Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with this ARC.

Bookshops & Bonedust is the first audiobook I’ve ever experienced. Since I’ve been curious for a long time about audiobooks and because I adored Legends & Lattes, I decided there was no better time to try an audiobook than Bookshops & Bonedust. Knowing that the person doing all of the different voices for the characters was also the author, Travis Baldree, and that he was portraying his characters exactly how he envisioned them sounding added an entire layer of fun to the already amazing experience of Bookshops & Bonedust.

"Every book is a little mirror, and sometimes you look into it, and see someone else looking back"

The incredibly different (and charming), voices made it even easier to picture the characters and to get invested in their character arcs, and to also become fully immersed in the world. Listening to Bookshops & Bonedust was truly a slice of heaven, providing a much needed reprieve from the stressors of everyday life. I found myself listening to it whenever I could, before bed, in the car, while doing household chores, and more. I absolutely loved seeing these glimpses of Viv’s origin story, before she hung up her sword and opened her coffee shop in Legends & Lattes. Though I knew her stay in the town of Murk was temporary, as it was a prequel, I was still invested in her journey from careless, headstrong warrior to the quieter, more thoughtful shop owner she was in Legends & Lattes.

For me, the standout of Bookshops & Bonedust was unmistakably anything centering on the Bookshops part of the title. This novel is, without a doubt, a love letter to the magic of books at large and is perfect for those who have ever desperately needed a friend and found one in a book. I also absolutely adored new characters Fern, the owner of the eponymous bookshop, and her trusty friend Pot Roast, the gryphet. As a reviewer (and reader), reading about Fern’s skill as a bookseller—knowing her books, learning about her customers, and then recommending her friends and customers the perfect read—was a pure delight. There’s nothing more satisfying than finding the right read for a friend or having a friend know you well enough to do the same for you. And then even better, sharing thoughts about the same book with each other.

"It felt like giving in to even consider reading it. Tacit admission that she was now a different sort of person. Weak. Soft. Sleepy. Someone who idled and studied rather than fought and won."

It was wonderful to watch Viv come to appreciate how much books could mean to not only other people, but also to her. Formerly all about the art of the warrior and prejudiced about reading, Viv comes to have quite a stake in Fern’s little bookshop in Murk herself. It’s easy to see that this is where the seeds of Viv’s future coffee shop ownership were originally planted.

Though I loved Bookshops & Bonedust, I have to admit I was less thrilled with the parts of the novel pertaining to the titular Bonedust. I loved everything revolving around the bookshop, but I really could have done without the necromancy angle, which made the book less of a comfort read than Legends & Lattes. I know there has to be some conflict and fantasy elements, but I felt Viv's conflict to find herself and what she truly wanted, along with the struggle to keep Fern’s bookshop in business, were all strong enough without the outside threats of an undead horde and an all powerful necromancer witch. I had more trouble focusing when these parts of the book came into play, and also found them a bit more stressful than what I would have ideally liked in this cozy novel.

"'If there's someone in this room who should be dealing with unholy necromancer nonsense, it's me. May I?'
Fern narrowed her eyes, 'didn't you get stabbed and dumped in this town because of unholy necromancer nonsense?'
'Yeah, but I survived, didn't I?'"

I also struggled with Viv's romance in this novel. As I knew from reading Legends & Lattes, Viv does not end up with her love interest from this novel, Maylee. So their entire situationship felt utterly doomed and like an exercise in futility from the beginning. Therefore, it filled me with dread rather than butterflies. Plus, the romance in Legends & Latte was so superb, that I also just found it hard to picture Viv with anyone other than Tandri. Personally, I could have done completely without the romance between Viv and Maylee because I think the platonic relationship between Fern and Viv was much deeper, showing off a found family type of friendship. And platonic love is just as important, if not more so than romantic love.

