“Brigands & Breadknives” By Travis Baldree
Falling more into the world of “Legends & Lattes”
My rating: 3.75/5

For me this story gets a 3.75 (rounded up to a 4) because it just wasn’t my ‘cup of tea’ overall. While I did enjoy it, the story did take me a while to get through because it couldn’t hold my attention for long bits. Personally I think with this type of book I probably would enjoy it more if I read it myself and didn’t rely on the audiobook telling the story.

Story follows Fern, a rattkin, on an amusing adventure in the world of “Legends & Lattes”. Fern is a bookseller who after a drunken night awakens on a wagon that has a bounty hunter elf and a goblin who is a bit obsessed with cutlery. The three of them go about on a road trip where they learn more about themselves, engage in a battle or two and figure out their true place in this crazy world.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ALC of “Brigands & Breadknives”. All opinions in this review are my own.

This was a super cute and fast read. I love these characters and the world they exist in. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Actually, this was an audiobook, so I guess it's an ALC?

First, if you've read Baldree's other two books, you will surely enjoy this one too. If you haven't, this probably isn't the best place to start, as many of the characters have been introduced in the two prior books. You won't be confused starting here, but you will understand the characters better if you begin at the beginning.

This is another cozy fantasy; however, this one is a "road trip" story rather than a "settling down" story, as the others are. Fern, a bookseller, is moving to the city to open her bookshop in a new location. However, she generally feels unfulfilled by this and soon winds up accidentally on a journey with a famous elf hero, some sentient swords, and a sticky-fingered goblin. There is plenty of quirky fun and humor along the way, as the characters bond and learn more about each other. Baldree, the author, reads the audiobook, and he does great individual voices for the characters, although Zil, the goblin, can be a bit hard to understand at times because her speech is already unusual and then accent can make it a bit tricky to decode. That said, Zil is probably one of the most entertaining parts of the story - to say more would spoil the fun. Additionally, I particularly liked a section of the novel the characters spend in a monastery with monks. Learning about the god they worship was a more complex and interesting level of world building than we've gotten in other books.

I definitely enjoyed this and would recommend it if you like cozy fantasy. That said, this is my least favorite of the stories so far. It's not bad by any means, but just as Fern fills unfulfilled in the story, I felt a bit unfulfilled by this. It seemed like the book was building toward some growth or change in Astyrix (the elf warrior), as well as Fern, but that didn't really manifest. I also felt like Fern's quest to find meaning doesn't really resolve. The last chapter suggests she's found some purpose, but it felt somewhat glossed over. And I felt like the first half of the book relied a little too heavily on Zil disappearing every few chapters to move the plot along. These a minor quibbles - it's still a really fun book, and I like that Baldree did something new with the road trip angle. However, if you haven't read the earlier books yet, go try those out first.

I am always up for another installment of the author's cozy fantasy series. I enjoy spending time with these characters. Each character is so wonderfully drawn out in description I can literally see them in my minds eye. The plot is easy going but not boring.

This is my first time listening to the audiobook for this series. Bladder is a pretty good narrator and I will be going back to listen to the first two books.

Five stars! I did a little dance when I was notified that I got approved for an advanced audio copy of Brigands & Breadknives, by Travis Baldree. This was a quick, fun, and happy weekend listen. I can’t wait to return to this world again in the future. Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio.

I listened to the audiobook of this and wow what a performance! Each character was so distinct and had so much personality. Having read the last two, it was so interesting to hear the characters this time instead.

Although this was not my favourite of the 3, I still really enjoyed returning to this series. It was interesting to see more of Fern and to go along on her introspective journey; I would have liked a bit more time with the other old favourites though.

All in all there was more action and more profanity than ever, what more could you want!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC

What a pleasure to return to this universe! I appreciated the focus on friendship, self love, and figuring out what makes truly makes you happy.

Oh, my goodness, yes! Travis Baldree has done it again! I will be the first to admit that I wasn’t the biggest fan of Bookshops & Bonedust, and it was absolutely because I felt that the plot was TOO high-stakes. Brigands & Breadknives returns to the cozy feel of Legends & Lattes without making it boring—a true feat.

After all, who didn’t love Fern from Bookshops & Bonedust? Feisty and smart, her midlife crisis makes for the perfect conflict, and the new characters are delightful. Zyll (spelling?) is hilarious, while Astrix (spelling?) is moody and conflicted, and then there’s a host of other characters who make their impact despite smaller roles.

The central conflict (aside from Fern’s ennui) is exciting while not being overly anxiety-inducing, and the ending is *chef’s kiss* perfect.

I loved this, and I truly hope we get to step into this world again in the future.

I adored Brigands & Breadknives—it was everything I needed in a cozy fantasy with just the right dash of adventure. Listening to Travis Baldree narrate his own work made the experience even more enjoyable. His voice perfectly suits the tone of the story, and the way he gives each character their own distinct voice really brought the world to life.

There’s a great deal of humor woven throughout the book, and I found myself genuinely laughing out loud more than once. It’s warm, witty, and effortlessly charming. This story is proof that you don’t need high-stakes drama to have a memorable and satisfying fantasy read.

Whether you're already a fan of Baldree or new to his work, this one is a delight from start to finish. Highly recommend the audiobook for the full experience!

Thank you to Travis Baldree, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC!

I absolutely adore this series! I was a bit nervous that this book would be a let down after how much I loved the previous two, but it might actually be my favorite of the three!

