If you know me, you know cozy fantasy is NOT my genre, so the fact that I keep coming back for this series should tell you something. This book feels like a warm cup of coffee: cozy, comforting, and just plain fun. It never gets so heavy on the world-building that I check out, which is exactly what I need in this type of read.

This one leaned a little more into adventure and action than the others, but it still kept that cozy vibe I’ve come to expect. And as always, the audiobook is where it really shines. Baldree does a fabulous job narrating and brings these characters to life.

Definitely read the earlier books first to get the full experience, but once you do, this one is a treat.

This was such a fun cozy adventure! The author’s narration skills are next level! The voices Travis brings to each character are unique and absolutely blew my mind. The book was a journey of self-discovery for Fern. We see her go on an accidental quest courtesy of falling asleep in a warrior’s cart. Add in a goblin with a sizable bounty, a sentient sword along with a sentient piece of cutlery and you have our ragtag crew.
The dialogue was fun, the battle’s fierce and Fern’s colorful language rounded it all out. A great 4/5⭐️ read for me. Definitely recommend if you have enjoyed the other books in this series!

This was great, and I am not surprised. I had hoped we’’d see Fern again, but I didn’t think she’d get her very own adventure! I loved every bit of this story, from the enigmatic goblin to the sentient sword everything was a joy. I’m not always a fan of cozy fantasy but this was exceptional.

Also that ending with the bounty was genius, I laughed out loud. Zil absolutely would do that. Iconic. I do wish we had some idea what Fern is going to do now, but maybe we’ll see in the next book?

💫Bookish Thoughts
I just love this series so much! Brigands and Breadknives added a lot more worldbuilding to the series. It was still very cozy and magical, but definitely leaned more into adventure compared to the first two books. Still, it kept the humor and wonderful MCs I’ve come to expect. The found family theme was just as strong here too.

While not my favorite of the series, I did really enjoy it. It was fun being introduced to new characters, and I loved Fern. Even if she was a bit brash and had a serious potty mouth! 🤣
I do feel like the audiobook narration wasn't as strong for this book as the previous two.

📖 Final Score: 3.75 ⭐
🎧 Audio Score: 3.5 ⭐
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo (narrated by Travis Baldree)
📅 Pub Date: November 11, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.

In Trais Baldree's latest wonderful addition to the Legends & Lattes universe, Brigands & Breadknives, the salty-tongued ratkin Fern attempts a quiet new life in Thune at the behest of our old hero, Viv. But, things don't go quite as planned, in high-fantasy, low-stakes fashion. The story quickly derails into a rollicking, hangover-tinged adventure with unlikely companions, mixing humor, heart, and a a goodly amount of chaos. Can't wait to see what Baldree has next, both from his voice to his wild imagination. Breadlee, we shan't soon forget thee.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook of Brigands and Breadknives in exchange for a review.

As with the previous books in this cozy fantasy world, this book is just as cozy and heart felt. This one has a bit higher stakes, but still brings the cozy vibes.

While I still enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of this book, I had a hard time fully enjoying it. I struggled with how Fern left. I’m not a big fan of her character from Bookshops and Bonedust so I was hesitant about this one and unfortunately her character’s choices made this a difficult read for me. I did enjoy watching her branch out and experience new things though. The new cast of characters that we meet in this instalment help take that edge off as well, as they are truly enjoyable.

The narration was fantastic, as one would expect from Travis Baldree. The characters are so well done and the performance is unmatched.

I think this book has the delightful cozy vibes. If you have loved Fern in the past, I’m sure you will adore this book. If you weren’t a big fan before, might be worth the pass.

Thanks to MacMillan audio for the ARC.

