Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Tor Trade (2023), 352 pages
Description
Viv's career with the renowned 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 struggling bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted. Even though it may be exactly what she needs. Still, adventure isn't far away. A suspicious traveller in grey, 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. Sometimes, right things happen at the wrong time. Sometimes, what we need isn't what we seek. And sometimes, we find ourselves in the stories we experience together.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member MillieHennessy
I wanted to like this one more than I did, but I was aware going in that it most likely wouldn't live up to the vibes of Legends & Lattes. Frankly, I didn't need a prequel (and I don't need a sequel) because I felt I got everything I needed from the first book. Sometimes it's nice when not every
If I try to think about this book outside the context of L&L (which, is probably not totally possible), I still don't think it's a very strong novel. Something about it felt a little...shallow. Viv we already know (assuming you've read L&L) and she's by far the most fleshed out character.
The plot was slow and meandering, which is fine, but I think because I already knew where Viv ends up, it was harder to get invested in this group of characters. Some of the characters also felt too similar to ones I've come to love from L&L and others weren't more than a personality trait or two. I was missing the warm, cozy vibe that L&L gave me as well - I don't think the scene of the bookshop was painted as successfully as the coffee shop. I guess I can't really think of this book as truly separate from L&L.
I don't know if I'd recommend this one to anyone. Even thinking about reading it before L&L, it just feels lackluster to me. I'm not at all mad that I bought it and read it - I would have been too curious to stay away. But I just don't think it's anywhere near as strong as L&L and the story just felt like one I personally didn't need to be told. But I also wouldn't try to dissuade someone from reading it if they already had it.
I would still buy and read more books about Viv and the gang, but I don't think anything will come close to the comfort that L&L has provided (after 2 reads already). I would be more interested in reading about a completely different set of characters set in the same world however.
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book turns into a series.If I try to think about this book outside the context of L&L (which, is probably not totally possible), I still don't think it's a very strong novel. Something about it felt a little...shallow. Viv we already know (assuming you've read L&L) and she's by far the most fleshed out character.
The plot was slow and meandering, which is fine, but I think because I already knew where Viv ends up, it was harder to get invested in this group of characters. Some of the characters also felt too similar to ones I've come to love from L&L and others weren't more than a personality trait or two. I was missing the warm, cozy vibe that L&L gave me as well - I don't think the scene of the bookshop was painted as successfully as the coffee shop. I guess I can't really think of this book as truly separate from L&L.
I don't know if I'd recommend this one to anyone. Even thinking about reading it before L&L, it just feels lackluster to me. I'm not at all mad that I bought it and read it - I would have been too curious to stay away. But I just don't think it's anywhere near as strong as L&L and the story just felt like one I personally didn't need to be told. But I also wouldn't try to dissuade someone from reading it if they already had it.
I would still buy and read more books about Viv and the gang, but I don't think anything will come close to the comfort that L&L has provided (after 2 reads already). I would be more interested in reading about a completely different set of characters set in the same world however.
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LibraryThing member MontzaleeW
Bookshops & Bonedust By Travis Baldree This was another delightful book from beginning to end. A feel good book with a wide variety of characters, many that stole my heart right away. The wonderful world building had me there in this little port village with its unique characters. The plot was
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brilliant. It had enough suspense to keep the edge up but it was more character driven. I truly enjoyed each of these characters. I am glad Baldree gave us this look into Viv's past. It was a book that I felt like warm friendships and puppy kisses. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
I think one of the things I liked most about this book (and there were a LOT of things I liked about this book) was that I had a certain confusion when I started reading it -- this was not the book I thought I would be reading! This is not a continuation of the previous story! Why did I have those
Also, I love the characters, I love Viv's thorny younger self, I love the bookshop renovations, the gradual recreation of what we think bookstores are in a D&D universe. I loved the mysterious goings on, the adventure, the romance. I especially love Potroast. It's just as satisfying as the first book in a wholly different way. Delightful.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
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expectations? And then I read the author's note at the back, and it turned out that this wasn't the book he thought he would be writing either, and somehow that made it exactly the right book after all. Also, I love the characters, I love Viv's thorny younger self, I love the bookshop renovations, the gradual recreation of what we think bookstores are in a D&D universe. I loved the mysterious goings on, the adventure, the romance. I especially love Potroast. It's just as satisfying as the first book in a wholly different way. Delightful.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
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LibraryThing member jo_lafaith
I loved this cozy prequel to ‘Legends & Lattes’ about falling in love with reading and falling in love… period. And as someone who spent a lot of time playing Skyrim, years ago, and doing so as an orc, how could I not love it.
