itself is as perfect as legends. Cozy characters, setting and connections. This prequel features Viv in another small town, with more unlikely friends, this time nurturing a bookstore. If you loved Legends, you’ll love this!

This world Baldree has created is so whimsical and charming. If you liked Legends & Lattes, of course you’ll love this one. Cozy with sweet characters. Read it!

I can't believe I got to listen to this audiobook early. First of all, Travis Baldree is not only a fantastic author but a fantastic audiobook narrator as well. He did a great job with everyone's voices and really made you feel like you were right in the middle of the action. Now on to the story itself. I worried that it wouldn't live up to the first one but I was completely wrong. It was so much fun. I loved our new cast of characters so much, of course in particular Fern. The story this time still remained cozy (just at a bookshop instead of a coffee shop). However, if you thought the first book lacked in action then you will be happy to hear that this book had quite a bit more action going on. I thought it fit this book nicely. Viv was younger here, in her prime, wanting to fight, so more action makes sense for this story. If you come for the romance you'll probably be a bit disappointed though. This is first and foremost a story about friendship. Viv collecting a beautiful group of friends together in this small seaside town. Overall, without giving too much away, this book was absolutely perfect and just what I wanted it to be. I look forward to more works by Travis Baldree in the future.

After having read Legends and Lattes, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into for the vibes of this book and I'm so glad for that. I highly recommend reading Legends and Lattes before reading this one. Especially the epilogue as it does contain spoilers for Legends and Lattes.

That all said, I absolutely adored this book for vibes alone. The best way I can explain it is that you go in knowing that you're not going to be getting anything completely wild. You can sit down with a puzzle or a sudoku or coloring book and just listen. A hot cup of coffee or tea, next to an open window or on your porch on a fall day. That's the vibe these books give, no matter the actual time of year it takes place.

I absolutely adored all of these characters. They were a ton of fun and watching them all interact was lovely.

I will say that I really enjoyed the experience of listening to this book, but I do also want to physically read it still.

Travis Baldree has done it again ! In "Bookshops & Bonedust", the cozy prequel to his well received "Legends & Lattes Baldree brings us another charming and comfortably paced tale about Liv, the fierce but lovable Orc mercenary. Although more high fantasy oriented then the previous book this one still maintain a cozy vibe. The book also exerts the same strong focus on creating community, kindness and acceptance whereas, Liv, herself comes of as intellectually curious and nurturing in addition to being a natural leader who draws people together wherever she goes. Finally, for an extra treat consider listening to the audio book version which is skillfully and lovingly narrated by the author himself.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, MacMillan Audio, for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

For someone who's life was changed by The Hobbit, I don't read much fantasy. The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, the first 21 or so Xanth novels, and that's about it. Legends & Lattes was one of the few exceptions that I decided I must read, except for the fact that my TBR list is so very, very long. Then, Bookshops & Bonedust was announced. What's a girl to do? Macmillan Audio to the rescue, allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook.

And, oh, I didn't want it to end! I can't think of anything I disliked about the book, from the characters to the story to Travis Baldree's top-notch narration. What a cozy world Travis Baldree has conjured. Characters that are both fun and relatable, and a story that you know will end as well as possible (but, no spoilers, boy, were there a few moments when I was worried).

I understand completely why there are now close to 50 Xanth novels and the number of Middle Earth spin-offs seems to grow by the day. When you create a world this compelling, readers will come. Will Bookshops & Bonedust be Travis Baldree's last official visit to Viv's world, or will he continue to give his readers what we crave? If more is to come, I promise to try to be there.

A bookshop pet that is a griffin named POTROAST! Say less!!
This was a fun and quick read. Gives all the cozyish vibes and it's a perfect read for fall.
Travis Baldree does a great job reading for the audiobook.
I'm so happy with how the epilog summed everything up so well and ties in Legends & Lattés as well.

Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree is a prequel to Legends and Lattes, and I did not realize how much I needed this prequel until I dived into it. Viv is injured while her and her comrades are searching for a necromancer and is laid up in the sleepy port town of Murk while she heals. While staying there, she befriends the local bookseller and offers to help, while also mentoring a young wannabe mercenary, and finds a romantic interest!

For anyone who said there was not enough plot in Legends and Lattes, you will not have that problem here as there is a larger issue growing in the background amongst the frolicking among the stacks in the foreground. I actually found the eventual conflict to be more detrimental than pleasurable as I had enjoyed all of the customer interactions in the bookstore, the warm chest feels I got from people getting excited about reading and talking about books, and of all the ways Viv was helping to revive the bookstore from the brink of financial collapse.

As was the case in the previous book, Baldree does a fantastic job of creating character archetypes that readers love to experience, whether it be the cranky elf healer, the scrappy gnome sidekick, or the crumb-stealing griffin, each character is painted with such richness that they leap off the page. Along with the quality narration (and excellent accents), there is never a question as to who is talking.

My one main gripe in the novel is when the characters talk about romance books and they start to use the word "moist" to describe the steamy novels in particular. Moist is such a triggering word for some people, so to have to hear it spoken over ten times (if not twenty!) was quite taxing, and I can only imagine how difficult it was for the narrator. I could have accepted "saucy" over moist any day.

Overall, the listening experience was quite enjoyable, like a cup of hot chocolate on a fall day and I loved sinking into the town of Murk and wishing I could relax in an armchair in the bookstore, scone in hand. The epilogue was a nice surprise as well! I hope we get another book in this series, but understand if Baldree wants to move on to new, charming characters.

Travis Baldree does it again!

I loved Legends & Lattes and I can promise that Bookshops & Bonedust does not disappoint. I love how he mixes a fantasy world with all the cozy stuff of our world in order to create such a heartwarming story. The adventure is fun but the best part of these books are the characters and the relationships they develop with one another. Unlikely species unite and come together to create a wholesome tale.

This can be read before OR after Legends & Lattes (in my opinion) but be sure not to miss either one!

This might just be my favorite book of the year, and it is definitely in my top 10 of all time!

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect of a prequel to Legends and Lattes, which I absolutely adored! I was hoping it was going to be just as cozy and lovely as Legends and Lattes, but I was worried that, with it being a preqeul and it opening up to a battle scene it was going to be more action and less cozy.

This was absolutely not the case. Viv's story in this one is just as cozy and heartfelt- if not more so than L&L. I just loved all of the characters- especially Satchel!! There were baked goods, and action, and books SO MANY BOOKS! Laughs and beautiful moments and character development. The ending got me right in the feels and left me hopeful for a sequel! Typically when I love a book this much I hug it, but unfortunately I listed to an advanced audio copy (Narrated by the author, who does a phenomenal job!!!) and I'll have to impatiently wait for my physical copy to arrive!

This book and series is like a snuggly warm hug- definitely a comfort series that I will be returning to frequently. ALL THE STARS TO THIS ONE!!!

** Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

As a long time video game and D&D player, it's so easy to appreciate the range of voices Baldree can make. Pair that with his awesome stories, I knew I would be in for a treat and I was absolutely right! Auto-buy and auto-listen author for me!! Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this one!!