An undead orc knight leaves battle behind for a new kind of afterlife—one with good food, good friends, and maybe even fatherhood. Rottgor is worn out. Literally. Barely held together by dark magic, he has protected the Necropolis for centuries. When he’s forced into retirement, he’s faced with a new challenge: to forge a future guided not by obligation, but by passion. Following his heart (and stomach), he decides to open a restaurant where the city’s undead and living residents can share food and community. He’s helped in his quest by an unlikely assortment of neighbors, including elves, skeletons, vampires—and a young orphan girl named Astra, whose ancestry, if discovered, could put her and the entire Necropolis in danger. To protect Astra and the life he’s building, Rottgor must face his past and form new alliances built on friendship, loyalty, and love. As comforting as warm pumpkin bread, this gentle fantasy traces how even a dark history can rise into a bright future. “A grizzled baker finds himself on the biggest quest yet…adopting a kiddo! Munden’s stunning debut is filled with in-credible heart, delectable treats, and hilarious mishaps. It’s a recipe for comfort with a dash of adventure!” —Rebecca Thorne, USA Today bestselling author of Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea "An undead orc turns over a new leaf in this tender cozy fantasy from Munden ( Tavern )...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." — Publishers Weekly “Youth and advanced age combine in Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife , Deston J. Munden's cozy fantasy novel of second chances and self-forgiveness that's bursting with stunning, satisfying plot twists and characters that steal readers’ hearts. . . . A novel of found family and fierce love, Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife is full of comfort and hope.” — Shelf Awareness, starred review “ Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife is like a perfect winter stew. Cozy and heartwarming, it’s filled with memorable characters that feel like a warm hug. Munden has brewed one of the most creative and intriguing fantasy worlds I’ve ever read, worth ex-periencing alongside a hot mug of your favorite drink. Tales like this are needed.” —Stephen Warren (@quincystavern) “An evolution of the cozy genre that somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and brand new at the same time. Within this wonderful world of undeath is a story brimming with good food, great characters, and a reminder to live your life (or after-life) to its very fullest. I loved every single word of it!” —Jaysen Headley (@ezeekat) “ Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife is as satisfying as a hearty orken meal and twice as comforting. With a heap of found family and a pinch of spooky, Rottgor’s quest to build a loving afterlife felt just as restorative for me as it was for him. Recipes is perfect for fans of cozy, healing journeys and, of course, classic fantasy food.” —R.K. Ashwick, author of A Rival Most Vial and the Lutesong series “Lush with delicious prose, Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife is a warm tale that makes you yearn for a world that does not exist.” —Kay Synclaire, author of House of Frank Deston Munden is the author of several books, including Tavern, also set in Dargath. Born and raised near the Outer Banks, he can be found writing, cooking, playing World of Warcraft, and cosplaying in the way-too-hot North Carolina weather.