Brigands & Breadknives: An Exclusive Sneak Peek into Travis Baldree's Latest Fantasy Adventure

Travis Baldree, the creative mind behind popular games like Torchlight and Rebel Galaxy, has seamlessly transitioned into the realm of fantasy literature with remarkable success. His debut novel, Legends & Lattes, released in 2022, quickly captivated readers, earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list and receiving nominations for prestigious awards like the Nebula and Hugo for best novel. This charming tale introduced Viv, an orc warrior who traded her battle-hardened past for the peaceful endeavor of opening a coffee shop. Building on this success, Baldree penned a prequel, Bookshops & Bonedust (2023), which delved into Viv's early days as a mercenary, chronicling her recovery from injury and her unexpected venture into assisting with a quaint, if disheveled, bookshop. The series now expands with its third book, Brigands & Breadknives, shifting focus to Fern, the spirited rattkin and bookshop owner from the prequel, as she embarks on her own misadventures.

Tor Books has provided an exclusive glimpse into Brigands & Breadknives ahead of its November 11 release, offering fans a taste of the whimsical and often humorous challenges awaiting Fern. The excerpt plunges readers directly into the aftermath of a bewildering night, as Fern awakens in the back of a wagon, disoriented and suffering from a colossal hangover, only to find herself face-to-face with a grinning goblin prisoner. This chaotic beginning sets a playful yet intriguing tone for the narrative, hinting at the unexpected companionship and bizarre circumstances that will define Fern's journey. The interaction with Astryx One-Ear, who mistakes Fern for a traveling companion and then casually dismisses her predicament, further underscores the unique blend of fantasy and mundane struggles that characterizes Baldree's cozy fantasy universe, promising a delightful continuation of the series' beloved themes.

An Unsettling Awakening: Fern's Journey Begins

The latest installment from Travis Baldree's renowned cozy fantasy series kicks off with an unexpected and bewildering moment as Fern, the astute rattkin bookseller, finds herself in a precarious situation. Awaking in a wagon, disoriented by a severe hangover, she's confronted by a peculiar goblin prisoner, signaling the start of an unforeseen adventure. This initial confusion sets a humorous and intriguing tone, promising readers a narrative filled with delightful absurdity and engaging character interactions. Her subsequent encounter with Astryx One-Ear, who remains largely indifferent to Fern's predicament, highlights the series' unique charm, where grand fantasy elements are grounded in relatable, often comical, everyday struggles.

Fern's awakening is anything but peaceful. Her head throbbing from last night's revelries, she finds herself in the confines of a wagon, startled by the sight of a grinning goblin with vibrant orange hair and an abundance of pockets. Her attempt to escape the confines of the wagon leads to an ungraceful tumble onto a rutted track, further cementing her discomfort. The arrival of Astryx One-Ear, an elf who, despite her imposing presence, seems more amused than concerned by Fern's disarray, adds another layer of comedic interaction. Astryx's nonchalant revelation that Fern is a day and a half's journey from civilization, having unknowingly hitched a ride, leaves Fern in despair, lacking both money and a clear path home. The exchange between the characters, particularly Fern's quick wit in interpreting goblin profanity, underscores the series' blend of humorous dialogue and fantastical world-building, setting the stage for a truly unique and entertaining quest.

Resourcefulness and Unexpected Alliances in a Fantasy World

As Fern grapples with her newfound predicament, her lack of resources becomes glaringly apparent, challenging her resourcefulness in a world that doesn't always cater to the needs of a hungover rattkin bookseller. Her attempts to persuade Astryx One-Ear to assist her, coupled with the revelation of her true profession, underscore the pragmatic realities of this fantastical setting. This segment emphasizes the unexpected alliances that can form under duress, particularly through the comedic interplay between Fern and the goblin prisoner, hinting at a narrative rich in character development and unforeseen circumstances. It's a reminder that even in a magical world, ingenuity and a bit of luck are often the best companions.

With no money and a significant distance from any familiar town, Fern faces the daunting prospect of a long walk home. Her hopeful plea to Astryx for assistance is met with a pragmatic, almost dismissive, response, reinforcing that this is no ordinary heroic tale where convenience prevails. However, Fern's quick thinking and willingness to offer her unique skill set—understanding goblin profanity, for instance—present a potential solution. The ongoing exchange between Fern and the goblin, whose seemingly random utterances are revealed to be rather explicit, provides both comic relief and a narrative pivot. Astryx's growing intrigue in Fern's linguistic abilities suggests an unlikely partnership forming, despite the elf's initial skepticism about a bookseller's utility. This section beautifully captures the quirky essence of Baldree's series, where mundane problems are solved through unconventional means and even the most seemingly insignificant details, like a shared understanding of curses, can forge a path forward.