3.5 stars.

"Bookshops & Bonedust" by Travis Baldree is a cozy, fun prequel to the fabulous "Legends & Lattes." I think I did myself a disservice by reading that book right before this one because it is such a wonderful one that there was almost no way this one could compare. I liked the new characters, but this book is so similar to the original that it felt a bit long in comparison. I personally think it took quite a while for the story to get going, but it picks up around the 50% mark, though. There's not a ton of world-bulding, but if you're not a regular fantasy reader, it might be a lot to ingest at first. Not my favorite book, but still good, especially for fans of L&L!

Thank you to NetGalley, Travis Baldree, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

Last winter, we were introduced to Viv and the world of ‘Legends & Lattes.’ This fall we are treated to the tale of Viv, many years before Thune and the coffee shop, and find her meeting a new group of townsfolk to befriend. With Viv recovering from an injury, she stumbles into a bookshop in Murk, there she finds friendship and a new mission of sorts - to revamp the bookshop!

This book was equal parts fantasy, adventure, and an absolute love letter to small bookshop owners. If you loved the first book, you will absolutely adore this fitting prequel!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thanks to @netgalley & @torbooks for this eARC. ‘Bookshops & Bonedust’ is out November 7, 2023.

Travis Baldree's prequel to "Legends & Lattes", "Bookshops & Bonedust", offers a charming escape, following Viv, an injured orc recuperating in the quaint seaside town of Murk. There, she fosters friendships, confronts new threats, and discovers the joy of community. Initial chapters meander, but the narrative swiftly gains momentum, captivating readers with its enchanting world.

Although lacking some of the magic of its predecessor, "Bookshops & Bonedust" exudes undeniable cozy vibes. The titular bookstore resonates with bookworms, echoing the allure of libraries and igniting a love for the written word. Inclusion of diverse fantasy races (orcs, dwarves, necromancers, elves, and gnomes) and a warmly portrayed queer relationship enrich the tapestry.

Character development shines. Viv embodies strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit. Maylee and Fern radiate sweetness and generosity, while Fern's bibliophilia evokes relatable experiences. Satchel, the animated skeleton, steals the show with his wit and helpfulness, his interactions fostering genuine warmth. Heartfelt character dynamics ensure frequent smiles and a satisfying, exciting conclusion.

However, this charming read isn't without flaws. Pacing inconsistencies mar the initial chapters, and while enjoyable, the narrative lacks the depth and complexity. I recommend "Bookshops & Bonedust" to readers seeking a lighthearted, character-driven escape within the cozy fantasy realm.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I loved Legends and Lattes, and was kind of a bit nervous about this one because it was a prequel. However, I loved younger Viv and can start to see where her drive for a quieter life in Legends and Lattes comes from. All the characters felt fleshed out and the world lived in. Is it as good as Legends and Lattes? Not really, at least for me. Will I reread both in the future? Absolutely.

Rating 4/5

This audiobook blew me away! I listened while I read and it was so cozy and cute! I love this series so much!!!!

Liked the book but not as much as the first book of the series. But definitely gave the cozy vibes .

I hate to say this, but the audio wasn't for me. I listened to the first hour or so of this book and I could not get into the audio.

I have since purchased the book and plan to physically read it.

This is set in the same world as Travis Baldree's Legends and Lattes which I adored.

Throw in the idea of second hand books and Viv is still involved and I'm sold.

It was hard for me to get that same feeling that Legends & Lattes gave me and thousands of others when I started reading this book. It didn't take me long to be proven wrong and fall into this heartwarming cozy fantasy story. There is something about Travis Baldree's writing that makes me fall in love with the characters and story and I had to re-read Legends & Lattes to extend my enjoyment. Definitely recommend!

In Bookshops & Bonedust, we reconnect with Viv before the events of Legends & Lattes, as she is taking a break from adventuring to heal from a battle wound sustained while fighting an evil necromancer. She is packed off by the mercenary company she is a part of to the sleepy beach town of Murk. While she is recovering, there is not much for her to do so she ends up spending her days with the proprietor of the local bookshop. However, Viv can’t seem to stay away from adventure, as she becomes embroiled in a mystery plaguing the town.

The book has a very similar feel to Legends & Lattes and if you loved that one, this one will probably also hit the spot for you. The setting is charming and the cast of side characters is diverse. They all add so much to the flavor of the story, creating a rich variety of personalities to help flesh out the world that Baldree has created.

I loved the narration of the audiobook. Baldree did a fantastic job bringing his characters to life once again. I think it adds so much when the author is able to do their own narration. They know exactly the sentiment and feelings they want their characters to convey and how they want them to sound. I highly recommend the audio version.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Travis Baldree for an advance listening copy of Bookshops & Bonedust in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5/5 ⭐️

My heart, oh my goodness. I just love Viv so much and truly this book was a delight. Although different than legends and lattes with a more bittersweet ending (as we know this is a prequel) and more stakes it still had so much heart. It was so fun getting to see Viv in her younger years so very contrary but also so many parallels to the Viv in Legends & Lattes. Besides Viv, Fern was such a fun addition to the story and just a hilarious ratkin with a sailor's mouth and I love her even more for that. Also, we meet someone from Viv's past and future in this story and it was so exciting to see and understand that background more. Outside of the characters I also loved the higher stakes involved including the bits of magic we got to see included as well. The only piece that was a little lacking for me personally was in parts the pacing at the beginning was a bit on the slower side, still very enjoyable but that was my primary reason if I had to name one of why this wasn't five stars. Overall I absolutely loved the book and I NEED more stories with Viv and Fern!

