‘Bookshops & Bonedust’ by Travis Baldree | SFF Pick of the Month

This prequel to Legends & Lattes is the perfect place for readers to start Baldree’s cozy fantasy series where folks band together for good, and evil is conquered through cleverness and friendship.

Baldree, Travis. Bookshops & Bonedust. Tor. Nov. 2023. 352p. ISBN 9781250886101. pap. $17.99. FANTASY

Baldree offers a prequel to the best-selling Legends & Lattes. In this adventure, readers have the opportunity to learn when and how the orc mercenary Viv first got the itch to retire and take up a more peaceful life and where she first learned how to solve problems with her wits and her ability to find friends—instead of with the sharp edge of her axe. It’s also a lovely coming-of-age story about a character trained for war who learns that there’s more to life than endless battles. What makes the story special is the way that so many stock fantasy archetypes are cast against type and find new modes of prospering that don’t involve big weapons and bigger wars. Readers who have already explored Baldree’s world will be inspired to reread Legends & Lattes, while new readers will find a fantasy story with many of the same pleasures that cozy mysteries offer their readers. VERDICT This prequel is the perfect place for readers to start Baldree’s cozy fantasy series where folks band together for good, and evil is conquered through cleverness and friendship.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?