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.
Join Braiden, Augustin, and their chosen family as they continue the cozy quest of a lifetime. A humorous, heartwarming fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Terry Pratchett.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.