theaceofpages's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
I didn't find myself really caring about any of the characters (although Thimble could be interesting had we been given more information - I feel like there could be an interesting back story there. Honestly, Viv's (and everyone else actually) lack of interest was a little upsetting). It feels like one of those fanfics aimed at people who love certain characters, but you don't know them before hand so just get bored. The world is also not that interesting. It's a pretty bland and generic fantasy world (which can definitely work with the right author and/or story, don't get me wrong) with nothing much fleshed out. I would have loved an actual fantasy coffee shop (think fantasy drinks instead of/ in addition to "gnomish beans" (just coffee assigned to a fantasy race) - think foods and drinks made with fantasy ingredients)
I considered giving up many times (I often found myself reaching the end of a chapter, realising I had taken nothing in and going back and re-reading only to discover that there was noting there) but since it's short I decided to see where it goes. I know this is low stakes, but I was still expecting something more. When I found out this book was written for NaNoWriMo it made a lot more sense - a lot of it feels like words for the sake of words. I recently read a cozy SciFi book that I loved and looking back, it's because there was actually a mystery in the background as well as well fleshed out characters and intriguing setting, and the writing quality was far higher than it was for this book.
I am happy for those who enjoyed it, of course, but I guess this is yet more proof of how different my reading tastes are from what is considered to be popular by the broader online world.
Moderate: Violence and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cursing
The violence is in the prologue and can be skippedevebananas'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
This is a story about the power of friendship, kindness, and coffee, and I loved it the whole way through.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
kaylameaux's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Cursing and Fire/Fire injury
ilana_pop's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
muchadoaboutliz'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
4.75
The characters were all delightful and the story of the shop was a good one. It took a while to get going but once it was there, it was wonderful. Also the food descriptions were immaculate. I could pretty much taste everything that the shop served, which was both great and terrible at the same time haha.
I’d highly recommend this as a cozy fantasy read, perfect for the fall and early winter.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Blood, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual harassment
apolloann'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: Injury/Injury detail and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Blood, Racism, Violence, and Alcohol
proza's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Cursing and Racism
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual harassment
softanimal's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
katiesbeengone'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
4.0
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Sexual harassment
hayleyvem'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
4.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Xenophobia, Self harm, Sexual harassment, and Stalking
Minor: Alcohol