Dear Bookshops & Bonedust,
I was wary about reading you. Legends & Lattes was so good that i wasn't sure how you would compare. I had no reason to be nervous though. You were just as charming and cozy as the first book in the series. I loved getting to know Viv in her early days, before her life of adventuring had aged her and made her tired. The fact that you wrapped up with current day Viv was such a wonderful tie in to the first book. I cannot wait to continue reading all of these adventures!

Thank you to NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook!

Another fun installment (prequel actually)! This is a great take. Kind of twisting the D&D-style adventure to more mundane life. Fun characters including cursing rats and magical skeleton servants!

Cute and cozy prequel to Legends & Lattes. It was fun to spend more time with Viv and meet a new cast of characters from her travels, with a dash of adventure, and fondness for books and reading that jumps off the page. Enjoyed the story, but loved the first book a bit more - maybe because it was something new. Either way, this is still a great book to curl up with and might make you wish you had a cozy bookshop of your own.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook.

I loved it just like the first book. You can read either of them first. Viv is hurt and left from her people. She slowly goes around town, which is small. She begins to help the local bookstore, cute ways in which the owner can finally earn money. This book has a lot of profanity, within conversations with everyone.
I listened to it on audiobook through Netgalley. Book comes out in October and I would definitely buy or check it out.
The best part is that the shop owners pet is named pot roast!!!

This is a lovely prequel to Legends & Lattes, but that book doesn't need to be read first to really enjoy it. Viv is a young overconfident orc mercenary working for a professional outfit currently chasing down a necromancer. When she is hurt she is left behind to heal and wait for the company to come back and pick her up after they complete their campaign. Her leg injury has her slowly going about town where local law enforcement keeps a wary eye on her for trouble. But she soon makes friends with a bakery owner and also a the owner of a failing bookshop. Viv finds herself helping out more at the bookstore and discovers a mysterious book hidden in the shelves by a grey cloaked that is soon found dead.

A little mystery, some light romance, and new friendships give Viv the chance to blossom into a more thoughtful person. The book was a a delight to read and I can’t wait to see more stuff from this author.

Digital review copy provide by the publisher through Netgalley

Oh how cute.
A fantasy cozy mystery kinda read. Orcs with stab wounds and talking bones with bookworm rat people. Why not, right?
Parts failed to keep my interest but I was quickly brought right back into the story.
Is it bad I wanna read the moist books they talk about? 😜

What a delight it is to be able to return to the Legends & Lattes series with a prequel featuring a younger Viv. Here the orc is earlier in her career as an adventuring mercenary. Unfortunately for her, while fighting undead pawns of a necromancer, she is incapacitated by a leg injury. Fortunately the mercenary band she is part of, Rackam's Ravens, is kind to its members and sees to it that she her care is paid for and she can rest and recuperate in the small beach town, Murk while the rest of the band continues to seek the necromancer.

With a long period of healing and recovery, Viv is at a loss as to what to do with all the time. Once able, she explores the town of Murk finding ways to fill her days and forming relationships with the dwarf baker, the foul mouthed bookseller and her pet Grifflet, the innkeeper, and others in the inn and antagonism with the head of the local watch.

As in Legends and Lattes this fantasy world is much more realistic in and slower paced. There is still adventure and danger and the goals of an overall quest, but for Viv, the world is small and centered on Murk. When you can hardly walk, reading and conversations help fill the hours.

As Baldree was first known as an audiobook reader, it is no surprise that his narration is excellent. He keeps an even pace in the reading and has different voices, accents or ways of speaking for each of the characters. Plot wise the book begins with a bang and then settles into recovery before the mystery that drives the plot raises the tensions bit by bit. Chapters are short and full of conversation, and we see Viv grow wiser shifting between her different roles and how her presence in Murk is perceived over time.

Viv seems fortunate to be able to develop friendships anywhere she goes, given enough time to get over her hurt or temper. I'd happily make many more visits to whatever shop or adventure she takes next.

