I tend to think prequels are unnecessary. I don’t know that Bookshops & Bonedust is necessary from a story telling perspective. From a soul perspective, yes, it is necessary. Legends & Lattes was about coffee, baked goods and friendships. Bookshops & Bonedust is about books, baked goods, and friendships. The book was read by the author, Travis Baldree, who is also a voice actor. I enjoyed his narration so much I may get his narration of the Legends & Lattes audiobook. (Who am I kidding, I’m definitely getting the audiobook).

I’m adding in an edit because I just read a tweet from Travis Baldree in which he says that he has just realized (August 10, 2023) that he wrote Bookshops & Bonedust to assert that prequels aren’t irrelevant. “Past relationships & unexpected detours are essential to us, even when abandoned. They help us understand what the destination is.” If that was his purpose, I think he fulfilled it.

We meet Viv as a young mercenary, newly joined up with Rackam’s Ravens. She’s a good fighter, but so eager to finish the fight that she runs ahead and gets herself almost dead. She is forced to recuperate in the sleepy seaside town of Murk. Rackam’s Ravens are in pursuit of a necromancer and they promise Viv they’ll be back to get her when they finish up. Viv has already gotten herself on the bad side of the local physician by trying to strangle him when she was wracked with fever. She realizes that to truly heal, she’s going to need to be slower and gentler with her body than she’s ever been. Instead of pushing herself (which is how she ended up stabbed in the leg), she needs to move carefully and let her body rest. Viv is not built for slow. She slowly explores the town and finds herself in a dark and dusty, over crowded bookshop. Overcrowded with books, not customers. She makes friends with Fern, the ratkin who owns the shop. Fern introduces Viv to books. She challenges Viv, who discovers books can open new worlds.

I won’t go further into the plot other than to say that this is where Viv meets Gallina, acquires her sword, Blackblood, and where she becomes a more thoughtful, well rounded person who has respect for people who are not fighters. She gets more adventure than she expected and forms bonds, even knowing that she will leave. Two of the dominant themes are a love of books and valuing relationships that won’t last forever. While I was listening to this, I learned that a friend I hadn’t talked with in several years had died. Our lives took us in different directions a very long time ago, but I value the place she had in my life then. It was lovely to hear characters validating the joy of friendships however long they last, the sweet and sour pain of loss, and the possibility of stories after the story.

If you loved or liked Legends & Lattes, you will love or like Bookshops & Bonedust. If you didn’t, you probably won’t like this one any better. My greatest sadness is that it is too hot to turn the oven on and make lassy buns and pastries. I hope that when the book comes out in November, I will be back to baking.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Macmillan Audio and Netgalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

I will read anything now from this series because this is just ANOTHER adorable story. High fantasy and low stakes :)

Also having a narrator read their own book!! Yes please! I loved it!

Bookshops and Bonedust is a cozy fantasy novel with D&D vibes. This book is set in the same universe as Legends and Lattes and focuses on the same character, Viv, but takes place before the events of Legends and Lattes. You can easily read it before the other book in the universe, but it will make you want to know more about what Viv will get up to.
In this book, Viv is injured and left in a sleepy town to recover. She befriends the local bookkeeper and learns the joys of reading. Feeling restless, she helps fix up the bookshop, but things fail to remain sleepy in the small town. Viv quickly becomes busy with the failing bookshop, a mysterious, dangerous stranger, and a cute baker.
I received an ARC of the audiobook version of Bookshops and Bonedust, which the author narrates. It was a great listen and a delightful story.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC! Bookshops & Bonedust is the prequel to Legends & Lattes and follows the orc, Viv in her younger days as she is injured in a quest to hunt down a necromancer and must recuperate in the town of Murk. Viv begrudgingly befriends the ratkin bookshop owner and learns the joy of reading. There are also baked goods and scenes of Viv dabbling in emotion and romance. As with Legends and Lattes, most of the book is very low stakes, and we know where Viv is headed in the future, so there's no major stress, just a cozy glimpse into how Viv becomes the Viv we see in Legends & Lattes. Bookshops & Bonedust is sure to warm the hearts of fantasy fans seeking a warm and cozy read this winter. As with the first book, Travis Baldree narrates and knows just how to bring life to the characters.

