Heroes & Handcrafts

Cozy Questing #2

by Nazri Noor

Business at Beadle’s Needles is bustling. Not booming, exactly, but Braiden Beadle is happy enough, and happier still to stay far from the dangers of the dungeon.

Between the impending launch of Augustin Arcosa’s Effervescent Elixirs and the small joys of introducing an elf, a burrowfolk, an orc, and an undead bard to life in Weathervale, Braiden has his hands full. Life is good.

Until a bizarre talking box crashes through the storage room window — Augustin’s bedroom, that is — and taunts them about delving the dungeon’s depths in search of even greater treasure. Cleaning up the broken glass, they discover a mysterious recipe card, one that Braiden has never seen before.

It’s Granny Bethilda’s final message… and her final mission, something Braiden feels honor-bound to finish. And with his faithful friends and the Wizard of Weathervale at his side, he might just succeed.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, LGBT

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2026

About the author

Hi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.

My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.

TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.

Reviews

[Samantha]

How dare this book be over. It went by too fast!!! This book moved faster than the first one and jumped right into the action. With the world created and the rules explained the story was able to pick up the pace quickly and get the ball rolling. 

Braiden and the gang are back and have a new adventure to take on. The problem introduced at the end of the first book is back and has revealed unfinished business from Braiden's family's past. He has a task his grandmother wasn't able to complete. Along the way he makes some more unlikely friends and some more wonders in this magical world. 

This book gave us more character building for Briaden and the relationship with all his close friends. We also got some more bonding with Augustin and I love how it's moving along slowly as the two of them get to know each other and become comfortable with who they want to be. 

I want more but I'm content with waiting if that's the case. The book thankfully did not end on cliffhanger or introduced any new threat or problem. It hinted at some different things the series could introduce and I look forward to them! This series is so fun and cozy and heartwarming!!! It's a gem and I'm glad to have found it.

[Kirstine Hansen]

After revivifying the shop, Braiden and Augustin go on new adventures together. First they go to a nearby valley, battle a wind elemental, and befriend the elusive othergoats while Elyssandra and Craghammer take care of business at home. After a dastardly kidnapping, they return to the dungeons to deal with temperametal fire and demons instead of the ice from the first book.

There's still nothing more than warm friendship and the occasional kiss between Braiden and Augustin, but there's a nice silly hint at potential gayness:

“Braiden! It’s been a while. And is that the Wizard of Weathervale? Ho, big spender. Are either of you handsome gents interested in some of my tasty balls?”

Augustin’s eyes widened. Braiden choked.

“Not tonight, Izzy, but we’ll take a couple of seared tuna steaks. And you know what? Throw in some shrimp fritters, too.”

“Sure thing, sweetheart. And you, wizard. Don’t tell me you’ve never put my balls in your mouth! I’ll throw in a couple of chicken-ball skewers, on the house.”

Augustin stopped sweating and blushing so much after Braiden quietly explained Izzy’s culinary specialty. It surprised Braiden somewhat to learn that the wizard had never actually partaken of Izzy’s goods, having spent a good bit of time browsing the night market for research. Maybe he didn’t go for balls very much, or maybe he just wasn’t a very big fan of seafood.

Didn't go for balls very much, indeed. This story is shorter than the first one, and I could have used a bit more detail. I'm hoping for more books with more cozy shenanigans.

[Teresa]

This is the second book in Nazri Noor's Cozy Questing series, and I have to say, I am loving it! Weaver Braiden Beadle and his, not quite yet, wind mage boyfriend Augustin Arcosa are settling into Weathervale after their last adventure. Braiden is starting to gain some success with his specially woven and knitted garments, and Augustin’s fizzy water is taking off. A long-lost card from Granny Beadle shows up with instructions for a mysterious device. The boys take a vacation to find mythic creatures and brave the dungeon again with their loyal band to save a kidnapped friend and figure out the purpose of the mysterious device.

I just found this book to be sooo sweet. I love, love, love the weaving and knitting aspects, being a handspinner and knitter myself…it just makes me feel warm all over. The sweet, still somewhat tentative relationship between Braiden and Augustin is so cute as they learn more about each other. Their increasing band of odd-ball friends is adorable as they overcome their preconceptions and biases through their adventures.

This is a clean cozy adventure story that just happens to primarily involve two guys. If you are looking for a quick fun read, especially if you like fiber arts, I highly recommend it!

***I received a copy of this book and this is my own unbiased review.***

[Amanda]

Once again, the (cozy) adventure of Braiden and his friends was so nice to read. Although the party heads to the dungeon, before they do that, they set up the store and work together in Braiden's store. Braiden and Augustin also get to go on a special two-person adventure (known also as a date), which I found adorable. Plus what they get in their adventure is helpful during their dungeon dwelving.

The second half of the book is the actual adventure - because when Augustin's grandmother asks Augustin and Braiden at first to accompany another elder to the dungeon, the men refuse. Which, honestly, good for them. But after their date, one of their companions gets kidnapped and then they decide that alright, we gotta go get our friend back. I did not expect the adventure to end in such a big "plot twist" but it worked out in a way that was sweet and gave most people a happy ending.

Additional side note about the epilogue - I was so sure Augustin's grandmother was about to ask them if they were dating :D

[SNik]

Second in series (Cozy Questing), must be read in order. Fantasy. Established couple. Found family. No burn. Single POV.