After a significant injury leaves Viv forced into sea-side bed
Charming as can be, this was a terrific follow up to what could have easily been an anomaly. As a prequel the stakes may be lower, but in a cozy fantasy those stakes don’t impact the story. It’s still intriguing and (perhaps more importantly) full of small town interaction, yummy food and atmospheric interiors. I loved our little cast of characters. Seeing some of the experiences that would impact Viv’s lifestyle in ‘Legends and Lattes’ was delightful.
Narrated by the author, Travis Baldree, it’s a joy to listen to. The inflection and expressions a perfect match to the story itself. I do appreciate NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook arc. Such a wonderful time!
Highly recommend but I’m sure you’re all already anxiously awaiting its November release. Out Nov. 7, 2023 from Tor Books and in audio from Macmillan Audio.
After a significant injury leaves Viv forced into sea-side bed
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rest, she discovers new purpose in community and imagination, and helping others with more than just her fists. Charming as can be, this was a terrific follow up to what could have easily been an anomaly. As a prequel the stakes may be lower, but in a cozy fantasy those stakes don’t impact the story. It’s still intriguing and (perhaps more importantly) full of small town interaction, yummy food and atmospheric interiors. I loved our little cast of characters. Seeing some of the experiences that would impact Viv’s lifestyle in ‘Legends and Lattes’ was delightful.
Narrated by the author, Travis Baldree, it’s a joy to listen to. The inflection and expressions a perfect match to the story itself. I do appreciate NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook arc. Such a wonderful time!
Highly recommend but I’m sure you’re all already anxiously awaiting its November release. Out Nov. 7, 2023 from Tor Books and in audio from Macmillan Audio.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
Series Info/Source: This is a prequel in the Legends and Lattes series. I got an ebook of this through NetGalley to review.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this a ton. This is a prequel to Legends & Lattes and has the same cozy fantasy feel to it that book has.
This book takes place right after Viv
This book was full of amazing characters and had a well done plot. I enjoyed the day to day of Viv trying to figure out what to do with herself during her convalescence. However, the danger brought into Murk because of the necromancer's presence made me love the story even more.
The story has a cozy feel to it, with hints of danger as well. It makes you think about your day-to-day life and emphasizes the things that are really important. This was an excellent read and I think I might have enjoyed it even more than "Legends and Lattes".
My Summary (5/5): Overall I really loved this book. It has a cozy fantasy feel to it but also has a good mystery with some danger, action, and magic. I loved getting this peek into Viv's earlier life and really enjoyed the characters and plot here. I am eager to see what Baldree writes next. I just love this swords and sorcery cozy fantasies that he is writing so much!
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this a ton. This is a prequel to Legends & Lattes and has the same cozy fantasy feel to it that book has.
This book takes place right after Viv
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starts working for the mercenary company Rackam's Ravens and gets badly injured. She ends up having to take time to heal in the quiet beach town of Murk. She finds a strange comfort in the town bookshop, which can barely make ends meet. Surprisingly she realizes that she has some ideas about how to help the proprietor drum up business. However, when a suspicious traveler and a strange bag of bones come into play things get a lot more dangerous than expected.This book was full of amazing characters and had a well done plot. I enjoyed the day to day of Viv trying to figure out what to do with herself during her convalescence. However, the danger brought into Murk because of the necromancer's presence made me love the story even more.
The story has a cozy feel to it, with hints of danger as well. It makes you think about your day-to-day life and emphasizes the things that are really important. This was an excellent read and I think I might have enjoyed it even more than "Legends and Lattes".
My Summary (5/5): Overall I really loved this book. It has a cozy fantasy feel to it but also has a good mystery with some danger, action, and magic. I loved getting this peek into Viv's earlier life and really enjoyed the characters and plot here. I am eager to see what Baldree writes next. I just love this swords and sorcery cozy fantasies that he is writing so much!
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LibraryThing member ladycato
I borrowed this book from my local library. I founds Bookshops & Bonedust to be a fun, fluffy fantasy read. It's not quite as strong as the first book, Legend & Lattes, because it tries to worldbuild more and there are some things that don't quite make sense, but because the book doesn't take
In this book, Viv the orc is an enthusiastic mercenary. When she sustains a bad leg injury, she's laid-up in a quaint seaside town as the rest of her crew is off hunting a necromancer. Viv discovers a local bookshop and bakery, and her life changes for the better. It's no spoiler to say the book is centered on the love and support of found family. In that, it is much like its predecessor. The plot contains some nice twists but is predictably cozy.
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itself seriously, it's easy to shrug away the inconsistencies.In this book, Viv the orc is an enthusiastic mercenary. When she sustains a bad leg injury, she's laid-up in a quaint seaside town as the rest of her crew is off hunting a necromancer. Viv discovers a local bookshop and bakery, and her life changes for the better. It's no spoiler to say the book is centered on the love and support of found family. In that, it is much like its predecessor. The plot contains some nice twists but is predictably cozy.