The only other thing that threw me off in Bookshops & Bonedust were the metaphors. Quite a ffew of them are fairly off-putting, with atypical words being used to describe things. For instance, a hunk of yellow cheese was described as smelling of “cream, salt, and summer grass.” I am confused as to how cheese ends up smelling of summer grass or why it has to be summer grass in particular and not just grass in general. Though these artistic choices are frequent and eccentric, they don't really detract anything from the novel, other than one’s momentary attention.

"Sometimes, it'll never be the right time.... And sometimes we aren't the right people yet."

I was really sad when Bookshops & Bonedust came to an end; I couldn't have asked for a better experience for my first audiobook, and I will definitely be on the look out for other audiobooks in which Travis Baldree is the narrator. I grew emotional during the epilogue, which takes place in the future, after the events of Legends & Lattes. I am really excited by what this ending means for a future installment, which I certainly will be picking up as soon as humanely possible.

After all, what goes better with lattes than books?

Bookshops & Bonedust is a mesmerizing love letter to the enchantment of bookshops, the profound impact of stories, and the serendipitous friendships that shape our lives. Travis Baldree has woven a tapestry of characters so vivid and captivating that you can't help but fall in love with each and every one of them. What amazed me most was the care and attention given to even the side characters, their backstories crafted with depth and thoughtfulness. It's a testament to Baldree's skill in creating a world that feels lived-in and brimming with authentic personalities.

In the beginning, I admit to feeling a tinge of apprehension as Viv, the protagonist, seemed different from the Viv I knew in Legends and Lattes. But then it struck me: this is a different Viv, an old chapter of her life. The contrast in her demeanor, the quicker reactions, and the subtle emotional shifts added a layer of intrigue. As the story unfolded, I found myself completely immersed in Viv's journey of self-discovery, witnessing her transformation and eagerly anticipating the path that leads her back to the person we all adored in Legends and Lattes.

What truly touched my heart in Bookshops & Bonedust was the poignant awareness of Viv's impending departure from Murk. It was a delicate dance between joy and sadness, leaving us with a bittersweet ache. Yet, Baldree masterfully guides Viv to embrace the present moment, forging new connections, and finding solace and love within the ephemeral beauty of her current circumstances. It's a testament to the author's skill that we can feel the depths of Viv's emotions and embark on this heartfelt journey alongside her.

Bookshops & Bonedust is an immersive and beautifully crafted tale that reminds us of the profound magic found within the pages of books and the power of human connections. Travis Baldree's ability to make even the fleeting characters feel unforgettable is a testament to his storytelling prowess. This book will linger in your thoughts long after the final page is turned, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the stories that shape our lives.

The audiobook increased my love and enjoyment of this book so much. You really feel wrappe dup in the characters and Murk it was so glorious and an amazing way to consume this book.

Thank you to the publisher for an advance listener copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bookshops and Bonedust is a prequel to Legends and Lattes, and gives us a glimpse into Viv's life before she comes to settle in Thune and opening the infamous coffee shop we've all come to love. In Bookshops and Bonedust, Viv has been injured while on the job for Rackam's Ravens and is forced to recover in the quiet beachside town of Murk. To assuage the boredom of a life without battle, Viv wanders into an admittedly struggling bookshop where she befriends the owner, Fern. Just like in Legends and Lattes, this younger version of Viv immediately finds ways to help Fern improve sales, and hopefully, save the bookshop. There's still a necromancer on the loose, however, so there's no shortage of adventure, and even a little romance!

[STOP READING HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T READ LEGENDS AND LATTES. THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD!]

I really enjoyed this prequel! Just like Legends and Lattes, it's a pretty low-stakes, cozy fantasy that is a refreshing break for someone who loves epic fantasies and romantasy. So much of this series feels like you're in a back corner of the bookshop (or the coffeeshop) watching everything unfold in a town that you love, knowing that everyone will be safe and happy at the end of the day. It's pure contentment in a way that's hard to explain other than to just reiterate that this is a very, very cozy fantasy.

