Readcommendations

I recently had the pleasure of delving into one of my favorites of the year: “Bookshops & Bonedust” by Travis Baldree. A prequel to “Legends & Lattes,” this book is a comforting return to a world I already adore.

Blurb

When an injury throws a young, battle-hungry orc off her chosen path, she may find that what we need isn’t always what we seek.

Set in the world of New York Times bestselling Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree’s Bookshops & Bonedust takes us on a journey of high fantasy, first loves, and second-hand books.

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.

My thoughts (and all the feeeelings!)

In this charming prequel, we meet a younger, more impulsive Viv. Her battle-hungry personality is an unexpected but delightful revelation. Wounded and restless, her forced retreat to the sleepy town of Murk reveals a side of her we never quite saw before. It’s a fresh dynamism that kept me engaged and eager to follow her every step.

The relationships Viv forms and the connections she makes were deeply rewarding to witness. The awkward and adorable dating with Maylee was a definite highlight. The new characters introduced were so fun too (ever see a ratkin curse before? Gosh, I love her pottymouth). It added humor and charm to an already engaging narrative.

The bookshop element in “Bookshops & Bonedust” resonated with me as a reader. Serving as both a refuge for Viv and a catalyst for growth, it blended seamlessly with the unfolding adventure. Plus, when’s the last time you read about a fantasy bookstore? A true delight for any book lover!

What strikes me most is Baldree’s ability to balance fun with depth, adventure with introspection. Viv’s journey from a wounded warrior to someone who starts to see life beyond battles is both inspiring and engaging. This book is a lovingly crafted tale of self-discovery, unexpected friendships, and the joy of finding treasures in unexpected places.

A read that’s as refreshing as it is profound, “Bookshops & Bonedust” has easily become one of my favorites of the year. Whether it’s a dusty tome in a beleaguered bookshop or a moment of genuine connection in a faraway town, Baldree’s story reminds us that sometimes what we need is not what we seek, but what we find along the way.

Plus – the EPILOGUE!!! We get a mini-sequel to “Legends and Lattes” that made my heart flutter!!!

If you’ve enjoyed “Legends & Lattes,” or if you’re new to the world and want a charming, adventurous read, “Bookshops & Bonedust” is a delightful escape. Viv’s story is compelling and heartwarming, a blend of high fantasy, romance, and the love of books. It’s a world I’m happy to return to, and I suspect it might enchant you just as it has me.

Happy reading, fellow adventurers!

Set to publish November 7th, 2023, from Tor