Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree (Paperback)

Before opening a coffee shop in Thune, Viv was a young orc mercenary with only one goal in mind: adventure. As a member of the notorious Rackam’s Ravens, she dreams of glory and action. But when an injury during the hunt for a powerful necromancer forces her to stop, her plans are brought to an abrupt halt.

Sent to the sleepy seaside town of Murk to recover, Viv finds herself far from the excitement she craves. Convinced that time away from the battlefield will set her back, she struggles to adjust to a slower pace of life. Instead of facing danger and earning a reputation, she spends her days in a struggling second-hand bookshop run by a sharp-tongued and unexpected companion. It is the last place she imagined herself ending up.

Yet Murk proves to be far from boring. The quiet town is filled with curious characters and surprising encounters, including a mysterious traveller dressed in grey, a stubborn gnome, and the possibility of a summer romance. Even an unusual number of skeletons seem determined to make life more interesting. As Viv becomes more connected to the people around her, she begins to discover that there may be value in the things she never thought she wanted.

Filled with warmth, humour, and charming adventures, this prequel to Legends & Lattes explores first love, friendship, and the unexpected paths that shape who we become. Sometimes the greatest discoveries are found not in grand quests, but in quiet moments, good books, and the people who help us see life differently.

Perfect for readers who enjoy cosy fantasy, LGBTQ+ romance, found family, bookshop settings, and character-driven adventures filled with heart and humour.