Travis Baldee NEVER FAILS. This was cosy, we had a mystery, we had funny characters and a cute romance. I loved EVERYTHING about this. And my coffee and pastry cravings were insaneeee. I loved it so much. I think Travis Baldee has such a wonderful talent for cosy fiction. GIVE ME MORE!

This book was absolutely wonderful! It was fun and the characters were so lovable. I love books about bookstores so I was sure to love this from the beginning. The friendships that Viv builds throughout this book are so wholesome.
Although this is a prequel it can definitely be read as a standalone, I actually haven’t read Legends & Lattes yet so I will definitely be picking that up next.

I thought Legends and Lattes was a stand-alone so when I found out it was getting a prequel I was ecstatic. Bookshops and Bonedust is just as good as the first one. It follows Viv and her journey on deciding what she wants in the future. I loved the new characters. Just a perfect feel good book.

I was thrilled beyond words to have the privilege of diving into an early copy of "Bookshops & Bonedust" through NetGalley. Travis Baldree's previous work, "Legends and Lattes," holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite reads. With this latest masterpiece, Baldree has solidified his position as one of my cherished new favorite authors.

"Bookshops & Bonedust" was an absolute delight from the very first page to the closing sentence. This installment took the charm and wonder that I adored in the previous book and elevated it with heightened stakes and captivating action scenes. The journey with Viv was exhilarating, and the increased combat sequences only added to the excitement. An intriguing aspect is that you can enjoy either book without following a particular order, though a minor spoiler from "Legends and Lattes" might be a concern for some readers. For me, it served as a delightful peek into Viv's future, adding a special touch to the narrative.

The town of Murk came alive in the most extraordinary way, becoming a place that I fell head over heels in love with. My attachment to the characters and the locale was so profound that as I read the final chapters, I found myself overcome with emotion. The thought of saying goodbye to these characters and concluding the story left me in tears. Frankly, I'm so captivated by the world Baldree has created that I wish this series could continue indefinitely.

The prequel is a genuine gem that provides an incredibly satisfying reading experience. Every element felt perfectly orchestrated, from the enchanting bookshop to the endearing Fern, and of course, the exceptional Viv herself. The dynamics between characters were beautifully portrayed, and Viv's relationship with Mylee was absolutely heartwarming.

"Bookshops & Bonedust" encompasses everything a reader could dream of in a book: a love for literature, delectable treats, an extraordinary female lead, loyal companions, and an enthralling plot. Travis Baldree's gift for storytelling shines brilliantly yet again, and he has undoubtedly earned a cherished spot on my list of favorite authors. I eagerly await any future works he blesses us with.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for generously providing the eARC, allowing me the privilege to delve into this extraordinary tale ahead of its official release. My thoughts are a reflection of my genuine appreciation and love for this book.

#BookshopsAndBonedust #NetGalley

I have recently discovered the marvellous world of cosy fantasy and Travis Baldree’s books are everywhere amongst the community. I know that he is a self-published success story and I’m delighted that his unique stories have been picked up by traditional publishers and presented within these beautiful covers. I adored Legends and Lattes right before diving into this prequel, which is also actually a stand alone, so you can definitely enjoy either book by itself. I had high hopes for Bookshops and Bonedust and it really didn’t disappoint!

After sustaining an injury that leaves her unable to continue hunting a necromancer with the Rackem Ravens, orc Viv finds herself recovering in the sleepy town of Murk. She has no idea how she can possibly fill the long days ahead of her in this place until she wanders into a bookshop called Thistleburr. Run by a well-mannered but sweary rattkin called Fern and her pet gryphet Potroast, Thistleburr isn’t exactly where Viv planned on spending her time but it may just prove to be the new adventure that she needs.

Thistleburr contains far more books than Fern has possibly ever sold and it really is a book lover’s dream. Despite the fact it’s in disarray when Viv arrives, it still has a gorgeous, cosy charm to it. I felt immediately transported yet wonderfully comfortable every time I spent time in it and I’d really love a bookshop just like it of my own -despite the struggles!