So much of Fern and the bookshop in general will be relatable to book lovers; she has relatable relationship with books--even with books she didn't/wouldn't read or enjoy herself. There's a reverence in her that book people will find kinship with, and it's beautiful. I found myself whispering, "oh, me too, girl" quite frequently at Fern.

We know that Viv and Tandri end up together in Legends and Lattes, so it tracks that we know that the romance between Viv and Maylee is a bit bittersweet; we know it's "doomed." That being said, it's still sweet, and just because flings don't work out, doesn't make them not worth the time you spend together when things are good. Viv and Maylee both know that Viv's time in Murk is temporary, and they're both okay with that, even if they know that there will be some pain at the end. 

There's also an adorable fuzzy companion in Pot Roast! He's my gryphet baby angel and I will die for him if needed.

The audiobook, narrated again by Travis Baldree himself, was wonderful. Honestly, I don't think there's anyone quite as suited for narrating a book as the author. They know, far more than anyone else, each character's voice and how to properly represent them. I know that narrating a book is nowhere near as easy as "just reading the words out loud," so I think it's really cool that Travis Baldree is able to both write and narrate his own books. Clearly, Travis' talents know no bounds!

I enjoyed this prequel even more than the first novel, “Legends & Lattes”, and that is saying a lot because that was one of my favorites so far! This book was like a warm hug x10. Travis Baldree created a wonderful fantasy world that you can get lost in. Following along with the characters makes you feel like you are learning to fall in love with books for the first time just like the main character Viv is! I can’t wait to see if he will continue with installments to this series because I will be one of the first in line for anything that is coming our way.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook ARC for this novel!

Absolutely freaking LOVED this with all of my heart. I didn’t think it was possible to love any book more than I loved ‘Legends & Lattes’ but here we are with me, once again, completely besotted. I loved seeing Viv when she was just starting out in her warrior years, how much she was still Viv but how different too—how much growing she still had to do before ‘Legends & Lattes.’ The little glimpses of future Viv, of the events in her life that left such indelible marks on her that she eventually settled down and opened her own cozy cafe in a small town, it was the sweetest thing.

Travis Baldtree once again knocked it right out of the park and I have to thank him for giving us these wonderful stories. ‘Bookshops & Bonedust,’ like its predecessor, utterly swept me away to a world I wanted to be in with characters I wanted to know. The plot was WHAT-HAPPENS-NEXT-engaging (the enigmatic, ominous villain was especially intriguing), but, somehow, in the most relaxing way. I love Viv now even more, and I adored all the new characters we met and just every single thing about this book. I look so much forward to anything else Baldtree may give us in this world.

I was beyond lucky enough (you have no idea how happy and excited I still am over this) to be gifted an audioARC of ‘Bookshops & Bonedust’ and let me tell you how 1. I was so excited to see Baldtree himself was narrating again and 2. How much I could listen to him storytelling all day. You know how some people can just draw you in when they sit and tell a story? Baldtree’s narration style is like that—there’s a lulling magic to it, and it was absolutely the perfect choice to narrate his own work. He brought Viv, the world he created, and each individual character to life with not just his writing but his voice too, and there’s something so enchanting about that. It makes me love these books even more.

It case all the gushing didn’t already give it away, lol, I HIGHLY recommend ‘Bookshops & Bonedust.’ You will literally open this book and fall right into the amazing world Travis Baldtree has created. This book is the epitome of the quote “get lost in a book.” You’ll sink right into this one and not want to leave.

𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘺 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 (𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬-𝘺𝘰𝘶!). 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Having just finished Legends & Lattes I was dying to jump right back into the world with Viv and her friends. This book goes back a few years to a Viv very set on being a menace and eliminating her enemies. But a wound sends her into a hiatus with a few weeks off to mend.

Here she is determined not to remain idle. When she accidentally causes damage to a ramshackle bookshop she sets in motions the events we see later in Legends. She befriends to bookseller with a foul mouth (loved her!) and together they work towards trying to save a sinking ship. In the midst of this is Gallinda and Maylee and a man in a gray cloak. The stakes are higher here and Viv must figure out what’s going on or lose her new friends.