Okay…while I ADORED Legends & Lattes, Bookshops & Bonedust didn’t hit the same. Don’t get me wrong, this was so cute and cozy and I loved it. However, with this being a prequel (and note a sequel) the stakes felt nonexistent and I found myself not caring as much, since I knew Viv was going to move on away from Murk. I will say, Baldree does a really good job creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere. This was still a fantastic read and I am so thankful these books exist. Thank you to NetGalley for an Audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This series is just the best. I love Viv, her found family, and her adventures. I always enjoy an audiobook more when the author reads it and this one is no exception. I look forward to more adventures with Viv.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I'm not usually a Fantasy reader so this book took some time for me to get into. The world building usually has me lost, however Travis Baldree did an amazing job! I loved all the characters and immediately fell in love with them! This was such a feel good story! I have not yet read Legends & lattes, but now I'm excited to!

Really interesting. I think it's an interesting way to begin a world after the first book. I love the idea of authors at least somewhat narrating their own books. Travis however knew what he wanted with this and I love it.

I liked Legends & Lattes well enough to pick up the prequel (in audiobook form, of course—Travis Baldree's narration is still wonderful, and I can't imagine these books in any other form). I didn't expect to like this book even more than the first, though, but here we are.

I love Viv, of course, but the side characters are really where the heart of this book is (as expected). Maylee and Gallina are wonderful, Fern is an absolute delight whom I hope we see more of in a potential sequel, and I would kill and die for Satchel (I miss him already), not to mention all of the minor characters that make Murk feel alive. This book definitely has higher stakes than Legends & Lattes, but not to its detriment. The stakes feel suited to this version of Viv and the place she's at in her life and career. I really enjoyed seeing what got her to where she ends up in the next book; the theme of moving on from what you know to finding genuine happiness may have hit a little close to home, but it nonetheless works perfectly within this cozy little world. And of course, I highly recommend the audiobook. Travis Baldree's narration is absolutely fantastic, and he adds so much to the experience.

If you've read Legends & Lattes, I have no doubt you'll love this one. If you haven't—well, read that one first, since the epilogue in Bookshops & Bonedust spoils it, but I do think this book can stand on its own, too.

Another cozy book from Travis Baldree, a prequel to Legends and Lattes. Young Viv has to rest after a leg injury in battle, and we get to spend time with her as she does in a quaint small town full of wonderful characters! Viv befriends the local bookshop owner, Fern, who recommends just the right books for Viv.

I listened to the audio book, thank you NetGalley and MacMillan audio, the narrator is also the author of the book. While I think he does an excellent job with masculine voices, feminine voices were a little rough, sometimes jolting me out of the flow of the story. I'm not sure if they were meant to be that way or not? Other than that he does a great job!

If you loved Legends and Lattes you'll love this one too, not only does it have a cozy bakery, we now get a cozy bookshop!

This is a prequel to Legends & Lattes so it is not necessary to have read that first, although I definitely recommend reading the book at some point simply because I love that book.

This book follows a younger Viv as she heals from an injury in Murk & after stumbling upon a bookshop she discovers her love of reading.

The epilogue was such a pleasant surprise & makes me want a dozen sequels to Legends and Lattes!

The only problem I have with the audiobook is that it’s too cozy. Everytime I put it on it felt like I was being covered with a blanket & soothed into a nap.

This is an absolutely delightful prequel to Legends & Lattes. After an unfortunate leg injury Viv is required to recuperate in the small village of Murk. She ends up spending her days in the local bookstore getting close with the town baker. Unable to completely relax Viv continues to attempt to track down the necromancer that her group was going after when she was injured.

