ICYMI: Three New Cosy Fantasy Novels by Travis Baldree on the Way!


In case you missed the excellent news, three more cosy fantasy novels by Travis Baldree have been bought by Tor Books in the UK and in North America! The deals were announced in the Bookseller and on Tor.com. Both deals were negotiated by Zeno’s Stevie Finegan.

The first book from this deal is expected to be published in late 2025 (around November). Here’s Travis’s response to the deals: ‘It would be a vast understatement to say that I have been humbled and grateful for the incredible support, enthusiasm and kindness that I’ve received from Tor and Macmillan as we’ve worked together on my first two books. It has been a joy to get to know the fabulous team there. I’m beyond delighted to announce that I’ll be writing a further three books to be published by Tor as well. Thank you so much to everyone who has responded to my stories in such a positive way, and made this improbable journey possible. You have all changed my life.’

Tor UK publisher Bella Pagan had the following to say: ‘Immersive, compelling and wonderfully cosy, it’s no wonder that Travis’s books have an army of fans all around the world. It’s a privilege to be publishing Travis in the UK.’

Executive Editor of Tor US Lindsey Hall had this to say about the deal: ‘Working with Travis Baldree and getting to know Viv the orc in her many forms through Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust has been a balm and a pleasure. In his books about orcs, dwarves, necromancy, and magic swords, Baldree also speaks to the deepest truths of humanity, centering the small but meaningful joys of life—like warm drinks, good books, and old friends—that make it all worthwhile. I can’t wait to see where his stories take us in the future.’

LEGENDS & LATTES, originally a smash-hit as a self-published novel, went on to be re-issued by Tor Books in the UK and North America (where it landed on the New York Times Bestseller list). The author’s second novel, BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST, is due to be published in the UK and North America in November 2023.

LEGENDS & LATTES is a Nebula Award Finalist!


In case you missed the news, Travis Baldree‘s LEGENDS & LATTES is a Nebula Award for Best Novel finalist! A novel that took fantasy fandom by storm when it was first published by Cryptid, the novel has since been published by Tor Books in North America and in the UK, as well as by a growing number of international publishers!

The Nebula Awards will be presented in a virtual ceremony on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

In case you have somehow managed to miss it, here’s the synopsis…

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

The US cover for the next novel in the series, BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST, was also unveiled last week. It is due to be published by Tor Books in North America on November 7th. Both North American covers are by Carson Lowmiller. (UK edition publication details to come.)

Here are just a few of the many great reviews that LEGENDS & LATTES has received so far…

‘A gentle little cozy set against an epic fantasy backdrop… This charming outing will please anyone who’s ever wished to spend time in a fantasy world without all the quests and battles.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘This slice-of-life cozy fantasy novel has everything you’ve been searching for.’ — Buzzfeed

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book.’ — Seanan McGuireNew York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway

‘The most fun I’ve ever had in a coffee shop.’ — Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of London

‘An orc retires from adventuring to start a fantasy city’s very first coffee shop. This setup combined with the positive messages of defying societal stereotypes, letting go of violence to build peace, and trusting in your friends feels like a premise from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld… LEGENDS & LATTES is a novel, and shop, that will delight anyone who enjoys coffee-shop alternate universes, slow-burn romances, and the vindication of friendship.’ — Booklist, starred review

LEGENDS & LATTES isn’t just a cosy, slice-of-life fantasy, it is a hug after a long day, it’s that first bite of chocolate you’ve been desperately craving or that first sip of coffee, it’s pyjamas and blankets and everything else which brings comfort and warmth. This is a tale so simple yet so wholesome and adorable, it has made me see just how versatile the fantasy genre can be… Believe the hype… this book deserves all the praise… Baldree delivers a tale to soothe the soul, a tale which had me smiling and crying with happiness from beginning to end.’ — Fantasy Hive

Travis Baldree’s LEGENDS & LATTES Out This Week!


Travis Baldree‘s highly-acclaimed and eagerly-anticipated novel LEGENDS & LATTES is out this week! The book is due to be published by Tor Books in both North America (November 8th) and in the UK (November 10th) — covers above and below, respectively. Here’s the synopsis…

Come take a load off at Viv’s cafe, the first & only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening!

Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen.

However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners, and a different kind of resolve.

The North American edition will also include a new, bonus prequel story. PAGES TO FILL.

