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!

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.