I love this world so much and was so happy to get another story from Travis with one of my favorite characters introduced in Bookshops and Bonedust, Fern. She's the foul-mouthed rattkin bookseller and I have to admit, I feel seen!! 😂 I love me some cuss words too Fern!! Honestly, she's a delight, as are the other characters new to the world that we meet as Fern has a mid-life crisis after up and moving her bookstore to Thune to reunite with Viv. A night with a bit too much to drink ends up with Fern going on an adventure she didn't know she needed and ends with new friends, new cutlery and a new path to follow. This story is chock full of humor, action, and just so, so much heart!! How can you not love an ancient and wise elf, a goblin who is nothing but chaos, a stolid and brave horse, and not one, but two talking weapons (or a weapon and steak knife, depending on your viewpoint)!! Zyll immediately had my heart, and she must be protected at all costs!! As with the prior novels, Travis's narration is fantastic, and he brings his characters to such life that it's easy to picture them and the action in your mind. I could certainly come back to this world again and again and hopefully they are more adventures ahead!!

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 0/5 – Cozy fantasy, no spice

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy via NetGalley.

Fern’s story in Brigands & Breadknives was a cozy, low-stakes ride, but one that still carried a really meaningful message. At its heart, this is a book about self-discovery—about realizing it’s okay not to have life figured out, and that sometimes you need to try different paths before you find the one that feels right.

After Fern sets up shop next to Viv, it immediately becomes clear that this isn’t the life she truly wants. An accidental adventure pushes her out of her comfort zone, forcing her to confront her fears and her own expectations. What I loved most was the way her growth was written: she starts out frustrated, scared, and a little selfish, but by the end she’s owning up to her mistakes, apologizing to those she left behind, and finally starting to figure out who she is and what she wants.

The characters around her were quirky and the friendships felt genuine. This wasn’t my absolute favorite of the series, but I really appreciated the quieter exploration of Fern’s inner journey and the idea that failure isn’t really failure—it’s part of figuring yourself out. I listened to the audiobook, and Travis Baldree’s narration is excellent. He brings so much warmth and personality to his characters.

An increased focus on action/adventure than in previous books in the series. Well written and excellent voice acting, as always, but a book that just didn't quite have the same impact.

⭐️⭐️ (2 out of 5 stars)
I requested the audiobook from NETGALLEY. I received this book as an ARC. I do not remember the first book having so much foul language.

Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree didn’t work for me. While I appreciated the premise and was hoping for another cozy, adventurous fantasy in Baldree’s style, the excessive foul language was off-putting. It overshadowed the story and made it hard to stay immersed. I ended up putting the book down early on because the language just wasn’t for me.

Cozy and adventurous at the same time, I loved traveling with Fern and her companions. I dare say, this is even better than Legends and Lattes. Travis Baldree does an excellent job with the narration. His minor characters (and voices) often steal the show. I will be recommending this to new and seasoned readers of fantasy alike, and pressing it in to the hands of anyone who loves a good tale about friendship.

I never imagined I’d give this rating to a Legends & Lattes novel. I was genuinely excited for a Fern-centered story—she’s hysterical, and her move to Thune to be closer to Viv felt like the perfect setup for more cozy chaos.

But once Fern gets wildly drunk and ends up on a wagon headed who-knows-where, the tone shifts. The quest she embarks on was hard for me to connect with. Despite the excellent audiobook narration, I found myself zoning out and constantly rewinding to catch what I missed.

Astryx and the sentient objects were fun additions, but I hate to admit—I just didn’t care much about the outcome. I kept wishing Fern would hurry back to Thune and the familiar warmth of the original setting.

This installment felt more like a spin-off adventure than a true cozy continuation. Honestly, I think it might’ve worked better as the start of a separate series. It’s not bad—it’s just not the vibe I came for.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

A great addition to the Legends & Lattes world! The story was wonderful, keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what new beastie or bad guy would pop up next. Z was, by far, my favorite! Her penchant for silverware had me laughing throughout.

