Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree Series: Legends & Lattes #0
Published by Pan Macmillan on November 9, 2023
Genres: Dragons & Mythical Creatures, Fantasy, Fiction / Fantasy / Dragons & Mythical Creatures, Fiction / LGBTQ+ / Gay
Pages: 368
Format: Audiobook
Source: ARC
Viv's career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam's Ravens isn't going as planned.
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.
Still, adventure isn't all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.
It’s rare when I come across a book that I desperately want to live inside. I’m going to start this out with a confession… I enjoyed this one more than Legends and Lattes. But I mean, when I say enjoyed… I mean I want to force everyone I know to read this book. You, dear reader. I am attempting to peer pressure you into reading this gem of a cozy fantasy.
A young Viv gets the taste of the slow life after she is forced into a somewhat lengthy convalescence when she is injured. I really do think this time in the sleepy Murk is what plants the seed of a quiet life post-mercenary adventures. Our time is spent with Viv in dusty bookshops, between the pages of books, and experiencing a sweet hint of romance.
I would happily keep Fern and Pot Roast company. Much like it’s predecessor, Bookshops & Bonedust has all the goodness; found family, friendships, first loves, and a hint of action and adventure. Now that I’ve had the pleasure of reading the moment when Viv starts to even slightly consider a life post-mercenary life I plan on re-listening to Legends and Lattes to see if I enjoy it more. I will desperately miss Pot Roast though!
Travis Baldree, along with a couple other authors, have convinced me that I love cozy fantasy. If you loved Legends & Lattes, you will love getting to spend more time with Viv here. If you haven’t, but you are curious about cozy fantasy? Allow me to peer pressure you. I highly recommend the audiobook as it is expertly performed by the author. This was the quickest I’ve listened to an audiobook all summer!
You might be saying, “This summer? It’s January!” Well, I drafted this review ages ago but never got around to publishing it. Bookshops & Bonedust ended up on my 2023 Favorites list so this is one you don’t want to miss! Curl up with your bevvy of choice, a cozy blanket and throw your headphones on.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced listening copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, Macmillan Audio!