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LibraryThing member ecataldi
I love this cozy fantasy world so so much. This wasn't quite as head over heels for me as Legends & Lattes was but it was so close!! It was so good getting to see a new side to Viv, a battle hungry orc, before she puts up her blade. While on a mission to apprehend a necromancer she gets severely
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injured and is left behind in a town to heal. An orc with nothing to do but rest and heal is miserable and Viv is beyond that. Against the doctors orders she starts walking around the sleepy seaside town she is trapped in and finds a musty old bookshop. After getting guilted into buying a book, she discovers she loves reading and finds herself coming back again and again and befriending the Rattkin owner. Together and along with some other outcasts they form a little ragtag group and work on saving the bookshop from folding. It's wholesome and charming. More books set in this world please! Show Less
LibraryThing member lavaturtle
I loved this prequel to [Legends and Lattes] that shows Viv at the other end of her mercenary career, still with a lot of growing up to do. The supporting cast is great, the villain takes up the right amount of the story, and the bookshop improvement is just lovely.
LibraryThing member TheYodamom
This book was so fun as good as the first book, maybe even better. It had all my loves in a good book, fantastic characters, love, adventure, danger, difficult villains, cranky authority a book store, fresh baked pastries and Potroast ! Potroast really was the star
LibraryThing member bookworm12
An absolutely delightful prequel to Legends & Lattes. If you liked the first, you’ll like the 2nd. I particularly loved the character Satchel. Learning about Viv’s past gave her character more depth. The coziness factor is wonderfully high with a bookshop & bakery and the small town
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connections. Each new character interaction added to the overall joy. Two thumbs up! Show Less
LibraryThing member MickyFine
In this prequel to Legends & Lattes, young Viv is in her early days as an adventurer when she's injured in a fight. Left behind in a small seaside town to recuperate, Viv is chafing at the forced inaction. Then she meets the proprietors of the local bakery and bookstore and begins making friends.
Everything I wanted the book to be with plenty of coziness, some mild fantasy action, tasty food descriptions, lovely friendships, and a sweet queer romance. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this one too. Could also be an entry to the series.
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While she's still eager to return to her high-action life, there's a part of her that thinks the cozy small circle of friends she found could fit too.Everything I wanted the book to be with plenty of coziness, some mild fantasy action, tasty food descriptions, lovely friendships, and a sweet queer romance. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this one too. Could also be an entry to the series.
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LibraryThing member infjsarah
Another light short read.
LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
When Viv, an orc and a mercenary, finds herself injured, the result of her own impetuosity, she is left behind in Murk, a small beach town . Despite doctor’s order to rest, she is soon out exploring the town, not that there is much to see. Well, there’s a rundown bookstore run by Fern, a young
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree is one charmer of a fantasy tale. It is the prequel to Legends & Lattes, a story I have not read but this did not interfere with my enjoyment of this story. In many ways, this is an homage to books and their ability to bring people together and, as such, it is a perfect read for those of us who love books. i listened to the audiobook narrated by Baldree and he does a wonderful job of breathing life into the characters and making it an absolute joy to listen to.
I received an audiobook of this book from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for n honest review
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rather foul-mouthed ratkin with a pet griffon named Pot Roast and an uncanny ability to match the right book to the right person if only more people wanted books. And there’s a bakery with great baked goods and a dwarf proprietor who takes an instant shine to Viv. Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree is one charmer of a fantasy tale. It is the prequel to Legends & Lattes, a story I have not read but this did not interfere with my enjoyment of this story. In many ways, this is an homage to books and their ability to bring people together and, as such, it is a perfect read for those of us who love books. i listened to the audiobook narrated by Baldree and he does a wonderful job of breathing life into the characters and making it an absolute joy to listen to.
I received an audiobook of this book from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for n honest review
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LibraryThing member Thogek
As context, I haven't read Legends & Lattes, to which this Bookshops & Bonedust is a prequel. B&B's story felt fully self-contained to me and I didn't feel I was missing anything for not having read L&L.
And it was kinda fun.
Perhaps a bit simple in some ways compared to many fantasy adventure
Easy read, fun story, and enough to make me consider picking up Legends & Lattes at some point.
And it was kinda fun.
Perhaps a bit simple in some ways compared to many fantasy adventure
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stories, but still a nice fun entertaining read about a young impetuous orcish mercenary (not nearly as animally brutish as that might sound in some fantasy worlds) and, while recuperating from the injuries of her recent impetuousness in a small town, the varied new relationships she formed, lessons learned, and unexpected threat fought.Easy read, fun story, and enough to make me consider picking up Legends & Lattes at some point.