Also Travis Baldree is just an amazing narrator so if you get the chance to listen to these stories on audio I HIGHLY recommend!!

"Because I'm headed down the hill, and you're headed up it. I'm just glad we chanced to meet on the way."

I absolutely loved Legends and lattes. So I was so excited to get my hands on this prequel that was released after. I however just did not love this cozy fantasy as much as I did the first one.

I did love all the bookshop and book vibes that this one gave. And the friends throughout. In this one young Viv is injured and stays in a small town to recover. There are friendships formed and a little bit of romance. I honestly can't pinpoint what it is I felt like it was missing for me. But if you love cozy fantasy and you love Legends and lattes I definitely say give it a shot. I would definitely read another one if he adds to the series.

The audio to these is phenomenal though. So if you love a good audio I think that's the way to go with these.

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan audio for this ALC and allowing me to listen and give my honest review.

I loved this book so much! There’s action, angst, food, and found family - it is everything I need in a cozy fantasy. Plus, it’s sort of a love story for books and readers. Travis Baldree does a phenomenal job bringing his words to life as the narrator. I’m hoping that I’m right with the vibe I felt in the epilogue and we get more stories in this delightful world!

4 out of 5 wine glasses

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I enjoyed this cozy fantasy book. Whats better than a book about a bookstore, friends, and first love!

I listened to 🎧 BOOKSHOPS AND BONEDUST by @travis_baldree in December and it was cozy with memorable characters, some chuckles, a mystery, and a whole lot of books in a messy local used bookstore. You had me at "used bookstore", but I liked the other elements too!Thank you to the author, @netgalley and the publisher @torbooks for the audio-ARC.

This book takes the small town meet-cute romance and puts it in a fantastical world of ogres, dwarfs, ratkins and bone-dogs. I really liked the characters but wanted a bit more from the mystery side of things. For my taste, there was just enough romance as well. I realized after I listened that this is a prequel to LEGENDS AND LATTES so I will probably give that one a go at some point as well when I need a cozy story!

If you opened a bookstore in a small town would it be used or new books? Would it have a theme? What genres would you sell? TELL ME EVERYTHING!

💚SMASHBOT💚

#bibliophile #booknerd #bookish #bookreview #travisbaldree #bookshopsandbonedust #fantasybooks #cozybooks #netgalley #tordotcompub

An absolutely excellent follow up to Legends and Lattes. Travis Baldree has an excellent way of weaving fantasy and cozy every day life together. It's perfect for people like me, who enjoy "fantasy lite".

I now understand why people call this a hug in a book! I went into listening to this not having read the first book, Legends and Lattes, but I was still consumed with the world built. I’m glad I read it as a stand alone because my first introduction to Viv’s life was so wonderful.

I would have to say experiencing Viv fall in love with reading made me incredibly happy.

Travis Baldree narrating was such a fun listen. The way he reads about the world he created added to the magic and world in the book. Highly recommend for those who enjoy cozy fantasy-like reads.

Thanks so much NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook!

4.25 Stars

This is as charming as Legends & Lattes. Meeting these new characters and Viv forming bond with them is my favourite part. The magic and the trouble in the second part is not as engaging as the first part but I didn't mind it. I liked the theme of chance encounters and the ending teared me up. Looking forward to more books in this world.

"Legends and Lattes" is a delightful cozy fantasy that I eagerly anticipated as a prequel. I was thrilled by the clever incorporation of bookish elements in the story. As a devoted reader, I always adore this trope, and the concept of a story-within-a-story was captivating. The book is filled with charming bookish details, like blind dates with books, cozy reading chairs, and the joy of falling asleep with a book on your lap. These details will resonate with fellow book lovers and enhance the charm of the narrative.

Furthermore, the deeper exploration of Viv's character was a delightful addition. It provided profound insight into her growth and added remarkable depth to the story.

"Bookshops & Bonedust" is a perfect choice for curling up in a cozy reading chair with a cup of coffee and a delicious scone (or three). It delivers exactly what I was yearning for in terms of creating a cozy and immersive reading experience.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend "Bookshops & Bonedust" to anyone in search of a heartwarming and enchanting fantasy read.

I think I liked this better than Legends and Lattes. While it is still way too cozy for me, the plot was interesting, and there was more of it. It was well written and narrated. I would recommend for fans of LL

This was such a fun and cozy audiobook. I enjoyed Legends & Lattes and was curious to dive back into this world and get a little bit of Viv's backstory. Recovering from an injury, Viv finds herself on the mend in the town of Murk. She finds herself frequenting the local bookshop and befriending the bookseller, Fern. This story has such a wonderful cast of side characters to assist Viv with a mystery she stumbled upon during her stay in town. The story was wonderful and I loved how it connected to Legends & Lattes.

And the audio was so entertaining. Narrated by the author, Travis did a superb job with all of the amazing characters popping in and out, and I hope we get to see more of this world in the future!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audio copy of this wonderfully cozy fantasy novella!