Review: Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Today I’m delighted to share a review of the most unconventional fantasy book I’ve ever read: Legends and Lattes. What really enticed me about this story was the unique premise. I’ve read a wide range of fantasy about saving the world, defeating monsters, and overthrowing corrupt monarchies. What I haven’t done is read about an orc starting a coffee shop. Legends and Lattes is a delightful window into the everyday life of a fantasy world.

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Blurb

High Fantasy with a double-shot of self-reinvention

Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv the orc barbarian cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen.

However, her dreams of a fresh start pulling shots instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners and a different kind of resolve.

A hot cup of fantasy slice-of-life with a dollop of romantic froth.

Review of Legends and Lattes

*Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book.*

• Pacing: fast
• Character driven
• Single POV
• Sapphic MC
• Slowburn F/F romance
• Found family trope

Reading Legends and Lattes felt like sitting down in a coffee shop for the first time. I loved how this cozy fantasy celebrated the small pleasures in life, and how they can bring people together. It is is truly the best novel to read while wrapped in warm blankets and enjoying your favorite hot drink.

Characters

The main character, Viv, was such a fun character to follow. I liked the contrast of her intimidating exterior and violent past compared to her soft dream of opening a coffee shop. It was such a pleasure getting to see Viv make connections throughout the story. By the end I felt like I’d make new friends. In some parts of the book we got to meet Viv’s friends from her past life as a mercinary. Despite having little time in the story, the author was able to bring their personalities to life. I found myself wishing there was a prequel just so I could read more about them and Viv’s adventures together.

Worldbuilding

Since the book was fairly short for a fantasy novel, there wasn’t a lot of worldbuilding. I thought this was a wise choice for this type of story because worldbuilding tends to be tedious unless it is immediately relevant to the plot. The details the author did include about the fantasy world tended to be about the food and culture of different fantasy races, which I enjoyed learning about.

Interestingly, the lack of worldbuilding gave the story an almost contemporary feel. I think this would be a great book to recommend to a contemporary fan who wants to try out fantasy or to a fantasy fan who wants something that reads more like a contemporary novel.

You might also like: Of Honey and Wildfires

Writing Style

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style in this book. They gave such vivid descriptions of the coffee shop, its atmosphere, and the experience of trying coffee and pastries for the first time. The story felt like a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.

Another thing I really liked about the author’s writing choices was that he left Viv’s past somewhat ambiguous. She mentions killing people and taking up various jobs for money, so it’s safe to assume she worked as a mercenary; however, she only mentions these things in passing. They never become the focus of the narrative, reinforcing the idea that the Viv we meet in the story is separate from her past. She’s already been reborn.

You’ll Like This Book if You Enjoy…

• Coffee shops
• Books that make you appreciate the small things
• Found family trope
• Stories about self-reinvention
• Books that feel like a warm hug
• Stories about everyday life with just a touch of magic

*Disclaimer: this book is best enjoyed while sipping a latte*

Where to find Legends and Lattes by Travis Balree

Have you read Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree? Let’s discuss in the coments!