Set to be released in October 2025, I got my hands on an ARC thanks to NetGalley…and I’m so glad I did. Having become obsessed with R.A. Salvatore’s tales of Drizzt and the wold of George RR Martin’s GoT, I’m very particular about my fantasy books and I find many have tedious world-building at the beginning: reading more like I’m studying for a DnD quiz and not enjoying a book.

This is not one of those, as we dive right into an amazing story or life after death, fatherly love, and the battle against discrimination. I laughed multiple times, was on the edge of my seat just as many times, and was brought to tears more than once.

A stellar cast of characters and a spectacular story from start to finish.

Fans of Legends and Lattes will love this! Found family and cozy fantasy shine in this story. While at times the world building and exposition is a little clunky, the story is charming enough for me to get past that. Thank you NetGalley and Bindery/Cozy Quill for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cozy tale from an unlikely perspective. Anyone who enjoys books about food and found family will like this. This book does suffer from debut syndrome, but it was good regardless.

A heartfelt cozy tale that could thaw even the coldest undead hearts. This book hooked me from the start with the premise of a powerful death knight and his second-second chance to live the life he'd always dreamed. There were beautiful descriptions of food, complex characters, and enough undead action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you read Legends and Lattes and wanted more, I think this is the book for you. Personally, it didn't hit that same note for me. Could be my mood more than anything wrong with the book itself.

It hits every beat Legends and Lattes does though as far as cozy reads. You have found family, lush descriptions of foods, a whimsical world. If you want cozy and sweat but don't mind the rest, give this a shot. If you're already a bit burned out on the genre to the point where you're a bit knit picky, maybe hold off until you're in the right mood for another cozy fantasy.

Pros:
- The world building and general plot was great. There is a lot of love and care put into building a world for the undead.
- Food descriptions- if you want them, this has them.

Cons:

- I was not vibing with the writing. It is an ARC so there's a chance some things will be edited later. Who knows. It wasn't enough that I would avoid future books by Munden but it was enough that I was struggling to get into it when I otherwise was not in the mood.
- The pacing was probably a huge part of it.

At last, a book that lives up to the hype! Cozy, in-my-feelings in the best ways, what a way to kick off an imprint.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author and Bindery Books for a chance to read this book! I was really excited for this book based on the premise.

Fresh cozy fantasy that doesn’t feel stale is hard to come by and I thought this would really work since it was pitched as a little grittier but still with the found family vibes I was looking for. Unfortunately this didn’t really work for me as is. I am hoping that since it’s early in the process and with a little polishing could really shine.

This book had a lot of great qualities, the food and the comfort provided to this group who so badly needed it was really touching and ‘feel good’.

However , the writing style and the world building weren’t for me. The writing was a little clunky and there were times where I wasn’t sure where we were now because there wasn’t really any lead in or transition. Also,the book is told in third person POV but there were random sentences of first person POV. There weren’t any quotes and didn’t seem like someone talking so not sure if that was an inner monologue? There weren’t many and kind of randomly used so I couldn’t be sure. The dialogue was never aged down for Astra either which made conversations odd.

I found it distracting for every character to have multiple names and a clan name and refer to their weapon (which sometimes there were also more than 1 of) characters were also referred to by their different names interchangeably and I found it hard to keep track of what was happening.

It felt really long and whenever I picked it back up I had to try and remind myself of what was going on previously. I’d really love to revisit this once it comes out because it has great potential.

I received an eArc of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I was sold at “orc knight.” Then I found out he’s retired and looking for something to do with the rest of his afterlife. This book was sweet, and handled some more serious topics very delicately. I did get a bit lost in all the world building but overall it was exactly what it presented to be-a cozy fantasy with a bit of grit!!! AND AN ORC!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery/Cozy Quill for gracing me with an ARC of this book.

I was unable to really get into the novel. It was a cozy fantasy on the grittier side. It was reminiscent of "Legends and Lattes" in a way.
I just didn't feel connected to the story enough. But that being said, the world building was surprisingly extensive and I can see how a lot of people will really enjoy this book.

This book about second chances will appeal to fans of Legends & Lattes and those who enjoy stories about found family and food. The story is sweet, cozy, and quirky. When an Orc retires, he has to figure out what to do with the rest of his afterlife. His journey leads him to setting up a restaurant and making friends with the locals. However, not everyone is friendly to him. I love stories about people coming together to help each other to create a brighter tomorrow and this book is exactly that. However, I got a little lost in some of the world building.

"Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife" follows an undead orc who has retired from his service and now finds himself living among the general population with not much to do. He starts making friends and eventually opens a restaurant. However, the local living population gives him quite a bit of trouble...