I had such a wonderful time listening to this audiobook. The world is so lovingly crafted. Spending time with these characters is just a joy. I will read anything Travis Baldree decides to write. I think I ending up enjoying this book slightly more than Legends & Lattes but both are great easy 5 star reads.

Super cozy as there’s no other description more fitting for this series. I heard so many great things about the first book, so I jumped on this one. I listened to the audiobooks back-to-back, and I was a bit torn at which to read first since this one is a Prequel. But I ended up going with publication order and glad I did. In Legends and Lattes, we get flashes of what Viv’s life used to be like and we kind of wonder what happened back then. So, this is where we get some of those answers — in Bookshops and Bonedust. I enjoyed Bookshops and Bonedust just a bit more, but if you liked one, chances are you’ll love the other. They are both narrated by the author, Travis Baldree, and he was amazing. I felt like the whole story and each character is portrayed exactly as they’re meant to be. I LOVE the supporting characters; they’re the cutest amount of quirky with the best names. If you’re looking for a fantasy read with comfy vibes, give this series a try. NOT very “moist” as Viv would say, LOL, but so adorable all the same.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for providing an ARC. All opinions are my own.

I just love this series! Vic’s adventures are the epitome of cozy fantasy! I love how she collects a multitude of different friends and inspires loyalty as she goes. We should all aspire to be more like Viv! Travis Baldree is a wonderful narrator (and author)! I can’t wait to hear more from this series!

As much as I enjoyed the previous book in this series, Legends & Lattes, this one really found its way into my heart. Maybe because I already loved Viv and have seen where she ends up in L&L. Seeing how this experience created a little wisp of a dream for her future. Maybe this time listening to the audiobook and Travis’ excellent narration added something that made the characters more alive and vivid. Maybe because Fern is my favourite character ever with her filthy mouth and impeccable book suggestions. I’m not sure exactly what it was but by the end I was in tears and then also squeaking with joy at the epilogue. I also need the epilogue to mean what I think it means with more adventures to come with Viv.

This book is filled with everything I wanted, action, adventure, personal growth, little bit of magic, friendship (and maybe a little bit more), a sleepy seaside town, and a bookshop I would love to visit. I also want to eat a scrumptious lassy bun from Mallie’s (sp?) bakery. They made me so jealous as they were devouring delicious baked goods and moaning over how good they tasted. It was a great treat to see the beginning of Viv and Gallina’s friendship. I hope we see more of the plucky gnome in future books as well. Another character I really loved was Satchel. The dry, accented voice Travis used for him was perfection. I was over the moon when he played a part in the big face off and was able to get his happy ending as well. And Potroast! What a funny little creature but adorable and brave as well. I don’t know how the author came up with him but he was the perfect addition to Fern’s bookshop!

I can’t wait for many more adventures in this world from Travis Baldree! They are a warm hug to snuggle into and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I received an early audio book copy of the book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review which was such a joy to do because this was such a wonderful book.

Book Review:
Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0)
Written by Travis Baldree
Book 160/200
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audio, ARC
Pages/Time: 352/8hrs 1min
Published: 2023
Rating: 10/10

“Wait, she really did read something? What did she ask for?” Fern finished shelving the volume in her paws and turned back to Viv, her eyes sharp with humor.
She mouthed one word. "Moist"

*This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

Cozy fantasy is back in full stride as we return to the world of Legends & Lattes in this long anticipated prequel. I again find myself in love with this world. Travis Baldree has created such a comfortable and whimsical world.

I have been looking forward to this book since it was announced and I am happy to say that it does not disappoint. While I would say that Legends & Lattes is a touch better, Bookshops & Bonedust is a wonderful experience of a book. Viv is such a great character, and this book really puts you in the dream job of any booknerd, running a bookstore. This book has a touch more action and drama than the prior book, but still captures that cozy atmosphere. And the epilogue leaves this one open to sequels. I can't wait to see what it will be: Comic Books & Cudgels? Tacos & Tartans? Deep Dish & Daggers? Poleaxes & Porters?

