Recent Reads: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree 
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date:  February 22, 2022

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

High Fantasy with a double-shot of self-reinvention

Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv the orc barbarian cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen.

However, her dreams of a fresh start pulling shots instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners and a different kind of resolve.

A hot cup of fantasy slice-of-life with a dollop of romantic froth.

Review: 

I am so glad I found this book on BookTok. It is such a cozy fantasy. This book was so warm and fuzzy to read and it really brought me so much joy. Everything was so wholesome and even the beginning when Viv is still collecting bounties and slaying monsters, it was well done and not overly graphic. 

The book follows Viv, a retired adventurer who built most of her life fighting and with violence, and now she would like to open a cafe. No one knows what coffee even is, but Viv has a passion for it since discovering it in a Gnomish village on her travels. She would like to bring this delightful warm cup to everyone and has a vision. To do so she brings together a lovely group of outcasts to build up her enterprise and it is beautiful.  This was such a good found-family story. The plot has some mystery and suspense here and there but really it was about building relationships around Viv. The characters are all great - Viv while strong, is also sensitive and determined and really going out on a limb to try something so different. Tandri is trying to break perceptions and freeing herself from a past life as well. Thimble! Oh my gosh, the best! A mouse baker... who is quiet but loves baking, SO CUTE! and Cal, our builder who once they get going will do anything to support Viv and her dream because she took a chance on him. 

I can't say enought how light and lovely this book was. It was a quick read but so delightful the entire time. I didn't to put it down. I loved the themes, I loved the cafe, I was hungry the whole time becuase of Thimble's baking descriptions.  A great start to my December reading. 

If you are looking for something cozy and cute, and love coffee - you will adore this one.