★Baldree, Travis. Bookshops & Bonedust. Tor. Nov. 2023. 352p. ISBN 9781250886101. pap. $17.99. FANTASY

Baldree offers a prequel to the best-selling Legends & Lattes. In this adventure, readers have the opportunity to learn when and how the orc mercenary Viv first got the itch to retire and take up a more peaceful life and where she first learned how to solve problems with her wits and her ability to find friends—instead of with the sharp edge of her axe. It’s also a lovely coming-of-age story about a character trained for war who learns that there’s more to life than endless battles. What makes the story special is the way that so many stock fantasy archetypes are cast against type and find new modes of prospering that don’t involve big weapons and bigger wars. Readers who have already explored Baldree’s world will be inspired to reread Legends & Lattes, while new readers will find a fantasy story with many of the same pleasures that cozy mysteries offer their readers. VERDICT This prequel is the perfect place for readers to start Baldree’s cozy fantasy series where folks band together for good, and evil is conquered through cleverness and friendship.