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melis_salome's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- 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
Prefect introduction to cozy fantasy !
The story felt like a warm blanket without making me bored. I loved the characters and how they all interacted (special shout out to Thimble).
I see why some people might not like it as much because of how the plot is not the main focal point but the vibes got me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Violence
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
aranelquendi's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence and Sexual harassment
Minor: Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
mocksens's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
teddie_valetine98's review against another edition
funny
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking and Sexual harassment
hc7's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The shy ratman baker named Thimble is precious.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying
Women kisslfp_reading's review against another edition
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
"She was smiling, and for the first time, the building, the city, this place... felt like hers. A place she'd still be tomorrow, the week after, next season, next year... home."
A perfectly charming little cozy fantasy!
Legends and Lattes isn't a particularly thrilling read - but I wasn't expecting it to be. Rather, it's a lovely little low-stakes adventure that was exactly what I needed to ease my way into the year.
Big D&D sidequest vibes with a charming array of vibrant characters and LGBTQ+ representation. Not to be dramatic or anything, but I would die for Thimble.
I'll definitely check out the prequel at some point, probably saving it was a rainy day when I need a cozy pick-me-up!
A perfectly charming little cozy fantasy!
Legends and Lattes isn't a particularly thrilling read - but I wasn't expecting it to be. Rather, it's a lovely little low-stakes adventure that was exactly what I needed to ease my way into the year.
Big D&D sidequest vibes with a charming array of vibrant characters and LGBTQ+ representation. Not to be dramatic or anything, but I would die for Thimble.
I'll definitely check out the prequel at some point, probably saving it was a rainy day when I need a cozy pick-me-up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual harassment
augustrogue's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
The perfect cozy first read of the year. I'm willing to hand-wave a few logical inconsistencies regarding the Madrigal subplot - and the somewhat silly choice of using the terms 'latte' and 'barista', but tiptoeing around others like 'biscotti' and 'chocolate croissant' - to enjoy the lower stakes, found family fantasy vibes. Breezy to read and easy to love, with very charming and memorable characters. Reading this made me crave some fresh baked pastries.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gore, Xenophobia, and Sexual harassment
lizacorn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Cosy as heck found family vibes ✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Stalking
Minor: Xenophobia and Sexual harassment
gingerbirder's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a cozy lil' read. A sweet story about found family and fate without being too saccharine. Set in a high fantasy world.
I expected more fantasy adventure (or any, really). Instead it's the "npc" side of the fantasy. The non-adventurers who keep the world moving and the coffee hot while the heroes are out slaying dragons. Not the best, but certainly not the worst.
I expected more fantasy adventure (or any, really). Instead it's the "npc" side of the fantasy. The non-adventurers who keep the world moving and the coffee hot while the heroes are out slaying dragons. Not the best, but certainly not the worst.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail