5 stars

Travis Baldree has done it again—and this time, he’s handed the reins to everyone’s favorite foul-mouthed, dagger-slinging bookseller, Fern the rattkin. Introduced in Bookshops & Bonedust, Fern now gets her own story—and it might just be my favorite entry in the Legends & Lattes universe yet.

This story picks up after the epilogue in Bonedust, with Fern leaving her quiet life in Murk behind and heading to Thune to open a new bookshop near her old friend Viv. But instead of fulfillment, Fern finds herself restless... and drunk... and waking up in the wagon of a bounty hunter elf named Astryx, alongside a goblin named Zyll—who may or may not be dangerously obsessed with cutlery and wears a coat with so many pockets, it’s basically a girl’s dream.

What follows is a chaotic, heartfelt road trip that reads like the best kind of Dungeons & Dragons campaign. There’s action, shady rival bounty crews, rattkin monks, and a musical dwarf bard. But at its heart, this is a story about purpose, unexpected friendship, and rediscovering joy when you thought the best chapters of your life were behind you.

Fern’s letters to Viv, which she never sends, are emotional gold—funny, vulnerable, and so real. Astryx is weary but noble, Zyll is chaotic and sharp (pun intended), and together, they build a found family that made my heart so full.

If you loved the cozy vibes of Legends & Lattes but want a little more action, edge, and bite, Brigands & Breadknives delivers with heart and humor in equal measure

When Fern decides to reopen her bookshop in Thune, she has trouble settling in. Is this what her life is? How can she add a little excitement, which she misses, to her everyday life? After drinking too much, she climbs into a strangers wagon and what follows is an adventure, with a famous adventurer (!), that she never saw coming. Cutthroats and captors, brigands and rogues await in a quest that she doesn't mean to fall in love with, but does.

This is found family at its finest. Baldree is known for his cozy storylines and worlds, and this snuggles in perfectly among his offerings. If you're a fast-paced, battle scene, high octane reader, this may not be for you, but I'd still encourage you to give it a try. Narration is, of course, top tier, characters are loveable, and the setting is fun. I will forever read Baldree's stories!

Brigands and Breadknives is the highly anticipated sequel to Legends and Lattes, this time following the beloved rattkin, Fern, as she leaves the shores of Murk to open a new shop beside her old friend Viv. After a few too many swigs from Cal’s flask, Fern finds herself swept into an unexpected adventure alongside a legendary warrior and her strange goblin captive.

Packed with heart, humor, and a cast of delightful new characters, Brigands and Breadknives exceeded all of my expectations. While I had hoped for a bit more time with Viv and Tandri, the book leaves several open threads that hint at more stories to come—so I’m holding out hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of them!

Travis Baldree just keeps getting better and better. Not only at writing books but also narrating them. I had such a fun time with this book. Fern and her adventures was so much fun to read about. I felt bad for Viv seeing how we started, but I think this whole journey was one Fern desperately needed to make. Meeting Astrix (audio version so I'm trying my best with spelling) was great. I love how they changed each other for the better simply by interacting with one another. Zyll was a hilarious troublemaker and I loved her so much. Maybe one day we'll get a whole book just about her and her wild mind. She seems like a fun character to hear more about. Overall this was such a fun adventure and I would love to read even more books in this universe because this one was just a blast.

Thank you to the publisher for providing this audioARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I think this book finally fully encompassed what I’ve been looking for in this series. It had the cozy vibes, the amazing world, the adventure, and a great story that ends honestly in the best way I could imagine. This series was my intro to cozy fantasy and it continues to deliver. I was able to arc listen and I love how Travis Baldree narrates it himself because it makes sure the vibes are coming off exactly as he intended. I can’t imagine anyone but him narrating these books and I’m so happy I’ve done the audio for all of them thus far. Thank you so much Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the chance to listen to this arc in exchange for my honest review

It's so great to be back in this world with the characters for another story. We're back with Fern in Brigands & Breadknives but this time go on more of an adventure. We meet some new characters in this one who were fun to get to know as they formed an unlikely traveling group.

I have read all of this series via audiobook and it's definitely the way to go. With Travis himself being a narrator, he does a fantastic job, and I flew through it. It is so clear and easy to understand and I associate this series with his voice.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this audio ARC for me to review.

