Bookshops & Bonedust

Synopsis: Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she's packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she'll never be able to return to it. What's a thwarted soldier of fortune to do? Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn't possibly imagine.

My Thoughts: The prose in the book is solid, and it's clear that it has been edited with care. There's an attempt to recapture the cozy and comfortable atmosphere of the first book, though it's only somewhat successful. I personally would have preferred a stronger emphasis on either more dynamic action sequences or more charming, bookshop-related scenes. Unfortunately, both elements seemed lacking, leaving the story feeling somewhat incomplete. The inclusion of a necromancer plot offered potential for an interesting twist, but instead, the narrative unexpectedly veered into exploring a romantic subplot between an Orc and a Dwarf, which felt out of place to me. The storyline also hinted at involving a rat female character in this dynamic, contributing to a sense that I was delving into someone's personal and rather unconventional fantasy. Overall, the book is an average read – it's not entirely unenjoyable, but it's not something I'd be keen on revisiting

The anti Abercrombie.

I am not the target audience for this book. I love Grimdark, I love grey characters and i love cynical humour.

Bookshops and Bone Dust is none of the above, the characters are good, they do good things and are rewarded for their efforts. Boring right? Wrong! The author executes the story so well that the characters, rather than being sickly sweet, feel like real people who make real decisions. They just choose to be kind to each other.

There are two plots in this book, a low stakes and a higher stakes one. I found myself caring about the low stakes plot and found the higher stakes an unnecessary distraction. I can go to thousands of other fantasy books for life and death situations. I come to this world to spend time with a wonderful bunch of characters being nice to each other in nice places and that is when this book is at its best. Oh and when it describes the cake. Do not read when hungry.

I loved seeing Viv again and the way she collected people around her in her stop over in Murk. The bad guy she had to battle was compelling. Her help with the bookstore and bakery was the perfect amount of cozy. The Epilogue was so good! I can totally see why we needed book 1 and then this book in that order. The audiobook was really entertaining and helped immerse me in the story.
I am really hoping for at least one more in this series!

I like how this prequel touches base with [b:Legends & Lattes 61242426 Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes, #1) Travis Baldree https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654581271l/61242426.SY75.jpg 94968745] as an epilogue.

This is a somewhat longer novel than [b:Legends & Lattes 63277682 Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes, #1) Travis Baldree https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698323369l/63277682.SY75.jpg 94968745], and there's a bit more story to it, but it's basically the same kind of thing. This is a prequel, so we meet Viv the orc earlier in her life, and she gets involved with a bookshop rather than with a coffee shop. It's not her bookshop, but she gets involved with it anyway.She gets a wounded leg in the prologue and has to spend most of the story recovering; she's more or less fit for action by the end, having made a bunch of new friends meanwhile.I don't think this is first-class fiction, but it's readable and quite congenial.

4.5 stars. Almost perfect. Very slightly ups the stakes compared to Legends & Lattes, although not enough to take it out of cosy territory. Maybe the threat is dealt with just a little too easily (hence the dropping of half a star), but I guess that is not why we're here, so I'm happy to round it up. In any event, I loved the setting and characters, and it sets up the L&L world nicely. Might even be better than L&L.

I liked this book, but it suffers from two very important things - it is a prequel, and inevitable comparison to Legends and Lattes.

The prequel problem:
I like the idea of characters and people that come into our lives and mean something to us, perhaps even change us, but are only in our lives for a season. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I find it quite as interesting in fiction as I do in real life. This is a prequel, which means the stakes ultimately don't matter and the relationships aren't lasting.

Part of what made Legends and Lattes so cozy was the found family trope. Viv is new in town, and she develops friendships along the way. People who come to see her vision and support her in her journey.

When we meet the characters in Bookshops and Bonedust we already know they are not going to remain in Viv's life. It's a bold story choice. I respect it. But I didn't love it.

The Comparison problem:
This book takes place in the same world, with the same main character as Legends and Lattes. It is impossible not to compare these books.

The version we see of Viv in Bookshops and Bonedust is a lot younger and more impulsive. And I'm going to say it - less likable. She is even occasionally downright rude. I absolutely hated how she was so nosey about the local romance author in town, and wanted to know if the author and her butler were in a relationship. Viv commented to several people that she wondered if the author took inspiration from her romantic relationship with the butler, and even asked the butler himself!!

Maybe this was inspired by how insensitive fandom communities can be at times about people's personal lives. But it is not funny. It is just plain rude and none of your freakin' business!! I hated that our main character, who we are supposed to love, took part in the ugly side of fandom.

However, this part of the story may actually be helped by the fact that this is a prequel. We know how Viv's story progresses, and we know she is a much better person in 20 years time.

Other things of note:
This book at times felt like it was trying to cater to the romantasy crowd, especially with the books that Viv likes to read being romantasy books. Legends and Lattes did blow up on tictok, and while I'm not a part of that particular side of the book community, I get the impression romantasy is very popular there. I'm just not sure this book actually accomplishes much with the romance angle. Our main character has a romantic fling with someone we know isn't end game. It's a bold choice. I respect it. In fact, I kind of like it. Past lovers can make an impact on us, for good or ill. But I wasn't invested in their romance. I'm not sure if this is because I already knew that the relationship ends, or if it is from the lack of romantic tension in those scenes. As I'm not a romance reader, I'm fine with that. I just found it odd given the overall romantacy vibes I was getting from the books Viv reads, and the commentary on how books mirror real life.