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LibraryThing member sennebec
I have not read the first book, but certainly will after enjoying this one. It starts out bloody, but quickly becomes more of a slice of life/self-realization tale. Viv, Fern, Satchel, and Maylee are a most intriguing cast of characters. While there are baddies in the story, it's more about
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figuring out who you are and what you really want, with dashes of humor and bittersweet. A dandy tale, indeed! Show Less
LibraryThing member bookczuk
Christmas gift- prequel to a book I read this year. Interesting to get the backstory, but the best part was the author's note and recounting of how the book came about. I like that kind of stuff.
LibraryThing member swedishreader
It was a really cozy and enjoyable book. It was easy and fun to read and i enjoyed every second i read it!
LibraryThing member norabelle414
20 years before the events of Legends & Lattes, Viv has been injured in battle and is left to rest and recuperate in the small town of Murk. She passes the time by making friends with a bookstore owner named Fern and her griffin-puppy, and making more-than-friends with the local baker. But the
Just as nice as the first, possibly cuter because of Viv’s blossoming love of books. There’s a bit more action in this one, all toward the end, but it has a very satisfactory ending. I loved the world-building and all of the characters and I hope some of them show up in future books!
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necromancer Viv’s crew was fighting is still out there, and may be closer than she knows.Just as nice as the first, possibly cuter because of Viv’s blossoming love of books. There’s a bit more action in this one, all toward the end, but it has a very satisfactory ending. I loved the world-building and all of the characters and I hope some of them show up in future books!
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LibraryThing member oldandnewbooksmell
Bookshops & Bonedust is the prequel to Legends & Lattes where Viv, after getting injured during a job, gets left behind in the small beach town of Murk to recover. With not much to do and on crutches, Viv spends her hours in a bookshop in the company of its foulmouthed owner and their pet named Pot
But the sleepy town doesn’t stay very quiet for long - there’s a suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and a lot of skeletons to uncover.
Tell me why I waited so damn long to read this book?? I knew I would love it. A soft fantasy with a found family feel - those will always have me signed up.
This novel is also so adorable when it comes to talking about books. The amount of times I took photos of entire passages where Fern was talking to Viv about her latest book read ❤ ️ like the bit where Viv is reading a spicy romance and Fern is just staring at her with a crazy grin .
If you’re in need of a warm fantasy to curl up with, this will do it for you. There’s no high stakes - the fact it’s the prequel to the first book, kind of gives away that everything will be okay in the end, you know? Still, watch me give these series out as recommendations left and right.
*Thank you Tor and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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Roast. It’s not where she saw herself being, but maybe it’s just what she needs.But the sleepy town doesn’t stay very quiet for long - there’s a suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and a lot of skeletons to uncover.
Tell me why I waited so damn long to read this book?? I knew I would love it. A soft fantasy with a found family feel - those will always have me signed up.
This novel is also so adorable when it comes to talking about books. The amount of times I took photos of entire passages where Fern was talking to Viv about her latest book read ❤ ️
If you’re in need of a warm fantasy to curl up with, this will do it for you. There’s no high stakes - the fact it’s the prequel to the first book, kind of gives away that everything will be okay in the end, you know? Still, watch me give these series out as recommendations left and right.
*Thank you Tor and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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LibraryThing member catseyegreen
After being wounded in battle, Viv the Orc finds herself in the small town of Murk. She becomes involved with the locals while recovering from her wound.
A sweet and gentle story.
library book read 2/16/2024
A sweet and gentle story.
library book read 2/16/2024
LibraryThing member Velmeran
Okay, so since this is #0, it's officially a prequel, and yes, that is true in the timeline of the character, but I would strongly encourage you to read Legends & Lattes first for maximum feels impact. :)
The characters are fun and likable. The world is rich and well-developed. The plot is age-old
The characters are fun and likable. The world is rich and well-developed. The plot is age-old
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and a completely fresh spin. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bodagirl
I love the idea of cozy fantasy, but I'm finding I'm not much of a fan of low stakes side quests.
LibraryThing member Aronfish
Sweet novel about an injured warrior who recovers in a small town and expands her horizons through her friendships with the residents there, particularly the owner of a dusty old bookshop and the fabulous town baker. Her presence there also comes in handy with some town defense that is required.
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
This is a jump back in Viv's past to when she was still part of a team in adventuring. But she's been injured and is forced into peaceful recovery. She makes friends, foils a plot, and ends up helping her team take down their target. I enjoyed getting a peak at Viv's past, but the first book was
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more fun for me. Show Less
LibraryThing member zjakkelien
Nice. Cosy. I think I liked Legends&Lattes a little better, but this was good as well.
Awards
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — November 2023)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Adults (Selection — 2023)
Denver Public Library Staff Picks for Adults (Fiction — 2023)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2023-11-07
Physical description
352 p.; 8.2 inches
ISBN
1035007363 / 9781035007363