Soon after Braiden and Augustin’s last adventure they have gotten Braiden’s family shop up and running again with the help of their friends. However, a little adventuring helps them along, and when a friend is kidnapped they are once more journeying into the dungeon and possible danger.

This was another fun romp with Braiden, Augustin, and their crew, meeting new creatures and characters and experiencing more of the Cozy Questing world. I enjoyed the camaraderie, the humor, and the way they handle any new obstacle easily and together. This story is not a romance per se, but Braiden and Augustin are sweet together as they work and travel together in and around their town. This fantasy world with likable characters will be a familiar landscape to Nazri Noor fans.

[Levi Rivas Pratt]

The second installment expands the household before it deepens the central relationship, and that choice defines the book: Braiden and Augustin remain more partners-in-adventure than a couple in progress, while the elf, burrowfolk, orc, and undead bard folded into Weathervale do more to advance the series’ found-family throughline than the plot’s inciting talking box does for tension. Granny Bethilda’s posthumous mission gives Braiden a clean emotional throughline, and the ensemble’s easy competence together is the book’s real pleasure. Noor is clearly more interested in building out this world than in resolving its central will-they, which makes for a comfortable read but a slower one. Reliable, well-populated, and content to let the romance wait its turn.

[Penny]

Even though I’m not a fan of books where they are in a past-like setting, I enjoy this author so was happy for this second book in the series. Braiden and Augustin are settling into Braiden’s shop when events occur that send them on another adventure, again to where they were before. I do enjoy this simple (not in a bad way) series where there really isn’t much romance, just a fun adventure with interesting and engaging characters. While this is a pretty straightforward, easy, and uncomplicated series, it’s still very engaging and well-written. Fans of the first will definitely enjoy this latest. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Cynthia M Brow]

Heroes & Handcrafts is the second book in the Cozy Questing series. In my opinion this series is best read in order as it follows an established couple. We are back with Braiden and Augustin for more of the story. We are back with Braiden, Augustin, and their friends for more of the story. I still love the characters and world building that went into this series. It was a fun story to enjoy. In my opinion it's not necessarily a romance but Braiden and Augustin are still perfect together. This book was just a great way to relax and spend some time. I hope we get more stories about this found family. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy

[Dee]

Another adventure awaits Braiden and his friends :)
Braiden is working on making his crafting shop successful and the opening of Augustin's elixir venture. This doesn't last long as they are drawn into another quest.
I enjoyed the first book and this one is just as interesting. Sometimes you want a simple fantasy with a touch of romance, friendships and adventure - this story delivers on all 3.
I really enjoyed the narration, just the right cadence, inflection and character difference to keep me engrossed in listening. Like being wrapped in a warm blanket.

[Grace]

Sadly (and confusingly) this had no more romance than book one. There is mention of several instances of kissing (all off screen... why?) but things haven't progressed more than that, nor is there any indication they are actually a couple. It is... odd. I also thought the plot in this one felt a lot more all over the place. Interested in reading other books by this author, as I do think they write actual romance with heat, but maybe I'm mistaken...

[Audrey Cienki]

Great story!

Heroes and Handcrafts by Nazri Noor starts off with Braiden and Augustin settling in their almost normal, quiet life in Weathervale. After all, how much trouble can they get into selling woven items and Effervescent Elixirs? Well, it starts with them running afoul of some bureaucratic red tape (yes, that happens even in magical towns).
Then they decide to take a break from their more mundane responsibilities at Beadle’s Needles and take a trip. What could go wrong? Get the book and find out!
This is such a fun story, with great world building, and interesting/relatable characters. You will enjoy it!

[Mark Lucas-Taylor]

Heroes & Handicrafts

This is the second book in the series and I’m hoping that there will be more. Braiden & Augustin embarks on on further adventures, firstly to find the othergoats and then back into the dungeon to rescue Bones who has apparently been kidnapped by Valefour a demon.
Warm, witty and charming.

[isthisakink]

3.25/5. Cute, same as the first, but needs editing and proofing something fierce. Unclear if there will be more to the series, but I’d read it if there was. It’s fun and light, full of nice and cosy vibes. Enjoyable for what it is.

[Ewa]

Cozy and Heartwarming

Perfectly paced and wonderfully written. This book, and the first in the series, feel like warm hugs and a fun afternoon session of rpg dungeon adventuring with friends. Delightful, light, and comforting all in one.

[Danielle]

4.5 ⭐️

Loved the continued journey of Braiden, Augustin, and the rest! Fun adventures filled with heart and sweetness. Also the more you learn about Granny Bethilda the more you realize she was kind of a bad ass which I absolutely love!

[Sarah L]

Love this series!

Love the slow buildup of affection. Love the worldbuilding. It's an engaging story, complete with well-rounded characters and action, without causing me stress to read.

[BRANDON]

Another cozy adventure with Braiden, Augustin, and their friends

[Michael]

Strong "meh" here - the stakes are low, the action feels perfunctory, and it's missing the interesting world-building Noor's other books have had.

[Demetra Roussakis]

This is book 2 in the Cozy Questing series and must be read in order. Braiden is the owner of his weaver shop and has given some space to Augustine for his elixirs. They discover a recipe card from Braiden’s grandmother that was stuck on the wall. As Braiden and Augustine set up to travel once more. Told in Braiden’s point of view, it tells the tales of their adventures with their friends and discovering that demons are not bad. I love these books and hope there will be another in this series.

[Sam Reads Books *Just the Highlights*]

2026: 4.0