Viv wasn’t a reader before Fern and Thistleburr entered her life and it was really magical to watch a non-reader get lost in a book. This is something that I would really love to inspire in people and the fact that Viv is introduced to a world of books that she didn’t know she loved is truly special. The whole novel has this fantastic sentiment that bookshops and booksellers have the power to open up opportunities and imaginations, which is exactly the kind of cosy vibe that I think readers crave.

Fern is a great character and she made me laugh several times with her ability to swear and smile in the same sentence. She has an amazing talent for recommending books and she clearly plays a much more important role in Murk than she realises. I would really love Fern to get her own novel, so if for some crazy reason Travis Baldree is reading this -please write that down!

Viv has a very cute albeit brief romance with a dwarf baker called Maylee. Viv spends much of the time being completely unaware of Maylee’s feelings towards her and when they do confess, it’s fraught with bittersweet fragility because Viv is just passing through the town. This romance didn’t need to be included but it added an element of cute to the cosy and I thoroughly appreciated it -even if it was a bit sad!

There is necromancy involved and I adored how this came about through Satchel. He became a thoroughly loveable character with a seemingly interesting history and I think I wanted a bit more about his past. He is clearly a reader!

Bookshops and Bonedust is a magical, bookish world in itself with some unforgettable characters. There is also humour, beautiful friendships and plenty of cuteness to get lost in, as well as some smatterings of darkness (what would you expect when a bored orc is the protagonist?). Anyone who loves books and the culture of sharing them will love it!

Firstly, I was so grateful to have the chance to read this before the release date. Thank you so much Netgalley. I absolutely loved Legends & Lattes and this is the perfect prequel. Set years before Legends & Lattes unfolded.

Bookshops & Bonedust is comforting, cosy and just a lovely escape from reality.

Tropes include:
- Found family.
- First loves.
- Second-hand books
- Absolutely epic adventures.

I loved the worldbuilding of Murk. Imagining Viv coming straight from battle and landing in a seaside town, made me smile. I enjoyed getting to know the new characters in particularly 'sweary' Fern, Satchel and Potroast! I really do believe any booklover would jump at the chance to visit Thistleburr! The ending is bittersweet as it's made clear early on in the book Viv's stay in Murk is temporary. However, the Epilogue melted my heart and was just the best snapshop of the story after the story.

I would highly recommend this book. It was everything I wanted it to be and more!

This was a really lovely companion to Legends & Lattes - a little more of Viv and her backstory, as she unwittingly created close bonds with another odd group of loveable characters, with a little bit of a background threat running through the story.

Finally, I'm writing a review before a book is published! And that's because this cosy fantasy series is such a winner - it's the perfect NPC D&D world, where the side quest turns out to be the main quest after all (and there are books this time!).

Injured and fed up, Viv ends up in a sleepy backwater town where, between the bookshop, bakery and inn, there's not much to offer, especially for an orc that should be off fighting a necromancer.

But what makes Viv such a loveable character is her resourcefulness - although she gives the impression that she just wants to mope around and stab things with her rapier, she is kind-hearted and considerate and is always just looking for an opportunity. And, as she gets to know some of the community around her, involves helping others.

This was a lovely backstory to Viv's character, especially as we see her as a much younger orc who is learning how to care for other people.

And the other characters are delightful too - from the sweary ratkin bookshop owner, and the wannabe mercenary gnome to the kind-hearted dwarven baker, there's a great group of new personalities to meet too.

This wasn't quite as strong for me as Legends & Lattes - possibly because I just love a book where a business is being set up (it's a specific favourite, I know). But this brought together the same kind of story and satisfaction as before, but with a lovely new cast of characters, and a delightful bookshop setting.

I receive an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

‘Bookshops and Bonedust’ is the highly anticipated prequel to ‘Legends and Lattes’ - the book that epitomises the ‘cosy fantasy’ genre.

When Viv the Orc is injured during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she gets sent away from her crew, Rackham’s Ravens, to the small seaside town of Murk to recuperate. She’s itching to get back to the mercenary business, but when she hobbles around town she meets some of the colourful inhabitants of Murk including the small, furry and profane owner of the rather dilapidated local bookshop. Viv makes herself useful, helping to spruce up the bookshop, while its owner recommends books and gets Viv into queer romantasy fic. But of course, there’s also a mysterious character in a grey cloak snooping around town and, despite her injuries, Viv is always ready for action…

If there’s anything cosier than Viv starting a coffee shop, it’s Viv starting a book club! This was adorable - the perfect feel-good, found-family, heartwarming read and just as good as ‘Legends and Lattes’. It also includes a moving epilogue that catches up with the characters of L&L in the present. Absolutely loved it!

(Gifted ARC) Thank you so much to @panmacmillan for this ARC of Bookshops and Bonedust, the prequel to Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. I’m not joking when I say the hope that I might get approved for this arc is basically the reason I created a @netgalley account in the first place, so I was super excited when I got approved! I basically ditched everything else I had going on to read this. I loved this book, possibly even more than Legends and Lattes, if that’s at all possible?! I loved finding out more of Vivs backstory, meeting Gallina, and all the various characters that you can’t help falling in love with! Satchel is my favourite in this one. I adore Travis’s writing, these books are literally like a warm hug, or the feeling you get when you have your first sip of hot tea when you come in from the rain. As always the imagery and world building is exceptional, and the way it all ties together with Legends and Lattes is genuinely astounding. I can’t wait for you all to read this, upon it’s publication in November!

Firstly, I was unbelievably excited when i got the email acceptance for this arc as i absolutely devoured and loved Legends and Lattes and have been waiting for something to fill the void ever since.
This book was the perfect prequel, which just enough references to the original text but also being separate enough and having enough character building that you could follow the story without having read Legends and Lattes.
I fell head over heels for the characters in this book (especially potroast) and enjoyed the weekend that I spent in their little world. As the king of cozy fantasy, Baldree has delivered another story of friendship, low stakes fantasy and community.
After finishing this, I feel the need to reread Legends and lattes, despite only finishing it two weeks ago! I adored this book and would recommend it to any fans of the original novel or cozy fantasy fans in general- an instant, no brainer 5 stars!!!

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree - after Legends and Lattes I didn't think I could fall in love with Viv even more. Boy was I wrong. I loved seeing how Viv was when she was younger, the romance and friendships that blossoms are just beautiful. I am now eagerly awaiting the release of the audio book as Travis is one of my favourite narrators. A well deserved 4 stars from me.

Whether you come to this story having read and loved ‘Legends & Lattes’, Travis Baldree’s debut and the sequel to Bookshops & Bonedust, or as a complete novice to the story, I have no doubt that you will find this book enchanting, cosy and charming.
It is difficult for me not to make direct comparisons between Bookshops & Bonedust and Legends & Lattes, because in many ways, they are very similar, but I think it’s important to note that the prequel in no way feels like a redo of the original.
Even Viv, the bellicose orc protagonist, is a different character to the one we meet 20 years in the future as she settles down to open a coffee shop. She is impulsive, less sure of herself, and itching for adventure.
The found family element that so many readers loved from Legends & Lattes definitely remained present, with new dynamics, friendships and characters that keep the story feeling fresh and new, whilst capturing the essence of Legends & Lattes.
In Bookshops & Bonesdust, Baldree so beautifully renders the slow and cosy atmosphere that drew such an impressive audience to Legends & Lattes, whilst also allowing for higher stakes, more pressing emotions, and a sense of adventure that I would like to see more from the author in future.
For those who don’t like swearing, this book may prove a tad distasteful for you, but I don’t think it takes away from the overall charm in any way – remember, this is an adult fantasy, not YA!

This has been a wonderful read - engaging, interesting and fun. Baldree's writing is comforting. A nicely written prequel to Legends and Lattes.

Bookshops & Bonedust is a cozy prequel to the events of Legends and Lattes. As such, I wasn't quite as invested in it because I knew Viv ended up totally fine. I also wasn't invested in the love interest for the same reason. It was still a warm, cozy, low-stakes fantasy book and if I'd read it before Legends & Lattes then I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it a little more. I really loved Satchel though, and hope that - if there are further adventures to be told about Liv - he makes an appearance.

