I am probably breaking a rule here to start out reviewing a book with its predecessor, but bear with me. I jwant to start by saying how much I loved Legends & Lattes. It was a “power of friendship” Saturday morning cartoon message, but for adults. Adults who love high fantasy and D&D, that is. But I have a confession to make. I am a book cover snob. I originally strayed from both of these books because of the cover art. It screamed self-published Kindle book, and I was wrong. Don’t be a book cover snob like me. Because once you have read these books, the covers could not literally be more perfect than what they are. I am sorry for book cover snobbery and resolve to be better in the future. 

Now, onto Bookshops and Bonedust. I was thrilled to find out there was more to read AND it was a prequel that dove into the complicated main character from Legends, Viv. Baldree mentions in the acknowledgements this isn’t the original sequel he’d written, but the third. And I can’t think of a better way to spend the time than going back and learning more about what makes Viv, well Viv. 

Marooned in the coastal town of Murk, Viv is forced to ensure small town life due to a nasty injury. This gives us a lot more backstory on Viv and how she forms relationships. We see the spark that carried her through Legends and Lattes as it first begins to form, and what birthed her love of reading. It’s true to its cozy companion, offering a heartwarming story of friendship, community, and the different kinds of journeys we meet our friends on. Bookshops and Bonedust is the perfect novel to curl up under a warm blanket and read the dreary winter days away. I am very much looking forward to reading more from Travis Baldree in what I hope is the near future!