keegan_leech's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
To use a coffee metaphor, Legends & Lattes is like a cortado. It's light, simple, warm, goes down quickly, and doesn't have the bite or bitterness that you might find in another drink. I really blazed through it, and enjoyed myself the whole time. My edition even had a delightful short story in the back which, in this analogy, could be thought of as the complimentary biscuit that came with the drink (and that's as far as I'll be stretching that metaphor).
The book really delivers on the cosy coffee shop fantasy that it advertises. The stakes are low, the characters are charming, and everything works out just as you'd hope by the end. It has the feel of a fluffy, lighthearted one-shot your dungeon master threw together to give the party a break between more weighty, involved campaign arcs.
Which is all fantastic. But there's not much more to the book than it appears at first glance. The plot beats are all very conventional and while it's very thematically cohesive, there isn't much depth to that thematic content. From very early in the novel, its clear that this is a book about being able to change, or be something other than what is expected of you. Some very light (and very early) spoilers to give some examples: This pattern crops up so often that the book begins to feel a little one-note, but at least it's a pleasant note to listen to.
In fact, I rather appreciated the winking in-fiction explanation for why this was the case (this one's a real big spoiler for the end of the book):
All-in-all, this is a good book, and I'm looking forward to the sequel, but don't go in expecting it to surprise you. Ironically, considering its themes, this book is pretty much exactly what it seems to be.
The book really delivers on the cosy coffee shop fantasy that it advertises. The stakes are low, the characters are charming, and everything works out just as you'd hope by the end. It has the feel of a fluffy, lighthearted one-shot your dungeon master threw together to give the party a break between more weighty, involved campaign arcs.
Which is all fantastic. But there's not much more to the book than it appears at first glance. The plot beats are all very conventional and while it's very thematically cohesive, there isn't much depth to that thematic content. From very early in the novel, its clear that this is a book about being able to change, or be something other than what is expected of you. Some very light (and very early) spoilers to give some examples:
Spoiler
The main character is a muscular orc brawler, but she's intelligent and caring and dreams of settling down to open a coffee shop. When she does, she builds the cosy, picturesque café in a building converted from a filthy, run down livery. The first employee is an academic, driven succubus who actively fights against an in-universe perception that all succubi are deceitful nymphomaniacs.In fact, I rather appreciated the winking in-fiction explanation for why this was the case (this one's a real big spoiler for the end of the book):
Spoiler
They were magically drawn together because of a kind of empathetic connection with the feeling of being more than what's expected of them. I thought this was cute, especially the way that it frames empathy and community as a kind of magic or good-fortune. Although it's only one step removed from "The real treasure was the friends we made along the way."All-in-all, this is a good book, and I'm looking forward to the sequel, but don't go in expecting it to surprise you. Ironically, considering its themes, this book is pretty much exactly what it seems to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Stalking, and Violence
sonatica's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This is my favorite book, and I'd recommend it to basically anyone!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual harassment and Alcoholism
khargaotte's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was as good a read as everyone had promised! The feelings of cozyness are definitely there, though, to play on the catchphrase on the cover, it did make me realize that I like my stories with a little bit more stakes. This didn't prevent me from loving every moment spent with this story and characters, with a special mention to the description of Thimble's pastries, which really made me crave some baked goods!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcoholism, Blood, and Violence
Fire/Fire injury:Spoiler
the climax of the plot revolves around the coffee shop being burnt down; there are no casualties, but Viv does get pretty badly burnt trying to salvage some prized possessions from the blaze. Both her injuries and the process of the building burning down are related with details.Spoiler
As Viv used to be a mercenary before opening the shop, there are some flashbacks to that period of time; the prequel short story included in some editions also relates one of those missions.Spoiler
the former owner of the building that becomes the coffee shop is an alcoholic; he's only present in one scene in chapter 1, where Viv finds him drinking at the bar early in the morning.stargazer_ley's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- 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
One of my qpps recommended this book to me and it hit the mark for me. It's not a high fantasy world saving book but it's fun and cozy like the coffee shop it centers around. The characters are loveable save maybe like 2 . And yes, there is a romance but it's not the main focus and I feel like it is sweet. One of them isn't stated to be ace but honestly I headcanon them (I don't want to spoil who) as ace. Ok I will. Also spoiler for the end
Spoiler
they are meant to be. Seriously screw FennusSpoiler
Tandri reads as ace. The way she reacts to Thimble's food just reads ace to me.Spoiler
who the hells is Darius really? Like it's hinted that he's a time traveler or a god or who is this mystery gnome!?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Grief
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.augustar14's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Come right in to Legends and Lattes! Learn what coffee is, have a tasty treat baked by the best baker in town, and settle in for a while. Who knows what friends you might make or interesting things you might see?
Delightfully peaceful without ever being boring. Wonderfully full characters that will have you wishing for more time with them by the time the book is through.
Delightfully peaceful without ever being boring. Wonderfully full characters that will have you wishing for more time with them by the time the book is through.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Violence
Minor: Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Racism, and Cursing
saintyeehaw's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this adventure. I really needed a message of perseverance in the face of life changes like this right now. I didn't feel much chemistry in the romance but that might be because of current personal issues in my life right now so I won't pass a judgement on it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Stalking, Sexual harassment, and Violence
maeverose's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.75
I keep going back and forth on if this is a 2.5 or a 3 for me.
It’s pretty much what you’d expect: a story about someone starting up a coffee shop from scratch in a fantasy setting. Very little happens outside of that. There’s a hint of a romance but it’s really not a big focus at all. There’s also a point of conflict mostly towards the end, but that’s it.
It was just alright for me. I wouldn’t go as far as saying I was bored, but it was just very mildly entertaining. And I’m not really someone who needs plot to enjoy a book, a lot of my favorite books are very slow paced and character focused. So idk why this one didn’t really work for me. I didn’t dislike anything. In theory I should’ve liked it more. But it was very meh throughout.
In hindsight, I think I like slow books more if there’s some sort of social commentary or message to it, rather than literally just a slow slice-of-life story with nothing to say. Becky Chambers is a good example, while her books never go very deep into the social commentary, it’s always there. Her books often explore humanity, communism and environmentalism in subtle ways alongside the slice-of-life character focused story.
It’s pretty much what you’d expect: a story about someone starting up a coffee shop from scratch in a fantasy setting. Very little happens outside of that. There’s a hint of a romance but it’s really not a big focus at all. There’s also a point of conflict mostly towards the end, but that’s it.
It was just alright for me. I wouldn’t go as far as saying I was bored, but it was just very mildly entertaining. And I’m not really someone who needs plot to enjoy a book, a lot of my favorite books are very slow paced and character focused. So idk why this one didn’t really work for me. I didn’t dislike anything. In theory I should’ve liked it more. But it was very meh throughout.
In hindsight, I think I like slow books more if there’s some sort of social commentary or message to it, rather than literally just a slow slice-of-life story with nothing to say. Becky Chambers is a good example, while her books never go very deep into the social commentary, it’s always there. Her books often explore humanity, communism and environmentalism in subtle ways alongside the slice-of-life character focused story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Cursing, and Stalking
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, Excrement, Fatphobia, Alcoholism, and Murder
*about the gore: It’s only in the prologue (which is skippable) and it’s fantasy non-human goreuranaishi's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Bullying
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Racism, Animal death, Death, Stalking, Murder, and Violence
More...