Scan barcode
A review by elderlingfool
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This slice of life fantasy was exactly what I was in the mood for.
Viv is an orc that leaves behind her life of fighting to make her dream of owning a coffee shop come true. Opening her own place proves to be a little troublesome, especially when no one in her place of choice has heard about coffee. That means Viv needs to rely on others in order to live a peaceful life.
The story has a very cosy atmosphere and a lot of endearing characters that end up forming a found family of sorts. Even though most of the characters are nice and the problems are solved somewhat quickly, there are a few threats given that some characters aren't pleased with Viv's idea of opening a show the way she is trying to do. These characters even make Viv consider violence again and she keeps her sword in sight because it turns out that looking intimidating still helps even though she would have preferred if that wasn't the case now that she is trying to live a completely different life.
The plot itself is cliché, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere and I ended up liking the characters more than I expected. The book has the perfect length for the kind of story it is and the chapters are really short, which helps.
My copy comes with an author interview at the end and when asked about why cosy fantasy is so popular he answers "I also think that there is a generation of people who grew up on fantasy, who love the genre, but are interested in hearing about things other than slaying dragons and finding treasures and fighting wars. I think Terry Pratchett understood this very well, and maybe we're just putting a new name to it now." and he nailed it. My absolute favourite fantasy books always have a slice of life and cosy element, even if they include the other stuff.
I knew I would enjoy this book, but I ended up liking it even more than that. The author also admits that narrating so many audiobooks helped with the writing style and it shows. Even though it is a simple style, it fits the sort of story it is and it's not bland. So, that was a really nice surprise.
I am glad I really enjoyed this book because it was one I brought home from my trip to Paris and I wanted to keep it. Now, I will and I will reread it in a few years for sure.
Viv is an orc that leaves behind her life of fighting to make her dream of owning a coffee shop come true. Opening her own place proves to be a little troublesome, especially when no one in her place of choice has heard about coffee. That means Viv needs to rely on others in order to live a peaceful life.
The story has a very cosy atmosphere and a lot of endearing characters that end up forming a found family of sorts. Even though most of the characters are nice and the problems are solved somewhat quickly, there are a few threats given that some characters aren't pleased with Viv's idea of opening a show the way she is trying to do. These characters even make Viv consider violence again and she keeps her sword in sight because it turns out that looking intimidating still helps even though she would have preferred if that wasn't the case now that she is trying to live a completely different life.
The plot itself is cliché, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere and I ended up liking the characters more than I expected. The book has the perfect length for the kind of story it is and the chapters are really short, which helps.
My copy comes with an author interview at the end and when asked about why cosy fantasy is so popular he answers "I also think that there is a generation of people who grew up on fantasy, who love the genre, but are interested in hearing about things other than slaying dragons and finding treasures and fighting wars. I think Terry Pratchett understood this very well, and maybe we're just putting a new name to it now." and he nailed it. My absolute favourite fantasy books always have a slice of life and cosy element, even if they include the other stuff.
I knew I would enjoy this book, but I ended up liking it even more than that. The author also admits that narrating so many audiobooks helped with the writing style and it shows. Even though it is a simple style, it fits the sort of story it is and it's not bland. So, that was a really nice surprise.
I am glad I really enjoyed this book because it was one I brought home from my trip to Paris and I wanted to keep it. Now, I will and I will reread it in a few years for sure.