Tag: Cozy Fantasy

Title: Bookshops & Bonedust

Author: Travis Baldree

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction

Number of Pages: 336

My Rating: 💋💋💋

Book Summary:

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.

In Bookshops & Bonedust, a prequel to Legends & Lattes, author Travis Baldree 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:

This, as stated in the book summary, is a prequel to Legends & Lattes, and frankly…..

I struggled to get through it compared to Legends & Lattes. Travis Baldree has such a brilliant and creative mind, that I find his writing both detailed and engaging. It’s a great mix of humour and spooky thrills!

However, this novel was very slow to start in my opinion. You have the action packed beginning which leads into the story of why Viv, the main character, is brought to the town of Murk. But after that it slows down significantly until about halfway to three quarters of the way in and then the story picks up again. I will say a positive though, the character development and relationships definitely take the forefront of this novel.

It’s set in a world I can best compare to Dungeons & Dragons and frankly I’m not mad about it! I personally enjoy fantasy when it comes to books, movies and even my video games ( *coughs* Ex-World of Warcraft player – almost 15 years in that game). I love that it has a mix of everything frankly, it makes it intriguing, intricate and complicated.

We have Viv, a battle-hungry main character, who lands herself in the town of Murk due to her eagerness to prove herself in battle and the inexperience of her youth. At first glance, you would only see a muscular war-torn Orc, a menacing brute to say the least. You soon learn that she is a big softy, extremely intelligent, kind and friendly. And has a thirst for mystery and adventure. She is a refreshing take on a female main character and you can’t help but love her sassy side. She quickly begins to carve a new path for herself while she is “stranded” in Murk. She is fortunate to meet some pretty incredible people in town who she quickly calls friends.

Viv’s first friend in Murk was Fern, a foul-mouthed Ratkin who owns the rundown and struggling bookstore Thistleburr. Attempting to keep it afloat has been a feat, with little success on her own. But when Viv comes into the picture, they work together to devise a plan to keep the book store more then just afloat. They become close friends, I would even say best friends by the end. And the shop also comes with Fern’s affection, feisty gryphet (a part dog and part owl creature) Potroast. Who is a bit of a book shop mascot.

Maylee is the owner of Sea-Song Baker and, what sounds to be, the most delectable baked goods and breads around. She a spunky and sweet little dwarf that you just can’t help but adore. Viv and Maylee meet by chance when Viv is lured to the bakery from the sweet smells that permeate into the streets. They become friends and than a little bit more than friends.

Gallina and Viv have a rocky beginning to their friendship. Gallina approached Viv in the local Tavern/Lodging, declaring her desire to become a Mercenary with Viv’s battle company – The Ravens. From the first moment Gallina was introduced in the story, you can tell she was feisty, a little annoying and definitely wouldn’t back down at the chance to fight. You grow to love her though for her kindness, willingness to help and even her slight insecurities. Her in Viv become fast friends, which is a great combination due to their shared experiences and dealing with difficult challenges together.

Satchel is a bag of bones, literally, that you can’t help but love him! He’s an enchanted skeleton who was initially controlled by the villain of the story, but through certain circumstances ends up in the hands of Viv and her friends. He is sweet, polite and eager to please those around him. He becomes friends with Viv and the gang, even assisting Fern in the bookshop, but also reading the books faster than anyone could imagine. He is a vital part of the story-line, so I really don’t want to spoil anything, but let’s just say he makes out alright in the end. Truly one of my favourite characters in the book.

All in all I would have to say this book was beautifully written and very much a cozy fantasy novel, especially if you enjoy that type of genre.

Though this book does involve a romantic relationship between Viv and Maylee, which personally I could have done without. I felt it didn’t really need it, but if you are planning to read the series, be aware of that aspect of the books. May or may not deter you.

Otherwise, I would recommend giving this book a read just for the detail and creativity alone. Also, there is a nice little surprise at the end of the book that just warms your heart, it definitely did for me! I hope to read more from this author in the future.

This was Part 1 of 2 for this series so keep an eye out for the review on Legends & Lattes!

Hope you enjoyed this review!

Ciao!