This is a cute cozy little read! And I was pleasantly surprised with how much world-building there was to be found! It reminded me a lot of "Legends & Lattes," but with a bit more grittier characters, and of course, this book is truly unique in its own way! If you're in the mood for a cozy fantasy or enjoy D&D-like vibes, I would definitely recommend this book. It features both heartfelt and funny moments, vivid scenes, a richly developed fantasy world, interesting characters, and delicious food. It has found family, adoption, intricate world-building, magical creatures, and magic wielders.

Despite its cozy atmosphere, the story also addresses heavier themes such as PTSD, for example. I believe the author has woven these a bit more heavier topics into the story very well, because it added depth to the story without losing its cozy feel, and without it all only being fluffy. I truly appreciate slow reads, and the pacing of this story is exactly that; however, I felt it was a bit too slow at times for my own liking. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and it was exactly what I was in the mood for!

An absolute delight to read. I had to read multiple passages over again because the writing made me emotional. That’s what I wanted to say. This author really has big things ahead. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc.

I haven’t read many cozy fantasies but this was such a good intro. I loved the characters, the world building, and the magic system. This was a breath of fresh air and so easy to read. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!

I was really excited reading the first 20%. It was Legends & Lattes but with more world building and bigger stakes. The further I got, the more I just wanted the book to be over. The lore was interesting but then the restaurant planning felt like they just slowed everything down. I also didn’t love Legends & Lattes so maybe that makes a difference? I have to give a bit of grace because the formatting was pretty awful and contributed to me wanting the book to be over. The story as a whole was cute but it felt thin.

I received this book from net galley in exchange for a review.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery/Cozy Quill for gracing me with an ARC of this book!

Recipes for an Unexpected Aterlife follows Rottgor in his, you guessed it, afterlife when he is gently forced into retirement by his friend. No longer a fierce knight protecting the realm, Rottgor ends up purchasing property in town and decides to turn it into a restaurant, reliving his role as ched from when he was alive.

This was such a good addition to the cozy fantasy genre, with some slightly darker elements to up the stakes slightly while still staying within the confines of the genre. I really enjoyed Rottgor's journey to find himself and the friends he made along the way, including sweet little Astra. She deserves all the sweets.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoyed Legends and Lattes and is looking for something with slightly higher stakes that, at the end of the day, is still cozy and you know everything will turn out okay.

Thank you so much Bindery Books, Deston, and NetGalley for the Arc. 

My first 5-star read of May. I loved this whole book so much! So, basically, the story is about an undead orc knight that after centuries of serving (willingly and against his will) is finally able to retire and start his new undead life. But he is not sure if he deserves it, or where to begin. In the back of his head though he has an idea to start a restaurant and with the help of a few old and new friends he may just get to live his dream from when he was alive and a new unexpected journey as a father to an orphaned girl. 

Now, I fully heartedly believe that food is magic and that an amazing meal made with care can help heal so many things. As someone whose love language is cooking, I immediately knew this was for me. And "Recipes for an unexpected afterlife" really proved that with Rotrgar and with the food he makes his friends. Not to mention his new rune that is the complete opposite of his old one.  No longer death but abundance! 

It's also such a heartwarming story about second chances and finding people who will stand with you and fight. A found family! I'm not going to lie, it really touched my heart and made it tear up a bit with Astra (the orphan girl). Rottgar literally went to great lengths to save her and keep her protected, even after learning her secret. 

I think if you want a cosy story about food, friendship/love, second chances, and a bit of action then this is the story for you.

Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife follows an undead orc, who decides to open a restaurant after being forced into retirement.
This books is warm and cozy. It has found family. And even the side characters are great.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bindery, and Cozy Quilt for this eArc!

Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife is a charmingly weird delight. Who knew an undead orc knight trying to run a restaurant could be so heartwarming? Rottgor is gruff but lovable, and his unlikely journey from necropolis guard to head chef is full of magic, humor, and a surprisingly touching sense of purpose.

I loved the quirky world-building and the blend of cozy fantasy with just enough emotional depth to make it stick. The food descriptions were mouthwatering, and the found family vibes—especially with Astra—totally worked for me. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to enjoy this unique, feel-good adventure!

what a wonderful book! the cozy fantasy genre is almost always a hit for me and this was no exception! food and friendship abound, as does some wonderfully paced character development. the world building was justt sold enough for me to visualize everything but i did find myself wish we has some more creature/ambiance descriptions. overall a great read, and one i would definitely recommend!

Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife is a cozy, magical story that feels like settling into your favorite chair with a cup of tea. It is a story about second chances, with a charming found family.

The writing is warm and inviting, and the magical elements are woven in with a light touch, adding just enough whimsy without overwhelming the emotional heart of the story. While a bit more world building would have been welcome, the characters and their relationships more than carry the book.

It’s the kind of story that leaves you feeling comforted—thoughtful, kind, and quietly delightful. One of my favorite reads so far this year! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC