A review by dhiyanah
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
An easeful, thoughtfully-paced cozy adventure set in a high fantasy world with great characters, dialogues, and heart-warming growth edges. I read this mostly as a way to unwind during bedtime - ended up going to sleep craving warm drinks and pastries a lot! I was expecting to get bored by the feeling of 'nothing's happening,' but the pacing was set just right for the book to feel like a lullaby at times, and a casual adventure at others.
There is some suspense and conflict that build up in the book, keeping the readers ever so slightly on their toes. After all, how familiar are we with that feeling of looking over our shoulder when things are going well, waiting for the other shoe to drop - because it somehow seemingly always does?
The author does a wonderful job at representing grief in the aftermath of conflict - it was visceral, it was relatable, it had enough space to feel real without weighing on the readers too heavily. I really appreciate how this was done. And how the characters moved together through it. As someone who's invested right now in books and works of art that relax the nervous system, I can highly recommend this if you're looking for a restful book companion to have while you're healing, recovering, or in need of hopeful encouragement around themes of friendship, belonging, and chosen family. Best read during tea time or over a pastry-filled brekkie, enjoy!
There is some suspense and conflict that build up in the book, keeping the readers ever so slightly on their toes. After all, how familiar are we with that feeling of looking over our shoulder when things are going well, waiting for the other shoe to drop - because it somehow seemingly always does?
The author does a wonderful job at representing grief in the aftermath of conflict - it was visceral, it was relatable, it had enough space to feel real without weighing on the readers too heavily. I really appreciate how this was done. And how the characters moved together through it. As someone who's invested right now in books and works of art that relax the nervous system, I can highly recommend this if you're looking for a restful book companion to have while you're healing, recovering, or in need of hopeful encouragement around themes of friendship, belonging, and chosen family. Best read during tea time or over a pastry-filled brekkie, enjoy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Xenophobia