In this novel we see Viv before the events of Legends and Lattes, very early in her mercenary career. Wounded she is left behind in small seaside town to recover.

There is something comforting about these cosy fantasy stories from Travis Baldree. I may not have enjoyed this one to the same scale as Legends and Lattes but I continued to enjoy being in Viv's company and the new characters we meet in this particular book.

Bookshops & Bonedusts takes us back into this cosy fantasy world of Baldree’s previous work. Legends & Lattes was such a wonderful, cosy, low-stakes fantasy, so I expected more of the same from this one. But it honestly felt a bit flat. I think this is largely down to it being a prequel - I knew it would all work out in the end and knew where Viv would end up. The stakes are a bit higher in this one, but knowing the future of character’s journey from the start just took out some of the excitement. I also didn’t feel as much of a connection to the characters. It had less quirks. It was a good book, but it feel short as a prequel.

I had high expectations for this book after loving legends & lattes so much and can safely say I was not disappointed!
This prequel gives readers the same cosy feeling as legends & lattes while exploring Viv’s character more. I also adored the new characters introduced in this book.
Overall the story was charming and endearing, everything you could want!

Legends and lattes was one of my favourite books last year! (made it to my top 10 of the year in the Bookshop)
This follow up will undoubtedly make it to that list too, Baldee has a way with words and Viv is a fantastically written character. If you loved the first you will fall in love all over again with this one!

"Bookshops & Bonedust" by Travis Baldree is a charming and imaginative fantasy novel that takes readers on a whimsical journey through a world where books hold mystical powers and secrets waiting to be unveiled. With its enchanting narrative and vivid world-building, the book offers a delightful escape into a realm where literature and magic intertwine.

Baldree's storytelling prowess shines as he weaves a tale that follows the adventures of intriguing characters amidst a backdrop of mystical bookshops and hidden wonders. The author's creativity is evident in his unique concept of book-based magic, which adds an extra layer of fascination to the story. Through the protagonist's eyes, readers are transported to a place where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and where every page turned could reveal untold mysteries.

The characters in "Bookshops & Bonedust" are well-crafted and endearing. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery is relatable, and their interactions with the various inhabitants of the fantastical world provide depth and heart to the narrative. The supporting cast, from quirky shopkeepers to enigmatic creatures, contribute to the book's rich tapestry of personalities and relationships.

Baldree's writing style is fluid and engaging, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. The pacing is well-managed, with a balanced blend of action, exploration, and introspection. While the book's plot holds moments of excitement and intrigue, it occasionally hints at deeper themes that could have been explored further. However, the focus on the magical elements and the protagonist's growth keeps the narrative engaging throughout.

One aspect that particularly shines in the novel is its portrayal of the interplay between literature, magic, and the human imagination. Baldree skillfully captures the essence of the connection between readers and the worlds that books create, underscoring the power of storytelling as a means of transformation and escape.

"Bookshops & Bonedust" is an enchanting read that will appeal to fantasy enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a blend of adventure, magic, and literary charm. Travis Baldree's ability to transport readers to a world where books are gateways to the extraordinary is a testament to his storytelling prowess. While some readers might yearn for deeper explorations of certain themes, the overall experience of diving into this fantastical realm is one that will leave you captivated and wanting to explore further.

Travis Baldree has effortlessly crafted a diverse cast of characters that is incredibly relatable and emotionally rich; instantly touching your heart. While I haven't yet delved into 'Legends and Lattes', I've come across reviews praising its remarkable insight into Viv, our swash buckling, turned avid bookworm. 'Legends and Lattes' will definitely soon find its way on to my must-read list!

'Bookshops & Bonedust' offers a cosy, easy-going tale. Read now to lose yourself in the creative, bookish accounts, the nooks and crannies of its picturesque seaside town and delicious descriptions of tasty treats.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-arc from NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Travis Baldree and Panmillan (Tor).