This entire series is like a warm hug from a friend. It's like playing the OG Zelda games for the millionth time. Or like watching LOTR for the 1,000th time, obviously the extended version. Did you know Viggo Mortensen broke his toe when he kicked that helmet in Two Towers? lol. They are just fun, comforting, cozy, and exciting. A reminder that the world can be good and adventures can be had, even when things feel bleak and scary. The characters are so great and unique, and the situations and relationships are nuanced and precious. I loooove that Brigands & Breadknives had a bit more action than Bonedust & Lattes. And Fern is the absolute best.

Travis Baldree continues to do such a great job narrating these stories. He does amazing voices for every character. It makes it so fun and entertaining. I listened to this in basically one sitting, like the first two books. Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Listeners Copy!

I can't believe I'm saying this but I think this is my favorite of this series so far! I love the elf warrior and the goblin! This is an adventure story of unlikely comrades who share their lives and journey with increasing intimacy and fellowship. It's really almost Tolkien-esque. Of course, Travis Baldree, author and narrator, is phenomenal. I will highly recommend this to all readers of fantasy. It's a gem!

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

Reflective, Fun, and Cozy Adventure

Narration: 6/5
Book: 5/5
Speed: 1.25x

First off, please do not read this if you have not read Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust. Can you? Yes. Will you enjoy it as much? Nah. Now that we have that out of the way---onto what might be my favorite installment in the Legends & Lattes world, Brigands & Breadknives!

Brigands & Breadknives focuses on Fern, our favorite bookseller, appearing to have everything she's ever wanted, and the crazy adventure that ensues following one drunken night and a midlife crisis. This story is a tribute to everyone who has wanted to carve their own path, but isn't quite sure where they are going or where they will end up. This is cozy, low stakes, reflective, and ridiculous fantasy in the best way possible. I love this series because of the world, the host of characters, and the dash of humanity that makes these characters relatable. I loved the storyline and I truly hope that Baldree continues on in this world because there are so many stories still left to tell. For those that maybe didn't enjoy Bookshops & Bonedusts as much as Legends & Lattes (which I get it, it's hard to top such an incredible debut), I hope you find Brigands & Breadknives and give it a chance- it will not disappoint you!

Onto the narration, Baldree is one of the best narrators out there, this is an easy 6/5 for me as he brings these characters to life in a way that only he can. As the author and narrator, he understands every aspect of the characters and the voice jumping he does from one character to the next is astounding.

Thank you Travis Baldree, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the the opportunity to review the Advanced Listening Copy!

💌 Thank you so much to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for providing me with an ALC of this cozy fantasy, narrated by the author!

This world is so wholesome. Foul-mouthed, sure, but cozy, warm and such a delight to be enveloped in again. In this one we follow Fern, the Ratkin bookstore owner from the prequel novel “Bookshops and Bonedust”, as she meets back up with Viv, checks out her coffee shop and launches into a montage of starting a new bookshop nearby… only… something is missing.

These books work for me because they are such a terrific reprieve from the complicated, ugly world we’re navigating in real life. They remind me that there is good in the world, that imagination isn’t too far away and simple lessons can be the most profound. Following a middle-aged character (even if she is a fantasy rat) faced with the life she is living versus finding a sense of purpose, is relatable. Waking up and realizing that making your career your life has gotten in the way of LIVING is something many people feel the weight of. It’s fun to see that unpacked via a romp through a fantasy land accompanied by an ancient elven warrior, a chaos-goblin prisoner, and some “interesting” weapons. Aspects of this even reminded me of “The Hobbit”— which is my favorite book to return to when I’m struggling.

Travis Baldree does an amazing job telling the story with a sense of enthusiasm and fun. This will be great for your fall reading. Cozy fantasy isn’t always my thing but this just does it for me, every time!

I loved this audiobook.

I absolutely could not put it down (I devoured it in a day). The story was great and the narration, of course, was awesome. I love Travis's style both as an author & as a narrator.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust.

I think this book is also perfect for people who liked, but didn't love, those previous books because they didn't have enough action or adventure, I think will satisfy that craving. This book has adventure, a quest and a journey with great action. Plus, cussing. Lots and lots of cussing (I love Fern so much).

A more detailed review coming up later.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Listeners Copy!
I loved revisiting these characters! The author, Travis Baldree, did an amazing job narrating! It was like playing Dungeons and Dragons

I never thought an "epic cozy fantasy" was possible, but this book proved me wrong! It immediately swept me away with its charming, ragtag cast of characters, and I connected with them deeply. Travis Baldree's narration absolutely made this a must listen. His writing continually impresses me with his ability to evolve the cozy fantasy genre.