Everything in the book felt like the first book taken up a few notches, except the starting a business side of things. I actually wish the book had spent more time revitalizing the bookshop. The books about reading that I love most focus on the book collection side of reading, rather than preaching to the choir by telling the reader how great reading is. Spending more time working on the bookshop would have brought out more vibes similar to the first book.

This book had much more action than the first book. While remaining somewhat low stakes and lacking real tension (it is a prequel afterall) we have serious things going on in the story. Viv is being stalked, both by mysterious characters in the streets, and in Viv's dreams. It is a situation she can't escape from. A conspiracy related to the necromancer Viv was hunting when she was injured is brewing and threatening the livelihoods of those in this small town. The second half of the book is dedicated to rooting out that plot, while continuing the day to day happenings of this small town.

The best new character in this book was quite literally a bag of bones. I'm not sure I can say more without spoiling things xD

While this book lacks the same charm the first book had, and I doubt I'll reread this one, I am still glad I read it. It is a great book to read inbetween heavier books. It was a fun, cozy fantasy romp.

Readers will have a chance to see Viv in her younger years, eager to become a mercenary, yet hindered by a recent injury. Stuck in the small town of Murk, there isn’t much to do aside from wandering the beach or visiting one of a few shops. When Viv comes across a bookstore that has seen better days and a bakery filled with delicious pastries, it will be her first step towards finding new friendships and new possibilities.

The bookshop owner Fern was quite the character. If you’ve read Legends and Lattes, Thimble is the exact opposite of Fern. Even Viv comments on how Rattkin tend to be on the quiet side. But Fern is quite the spitfire with her language and attitude. Her humor and passion for the bookstore will quickly endear readers. And the way she effortlessly entices Viv and others to read is wonderful. It's easy to see how Viv becomes tied to Fern and the bookshop, doing what she can to help save it.

There were many memorable moments between the characters. From Maylee the dwarf baker who gave up adventuring to open her own bakery, to Gallina, the annoying yet helpful gnome. Throughout each of the character interactions, the seeds are planted for Legends and Lattes. Viv begins to picture what life could be like after her time as a mercenary comes to an end. She experiences friendship, first love, and the joy of reading during her path to recovery,

Bookshops and Bonedust is another wonderful cozy adventure. The low tension of Fern on the verge of losing the bookstore, coupled with the looming threat over Murk will hook readers. With an entertaining cast of characters, and just the right amount of low stakes, it is sure to become a favorite.

Favorites of 2023!
Upon receiving approval for an advanced audiobook from Macmillan Audio on Netgalley, it's safe to say that my day was made. My boyfriend and I had thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, particularly as he's a staunch fantasy enthusiast, nudging me to explore the genre further. Hence, fueled by our mutual admiration for the initial book, I embarked on this one with a hint of skepticism. Could the secondary characters in this prequel capture my heart as Thimble, Cal, and Tandri had? To my delight, the characters in this narrative, particularly Satchel, proved just as endearing and charming.

I found delight in witnessing the younger version of Viv, still the same individual yet somewhat inexperienced and impulsive. The presence of mystery and a touch of suspense in this narrative managed to captivate me more than the first book. Moreover, the writing appeared more refined, further surpassing my expectations. As much as I cherished “Legends and Lattes,” this prequel has effortlessly become my favorite.

In terms of the audiobook narration, Travis Baldree's exceptional rendition added an extra layer of enjoyment, particularly when voicing his own characters. This recommendation stands firm for devotees of “Legends and Lattes,” cozy fantasy enthusiasts, and anyone seeking heartfelt reads akin to a warm embrace. Personally, I am eagerly anticipating a potential third installment, as these characters have truly become my friends, and their story has captured my investment. Waste no time in acquiring this book—whether through the printed version or the audiobook. From the first moment to the last, it's a guaranteed five-star experience. Many thanks to Netgalley for this opportunity. To embark on this enchanting adventure, follow the link provided below.

Cozy fantasy; not a subgenre I'd ever thought I'd be seeking. But after the fantastic Legends & Lattes (which I pretty much read cover to cover), I find myself captivated.

Not necessarily hitting the bullseye, but lacking no less charm, Bookshops & Bonedust is a gem.

This story really finds itself in showing you why Viv isn't just some battle hungry warrior, but adds context to her depth. How she comes to find love and understanding in more than adventure. Throw in a cast of unique, lovable characters, and you got a recipe for a good time.

As well, this is one of those books that finished (much like the first) in a way that just had me smiling. A big, genuine smile. Good feels. If you liked the first, I think you'll like this too.

So, this book was a disappointment to me. I don't think it's a bad book, in fact I think Baldree wrote a better plot to this book, and some of the descriptions and dialogue is better than L&L.