Bookshops & Bonedust is a prequel to the very popular Legends & Lattes. This story also centered on Viv as she recuperated from an injury during an altercation while working famous mercenaries, Rackam’s Ravens. She was restless and as she explored the seaside town of Murk, she discovered a bookshop and the escape reading provides. Naturally, she still managed to find trouble. The author excels at creating both lovable and terrible characters and a plot that highlights ordinary life in the midst of some extraordinary situations. While I favor Legends & Lattes because it felt cozier and I enjoyed how the found family really came together, I was truly invested in the fates of these characters, especially Satchel. I would have preferred more of a transformation and description with the bookstore, like the coffee shop in the first book—I think as an avid reader, more bookstore is always better.. Also, I was put off by Fern’s swearing as this pulled me from the cozier vibes, however, that will not affect everyone in the same way. The romance element was a bit weak and only saved for me by the epilogue. Even so, I could not wait to jump back into the story. The author certainly knows how to write an entertaining tale and I absolutely loved the narration by him. He is a master! Definitely one of the best audiobooks I have listened to this year. Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review.

This prequel to Legends & Lattes was a great read. You learned more about Viv’s past. There is a 20-year gap between Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust. It will be interesting if the author will write more titles to cover the 20-year period. The characters that we meet in this prequel explains how Viv met a future adventurer and learns patience with herself. She realizes that ego can be your downfall if you allow it to rule you. There are a few interesting fast paced scenes in this book, but some slow periods also. Since Viv is recovering from a sword wound, I should’ve expected the slow pace of the book. But I wanted all action and adventure. The end makes up for the slow periods of the novel. It kept me on the edge of my reading chair. The book was a great follow-up to the first novel.

This is such a cozy fantasy! I've not yet read Legends & Lattes, so I can't speak to how it compares to the original story, but I felt a lot of the heart that I've heard promised in that read in this one. Legends & Lattes has been on my TBR list for ages, and this definitely convinced me I need to make time for it as soon as possible.

4.5/5

Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.

Absolutely LOVED this book, even in audio book format. I am not typically an audiobook girlie, but this book kept me engaged.

My favorite character would have to be Potroast. Ten out of ten. Such a good baby.

Anyways, I am silly and I don't remember names that well. So I went into this not remembering the name of the main character of the first book. I just thought that this was a story in the same world as Legends and Lattes. Boy did my jaw drop come the epilogue, when I realized that the Orc in the first book is our very own Viv from this book.

It was absolutely magical to get a prequel to her coffee shop owning days. I can definitely see the character growth from this book to where she is in Legends and Lattes.

Now that I realized this, the theme of right thing wrong time are oh so much more relevant. Seeing her enjoy herself, caring for a small town and helping minding a shop while also itching for adventure. Definitely a cozy read with a hint of mystery and adventure.

If you enjoyed Legends and Lattes you will definitely enjoy this cozy adventure!

Post Date Recap: This book date was a setup. Translation: This is an ARC of Bookshops and Bonedust that I received from NetGalley to provide an unbiased review. Thank you to the team for allowing me this opportunity.

Normally I start with talking about the narrator for audiobooks, but I am going to change that up. First I want to address why I didn’t add a favorite pickup line. This is not at all because I didn’t enjoy the story, but it is mostly because this didn’t quite feel like the right take to have from this book date. I particularly loved one of Fern’s little quips, but picking out a pickup line from a cozy fantasy wasn’t the right genre for that.

Now, on to the narrator. I am going to admit that it didn’t dawn on me until halfway through the first chapter that the author was the narrator. Yeah, I am not great at always picking up on the subtle details of things. When this story first began I… did not enjoy the narration. And, to be honest, I couldn’t tell you why other than personal taste. That said, fairly quickly (and by that I mean just a couple of chapters in) my entire opinion changed. Not only did I come to love Mr. Baldree’s narration, but I truly couldn’t imagine a better voice for this story.

Don’t always judge a book date by your initial impression, fellow readers.

I did not read the first book in this series, Legends and Lattes which has practically become a household name. I have every intention of rectifying that as soon as I am done typing up this review, but in some ways I feel like it put me in a better position to review Bookshops and Bonedust (tiny critique here, and this is definitely nitpicking at its finest, but to keep in theme with the structure of “Legends and Lattes” it feels like the title would have fit better as Bonedust and Bookshops) because I was a fresh reader.

This is also my first experience with a “cozy fantasy” genred book so I was quite pure in many aspects.

