“Every book is a little mirror, and sometimes you look into it and see someone else looking back.”
What is the Book about?
Viv’s career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens isn’t going as planned.
Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she’s packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she’ll never be able to return to it.
What’s a thwarted soldier of fortune to do?
Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn’t possibly imagine.
Still, adventure isn’t all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.
Rating
Plot ★★★☆☆
Characters ★★★★★
Excitement ★★★☆☆
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★☆☆
Favourite Character
Fern
My thoughts while reading it
If “Legends & Lattes” already enchanted you, this book will undoubtedly transform you into a devoted Rattkin!
The way Travis Baldree crafted his story was, in my eyes, nothing short of perfection. It all began with a dash of fantasy action, where the warrior Viv finds herself stranded in a small coastal town. Then, it gracefully transitioned into this expansive, cozy middle section that left me sighing contentedly, envisioning how I could find solace in such a place—whether it’s with a wonderfully recommended book from a bookstore owner, delectable treats from a dwarven baker, all by the seaside, and eventually wrapping it up with a bit of action and cozy vibes. Experiencing the everyday life of an (unfortunately injured) orc warrior in a foreign town was truly beautiful. The narrative not only captivated with its fantastical elements but also immersed me in the simplicity and charm of a place unfamiliar to our protagonist. It was a delightful blend of escapism and grounded reality, and I couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to the character’s journey, both in her moments of action and her moments of respite. The seamless weaving of these elements created an enchanting tapestry that kept me eagerly turning the pages, savouring every nuance of Viv’s adventure in this charming coastal town. Baldree’s storytelling prowess shines through in his ability to balance the epic and the mundane, infusing the narrative with heart and soul. Viv’s exploration of the town, her interactions with the locals, and the cozy moments of reflection added depth to the story, making it more than just a fantasy tale. It became a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the magic found in the ordinary.
This sequel surpasses the first in every aspect. What the initial book lacked in a continuous and easily solvable plot, this one delivers. The supporting characters are even more enchanting, and delving into Viv’s past adds an extra layer of fascination to her character. If the first book was a delightful introduction to the world, this one is a heartfelt journey that weaves a more intricate and engaging storyline. The charm of the Rattkin and the captivating development of Viv’s character make this a truly heart-warming read.
Fern, the rattkin bookseller, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime character. She beautifully embodies the feeling and power of witnessing someone fall in love with books, and how special it feels when you played a small part in that. Recommending and discussing books is one of my favorite love languages, and Travis created Fern to express these sentiments, hitting me unexpectedly hard and right in my heart and soul. The book perfectly captures the joy of many bookish things – blind dates with a book, book signings, even book clubs! We even get glimpses of the books Viv reads through Fern’s recommendations, and I was obsessed every time. Fern is officially my new favorite bookseller. What’s equally fantastic is Fren, the bookstore owner, navigating through depression and gradually resurfacing with Viv’s help. As she regains her zest for life, finding joy in making changes to her store, her book recommendations become a beacon of literary delight. Oh, how I wish I could receive recommendations from her.
And let’s not forget the cleverness of Fern always recommending a book to Viv that mirrors her own life—a stroke of brilliance. First, she reads an adventure story mirroring her own life’s adventures. Then, a book with fewer sword fights, aligning with the changes in her own life. Next, a love story, foreshadowing the romantic developments in her life. And then, a mystery story, echoing the mysteries that unfold in her own life… It’s just so brilliantly executed.
But this book goes beyond the joy of reading; it delves into the timeless message that there’s no age limit to figuring out what you want in life. You can always make changes, and sometimes, we’re just not at the right place for something, but that doesn’t mean the door is shut forever. If we decide to close a door and lock it, it doesn’t diminish the joy and memories created in that room. And if we’re lucky, a door of friendship, seemingly behind a locked door, can open once again, bringing new joy and adventures.
I adored this book completely, and the epilogue deserves a six-star rating on its own. It made me cry, swoon, kick my feet, and giggle uncontrollably. The story, the characters, the settings – they deserve all the praise, coming together to create something magical that I’ve never read before. Fern and I highly recommend this book and the unapologetic joy that accompanies it!
Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✓
The Reading Stray 