I really enjoyed this. I listened to it as an audiobook and having Travis read his own story way was downright breathtaking. It was perfectly done. 10/10.

If you were a child raised on Labyrinth, The NeverEnding Story, and The Princess Bride, this is the audiobook for you. The narration made me think of those movies in a cozy, nostalgic way.

Instead of binging the audiobook, I treated it as a bedtime story to be savored and snuggled up with a bit of it each night—like my own personal, grownup version of Fred Savage listening to his grandfather read, except instead of Buttercup and Westley I was listening to the story of an orc and a dwarf and a bakery and a bookshop and a small town and something that gets sprinkled with bonedust to which/whom I found myself endeared much more than I was expecting.

Anyway, I recommend curling up with a warm beverage and your favorite blanket while you allow Travis Baldree to whisk you away to Murk.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.

The first book in this series was amazing and I’m not sure anything else could live up to the hype.

This book came really close. Viv and a fun cast of characters fighting the bad guys is just as enjoyable the second time around.

If you haven't read Legends and Lattes yet, YOU NEED TO! Then you need to read this one. Actually, you could read this one first since it's the prequel. I absolutely LOVED both these books. They are like a quirky mix of the real world and dungeons and dragons. Like what if an Orc and a tiefling open a coffee shop? What would like look like? What if ratfolk owned a used bookstore or baked the most delicious and cutting edge pastries? I absolutely love the creativity of these novels.

Main premise: Viv, an orc, made her living with her muscles.... until an injury left her recovering in the small town of Murk where she falls in love with a bookshop and its proprietor and the baker down the street and reconsiders all her life choices. There's some sketchy necromancy going on and a forlorn bone golem named Satchel, but overall, the story focuses on Viv helping the bookstore be more successful and lucrative.

I do like this as a backstory and I love the epilogue which ties into Legends and Lattes perfectly.

I unfortunately did not get very far into this audiobook. There was violence at the very beginning which was unexpected. The voice of the narrator was unpleasant.

What a fun story! I really enjoyed this prequel to Legends and Lattes. The characters are lovable, the plot is intriguing, and the epilogue was perfection! Great addition to the cozy fantasy canon.
(It’s also very cool when the author is the narrator of the audiobook)

Actual Rating: 4.5★

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

While not as well balanced as L&L, this prequel novel definitely tugged on my heartstrings so much more. It was bittersweet and very much grounded in Viv's character. And by the end, emotion was just bursting at the seams. While B&B can be read separately from L&L, the way Baldree seamlessly connected both books was pure perfection.

As someone who has read L&L first, I couldn't help but constantly think of the massive undertaking that Baldree took since Viv seems to be an entirely different person in B&B - until I realized he wrote it so intentionally that you would learn the lesson of savoring the present, and enjoying the journey in spite of knowing by, both by the reader, and by Viv herself, since you both know that her time in here is meant to be fleeting.

The gentle discussion of executive dysfunction and how even the mere presence and encouragement of others would help overcome some of the hurdles someone suffering from it was just AMAZING to read. I was quite floored, reading the gentle mental health discussions.. The "spicy" scene at the beginning had me cackling as well.

I did find that at times it meandered in pace, that some scenes felt way too long because some details that were expounded on seemed a little unnecessary to the overreaching story. Versus in L&L, I never did find my attention wavering. Nonetheless, this was another showstopper with yet another amazing narrative performance on the audiobook by Baldtree himself. I can't wait to read everything else he decides on releasing because it sure is guaranteed to be just as good.

4.5 stars! I read Legends and Lattes last summer and thought it was a cute, cozy fantasy read with lots of slice of life moments. So when I saw a new book was releasing in the same world/series, I was excited to give it a go! And Bookshops & Bonedust I ended up loving even more!

