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fionamclary's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a good one to read while going through a complicated move. Not the most thrilling, but reassuring and warm. Plus, there's a giant cat!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence and Stalking
Minor: Racism and Sexual harassment
modzu's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism
black_cat_iiix's review
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Domestic abuse, Racism, and Stalking
owliglot'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Violence and Stalking
readwithria's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Legends & Lattes is the epitome of cozy fantasy.
As a D&D lover, and a fantasy lover, this book ticked so many boxes for me. The found family was amazing, both in terms of Vivโs adventuring party and her new coffee shop family. I also really loved how much care was in this book, and how everyone in the community that Viv built had a perfectly shaped place for themselves.
I definitely have a soft spot for Thimble, but all of the characters are lovely! This is definitely a book where the ensemble shines, and they all add something to the story.
I will definitely be reading more from Travis Baldree, and also listening to more of his narration. Iโd highly recommend the audiobook, he is incredible! 4 stars
As a D&D lover, and a fantasy lover, this book ticked so many boxes for me. The found family was amazing, both in terms of Vivโs adventuring party and her new coffee shop family. I also really loved how much care was in this book, and how everyone in the community that Viv built had a perfectly shaped place for themselves.
I definitely have a soft spot for Thimble, but all of the characters are lovely! This is definitely a book where the ensemble shines, and they all add something to the story.
I will definitely be reading more from Travis Baldree, and also listening to more of his narration. Iโd highly recommend the audiobook, he is incredible! 4 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cursing, Racism, and Sexual harassment
pryingblackbird's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Racism and Violence
chainsawmochi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Cozy fantasy. Those are two words not often associated with each other, especially not when it comes to novels. At least, if it is, it isn't associated enough. "Legends & Lattes" offers up something unique and beautiful--the what comes after.
Main character Viv, a battle worn Orc, hangs up her sword in order to open up a cafe in a bustling riverside city. This is after years and years of fighting, of adventuring and questing. One might think of her as a Dungeons and Dragons playable character--one that has seen enough blood and bone for multiple lifetimes. Now, she is looking for more; she is looking for an actual life for herself. Something she had own, and hold, and love without having to fight off monsters and mages.
Within the pages of "Legends & Lattes" lies the story of Viv's happily ever after. It isn't so easy as that, however; soon she finds herself entangled with foes old and new. Yet, through it all, she begins to collect a loving found family around herself--and discovers that some things are really worth fighting for.
Travis Baldree is a master of storytelling. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every moment of this novel. It had moments of being perfectly raw and loving, along with moments of pulse-pounding intrigue. Viv's journey becomes more than just opening a coffee shop; it becomes a testament to discovering what makes you feel good, feel purposeful and fulfilled. There are beautiful moments of calm within the narrative. These reflective moments are nothing to skip over; they are just as important to the story as the parts with action and tension. There is an ebb and flow that reminds me very much of cozy mystery novels.
"Legends & Lattes" has opened up a whole new world of fantasy to me. I am already craving more cozy fantasy. Hopefully I will be able to find something that is as decadent as this splendid, coffee-flavored story.
Main character Viv, a battle worn Orc, hangs up her sword in order to open up a cafe in a bustling riverside city. This is after years and years of fighting, of adventuring and questing. One might think of her as a Dungeons and Dragons playable character--one that has seen enough blood and bone for multiple lifetimes. Now, she is looking for more; she is looking for an actual life for herself. Something she had own, and hold, and love without having to fight off monsters and mages.
Within the pages of "Legends & Lattes" lies the story of Viv's happily ever after. It isn't so easy as that, however; soon she finds herself entangled with foes old and new. Yet, through it all, she begins to collect a loving found family around herself--and discovers that some things are really worth fighting for.
Travis Baldree is a master of storytelling. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every moment of this novel. It had moments of being perfectly raw and loving, along with moments of pulse-pounding intrigue. Viv's journey becomes more than just opening a coffee shop; it becomes a testament to discovering what makes you feel good, feel purposeful and fulfilled. There are beautiful moments of calm within the narrative. These reflective moments are nothing to skip over; they are just as important to the story as the parts with action and tension. There is an ebb and flow that reminds me very much of cozy mystery novels.
"Legends & Lattes" has opened up a whole new world of fantasy to me. I am already craving more cozy fantasy. Hopefully I will be able to find something that is as decadent as this splendid, coffee-flavored story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Racism, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
leexpen's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
๐ SYNOPSIS:
A retired orc adventurer builds a fantasy-style Starbucks and learns the power of friendship (and love).
๐กโค๏ธ๐จโ๏ธ๐ฅฏ๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐ฅ
๐๐ป RECOMMENDATION:
๐ READ it! It's a quick and heartwarming story that makes an excellent palate cleanser.
๐ฌ FAVORITE QUOTES:
[PENDING]
๐ FORMAT:
๐ง
๐ COMMENTS:
โข This is cozy, slice of life fantasy at its finest! Most of the plot features fairly mundane and low stakes events, and the characters move about their daily lives with surprising regard for one another. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea or cocoa) and let the warmth wash over you.
โข It's a fairly short read, but it still could've been shorter with how little plot or character development actually occurs. The fantasy is also more flavor than an actual setting, and it's hilarious (in simultaneously good and bad ways) to encounter a Starbucks being built in a Dungeons & Dragons setting. The story lives in its atmosphere and themes.
โข The characters are flat but quirky, featuring races you'll recognize if you're a D&D fan. The romance follows a slow pace, coming across as written by someone who has not experienced a sapphic relationship firsthand, but that should be expected given how blatantly butch an orc protagonist sounds. On that note, stereotypes and racism are key elements directly addressed by the text.
โข The menu motif is heartwarming. Even as someone who doesn't drink coffee (sorry!), it's charming to read/hear the menu growing as the characters develop new items to offer their customers.
โข Reminds me of Restaraunt to Another World. Yummy!
A retired orc adventurer builds a fantasy-style Starbucks and learns the power of friendship (and love).
๐กโค๏ธ๐จโ๏ธ๐ฅฏ๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐ฅ
๐๐ป RECOMMENDATION:
๐ READ it! It's a quick and heartwarming story that makes an excellent palate cleanser.
๐ฌ FAVORITE QUOTES:
[PENDING]
๐ FORMAT:
๐ง
๐ COMMENTS:
โข This is cozy, slice of life fantasy at its finest! Most of the plot features fairly mundane and low stakes events, and the characters move about their daily lives with surprising regard for one another. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea or cocoa) and let the warmth wash over you.
โข It's a fairly short read, but it still could've been shorter with how little plot or character development actually occurs. The fantasy is also more flavor than an actual setting, and it's hilarious (in simultaneously good and bad ways) to encounter a Starbucks being built in a Dungeons & Dragons setting. The story lives in its atmosphere and themes.
โข The characters are flat but quirky, featuring races you'll recognize if you're a D&D fan. The romance follows a slow pace, coming across as written by someone who has not experienced a sapphic relationship firsthand, but that should be expected given how blatantly butch an orc protagonist sounds. On that note, stereotypes and racism are key elements directly addressed by the text.
โข The menu motif is heartwarming. Even as someone who doesn't drink coffee (sorry!), it's charming to read/hear the menu growing as the characters develop new items to offer their customers.
โข Reminds me of Restaraunt to Another World. Yummy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Cursing
aurora4847's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Xenophobia and Murder
Minor: Racism, Violence, and Stalking
iane_reads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Bullying, Death, Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Stalking, Murder, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail