Oh my gosh - I had SUCH a lush time reading this book! Can we all agree that @travis_baldree is the undisputed king of heartfelt cosy fantasy (even when there’s a fair bit of fighting and stabbing involved)?! 😍

First things first - I imagine I’m not the only person who would head into Brigands and Breadknives with a wee bit of trepidation. I freaking love Viv the orc, and I wasn’t sure what it would be like to enter this world without her as the narrator. But never fear! As soon as Fern the rattkin’s first word (and the first word of the whole novel) was ‘fuck’ I was smiling, and I didn’t stop for the entire time I was reading ☺️

This story is much more epic than the other two in the series and although I’m a MASSIVE fan of cinnamon buns and books, I love that this story went in a different direction. It’s all to easy to think cosy stories have to be set in domestic and warm settings, but this one turns that idea on its head. For me, this story was so warm and hug-like because Fern and her buddies felt so wonderfully real and lost - the sense of yearning to find your place in this story was so well done 🧡

Also, there is a goblin who is weirdly obsessed with stealing silverware, a sword called Nigel, a knife called Breadlee (no matter what he might try to tell you), beautiful friendship and genuine peril, and friends helping each other find themselves 🥰

I loved it! And I highly recommend you go nab a copy when it comes out in November 📖

This was my first @netgalley read! What a way to kick off! Thank you so much to @panmacmillan and @torbooksuk for approving my request to read an early copy 🧡

"Brigands & Breadknives" is the third novel in the "Legends & Lattes" series. There is the prequel, "Bookshops & Bonedust", followed by the short story "Pages to Fill", then the hugely popular "Legends & Lattes", another short story in the form of "Goblins & Greatcoats" and now, an incredibly welcome return to the city of Thune for "Brigands & Breadknives".
Our protagonist is Fern and she has arrived in Thune, with the aim of creating a bookshop and is pleased to catch-up with her old friend, Viv, who runs the coffee shop.
Fans of the series will delight in the return of familiar characters such as Tandri, Thimble and Cal. And a whole host of new characters including Astryx One-Ear, a warrior and potential love interest and the adorable Potroast.
Just as in the previous novels, this storyline is full of humour and warmth. With meaningful relationships and friendships that drive along the storyline. This is a novel that will lift your spirits.