I was surprised this 2nd release in the series was a prequel to L&L, but honestly it really worked for me. I enjoyed seeing more of Viv and the version of who she becomes later. She’s healing up from a battle injury and meets a whole slew of characters along the way. We get that cozy feeling again, the found family vibes, the friendships, and so many fun bookish vibes with the bookshop setting. I just loved the characters and the plot of this story so much more than L&L! The epilogue is definitely going to be for those who have already read both books. I love that the author narrates the audios and just can’t recommend enough if you want a cozy, fantasy read!

Thanks so much to the publisher, Tor, and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own! Bookshops & Bonedust will be out November 7, 2023.

Prequel to Legends & Lattes. Oh boy there’s a long wait for publication day. Can I tease you a bit then?

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like L&L cuz I’m more a Grimdark fan but I loved that book & didn’t think anything could top it in this sub genre. WRONG!

I enjoyed Bookshops & Bonedust even more than Legends & Lattes! How could that possibly be!?!

A bit of Viv’s backstory will make you fall in love with her and the animal characters she comes across while recovering from a wound inflicted during a fight with a necromancer.

Mystery, thrills, first love, second hand books, action, hilarity, a villain, great narration by the author. I really hope there’s more to come in this series!

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio, 6 stars, more please!!

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Travis Baldree for providing me with a copy of the audio-book for Bookshops & Bonedust for review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - available 7 November

Firstly, the narration of this book is incredible. It really brought the individual characters to life for me. I was shocked that Travis was self narrating until I found out that they are a prolific narrator and extremely capable of self narrating!

Secondly, I haven't read Legends & Lattes, it is on my shelf but not yet read. When I requested this book, I was prepared to read it before listening to B&B but then I found out that it is prequel and I decided to go in blind. From friends and Bookstagram, I know that L&L is a warm and fuzzy character driven book that has limited plot, or at least an 'everyday life plot'. So I was expecting something similar.

We certainly get the character driven plot and everyday life story for about 50% of this book but there is actually a plot unfolding along the way. If your concerns with L&L are that nothing really happens, know that there is some plot occurring. It isn't like an intense murder mystery plot but there is something pulling our characters along for the second half.

Basically, I loved this book. I got of the wrong train to work one morning because I was so engrossed in this story. AND I had a teary eye at the end. Not sure I would ask for more 😄

I am looking forward to moving onto L&L and fingers crossed we at least get one more story in this universe with these characters 😍

Oh my LORD, Travis Baldree. He has done it AGAIN. I adored Legends and Lattes, which revealed that cozy fantasy is a genre I need more of in my life. I jumped at the chance to listen to this audio book (thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to review this book).

A prequel to Legends and Lattes, Bookshops and Bonedust is set right at the beginning of Viv's time as a Raven. After she gets injured for her reckless behaviour, she is set up in the town of Murk while Rackam the rest of her crew go on to hunt down the necromancer Vareen. In Murk, Viv meets Fern and her failing bookshop, and a cast of colourful characters (including a dreamy dwarf who runs the local bakery.) Viv decides to try and help Fern with her store, and Fern in turn decides to help Viv discover a love of reading. I just could not get enough of how accurately Travis captures this transformation to book lover.

I was nervous about a prequel and how it would fit with Legends and Lattes, but aside from an epilogue that makes my heart very happy, this book is remarkable and stands entirely on its own two feet. It has a very rich world, complete with very full and complex characters, its own intriguing plot and is filled with the warm coziness (books, tantalizing descriptions of food - do not read on an empty stomach - and so much charm).

Loved it, loved them, love Viv, love Potroast. Travis is also such an excellent narrator, I'm generally so hesitant about an author narrating their own work, but he is spellbinding. I don't care if it's Viv again, but I want more from this world please Travis!!

LOVED IT, GODS I LOVED IT.

I absolutely adored this book! It was a nice combination of dnd meets cozy vibes. I highly enjoyed the banter with Viv and the townsfolk.

You are introduced to a younger Viv, wanting desperately to prove herself during battle, she ends up with a leg injury and ends up recovering in a small sea town. During her time in the there, she befriends the owner of the local book shop, has a romance relationship with a dwarf who runs a bakery (unbelievable baked goods apparently lol), and of course trouble finds her!

It was an adventure and I loved being able to see the younger version of Viv before she became the orc we love who runs the local coffee shop.

You’ll enjoy the humor, adventure and cozy vibes!

Chef's kiss. This is yet another home run for Travis Baldree.

While hunting a necromancer, the young and spirited orc Viv finds her career trajectory within a renowned mercenary troupe derailed by a severe injury. Transported by her team to a tranquil and small-town haven for recovery, Viv soon encounters unique townsfolk and stumbles upon a timeworn bookshop and its unconventional proprietor. This encounter triggers a sequence of unforeseen escapades.

Reconnecting with Viv, the audacious orc mercenary, during her formative years, was an absolute pleasure. Bookshops & Bonedust weaves a heartwarming and comforting fantasy narrative, spotlighting the significance of living in the moment and the art of cherishing memories of those who were with you for a short time. Each new character in this tale exudes their own unique charisma and complexity. It's easy to fall in love with each of them. Even the bookshop itself emerges as a character unto itself. This is a novel about forging unforeseen connections amid life's myriad twists and turns.

The story strikes a strong equilibrium between levity and emotional depth, leaving an enduring smile on my face throughout and happy tears at the end. The thematic core of savoring the present and unearthing solace in unexpected realms deeply resonates. Bookshops & Bonedust is what cozy fantasy should strive to be. My immersion in this enchanting book was further heightened by the amazing narration of the audiobook by the talented author.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. This is an honest review.

I loved this cozy prequel to ‘Legends & Lattes’ about falling in love with reading and falling in love… period. And as someone who spent a lot of time playing Skyrim, years ago, and doing so as an orc, how could I not love it.

After a significant injury leaves Viv forced into sea-side bed rest, she discovers new purpose in community and imagination, and helping others with more than just her fists.

Charming as can be, this was a terrific follow up to what could have easily been an anomaly. As a prequel the stakes may be lower, but in a cozy fantasy those stakes don’t impact the story. It’s still intriguing and (perhaps more importantly) full of small town interaction, yummy food and atmospheric interiors. I loved our little cast of characters. Seeing some of the experiences that would impact Viv’s lifestyle in ‘Legends and Lattes’ was delightful.

Narrated by the author, Travis Baldree, it’s a joy to listen to. The inflection and expressions a perfect match to the story itself. I do appreciate NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook arc. Such a wonderful time!

Highly recommend but I’m sure you’re all already anxiously awaiting its November release. Out Nov. 7, 2023 from Tor Books and in audio from Macmillan Audio.

Oh, you thought Legends & Lattes was adorable and charming?!?!!?

Travis Baldree delivers again, beautifully! Bookshops & Bonedust is everything you could want from a L&L prequel. We get Viv at a different part of her life and the catalyst of change in her merc life.

Viv’s crew is trying to take down a necromancer (nbd) and while fighting, she gets stabbed in the leg. Viv is benched from the team and left in a town called Murk to heal for a few weeks. Bored and in need of something to do (that doesn’t involve swordplay) she stumbles across a shabby bookshop owned by a foul-mouthed ratkin.

Travis Baldree perfectly walks the tightrope of adventure and cozy fantasy, so there are stakes but it really is about the friends you make along the way. Once again, these new characters are amazing and lovable. I appreciated the bitter-sweet ending to this and the epilogue really brought everything together.

Really enjoyed the narration in this audiobook as well, having Travis Baldree do his own narration was wonderful and gave the book so much life. He really is a talented audiobook narrator!

What else can I say, I’m absolutely in love with this series! Fans of Legends & Lattes will not be disappointed!