The world-building expanded beautifully through an epic quest, and the plot kept me engaged as the stakes steadily rose for the characters on their journey. My one caveat is that the plot felt a bit slow in the beginning, which made it difficult to engage with the story at first. The writing perfectly balanced character development, plot progression, and comedic timing. Listening to this story felt like a warm hug.

"Brigands & Breadknives", the delightful sequel to "Legends and Lattes", follows Fern, a ratkin who has lost her purpose in life. When she drunkenly falls asleep in the wagon of a famed hero, Fern is whisked away on an adventure she could have never imagined.

Moving away from the cozy low stakes that the first installment is so famed for, this novel is a fast paced, adventurous novel full of fun characters, found family, and LOTS of action! Even though the vibes were quite different from book 1, I really enjoyed Fern's journey in "Brigands & Breadknives". My favorite thing about the novel is the character Zil. No spoilers, but she made me laugh quite a few times.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced listener copy, and love how the author narrated the tale. While he wrote the characters as very well developed, he truly brought them to life with his performance. Again, I especially loved how he voiced Zil- it really just makes her even more ridiculous and lovable.

For anyone who loved Legends and Lattes, but needed a bit more action, this is for you!
5/5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced listener's copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was adorable and cozy. Travis has consistently knocked it out of the park with these quaint little fantasies and Fern’s story was no different. I loved the little adventure and Zil was my spirit animal!

This series is cute and cozy with a mix of adventure and a little chaos. I was excited for this book to see Viv and Fern together again, but I was a little bit disappointed. Fern leaves town almost as soon as she gets there and you don't hear from Viv until the very end again. The story in the middle wasn't bad, but I was hoping the story went another route and you saw more of interactions with them running their shops together. It was very sweet to see how Fern changed her career in a way that made her happier though. Over all it was a cute story, just not quite what I was hoping for out of book 3.

Review: Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Rating: 5/5

Brigands & Breadknives is everything I hoped it would be and more. Travis Baldree delivers another cozy, character-driven tale filled with heart, humor, and just the right amount of mischief. The narration is pitch-perfect, and the return to this familiar world felt like coming home.

The standout for me was Breadley, who absolutely stole the show. Baldree has a gift for writing characters you instantly love and root for, and this audiobook is filled with those moments that make you smile, laugh, and even tear up a little. If you’re a fan of Legends & Lattes, you’re in for a treat. This is comfort fantasy at its finest.

The highly-anticipated sequel to cozy fantasy Legends & Lattes, this story follows rattkin bookseller Fern who escapes to Thune. She finds herself on a legendary adventure with a ragtag group including a legendary warrior and chaos-goblin, and with every high stakes encounter with outlaws and bonding with her new group, Fern begins to discover who she really is outside of the bookshop.
While I didn’t gravitate to this story quite as much as its predecessor, I loved finally getting foul-mouthed Fern’s story and similarly to Viv’s journey to self-discovery. The narrator perfectly brought Fern’s rambunctious personality to life.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the previous books in this world starring Viv, so I was really looking forward to this one starring Fern, a returning character from the prequel. I had an idea in my head what this book was going to be, think cozy book shops and building a business like we saw in Legends & Lattes, but that’s not what you get here. What we do get is a middle aged Fern questioning what she wants out of life and finding adventure when she accidentally ends up playing squire to Astryx, a literal elf from legend.

I really loved the characters featured in this one and the friendships that are formed, but due to the adventures and significantly higher stakes, I did not get as much of the cozy vibe in this one. There’s a lot to love here but I think this might be my least favorite of the books so far. I would recommend this book to those who find themselves looking for more adventure in their cozy fantasies.

Just a note that I did get the arc of the audiobook from NetGalley which is narrated by the author and I thought it was a delightful way to take in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early copy! All opinions are my own.

Lovely next installment in the series! I love that Baldree has allowed the characters in book 1 to really have their happy ending. This feels like a really natural next story for the series. The story is less cozy than first first two published in the series (the first and the prequel), but it's written in the same voice and style. I wasn't as invested in the main couple as much as the goblin, I felt like the story would have been much more interesting if they the B-plot instead of the other way around!

If you haven't read the freebie short story Baldree published, I would read that first. I read it before and was wondering the entire time about how some question would be anwsered, and the ending made me cackle, it was such a good pay off. You'll be fine if you read it after or don't read it at all, I just thought it was hysterical.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc, all opinions are my own.