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!

Bookshops and Bonedust is a cozy book that blends fantasy elements with the love of reading. It brings typical fantasy characters like orcs and dwarfs and expands what they are capable of. Just because you look tough doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the simpler things in life.
With B&B being a prequel to Legend and Lattes I was expecting a look into Viv as a mercenary and while there was some of that, this took a more relaxed turn. If you are expecting more action, there is some but B&B is first and foremost, a cozy fantasy. I absolutely love Travis Baldree’s cozy writing and I was thrilled by it. Travis Baldree is an amazing narrator and it was a joy to hear him narrate his own book.
As far as content goes, I adored all of the characters and the plot. The banter between characters had me laughing out loud. Viv trying to stealthily read “spice” was such a fun moment. Satchel was my favorite side character, he can read a whole page at once!
Overall I gave Bookshops and Bonedust a 5 stars. I loved it just as much as Legend and Lattes and I’m eager to read more in this universe.

I was eager to dive back into another tale with Viv at the forefront. Bookshops & Bonedust did not disappoint. The town of Murk, where Viv finds herself recovering from an injury, offers up a fun cast of characters that Viv befriends without really meaning to. Another fun, cozy listen!

This is a cute story and if you read legends in lattes and liked it then I think you will love this book. To me it had the same kind of feel about it , like what would life look like in the DND like world if they had to deal with life outside of the battles.

🥹 this emoji us the sum of my feelings on this book.

Did I read the blurb before requesting it after how much I loved Legends & Lattes? Nope. So I'll be honest I did think this might have been about her first coffee experience.

However, it is not. Ans that was perfectly fine. This was such a perfect and cozy read. We get a peak into Viv before she had lived a bunch if years being a badass. Not saying she wasn't still a badass...sje was just a little too...stubborn and naive I guess.

This follows Viv after she ran head first into some trouble and got an injury so she is stuck in a town to recover...in hopes of getting back on her feet and fears being left behind over it.

As with Legends & Lattes, this is cute and cozy. We explore friendships and working together to create and make something beautiful. There's a baddie in this.


And then there's that absolutely perfect epilogue that made my heart burst...and I'm hoping a glimpse at a third book.

It’s fun getting falling back into step with Viv in her travels. Much like its predecessor, Bookshops and Bonedust is an easily accessible, cozy fantasy with a strong focus on its eccentric characters. I love Baldree's narration as much as I enjoy the tale he weaves. This was such a fun prequel, and the epilogue was a perfect ending.

I think perhaps I’m the odd one out. I didn’t really enjoy this book and especially didn’t enjoy the audiobook narrator and excessive swearing (and I grew up with Marines).
A child’s version of Dungeons and Dragons- but without the dungeons… and the dragons… and only a tiny bit of fighting…. But lots of arguing like in a real campaign. The plot felt muddy. It was understandable from the beginning what was going to happen, how things would grow and shift and make space for newness. The characters are semi loveable and react to things how I would at times.

I think that I don’t love this because I didn’t read the first book that grabbed everyone’s attention. I read this first as it’s the avant book, and Legends and Lattes is après. Maybe I’m missing that bond that others had developed with Viv in that book. Despite not enjoying it fully, I do thank Netgalley and MacMillan audio for this ARC in exchange for this review.

I am so incredibly sorry I requested this advanced reader copy. I had to stop reading at 36% because I don't believe in punishing myself.

Sure, part of this may be because I didn't read the blurb and thought that a #2 would be a continuation of the story or about other characters. But, no... this is a prequel. Okay, I could have been warned, but still I wasn't ready for a book that had absolutely NO BEARING on the story from the first other than that it's about Viv. A very different, young, naive, and dumb Viv... but ya, it's about Viv.

If you're going to do a prequel, it needs to be something I wanted to know and that actually pertains to the first story. Maybe an adventure where she learns about coffee for the first time and starts to dream about her future. Or maybe when she got tired from being a mercenary.

This book really doesn't relate at all to the first. It has completely different characters in a completely different setting with a different type of adventure.

This was a slog... and I give up. I really enjoyed the first book, but this made me lose my faith in Travis Baldree as an author... for me. I'm sure others will enjoy this (I mean, the whole reason I requested this arc is because a friend was gooing over it), but I did not enjoy it and I refuse to punish myself anymore.

Also, as a romance reader, it offends me to have to read about a prior flame/fling in a prequel. It irritates me greatly for there to be anyone else for Viv than the person she was with in the first book. Bah.

Oh... and this book has so many excerpts of other fictional books... I find that kind of thing obnoxious.

This was a lovely read and had all the elements that made me love Legends and Lattes. The relationships are where the story truly shines and I just adored this book.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My favorite character was literally a bag of bones called Satchel and I felt like not much happened in the story until he was introduced and not much happened until 90% through the book.