You absolutely have to read the prequel before jumping into this one to fully understand Fern's backstory and her relationship with Viv. That being said, this is an interconnected standalone that takes place after the events of Legends & Lattes. (so just read the series in publication order and you'll be good)

It's a perfectly cozy and humorous found family adventure filled with lots of new characters that you'll fall in love with-- legendary elf warrior Asterix One-Ear, a goblin with a coat full of silverware Zyll, sentient swords/knives with beef, and more.


The author does a fabulous voice acting job for each of the characters and ended the book in a way that the series could (and hopefully does) continue!


Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Travis Baldree, and NetGalley for the ARC audiobook.

This series somehow keeps getting better and better! This was my favorite of the books so far! I love Fern, and I was so happy to get a story with her as the main character, the foul-mouthed Rattkin bookseller. I love how the books in this series are cute and cozy but adventurous and fun (and sometimes hilarious). What a treat! A five-star read for sure, and I look forward to more by this author!

I love this slice of life cozy fantasy genre.
Fern is delightful and I enjoyed being back in this world

I finished this so quickly. I was nervous for Fern yet so excited to meet these new characters. I was happy to see some of my favorites as well. The sentient kitchenware was by far a welcomed comic relief. And as always, the adventure kept me on my toes while still feeling like a safe place. He did seem to leave this open for another installment so I am hoping this world goes on for 20 more books. But I’ll settle for a few more!!!



Thank you, Macmillan Audio, a million time over for approving my request. This really is a feel good story and my life needed it!

OMG this my favorite in the whole series!

I highly recommend reading the prequel, Bookshops & Bonedust, to fully understand Fern and Viv's friendship and more of Fern's backstory.

Fern has been my favorite character in the Legends and Lattes world and Brigands & Breadknives brings her hilarious personality to new light. Fern has arrived in the city of Thune to open a bookshop next to Viv's coffee shop. One night, Fern experiences a midlife crisis and drunkenly falls asleep in the wrong wagon and finds herself days out from Thune in the company of a well-known hero and a bounty goblin and her devil bird.

While Fern is crashing out over her midlife crisis and being far from home, I'm laughing at every turn. Anything Zyll does not disappoint in being the comic relief to Fern's distress.

Travis Baldree delivers another cozy fantasy, this one full of laughs and self-discovery.

“If I read this in a book, I’d never believe it. It’s too amazing and stupid at the same time.”

Travis Baldree somehow managed to put into words exactly how I felt reading Brigands & Breadknives. This is hands down my favorite of the 3.5 books in the Legends & Lattes series! There’s more adventure, more of that warm found-family magic, and two utterly delightful magical items that truly bring the cozy fantasy charm to life. It left me feeling hopeful, peaceful, and, as always, wishing there was more.

Fern is an absolutely hilarious character. She swears as much as me, and that is saying something. If you don't like foul language, maybe skip.

This was way more adventure than cozy, but I loved it. We meet new and old characters in this story. Viv is so sweet to Fern. Their story continues in an unexpected way. Cal is as dependable as ever with few but wise words. Astryx is introduced to us early, and we see growth over time.

I enjoyed the struggle of communication. It isn't just the same old miscommunication issues most stories give us. We get to see the thoughts and emotions behind the struggle of communication. There are examples of different kinds of friendships, and I feel like as dangerous as the adventure is, it somehow is still cozy.

I did listen at 2 times speed to keep up with how fast I naturally read since I was following along in an ebook copy. It was wonderful to experience both formats of this book together. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy an early release copy.

Legends and Lattes book 2, Brigands and Breadknives was the perfect follow up book. It was a wonderful feeling to have old characters reunite. I had also forgotten just how much of a foul mouth that Fern has. It made me laugh out loud more than once.
The unexpected journey that Fern embarks on was filled with Action and Adventure, but also held quiet moments of reflection, forging relationships and finding what brings her Joy. While it wasn’t without melancholy moments, they were needed and added value to the story.

Zyll is one of the quirkiest characters in the book and I loved the moments she decided to speak. The personalities of the Sentient Elder blades were also some of the funniest moments.

The ending was just right!
Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Travis Baldree for this exceptional audiobook.

In a completely unsurprising turn of events, Travis Baldree has written and narrated another five star cozy mystery. I adored the focus from Fern's point of view in this story and think it will be deeply relatable for folks in their late 20's and 30's trying to figure out "now what?" The story has moments of action, reflection, delight, humor, and everything in between. I loved it. The only bad thing about this audio arc was knowing that after I enjoyed it, I couldn't discuss it with my friends for months!

In terms of narration, Travis Baldree is the classic fantasy narrator. And with his deep knowledge of these characters and their story, he brings them to life in such a full and fascinating way.

I love my favorite little Ratkin. As always, Baldree knocks the voices and ambience out of the park. This is an immersive listening experience and such a cozy story.

I absolutely loved Legends and Lattes, and Bookshops and Bonedust. This one took on a bit of a different feel as they were on the road more than being set in one place. This book focuses on Fern, the owner of the Bookshop from the 2nd book. She is dealing with an issue that I can completely relate to; she is at a crossroads in life and does not want to own a bookstore anymore. This was a literal journey of self-discovery, and of course a motley group of friends she meets along the way. The Breadknife was absolutely my favorite and some comic relief to offset the more serious topics. Such a great cozy book with a great topic!