Scan barcode
beau_b_reading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
I picked this up as a cozy read, and it was! As a D&D nerd I can appreciated the setting a lot, and it wasn't too distracting either (as often the case in high fantasy). There were a couple language/spelling mistakes but I could quickly brush them off thanks to the engaging story and lovable characters. Very cute, very wholesome and a pleasure to read :)
Side note: I would probably like this book more of I drank coffee lol
Side note: I would probably like this book more of I drank coffee lol
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Minor: Death, Racism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
itsjayprobaby's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
I went into Legends and Lattes with high hopes for my first read in the cosy fantasy genre, and maybe it's my high expectations that let it down in the end but I was unfortunately left a little disappointed.
There are plenty of good things to be said for the book. I absolutely adored the characters, and really routed for Viv's success the entire time. I didn't go into this book knowing there was an LGBT+ romance, so that was also a pleasant surprise for me as a queer reader, and Viv and Tandri's romance was a perfect slow burn. The cast of characters was interesting, and I felt like each filled their role in the story well.
The book certainly was a high fantasy with low stakes exactly as it promises, and I think this was ultimately it's downfall for me. The prose isn't badly written by any stretch, but it is very simple which, for me, feels a little out of place in a vibrant high fantasy setting.
Baldree does an amazing job of bringing modernity into the high fantasy setting and nothing at all felt unreasonable about Viv opening a coffee shop with what amounts to all the mods and cons, including a bard with an electric guitar and amp. I think that in itself is a skill to be applauded, but unfortunately I felt the actually fantasy parts of the world where often under described, with some lore mentioned but never really explained or expanded upon.
My biggest issue was that I did feel that the overarching plot fell a little flat. It almost felt like the author was too afraid of losing the cosy vibe by adding in too much suspense or drama, and while that is a valid concern, the way that each problem Viv and Co have to overcome is resolved with a literary snap of the fingers felt both predictable and underwhelming. I definitely would have preferred just a little more tension, and I think the story could have handled that without losing the essence of a cosy, feel good story.
Overall a good, comfortable read with a happy ending that made me smile. I would definitely recommend this book to readers that want something light and feel good where any tension is resolved quickly and without lasting damage. If you, like me, need a more substantial plot to keep you interested in the beautiful cosy backdrop then you may also find yourself struggling to finish this book (though it is definitely worth it in the end).
There are plenty of good things to be said for the book. I absolutely adored the characters, and really routed for Viv's success the entire time. I didn't go into this book knowing there was an LGBT+ romance, so that was also a pleasant surprise for me as a queer reader, and Viv and Tandri's romance was a perfect slow burn. The cast of characters was interesting, and I felt like each filled their role in the story well.
The book certainly was a high fantasy with low stakes exactly as it promises, and I think this was ultimately it's downfall for me. The prose isn't badly written by any stretch, but it is very simple which, for me, feels a little out of place in a vibrant high fantasy setting.
Baldree does an amazing job of bringing modernity into the high fantasy setting and nothing at all felt unreasonable about Viv opening a coffee shop with what amounts to all the mods and cons, including a bard with an electric guitar and amp. I think that in itself is a skill to be applauded, but unfortunately I felt the actually fantasy parts of the world where often under described, with some lore mentioned but never really explained or expanded upon.
My biggest issue was that I did feel that the overarching plot fell a little flat. It almost felt like the author was too afraid of losing the cosy vibe by adding in too much suspense or drama, and while that is a valid concern, the way that each problem Viv and Co have to overcome is resolved with a literary snap of the fingers felt both predictable and underwhelming. I definitely would have preferred just a little more tension, and I think the story could have handled that without losing the essence of a cosy, feel good story.
Overall a good, comfortable read with a happy ending that made me smile. I would definitely recommend this book to readers that want something light and feel good where any tension is resolved quickly and without lasting damage. If you, like me, need a more substantial plot to keep you interested in the beautiful cosy backdrop then you may also find yourself struggling to finish this book (though it is definitely worth it in the end).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
esme_may's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Abandonment
greatexpectations77's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
I thought this was a really sweet, quick book. It was so cozy, and it was a great escape. I will say, there's almost no world-building, and if you're not familiar with a bunch of D&D concepts and characters, you will not have anything to build a mental image off of. D&D enthusiasts might not notice this, but the rest of us are very confused about thaumic somethings. I also have the probably-unpopular opinion that I thought that Viv and Tandri had a beautiful friendship that didn't need to be ruined with love. I actually thought the strength of this book was how much it lifted up friendship as a legitimate relationship of support. Most importantly, I would dye for Thimble. He is perfect. I would read a book about him being silent.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
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
riverofhorton's review against another edition
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
4.75
This book was far more enjoyable than I was expecting it to be, and is one that I can see myself revisiting in the future.
It's a slow burn queer romance between a demon and a book-lover, with coffee playing an important role in the story. There are other things I could add that made me think of Good Omens, but I think they would spoil it.
All the main characters are loveable, which is something I don't normally experience. I especially enjoyed reading about the anthropomorphic rat, and the cat, and can see myself naming future pets after after them.
This would be a 5 star read, if not for the repetitiveness of the way some of the chapters end.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, and works well for a brief break from other books that tackle more challenging subjects.
It's a slow burn queer romance between a demon and a book-lover, with coffee playing an important role in the story. There are other things I could add that made me think of Good Omens, but I think they would spoil it.
All the main characters are loveable, which is something I don't normally experience. I especially enjoyed reading about the anthropomorphic rat, and the cat, and can see myself naming future pets after after them.
This would be a 5 star read, if not for the repetitiveness of the way some of the chapters end.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, and works well for a brief break from other books that tackle more challenging subjects.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Gore, Racism, Violence, Blood, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Violence, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
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: Violence and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcoholism, Cursing, Racism, Sexism, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
jakepasseri's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
A fun, enjoyable, and wholesome read to end 2022 with! Highly recommend
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Stalking, and Abandonment
Minor: Classism
While not covered in any of the content warnings, Tandribooksthoughtsandtea's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wholesome. Adorable. A love letter to friendships made in Dungeons and Dragons.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Blood, Stalking, Murder, and Abandonment