The novel has recently been selected as an Indie Next November 2022 Recommended Reads, as well as Library Reads Pick for November 2022!

To celebrate the UK release of the novel, Travis is also going to have a mini-book tour! Here are the details, plus links to buy tickets…

Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book.’Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway

‘A stunningly-well done story at every level’Fantasy Faction

‘I loved LEGENDS & LATTES and I have literally nothing bad to say about it… a warm hug on a cold day. Written with care and attention, Baldree’s delicate touch and vibrant characters make this story shine… Books have their own kind of magic. LEGENDS & LATTES was positively enchanting.’Bookworm Blues

LEGENDS & LATTES reads like a fresh cup of coffee. The novel radiates the same sort of rich warmth you feel in your belly after a sip of a freshly brewed latte. That feeling sticks throughout, making for a refreshing and cozy tale worth your time… If you’re into cozy fantasy, or you just want a break from the epic subgenre, LEGENDS & LATTES is for you.’Quill to Live

‘This slice-of-life cozy fantasy novel has everything you’ve been searching for.’Buzzfeed

‘An orc retires from adventuring to start a fantasy city’s very first coffee shop. This setup combined with the positive messages of defying societal stereotypes, letting go of violence to build peace, and trusting in your friends feels like a premise from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld… LEGENDS & LATTES is a novel, and shop, that will delight anyone who enjoys coffee-shop alternate universes, slow-burn romances, and the vindication of friendship.’Booklist, starred review

‘If you like fantasy but you’re tired of reading about wars and general intensity, this is the book for you… Cozy fantasy at its best.’Literary Hub

FairyLoot Edition of LEGENDS & LATTES on the way!


LEGENDS & LATTES, Travis Baldree‘s acclaimed debut novel is getting a FairyLoot edition! Due to be published on November 8th (members) and 9th (general availability), it will have a snazzy new cover, too — a version of the UK cover with lots of shiny foil!

Here’s the synopsis…

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

The “regular” editions of the novel are due to be published by Tor Books in North America and in the UK.

Here are just some of the great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book.’ — Seanan McGuireNew York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway

‘The most fun I’ve ever had in a coffee shop.’ — Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of London

‘This slice-of-life cozy fantasy novel has everything you’ve been searching for.’ — Buzzfeed

‘An orc retires from adventuring to start a fantasy city’s very first coffee shop. This setup combined with the positive messages of defying societal stereotypes, letting go of violence to build peace, and trusting in your friends feels like a premise from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld… LEGENDS & LATTES is a novel, and shop, that will delight anyone who enjoys coffee-shop alternate universes, slow-burn romances, and the vindication of friendship.’ — Booklist, starred review

‘A stunningly-well done story at every level’ — Fantasy Faction

‘If you like fantasy but you’re tired of reading about wars and general intensity, this is the book for you… Cozy fantasy at its best.’ — Literary Hub

‘I loved LEGENDS & LATTES and I have literally nothing bad to say about it… a warm hug on a cold day. Written with care and attention, Baldree’s delicate touch and vibrant characters make this story shine… Books have their own kind of magic. LEGENDS & LATTES was positively enchanting.’ — Bookworm Blues

Travis Baldree’s LEGENDS & LATTES Out in Three Weeks!


The new UK and North American editions (above and below, respectively) of Travis Baldree‘s beloved, highly-acclaimed LEGENDS & LATTES are due out in three weeks! Due to be published by Tor Books in both the UK (November 10th) and North America (November 8th), here’s the synopsis…

Come take a load off at Viv’s cafe, the first & only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening!

Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen.

However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners, and a different kind of resolve.

The North American edition will also include a new, bonus prequel story. PAGES TO FILL.

The novel has recently been selected as an Indie Next November 2022 Recommended Reads, as well as Library Reads Pick for November 2022!

