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thogek's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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 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.
And it was kinda fun.
Perhaps a bit simple in some ways compared to many fantasy adventure 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.
Moderate: Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Minor: Animal death and Blood
krisalexcole's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Medical content, and Violence
Minor: Blood, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, and Death
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Let's start with the most important things, shall we? I absolutely adored the heck out of Legends & Lattes. It took me far too long to actually get my hands on it, but once I did, I inhaled it--never wanting it to end. It provided precisely what I wish every single "cozy fantasy" book would. It's low-stakes perfection and ideal for coffee-loving fantasy readers both young and old (and everything in between).
So naturally, when it comes to the books that I love with all my heart, it can be a little bit nerve-wracking picking up a sequel, prequel, spin-off, and the like. Once you've put that initial book on a pedestal, you don't want anything related to it to fall flat...
...let me reassure you right this very second that Bookshops & Bonedust lived up to every single expectation I set for it (and then some). It was precisely what I hoped a prequel to Legends & Lattes would be!
In my opinion, these books should be read in publication order rather than chronologically. My first reason for that has to do with the fact that this is a younger Viv than we meet in Legends & Lattes, and so she isn't the same, mature character who wants a life of peace, calm, and coffee. She has growing up to do and she does a lot of it in Bookshops & Bonedust--but I only appreciated the character development because I'd already read Legends & Lattes. My second reason is due to the epilogue, which actually made me get a little weepy! That final chapter wouldn't hit the same way if you haven't read the first book, but it's so incredibly precious if you have.
While the first book felt like it was written with coffeeholics in mind, this book was definitely written for the bookworms. My, oh my, the quotes about books, reading, and escapism got me in my feels (in the best way possible). I found myself highlighting and making notes like crazy in my Kindle copy!
A few reasons why you should pick up Bookshops & Bonedust:
› It's so funny! I can't count the number of times that I laughed aloud at Viv's sarcasm, Fern's surprising potty-mouth, Satchel's stoicism, Potroast's... well, just Potroast himself... and all of the bizarre scenarios the whole gang found themself in.
› It's filled with so much warmth! Travis Baldree is an expert at the found family trope, that's for sure. There were moments that really made my heart swell with happiness and I may or may not have had to wipe a stray tear once or twice.
› I don't care if you already think you love books, it is possible to love them more and you will find yourself doing just that by at least the halfway point in this book.
› It has ALL the cozy vibes you could possibly ask for. Reading this was like getting a big hug, having a warm cup of coffee, and sitting by a beach campfire all at once. It was just completely wonderful.
If I had to think of one word to describe this book, it would be "precious." When I set it down after spending an entire weekend wrapped in its embrace, I was (understandably) sad to return to reality, but I also found myself sporting the cheesiest grin because it just made me so dang happy the whole time I was reading it! There's simply no way you could possibly regret reading Bookshops & Bonedust, so do yourself a favor and dive into this world as soon as you can!
So naturally, when it comes to the books that I love with all my heart, it can be a little bit nerve-wracking picking up a sequel, prequel, spin-off, and the like. Once you've put that initial book on a pedestal, you don't want anything related to it to fall flat...
...let me reassure you right this very second that Bookshops & Bonedust lived up to every single expectation I set for it (and then some). It was precisely what I hoped a prequel to Legends & Lattes would be!
In my opinion, these books should be read in publication order rather than chronologically. My first reason for that has to do with the fact that this is a younger Viv than we meet in Legends & Lattes, and so she isn't the same, mature character who wants a life of peace, calm, and coffee. She has growing up to do and she does a lot of it in Bookshops & Bonedust--but I only appreciated the character development because I'd already read Legends & Lattes. My second reason is due to the epilogue, which actually made me get a little weepy! That final chapter wouldn't hit the same way if you haven't read the first book, but it's so incredibly precious if you have.
While the first book felt like it was written with coffeeholics in mind, this book was definitely written for the bookworms. My, oh my, the quotes about books, reading, and escapism got me in my feels (in the best way possible). I found myself highlighting and making notes like crazy in my Kindle copy!
A few reasons why you should pick up Bookshops & Bonedust:
› It's so funny! I can't count the number of times that I laughed aloud at Viv's sarcasm, Fern's surprising potty-mouth, Satchel's stoicism, Potroast's... well, just Potroast himself... and all of the bizarre scenarios the whole gang found themself in.
› It's filled with so much warmth! Travis Baldree is an expert at the found family trope, that's for sure. There were moments that really made my heart swell with happiness and I may or may not have had to wipe a stray tear once or twice.
› I don't care if you already think you love books, it is possible to love them more and you will find yourself doing just that by at least the halfway point in this book.
› It has ALL the cozy vibes you could possibly ask for. Reading this was like getting a big hug, having a warm cup of coffee, and sitting by a beach campfire all at once. It was just completely wonderful.
If I had to think of one word to describe this book, it would be "precious." When I set it down after spending an entire weekend wrapped in its embrace, I was (understandably) sad to return to reality, but I also found myself sporting the cheesiest grin because it just made me so dang happy the whole time I was reading it! There's simply no way you could possibly regret reading Bookshops & Bonedust, so do yourself a favor and dive into this world as soon as you can!
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty and Gore
kayceeisbookish's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Medical content, Blood, and Violence
orla_h's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty
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