Another cozy adventure with Viv and a new set of exciting and lovable side characters.

I’ll admit that I was extremely skeptical when I learned that this was going to be a prequel book. I didn’t find the idea of Viv, during her life as a warrior, hanging out in a bookstore all that intriguing. I was wrong…

Baldree manages to write a story that is equally as charming as the previous one. Viv is stabbed in pursuit of a necromancer and brought to a small town to convalesce. She explores what little there is in the town and stumbles upon a bookshop, owned by Fern. Viv quickly takes an interest in reading and helping to restore the shabby bookstore.

Having Viv injured was a clever way to immobilize our main character and contain the setting. As with Legends and Lattes, the stakes are low and the main evil isn’t the focus of the story. Instead, we get to hang out and get to know the townspeople. Fern was lovable and I enjoyed her enthusiasm in talking about books, an obvious nod to all of us book lovers. We even get to see the origin of how Viv met one of her companions from Legends and Lattes.

I was pleasantly surprised and how much this prequel worked for me and looking forward to other stories Baldree has to tell in this world. If you enjoyed Legends and Lattes, then I’m confident you’ll enjoy this novel as well.

4 / 5 stars

My sincerest gratitude to Netgalley, Travis Baldree, Macmillan Audio, and Tor for the ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

So happy that I got this arc! I enjoyed the first book when I listened to it earlier this year, and I was so excited to see the second one on netgalley already! Overall, I think enjoyed Bookshops and Bonedust better than Legends and Lattes. Cozy fantasy is not a genre I usually go for but I have enjoyed these two books!

What I liked:
-I love the author’s narration. I feel that the characters I being portrayed exactly as they were originally written, which I feel sometimes gets lost in certain audiobooks.
-I loved the new characters that were introduced, especially Satchel! I would love to see more of the cute creatures and kind monsters that live in this world.
-I felt that this book had more “action” per se than its predecessor, which I feel helped keep me intrigued throughout the book.

What could have been better:
-My only thing as a reader is that I generally read more fast-paced, action packed books because I tend to be a mood reader. I ran into this issue with the first book where I felt bored at times. This definitely improved a lot in Bookshops and Bonedust, but this feeling still lingered. I believe it is just due to the “coziness” of the book, and doesn’t lessen the actual quality of the writing, but more so reflects on me as a reader LOL.

I really enjoyed Legends and Lattes so I was excited to read this one. I guess I didn't realize this was a prequel. I enjoyed the bookshop setting. Once again gave me all the cozy whimsicalness I was looking for. I loved the side characters. They really pulled this story along and kept me reading. That being said I didn't enjoy this one as much as Legends and Lattes. I didn't connect with Viv in this story mainly because I knew she wouldn't be staying. Anything that happened outside the bookshop I didn't care about and the narration isn't the best. I hate to say that because the author narrates it, but it's not great. I ended up giving it 3 stars. It was fine but Legends and Lattes is better.

I, like the rest of the fantasy reading community was ecstatic when Travis Baldree announced the prequel to his book, Legends and Lattes. Bookshops and Bonedust has the same cozy energy that many people loved about Legends and Lattes.

I was approved for an audio arc of this book which was really exciting for me because I listened to Legends and Lattes on audiobook and Travis Baldree narrates that one as well as this one. He does such a good job as an audiobook narrator that I wish he would extend his narration to other books outside of his own.

From a content standpoint, Bookshops and Bonedust didn't work for me like Legends and Lattes did. I felt it lacked the charisma that made the first one so special. The book came alive in my imagination and, unfortunately, that was not the case for this installment. The characters felt flat and stagnated to me and I had a hard time keeping what was happening straight in my mind. I thought the plot was a little convoluted and confusing.

I still think this will be a good cozy read for a certain group of people. It just didn't work for me, sadly.