Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife

An undead orc turns over a new leaf in this tender cozy fantasy from Munden (Tavern). In life, Razgaif of the Onyx-Ax clan was a respected War Chef who kept his battalion fed. In death, he became the undead Lord Commander Rottgor, a mindless Death Knight in thrall to the sinister Worm King. After centuries of servitude, Rottgor betrayed his king and helped found Necropolis, a city where the living and the dead comingle. Then Lady Cleo Crowsilk, heir to the city’s ruler, encourages Rottgor to retire. To honor his past life, he decides to open a restaurant with help from a bevy of colorful characters, including high elf/dwarf businessman Calfe and Fallen Fae Queen Tytli. His first customer is little orphan girl Astra, a sad but capable child whose dark past injects some stakes into the story. Through wonderfully detailed worldbuilding, Munden draws readers into a sumptuous city full of secrets where pasts can’t be forgotten but can be overcome. It’s deeply satisfying to watch as Rottgor learns about redemption, new beginnings, found family, and what herb goes perfectly with roast chicken. Legends and Lattes fans will not be disappointed. (Oct.)