Bookshops & Bonedust
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Travis Baldree |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Carson Lowmiller |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Legends & Lattes |
| Genre | Fantasy[1] |
| Publisher | Tor Books[1] |
Publication date | November 2023[1] |
| Media type | Print (paperback), ebook, audiobook |
| Pages | 352 |
| ISBN | 978-1-250-88610-1 |
| Preceded by | Legends & Lattes |
Bookshops & Bonedust is a fantasy novel written by American author Travis Baldree. It was first published in trade paperback and ebook by Tor Books and in audiobook by Macmillan Audio in November, 2023.[2][3] It is a prequel to the author's 2022 novel Legends & Lattes.
Reception[edit]
Marlene Harris in a starred "Pick of the Month" review in Library Journal, calls the novel "a fantasy story with many of the same pleasures that cozy mysteries offer their readers," and "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." She characterizes it as "a lovely coming-of-age story about a character trained for war who learns that there's more to life than endless battles," noting that "[w]hat 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."[4]
Kira Muratova, reviewing the audiobook version in Booklist, notes that the "prequel ... answers several of its predecessor's burning questions, including how everyone's favorite coffee-loving orc learned to appreciate books. ... Read by the author, a talented and animated fantasy narrator who also voiced Legends, the book presents a colorful cast of new and familiar characters that is sure to ensorcell and delight listeners.[3]
Sarah Rice, also in Booklist, claims the book "cements [Baldree's] talent for cozy fantasy, engaging characters, and anachronistic references that would be at home in a Discworld novel. ... Knowing where a character ends up often drains tension from a prequel, but Baldree avoids that pitfall because the joy of reading here isn't a simple uncertainty over who lives or dies but rather watching friendships blossom and characters grow. Folks who enjoyed the camaraderie and settings of this year's Dungeons & Dragons movie—as well as anyone who likes the idea of an orc warrior becoming a devotee of the power of reading and its ability to broaden your horizons—should check out Viv's adventures."[5]
Publishers Weekly writes "Bestseller Baldree’s cozy standalone sequel to Legends & Lattes shows that even a battle-hungry orc can find happiness in life’s simple pleasures. ... The innocent joy of Viv and Fern’s love is delightful and Baldree’s formula of placing low-stakes stories in high-fantasy settings remains good fun. Series fans will eat this up.[6]
Kirkus Reviews characterizes the book as a "prequel to the popular cozy fantasy Legends & Lattes" that "can stand alone, but will certainly satisfy fans as well." It calls the setting "charming," with "compelling, richly drawn characters," and "vibes ... decidedly warm and cozy" despite the "hint of danger in the wind," summing up the story as "[w]arm and wonderful."[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d "Bookshops & Bonedust". Kirkus Reviews. Vol. 91, no. 120. Oct 15, 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ Bookshops & Bonedust title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- ^ a b Muratova, Kira (September 15, 2023). "Review". Booklist. Vol. 120, no. 2. p. 60. ProQuest 2864641379. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
- ^ Harris, Marlene (Sep 2023). "Pick Of The Month". Library Journal. Vol. 148, no. 8. New York. p. 75. ProQuest 2859250760. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
- ^ Rice, Sarah (October 1, 2023). "Bookshops & Bonedust". Booklist. Vol. 120, no. 3. p. 35. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "Bookshops & Bonedust". Publishers Weekly. October 6, 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-25.