First, let me gush about how much I LOVE being back in the Legends & Latte’s universe. The found family/cast of characters genuinely warm my heart. The town comes together to help Fern relocated her book selling business and the first part of the book was giving me all the warm fuzzies.
BUT, too quickly, Fern leaves Thune (and Potroast!?) to stumble into a “quest” with a band of misfits including Elfin Warrior, Astryx, and her chaotic bounty goblin, Zil.
Now, I love a journey. I love highway robbery and travel mishaps and all that, but I just felt like my excitement to reunite with OG characters was too quickly set aside and I almost resented anyone new I had to meet (besides Zil- she was adorable and hilarious… but, also, somewhat pointless?).
I get it, Fern was searching for her sense of self. And I honestly felt for her in that depth and frustration, having so many things going right and just still never feeling “enough.” So I appreciate the internal struggle, but I think fans of this series were excited to snuggle back into the cozy and I felt disappointed by that aspect. I wanted more Thune. I wanted more book selling and Viv. I enjoyed the story overall but it wasn’t entirely what I craved.
3.5 stars rounded up because being back with L&L is a warm hug but I personally hoped for something else

im dnfing at 67%
this is not goodbye just a see you later. like once i have the ebook or physical copy because just the audiobook isn't cutting it for me. I was getting bored and so unfocused. I cant say its for certain if its this book in general I am not vibing with or it's because I am only doing audio. Like--Baldree does such a good job with narration but I have learned I lose focus--interest--faster with audiobooks. its why I love pairing both formats if I am listening. So if my ears need a moment then I can still enjoy the story. so until later--

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

Fern has just traveled to finally settle down in Thune, opening up a bookstore next door to her friend Viv’s cafe – Legends and Lattes. But after opening it, she has a bit of a midlife crisis and realizes that maybe selling books just isn't for her. And so, she gets drunk, and ends up passing out on a stranger's cart. Only to wake up and realize that the stranger is none other than the famous warrior Astryx the one-eared, who is currently in the middle of escorting her prisoner in order to collect a bounty. Deciding she needs a change of pace, Fern goes with them, and while traveling she will have to figure out who she is and what she wants from life.

Okay but why did I love this? There's a whole new group of characters here, but we get to see Fern again, who we met in the prequel, and she gets to go on her own adventure. We do meet characters like Astryx – the one-eared elf warrior who wields a talking sword. You also have Zyll – the goblin who is being escorted for the bounty and who is absolutely ridiculous, constantly pulling things out of her numerous pockets including a talking bread knife. There are so many funny moments that the serious ones never feel too serious, but towards the end you get these moments that are very heartfelt and we get to see Fern not only go on this journey, but on her own inner journey to discover who she is and what she wants. Her moments with Astryx are some of my favorites, but also her moments with Zyll were fantastic. I also love the fact that the author is the narrator for the audiobooks because he does a fantastic job not only writing these characters but bringing the books to life. I will never stop recommending these.

"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 a pleasure to be back in the world of Legends and Lattes. Brigands and Breadknives was a fabulous addition to the cozy fantasy series!

This newest installment follows Fern on an epic adventure to find herself and her purpose with some chosen family discovered along the way, of course. There’s questing shenanigans, a vexing and perplexing goblin, and oddly enough, sentient cutlery?! Travis Baldree has delivered yet another gem. (Also, I would like him to narrative all audiobooks that have ever existed ever. Please and thank you.)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

After not enjoying Bookshops & Bonedust as much as I anticipated, I was nervous to go into this, but it's a banger. Talking weapons, a ratkin that swears like a sailor, a horse named Bucket(!), a chaos gremlin, and a legendary warrior team up to go on a quest for adventure, self-discovery, and moral duty. An excellent return to form from Baldree.

This was delightful. It had great characters, some really moving moments that mark all of Baldree’s work, and a fun plot.

I do think it’s hard to convey a general sense of purposelessness with much emotion, while trying to keep it low angst per the genre convention. The result is that I didn’t feel much connection with Fern and her feelings and motivations, despite loving her personality.

As usual there were charming and lovable oddballs, Zil really taking the cake as an incredible side character.

The audiobook was really well done. The author had great, distinct voices for each character, and I had the feeling that if I were reading a print version, I’d imagine those characters with the exact voices Baldree performed.

Overall this was a rip roaring good time with some heartfelt moments, but with nothing really ground breaking or dazzling.