Brigands & Breadknives (Legends & Lattes)

Brigands & Breadknives is the third book in Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes series. Even though this is part of a greater series, the novels can be read in any order or as stand-alone adventures and still make perfect sense. And like the first two novels of the series, this is one salty cozy fantasy. Viv, the battle orc, takes a backseat in this story. We are treated to the exploits of Fern, the foul-mouthed bookseller, and an adventure of a lifetime, all stemming from a night of drunken decision-making. The action and adventure far outdo the exploits of the series’ first two novels.

We get to meet a few new characters in this novel. Like all of Baldree’s works, the character development is excellent. As exciting as the plot is, it takes a backseat to the characters and their dialogue, whether it be between two characters, the out-loud musings of Fern, or the frustrating communications with a goblin. This is a laugh-out-loud type of book, perfect for anyone who has the ambition of owning a bookstore or coffee shop, for anyone who needs to be dissuaded from owning a bookstore or coffee shop, or for anyone looking for a cozy fantasy that doesn’t quite fit with other cozy fantasies.