Viv, an orc, is the protagonist and hero of Bookshops & Bonedust. Viv is introduced in battle in the Prologue, which offers a view of Viv in action as a mercenary. However, most of the book focuses on Viv’s other characteristics: She is honest, helpful, empathetic, and enthusiastic. For example, her ideas for Fern’s bookshop help Fern rediscover her love for her work, as well as helping the bookstore stay open and move into a new phase. The focus of the novel and Viv’s character arc is Viv’s discovery of her positive characteristics and her realization that her friends value her for traits other than her skills in battle.

Because Viv is injured when she arrives in Murk, the residents there aren’t as intimidated by her as people usually are: “Viv was so used to her very existence being an obvious threat that it was honestly startling to hear a casual joke at her expense” (10). She is also surprised that Maylee the baker finds her attractive and is interested in a romantic relationship. Maylee’s advances and flirtations aren’t subtle; she greets Viv the first time by winking and saying: “Well, ain’t you a big piece of something sweet?” (38).