You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
kimacus 's review for:
Brigands & Breadknives
by Travis Baldree
"Brigands and Breadknives" by Travis Baldree is a playful romp with a band of oddballs, written with Baldree’s trademark cozy flair. His bright and witty tone shines here, making even the sharpest moments feel like they’ve been served with a wink and a warm loaf of bread.
What caught me by surprise was the way Baldree raised the stakes. This isn’t just a soft, low-stakes jaunt through a quirky world; there’s bolder action here, and moments where the danger really bites. Yet even when the swords are drawn and the bread knives come out swinging, Baldree never lets the story slide into pure goofiness. The humor sparkles, but it’s grounded in characters and relationships that matter.
The magic lies less in the fantastical flourishes and more in the companionship of this strange little crew. Somehow, Baldree convinces us to care deeply about a rat person and her mismatched companions, layering their relationships with warmth, loyalty, and just enough tension to keep us hooked. These bonds are what transform the romp into something truly memorable.
"Brigands and Breadknives" is cozy fantasy at its most charming, infused with Baldree’s panache and knack for making us laugh while still keeping our hearts firmly invested. I recommend it to readers who love found-family tales with humor and heart, and who want their fantasy to be clever and whimsical without slipping into parody. I would not recommend it to readers who prefer their fantasy epic, gritty, or without a wink and a nudge, because this one leans fully into the joy of the journey!
What caught me by surprise was the way Baldree raised the stakes. This isn’t just a soft, low-stakes jaunt through a quirky world; there’s bolder action here, and moments where the danger really bites. Yet even when the swords are drawn and the bread knives come out swinging, Baldree never lets the story slide into pure goofiness. The humor sparkles, but it’s grounded in characters and relationships that matter.
The magic lies less in the fantastical flourishes and more in the companionship of this strange little crew. Somehow, Baldree convinces us to care deeply about a rat person and her mismatched companions, layering their relationships with warmth, loyalty, and just enough tension to keep us hooked. These bonds are what transform the romp into something truly memorable.
"Brigands and Breadknives" is cozy fantasy at its most charming, infused with Baldree’s panache and knack for making us laugh while still keeping our hearts firmly invested. I recommend it to readers who love found-family tales with humor and heart, and who want their fantasy to be clever and whimsical without slipping into parody. I would not recommend it to readers who prefer their fantasy epic, gritty, or without a wink and a nudge, because this one leans fully into the joy of the journey!