Overall: 🐢🐢🐢🐢
Storyline: ★★★.5
Writing Style: ★★★★
Character Development: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★
“What flames could not consume, Never shall be extinguished.”
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Story:
After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.
The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.
If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.
But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.
Key Elements:
Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy, Coffee shop, Dreams, Coffee, Friends, Pastries, Magic
More in The Series:
- Book .5: Bookshops & Bonedust
- Book 2: Brigands & Breadknives
Why This Rating?
Who would have thought that a cozy fantasy book was something that would pop up, but I am so happy that it has! Travis Baldree is a genius with this story. It is a simple, fun, dream-following story that is based in a fantasy world and is absolutely wholesome. Throughout this story, we get to follow Viv’s dream of having her very own coffee shop after years of adventures that constantly putt her life on the line. The book consists of all the hard work, plans, and trials creating this dream entails for Viv. The friends that she makes are absolutely precious. Thimble has to be my favorite since he is just so stinking cute! But, Cal and Tandri are equally wonderful. Viv faces challenges any small business owner would face just in a fantasy setting. I’ve never wanted a story about real life woes before; however, after reading about this coffee shop owner in a world of orcs, succubi, Rattkin, dwarves, humans, direcats, and so many more fantasy races, I can only say, I want the next book as soon as possible!
The book has a very slow start and honestly, doesn’t pick up much speed. It’s a lazy, low-stakes, cozy feels read the entire way through. There are little moments of mystery scattered throughout to keep us interested. The Scalvert’s stone – and what it is. Who this Madrigal is. Fennus and the bur thats up his butt. Durais! None of these were doom pending or anxiety raising. They each simply peaked my curiosity and stayed floating at the back of my head while I was enjoying the story.
The was such a sweet, comfy, beautiful read that was all about following your dreams. It might seem like such an odd combination for a book but don’t let looks deceive you. An orc can make amazing coffee. A hob can be an brilliant carpenter. A succubi could be your best friend. And a rattkin can be a magician in the kitchen. When so many come together, dreams will answer.
I recommend this to any of my Dungeons and Dragons people out there. Also to those who really enjoy a comfy, cozy read to pass a quiet afternoon with. And to my fellow coffee addicts out there. I look forward to reading the next one!
Time to get lost in the next story!