Bookshops and Bonedust was… the epitome of that genre name. Was there action? Yes. I mean it starts with Viv being forced to reside in a small, quaint seaside town because of a significant injury and a little skirmish ending with a large battle at the end. The action scenes gave the sense of urgency that you’re looking for in those moments, but the overall whole of the story was just heartwarming and wholesome.

When I say wholesome I am even including Fern’s liberal dropping of F bombs.

The characters, the setting, and the story of bringing love of reading to someone who thought it a waste of time gave all the warm, fuzzy “awww’s” through the book. I immensely enjoyed this prequel and I can assure anyone who is coming to the Legends and Lattes series late, as I did, that they will not miss anything by starting with Bookshops and Bonedust.

I really enjoyed this story once I got over the fact that it was a prequel. I wasn't prepared for that initially. The story is fun and the characters are great. I really hope Satchel shows up again in a future story. The audio was a delight to listen to. Very cozy.

A cozy book for cozy book lovers! This prequel to Legends and Lattes brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my chest. There is a new lovable (but cross) ratfolk and more tasty treats to drool over! This book gives you that feeling of when you recommend your favorite book to someone you love, and they enjoy it just as much as you did. Bookshops and Bonedust was exactly what I had hoped for and I enjoyed every moment it! Already looking forward to a reread when my preorder comes in!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This is a cute little romp in a fantasy world that makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy. Very cozy, just like it's predecessor, and I can see it becoming a classic for the genre of cozy fantasy as well.

From beginning to end, I was thoroughly enchanted by this book. A heartfelt thank you to Libro.FM and Netgalley for providing me with early access to the audiobook rendition of BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST, Travis Baldree's exceptional narration added an extra special dimension to this cozy fantasy. Extra big love for the thoughtful manner in which Baldree addresses the genuine challenges that independent booksellers face day to day. This delightful prequel to "LEGENDS AND LATTES" allowed me to embark on yet another wonderful escapade with Viv, leaving me thoroughly delighted.

I LOVED THIS! Getting to see Viv again and getting to hear a little bit more about where she came from before the coffee shop! This makes me want to reread Legends and Lattes! Thank you Travis for always providing the coziest of fantasies!

This is the second book in this series that comes out in November - but it is actually the prequel for the best selling book Legends and Lattes. I didn’t think I could love the main character, Viv, of Legends and Lattes more - but this prequel brought so much more depth into her story.
Viv is an orc and her job as a mercenary fits right into her style. She often runs into situations without thinking and pummels the hunted. But, jumping in got her extremely injured and almost killed this time and her group of mercenaries leave her behind in a small town to heal while they finish their campaign. They promise to stop back to get her on their way back through. But, Viv is not used to living the quiet life and soon begins to find a place in this tiny sea-side town with the many quirky characters along the way. One of the most influential relationships happens because of books. Viv wanders into a dilapidated bookstore and meets Fern and Pot Roast. That is where the story really begins to take off.
This is the tale of an orc named Viv who doesn’t just want to be seen for her brute strength. She has so much more to offer the world. It honestly made me want to reread Legends and Lattes.
Travis Baldree gets the fantasy adventure just right. He makes these characters so real and their adventures you feel. Don’t get thrown by the cover. Honestly, I wouldn’t have read it only based on the cover. It looks a bit Shrek-like. But, I love the individuality of the author, the cover and the characters within. It just works so well together. Run and read these!

The legends and Lattes universe is my all time cozy fantasy favorite! I adored the first book and went into this one with high expectations that were exceeded!

Again, my heart is full of love for the ratkin character, Fern you are an absolute QUEEN.

Listening to the audiobook for Bookshops & Bonedust took the story to another level! Travis Baldree you did that!! Such epic narration, the voices for the characters were perfect!

Ooof... absolutely EVERYTHING that I was hoping it would be and SO MUCH more!

I was almost nervous to pick this one up because of how much I love Legends & Lattes. I thought there was no way that Travis could give us a prequel that would stand up to the original story... but I somehow enjoyed this one even more?!? Just as sweet and cozy and comforting as L&L, and filled with just as many validating conversations around humanity and existence! I just loved it!

If you enjoyed L&L, rest assured that you will ADORE this one too! And if you have yet to try it out ... what are you waiting for?!?! This is the perfect time!