To celebrate the UK release of the novel, Travis is also going to have a mini-book tour! Here are the details, plus links to buy tickets…

Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book.’Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway

‘A stunningly-well done story at every level’Fantasy Faction

‘I loved LEGENDS & LATTES and I have literally nothing bad to say about it… a warm hug on a cold day. Written with care and attention, Baldree’s delicate touch and vibrant characters make this story shine… Books have their own kind of magic. LEGENDS & LATTES was positively enchanting.’Bookworm Blues

LEGENDS & LATTES reads like a fresh cup of coffee. The novel radiates the same sort of rich warmth you feel in your belly after a sip of a freshly brewed latte. That feeling sticks throughout, making for a refreshing and cozy tale worth your time… If you’re into cozy fantasy, or you just want a break from the epic subgenre, LEGENDS & LATTES is for you.’Quill to Live

‘This slice-of-life cozy fantasy novel has everything you’ve been searching for.’Buzzfeed

‘An orc retires from adventuring to start a fantasy city’s very first coffee shop. This setup combined with the positive messages of defying societal stereotypes, letting go of violence to build peace, and trusting in your friends feels like a premise from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld… LEGENDS & LATTES is a novel, and shop, that will delight anyone who enjoys coffee-shop alternate universes, slow-burn romances, and the vindication of friendship.’Booklist, starred review

‘If you like fantasy but you’re tired of reading about wars and general intensity, this is the book for you… Cozy fantasy at its best.’Literary Hub

LEGENDS & LATTES is an IndieNext Recommended Read!


We’re very happy to report that Travis Baldree‘s acclaimed debut fantasy, LEGENDS & LATTES has been selected as an Indie Next List recommended read for November!

The novel will be published by Tor Books in North America and in the UK — on November 8th and 10th, respectively.

Here’s the synopsis…

Come take a load off at Viv’s cafe, the first & only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening!

Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen.

However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners, and a different kind of resolve.

The new, North American paperback edition will include a very special, never-before-seen bonus story: PAGES TO FILL.

The novel has been enjoying a veritable flood of praise in the run up to its publication. Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book.’ — Seanan McGuireNew York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway

LEGENDS & LATTES is a uniquely beautiful book. Its cast of endearing characters have no interest at all in killing one another. There is no Great Evil, no bloody battles, and yet the pillars of great fantasy — resilience, fellowship, and a desire to make the world a better place — are all here. It’s wonderfully wholesome, and I hope heralds the rise of a ‘slice-of-life’ sub-genre in modern fantasy.’ — Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld

“Take a break from epic battles and saving the world. LEGENDS & LATTES is a low-stakes fantasy that delivers exactly what’s advertised: a wholesome, cozy novel that feels like a warm hug. This is my new comfort read.’ — Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch’s Heart

LEGENDS & LATTES is a big-hearted story about the small things in life. A lovingly written ode to the genre, it is a must-read for every D&D player who has ever wondered what happens after “happily ever after.”‘ — Cassandra Khaw, USA Today bestselling author

‘A stunningly-well done story at every level’ — Fantasy Faction

‘I loved LEGENDS & LATTES and I have literally nothing bad to say about it… a warm hug on a cold day. Written with care and attention, Baldree’s delicate touch and vibrant characters make this story shine… Books have their own kind of magic. LEGENDS & LATTES was positively enchanting.’ — Bookworm Blues

LEGENDS & LATTES reads like a fresh cup of coffee. The novel radiates the same sort of rich warmth you feel in your belly after a sip of a freshly brewed latte. That feeling sticks throughout, making for a refreshing and cozy tale worth your time… If you’re into cozy fantasy, or you just want a break from the epic subgenre, LEGENDS & LATTES is for you.’ — Quill to Live

‘A story of friendship and found family that is nothing less than heartwarming.’ — Novel Approach

‘Deserves the hype’ — FanFiAddict

ICYMI: Travis Baldree’s LEGENDS & LATTES Available in eBook and Audiobook in North America!


There’s been a lot of buzz and news surrounding Travis Baldree‘s acclaimed LEGENDS & LATTES. A self-published sensation, it has been picked up by Tor Books in North America and in the UK. The eBook and audiobook (read by the author) are available now in North America. Here’s the synopsis…

Come take a load off at Viv’s cafe, the first & only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening!

Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen.

However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners, and a different kind of resolve.

A hot cup of fantasy, slice-of-life with a dollop of romantic froth.

The new print editions of the novel are due to be published on November 8th in North America, and November 10th in the UK (the latter will have a new cover design, too, which we’ll share as soon as we can).

We hope to have more information about translated editions, etc., in the near future.

Here are just a few of the reviews the novel has received so far…

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book.’ — Seanan McGuireNew York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway

LEGENDS & LATTES is a uniquely beautiful book. Its cast of endearing characters have no interest at all in killing one another. There is no Great Evil, no bloody battles, and yet the pillars of great fantasy — resilience, fellowship, and a desire to make the world a better place — are all here. It’s wonderfully wholesome, and I hope heralds the rise of a ‘slice-of-life’ sub-genre in modern fantasy.’ — Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld

“Take a break from epic battles and saving the world. LEGENDS & LATTES is a low-stakes fantasy that delivers exactly what’s advertised: a wholesome, cozy novel that feels like a warm hug. This is my new comfort read.’ — Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch’s Heart

LEGENDS & LATTES is a big-hearted story about the small things in life. A lovingly written ode to the genre, it is a must-read for every D&D player who has ever wondered what happens after “happily ever after.”‘ — Cassandra Khaw, USA Today bestselling author

‘A stunningly-well done story at every level’ — Fantasy Faction

‘I loved LEGENDS & LATTES and I have literally nothing bad to say about it… a warm hug on a cold day. Written with care and attention, Baldree’s delicate touch and vibrant characters make this story shine… Books have their own kind of magic. LEGENDS & LATTES was positively enchanting.’ — Bookworm Blues

LEGENDS & LATTES reads like a fresh cup of coffee. The novel radiates the same sort of rich warmth you feel in your belly after a sip of a freshly brewed latte. That feeling sticks throughout, making for a refreshing and cozy tale worth your time… If you’re into cozy fantasy, or you just want a break from the epic subgenre, LEGENDS & LATTES is for you.’ — Quill to Live

‘A story of friendship and found family that is nothing less than heartwarming.’ — Novel Approach

‘Deserves the hype’ — FanFiAddict

New Edition of Sanderson’s THE RITHMATIST Out Tomorrow in UK


Sanderson-TheRithmatist2014-TorUK-Blog

Tomorrow, Tor Books publishes a new edition of Brandon Sanderson‘s THE RITHAMTIST. The first in a YA series, it was previously published in the UK by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis…

This is a fast-paced adventure for readers of all ages by bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, master of fantasy fiction. Here, in a school for the magically gifted, your talent could cost you your life…

Joel is fascinated by the magic of Rithmatics, but few have the gift and he is not one of them. Undaunted, he persuades Professor Fitch to teach him magical theory. Joel can’t infuse his protective lines and circles with power, or bring his chalk-drawn creatures to life, but he’s quick to master the underlying geometric principles. His unique skills will soon face an extraordinary test when top Rithmatist students are kidnapped from his Academy.

Since he’s not a magic user, Joel appears to be safe – but he’s desperate to investigate and prove himself. Then people start dying. However, can Joel really stop a killer alone? As even more students disappear, he realizes he’ll need the help of Rithmatist apprentice Melody. Together, they must race to find clues before the killer notices them – and takes them out too.

Brandon Sanderson is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Mistborn series, Stormlight Archive series, The Reckoners super-hero series, and the final three Wheel of Time novels, among other fan favourites.

Zeno represents Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Cover Reveal: Brandon Sanderson’s THE RITHMATIST (UK)


Sanderson-TheRithmatist2014-TorUK-Blog

On May 22nd, Brandon Sanderson‘s YA fantasy novel THE RITHMATIST will be published in the UK by Tor UK. And it has that gorgeous new cover, above. The cover, unveiled earlier this week on Tor’s blog, was designed by the publisher’s head of design James Annal, with design agency Crush.

In case you didn’t catch our coverage when it was first released last year, here is the synopsis…

In a school for the magically gifted, your talent could cost you your life…

Young student Joel is fascinated by the magic of Rithmatics, but few have the gift and he is not one of them. Undaunted, Joel persuades Professor Fitch to teach him about this geometric magic. For although Joel can’t infuse his protective lines and circles with power, or bring his chalk-drawn creatures to life, he can really understand how it works. However, a daunting test lies ahead, when someone starts kidnapping top Rithmatic students at his school, Armedius Academy.

Since he’s not a magic user, Joel appears to be safe and he’s desperate to investigate and prove himself. Then people start dying – but can Joel really stop a killer alone? He’ll need the help of Rithmatist apprentice Melody, as even more students disappear. Together, they must race to find clues before the killer notices them – and takes them out too.

The book features illustrations by Ben McSweeney, which depict the magical elements of the novel with great elegance and insight.

Tor UK are also due to publish the as-yet-untitled future sequel in the series.

Zeno represents Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.