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howeonearth's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Blood and Sexual harassment
chronic_listener's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
This was such a comfy, cozy read with lots of wholesome moments that had me go "🥹". I really liked the details of Viv and Cal building the shop, that combined with all the baked goods slowly added to the shop felt like unlocking new levels in a cozy video game.
I totally see how this is beloved by so many but for me personally a 5 star read needs to really move me and leave a lasting impression, which as sweet and fun as this book was, in just not the case here for me.
Would totally recommend if you are looking for a short, quick and enjoyable book with a coffee shop DIY project and found family vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Gore, Racism, Xenophobia, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
booksoversecondbreakfast's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
5.0
I just loved this book so much!! It's definitely a cozy fantasy, so don't expect something fast-paced and thrilling, but it's just so sweet and full of so much well thought out lore and intrigue.
It's a story of a retired mercenary & adventure orc, Viv, and her journey building a business and a community. There's a secondary plot that features a romance between Viv and one of the other characters, but it's not as central as the community-building plot of the book. I had hoped that there would be more romance to this book, because I really enjoyed it, but I can't penalize the book for not having as much of as I'd have preferred, especially because it was so tastefully written and the rest of the plot was so interesting otherwise.
All in all, this was totally a 5-star book! Especially for fantasy! The characters were all so interesting and loveable, the setting left me wanting to explore the world and visit Viv's coffee shop, and the magic system seemed well thought out and interesting. It was such a wonderful found-family story, which I'm a total sucker for, and I loved how this author made that work in such an interesting and well-written fantasy world. We totally need more books like these! I borrowed this book via ebook from the library, but I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this book for my library, because I expect to comfort-reread this several times throughout my lifetime.
It's a story of a retired mercenary & adventure orc, Viv, and her journey building a business and a community. There's a secondary plot that features a romance between Viv and one of the other characters, but it's not as central as the community-building plot of the book. I had hoped that there would be more romance to this book, because I really enjoyed it, but I can't penalize the book for not having as much of as I'd have preferred, especially because it was so tastefully written and the rest of the plot was so interesting otherwise.
All in all, this was totally a 5-star book! Especially for fantasy! The characters were all so interesting and loveable, the setting left me wanting to explore the world and visit Viv's coffee shop, and the magic system seemed well thought out and interesting. It was such a wonderful found-family story, which I'm a total sucker for, and I loved how this author made that work in such an interesting and well-written fantasy world. We totally need more books like these! I borrowed this book via ebook from the library, but I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this book for my library, because I expect to comfort-reread this several times throughout my lifetime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Racism, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Stalking, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death, Genocide, Gore, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Gaslighting
kirstieanya's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don't think I have ever so clearly envisioned a fictional place, and I can't think of any wanting to be inside a book more than Legends and Lattes.
This book is the definition of cosy fantasy. The descriptions of the Thune and the coffee shop were warm and vivid, and I could feel myself in the space. I love the way Baldree narrated Viv's passion for coffee; the prose was so decadent that every chapter left me craving a hot latte (even though I never liked coffee).
In terms of plot, I was left wanting either more or slightly less. I appreciate that the "cosy fantasy" genre is supposed to be just that—cosy—but I found the narrative left something to be desired. There was a tiny bit of drama/trepidation in there, but without the payoff of a clever reveal, it felt like an unnessicary and jarringly stressful diversion from the cosy story I was enjoying.
I also wasn't a huge fan of the bonus "pages to fill section". Again, the reason for picking this book up was for a gentle fantasy romp, so several pages devoted to fighting, chasing, and crime weren't for me.
Nevertheless, the characters were delightful. Baldree has a skill for writing soft, lovable, and awkward characters. I found myself routing for all of the main coffeehouse crew and always felt a sense of comfort when they were on the page, like a gentle hug.
Once I had the chance to properly sit down with this book, I flew through it. It is a great easy, cosy read, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a gentle story on a cold day.
This book is the definition of cosy fantasy. The descriptions of the Thune and the coffee shop were warm and vivid, and I could feel myself in the space. I love the way Baldree narrated Viv's passion for coffee; the prose was so decadent that every chapter left me craving a hot latte (even though I never liked coffee).
I also wasn't a huge fan of the bonus "pages to fill section". Again, the reason for picking this book up was for a gentle fantasy romp, so several pages devoted to fighting, chasing, and crime weren't for me.
Nevertheless, the characters were delightful. Baldree has a skill for writing soft, lovable, and awkward characters. I found myself routing for all of the main coffeehouse crew and always felt a sense of comfort when they were on the page, like a gentle hug.
Once I had the chance to properly sit down with this book, I flew through it. It is a great easy, cosy read, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a gentle story on a cold day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Body horror, Violence, and Murder
readwithkel's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Cozy fantasy, but I found it slightly boring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Murder
lyneobsessions's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Un roman de cosy fantasy comme je les aime ! Ici on retrouve des personnages attachants bien que tous différents les uns des autres. À première vue, rien ne pourraient les rassembler et pourtant !
J'ai aimé que l'histoire prenne son temps, que l'on découvre chaque personne au fil des jours et que le café soit mis en place tout aussi lentement. À l'image d'une histoire qui se focus sur l'introspection de son personnage principal, il y a peu d'action mais les quelques événements qui ont lieu suffisent car le suspense reste présent entre chaque moment clé.
Une histoire douce, qui donne envie de manger des pâtisseries avec une boisson chaude 🥰
J'ai aimé que l'histoire prenne son temps, que l'on découvre chaque personne au fil des jours et que le café soit mis en place tout aussi lentement. À l'image d'une histoire qui se focus sur l'introspection de son personnage principal, il y a peu d'action mais les quelques événements qui ont lieu suffisent car le suspense reste présent entre chaque moment clé.
Une histoire douce, qui donne envie de manger des pâtisseries avec une boisson chaude 🥰
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence
tinyjude's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
La sensación de paz y calma que me ha proporcionado este libro es maravillosa. Las páginas se pasan volando, es muy fácil encariñarse con los personajes y el mensaje central de la novela.
Es todo y más de lo que esperaba de la premisa. Imaginad un Coffee Shop AU de tus personajes de fantasía favoritos, retirados y descansando por fin tras largas aventuras, y conociendo una nueva faceta de sí mismos. Eso es esta novela y más.
Dedal no podría ser más adorable 😍 ojalá poder visitar el Café de las Leyendas en la vida real.
Es todo y más de lo que esperaba de la premisa. Imaginad un Coffee Shop AU de tus personajes de fantasía favoritos, retirados y descansando por fin tras largas aventuras, y conociendo una nueva faceta de sí mismos. Eso es esta novela y más.
Dedal no podría ser más adorable 😍 ojalá poder visitar el Café de las Leyendas en la vida real.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Body shaming, Violence, and Murder
bratlingling's review against another edition
hopeful
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
3.0
This is a book you read for the vibes and the vibes were nice. Reading this made me want to bake cinnamon rolls and open a cafe with my friends and I enjoyes the little world it created. Nevertheless the story wasn't very interesting and the characters were only shallowly explored. Somehow, something was missing for me to really get attached to the book, maybe because it simply lacked depth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Murder
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book totally lives up to the hype. It’s a sweet, cozy story of an Orc who is tired of being known for violence and just wants to own a coffee shop. She follows her dreams and collects a lovely group of friends along the way. Just delightful, and now I want a cinnamon roll.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence and Murder
staceyinthesticks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Violence, Murder, and Alcohol