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claire_leibovitz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Cursing, Grief, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Alcohol
tamara_joy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Grief
caitlinemccann's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Grief and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual harassment
dhiyanah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
There is some suspense and conflict that build up in the book, keeping the readers ever so slightly on their toes. After all, how familiar are we with that feeling of looking over our shoulder when things are going well, waiting for the other shoe to drop - because it somehow seemingly always does?
The author does a wonderful job at representing grief in the aftermath of conflict - it was visceral, it was relatable, it had enough space to feel real without weighing on the readers too heavily. I really appreciate how this was done. And how the characters moved together through it. As someone who's invested right now in books and works of art that relax the nervous system, I can highly recommend this if you're looking for a restful book companion to have while you're healing, recovering, or in need of hopeful encouragement around themes of friendship, belonging, and chosen family. Best read during tea time or over a pastry-filled brekkie, enjoy!
Moderate: Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
robin1010's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
First and foremost the writing was very enjoyable. It wasn't particularly dense, but still descriptive and rich, and appropriately humorous where it was needed. I definitely got strong DnD vibes, though I think the author has mentioned that they themself have not played much DnD, just helped design games in similar worlds. I was a bit nervous reading a book about sapphic women written by a man, as historically thats had some issues, but I had no issues with Baldree's writing of women. I know someone I was buddy reading this with mentioned he excessively uses 'the woman' when referring to Tandri, to the point that it felt a bit out of place.
The characters were heartwarming, I genuinely adored them and was rooting for them every step of the way. All had distinct voices and motivations that were similar enough that you can see why they were brought together. The only place this falls a bit flat is with the antagonists.
The romance wasn't as much of a focus as I thought it was going into it, but that's not a bad thing. It was sweet, and there were some really beautiful moments between the main couple. I would have preferred if there was more lead up, and some fluffy padding, as it seems to happen rather suddenly. But 'dollop of romantic froth' on top does seem to describe the romance well.
I liked the way the plot unfolded and the mystery of
Overall, I am very glad I bought a hard copy, as this is now one of my favourites and one I believe I will reread when I want to feel the cosiness of Viv's coffee shop again.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Grief, and Stalking
justmys's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It's soft and warm and is the perfect read for curling up in a blanket with a hot drink and a snack.
The characters are all so thoughtfully written, the conflicts handled with grace and the world building (although the world is small) is full of mystery and friendship and branching stories that you just want to visit Thune, snuggle into a booth with a latte and a cinnamon roll and people watch the day away.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
lynxpardinus's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Excrement, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
alexalily's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Grief and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
msradiosilence's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content warnings at the bottom. :)
This book was described to me as a cozy fantasy, and after reading a bunch of high fantasy last year, I was glad this was so low stakes. Also, I usually have an issue with men writing lesbian couples, but Baldree did it in a way that didn’t give me an ick (unlike so many, many other men). While I am of the firm opinion that you shouldn’t write from a perspective you can never or will never experience, at least Baldree did it in a respectful way.
Anyway. I loved Viv and Tandri. The idea of an orc opening a coffee shop in a D&D-esque world where she’s constantly having to explain to folks what coffee is was delightful. I loved all of the characters, and the gradual build of Viv’s life. It was so sweet, and while the book was a quick read, the pacing was pretty great.
Honestly, I have no huge complaints about the book, except for maybe the language. It was a little awkward in a few places, but I suspect that’s because the author didn’t quite find his voice, or one that felt completely right in both understandability with low fantasy, and just the weird place D&D exists.
Rating: 4.75
Would I recommend? Yes, especially if you liked the D&D movie, you like cozy low fantasy, or you’re just looking for an enjoyable and easy read.
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
stargazer_ley's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Alcoholism, Gore, and Racism
I listed racism because that honestly seems the best word for the way a specific character treats Viv (the mc). It's fantasy racism but still.