There are two main reasons this one didn't work for me as well. The first is the decision to make it a prequel. I'm not opposed to prequels, and perhaps the lower stakes of L&L made it seem like another low stakes story but earlier could be thought as a good idea. But low stakes books still HAVE stakes - L&L had plenty of stakes. It was just, “are these two characters going to get along”, “is Viv's coffeeshop going to work”, etc.

This one- we know Viv moves on from these characters and there is not really a fundamental shift in her character throughout this that makes her journey satisfying. She...learns to like reading, I guess? Beyond that, the stakes of this book are actually higher - there is danger and conspiracy in this book to a higher degree than in the original- but simultaneously lower, because we know everything is fine at the start of L&L. So I was mostly just letting events happen with no fanfare.

The second reason, I think, is more on me than the book, but I don't think a bookstore is as good of a setting, or maybe Baldree didn't write the book sections as interestingly. It felt like preaching to the choir, people reading this book obviously like books. So having a bookstore owner wax pontific about how reading is so fun just makes me go, “yeah, duh” more than Viv trying to convince people that coffee tastes good. None of the book talk is particularly inspiring, it's mostly like “wait, people read mystery novels? Whatever for?!?!?” “Well, because the ACT of READING a STORY is MAGIC, Viv!”

Finally, the epilogue is vexing to me. I don't understand why it's in this book. The epilogue is a flashforward to after the ending of Legends and Lattes. And it is exclusively designed for people who have read both books. It's utterly meaningless to this book and basically spoils the end of L&L, which being a prequel is fine, but some people will read chronologically. It's mostly to set up a third book, which could have been done a different way, I think.

6/10

I really wanted to finish this after thoroughly enjoying Legends and Lattes, but I didn't enjoy this one as much. After coming back to this a few times, I felt that this book wasn't quite sure what it wanted to be - I didn't feel as connected to the “coziness” of the place or the characters, nor was I really invested in the more significant plot.

I had put off reading this. I’d so loved Travis’ other book and was frightened that the prequel wouldn’t match up to the sheer soothing coziness of that one. After a work colleague told me this was even better, I decided to dive in. She was right!! This is wonderful cozy fiction with enough of a hint of excitement to make it interesting as well as soothing. I hope that another book is written and I will not hesitate next time.

If you liked the first one, I'm sure you are going to like this one too!

As usual great storytelling, charming characters (Viv, the warrior orc/barista-and now bibliophile–is my new favourite), Bookshops & Bonedust is every bit as delightful as the first one. A true comfort punk, hope punk!

Now I just want to take a cup of coffee, some scones and sit in a quiet corner!

Rating: 4.31 leaves out of 5-Characters: 4/5 -Cover: 5/5-Story: 3.75/5-Writing: 5/5Genre: Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, LGBT, Romance-Cozy Mystery: 3.75/5-LGBT: 5/5-Fantasy: 5/5-Romance: 3/5Type: AudiobookWorth?: YesHated Disliked Meh It Was Okay Liked Loved FavoritedWant to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.Never read a cozy soft fantasy book before. I thoroughly enjoyed it, not something I would read a lot of but something I would pick up if I just want something easy and fun. I love the characters, except the warden. The small adventure in this book was fun and, unlike high fantasy, easier to follow. The ending though. Ugh broke my heart.

LEGENDS AND LATTES was the best book I read last year. It was original and cute. I had high hopes for this prequel story, but it fell a little short of the greatness of the first book. However, it's still fun and kind and tells a compelling story with compelling characters.

This tale finds the orc warrior, Viv, recovering from a battle injury in Murk, a seaside town with not much going for it. Viv, out of boredom, stumbles into a bookstore and befriends the proprietor, Fern. Fern runs a cluttered and unsuccessful bookstore, but she turns Viv into a reader by giving her saucy tales of swords and romance that she figures Viv will enjoy. In turn, Viv helps Fern run her shop better. Add in the conflict a necromancer poses to the area, and you have an enjoyable low-stakes fantasy adventure.

Baldree continues to root this series in a Ted Lasso-like kindness that makes it an enjoyable change of pace from so many books out there. It's anachronistic and silly at times, but that's what makes it endearing.

Writing the second book in any series is difficult, even more so when you write a prequel instead of a sequel. In the acknowledgments, Baldree even notes that he wasn't able to write the sequel he initially wanted to write, but he put forth another fun story and a worthy installment for this clever fantasy world he's creating, but it just doesn't land quite as well as the first book, probably because I'm not terribly interested in prequels. Tell me what comes next.

I'll look forward to whatever comes next for this series.

The biggest draw to Bookshops & Bonedust is the opportunity to settle in with the delightfully mundane aspects of running a business that was so prominent in the first book.
However, it feels like there was less focus on the business as there was in Lattes & Legends. The book tries to bring in too many other elements and sort of forgets what made this type of story special in the first place. It would have been entertaining to see more of book organizing, quirky customer service, sales and turning the store around, of which there were only glimpses.
It is interesting to see how a mercenary orc would even consider becoming a coffee shop owner later. The other characters are very likeable and entertaining.
Overall it was a great enrichment to the saga as a whole, even if it does not land quite the same way.