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A review by madlyreading
Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree
3.0
This was cute, but just so different. I think a lot of fans of L&L will be disappointed by this one, as it's not cozy. In fact, it's the opposite of cozy, as Fern is realizing that her cozy little bookseller life isn't enough for her anymore. I didn't mind that, but I am not someone who likes her books too cozy.
Note: I have a few references to L&L and Bookshops and Bonedust spoilers, so please stop reading if you haven't read them! (also just realized that Travis has published 2 books that are labeled as B&B and I am now upset about that, but that's just me being silly)
That all being said, this book just did not click for me the way the other two did. Personally, I have felt each installment of this series (in publication order, not chronological) has been slightly worse than the previous - not because the other two are bad, but because legends and lattes was truly lightning in a bottle. That book hits in a way that Bookshops and Bonedust didn't (likely because we all knew from L&L that the romance was not end game) and that this book couldn't, because this book is just a divergence from the coziness that made L&L truly special. Obviously L&L isn't the first book ever written to have coziness steeped into its very core, but it was the first cozy read for many readers, where we learned that a book can truly be a warm hug, a freshly baked pastry, or whatever else brings you comfort and joy. The characters in this book were just as lovely as the prior installments, but this book was much more plot heavy, and didn't give me the same warm feels as L&L. That's ok with me, but I think that will be a disappointment for many readers.
All this being said - if you're going to read this book, I HIGHLY suggest the audiobook. Not only is Travis Baldree a great narrator, but his writing is truly meant to be listened to. He writes in a way that just hits those earbuds RIGHT. The first time I read L&L, I thought it was mediocre. Then I decided to reread it, but listen to it this time, and that's when I really got the hype. The audiobooks are truly spectacular.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Note: I have a few references to L&L and Bookshops and Bonedust spoilers, so please stop reading if you haven't read them! (also just realized that Travis has published 2 books that are labeled as B&B and I am now upset about that, but that's just me being silly)
That all being said, this book just did not click for me the way the other two did. Personally, I have felt each installment of this series (in publication order, not chronological) has been slightly worse than the previous - not because the other two are bad, but because legends and lattes was truly lightning in a bottle. That book hits in a way that Bookshops and Bonedust didn't (likely because we all knew from L&L that the romance was not end game) and that this book couldn't, because this book is just a divergence from the coziness that made L&L truly special. Obviously L&L isn't the first book ever written to have coziness steeped into its very core, but it was the first cozy read for many readers, where we learned that a book can truly be a warm hug, a freshly baked pastry, or whatever else brings you comfort and joy. The characters in this book were just as lovely as the prior installments, but this book was much more plot heavy, and didn't give me the same warm feels as L&L. That's ok with me, but I think that will be a disappointment for many readers.
All this being said - if you're going to read this book, I HIGHLY suggest the audiobook. Not only is Travis Baldree a great narrator, but his writing is truly meant to be listened to. He writes in a way that just hits those earbuds RIGHT. The first time I read L&L, I thought it was mediocre. Then I decided to reread it, but listen to it this time, and that's when I really got the hype. The audiobooks are truly spectacular.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!