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thoseoldcrows23's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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? Yes
3.0
I've heard a few people say that this is a warm hug of the book, and I think that that is an apt description. This is a slice of life fantasy, and, though there is certainly a plot and some dramatic things that happen, for the most part the experience of reading this book is just existing beside the characters as they live their lives. What that means is if you like the characters I think this book is immensely enjoyable, and if you don't like the characters I imagine it's incredibly boring. In my case I fell in love with Viv and crew pretty instantaneously and had a wonderful time watching them build their little coffee shop. I have no complaints about the writing, and the frequent page breaks give it a quick pace and make it easy to get through. It's also quite funny at times, and the descriptions of coffee and food made me actively hungry. If you like slice of life stories, and if you like character focused books, you will enjoy this. However, if you are someone who needs a lot of action and drama this may not be the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Cursing and Violence
indigo_book_dragon's review against another edition
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Frequent profanity including s***, a-hole, d**k, and f***erynlasbelin'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
5.0
I loved this book so much. It's cozy and wholesome without being saccharine - a perfect book for curling up with a blanket and a mug of something warm. Fair warning: you will require cinnamon rolls while reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Blood, Cursing, and Violence
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
shelvesofivy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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? No
5.0
I surely can't say anything that hasn't been before about it, but this book was a joy from the very start. It's the type of story that makes me want to relax and enjoy life. I adored the way we got to follow Viv and meet everyone that she did along the way. All of the little details (like the individual illustrations at the start of each chapter) added up to make it so immersive and cozy — at every description I felt like I was there, enjoying the atmosphere and warmth, smelling the coffee and pastries. I loved how we got to see the additions to the menu, showing both the passage of time and growth of the cafe ♡
But along with being a feel-good read, there was still genuine development and a lot of great lines about cherishing the little things in life and the people around you ♡ I needed this book in my life and can't stop recommending it to my friends
But along with being a feel-good read, there was still genuine development and a lot of great lines about cherishing the little things in life and the people around you ♡ I needed this book in my life and can't stop recommending it to my friends
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Cursing
Minor: Alcohol and Death
fatherprozac's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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? Yes
5.0
I loved this adventure. I really needed a message of perseverance in the face of life changes like this right now. I didn't feel much chemistry in the romance but that might be because of current personal issues in my life right now so I won't pass a judgement on it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Stalking, Sexual harassment, and Violence
aklovekorn's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Blood and Cursing
maeverose's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.75
I keep going back and forth on if this is a 2.5 or a 3 for me.
It’s pretty much what you’d expect: a story about someone starting up a coffee shop from scratch in a fantasy setting. Very little happens outside of that. There’s a hint of a romance but it’s really not a big focus at all. There’s also a point of conflict mostly towards the end, but that’s it.
It was just alright for me. I wouldn’t go as far as saying I was bored, but it was just very mildly entertaining. And I’m not really someone who needs plot to enjoy a book, a lot of my favorite books are very slow paced and character focused. So idk why this one didn’t really work for me. I didn’t dislike anything. In theory I should’ve liked it more. But it was very meh throughout.
In hindsight, I think I like slow books more if there’s some sort of social commentary or message to it, rather than literally just a slow slice-of-life story with nothing to say. Becky Chambers is a good example, while her books never go very deep into the social commentary, it’s always there. Her books often explore humanity, communism and environmentalism in subtle ways alongside the slice-of-life character focused story.
It’s pretty much what you’d expect: a story about someone starting up a coffee shop from scratch in a fantasy setting. Very little happens outside of that. There’s a hint of a romance but it’s really not a big focus at all. There’s also a point of conflict mostly towards the end, but that’s it.
It was just alright for me. I wouldn’t go as far as saying I was bored, but it was just very mildly entertaining. And I’m not really someone who needs plot to enjoy a book, a lot of my favorite books are very slow paced and character focused. So idk why this one didn’t really work for me. I didn’t dislike anything. In theory I should’ve liked it more. But it was very meh throughout.
In hindsight, I think I like slow books more if there’s some sort of social commentary or message to it, rather than literally just a slow slice-of-life story with nothing to say. Becky Chambers is a good example, while her books never go very deep into the social commentary, it’s always there. Her books often explore humanity, communism and environmentalism in subtle ways alongside the slice-of-life character focused story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Cursing, and Stalking
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, Excrement, Fatphobia, Alcoholism, and Murder
*about the gore: It’s only in the prologue (which is skippable) and it’s fantasy non-human gorenatashaleighton_'s review against another edition
hopeful
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
4.5
Legends & Lattes is quite possibly the cosiest, most uplifting book I’ve read all year. And, I can confidently say that I loved every heartwarmingly uplifting second of this low stakes, found-family centric slice of life.
It follows Viv the orc who’s decided—after decades of adventuring—to hang up her sword for good for the dance to make her new dream a reality: to open up the first coffee shop in Thune. The only problem is no one seems to know what coffee is.
If Viv wants her new business to succeed, she’ll need all the help she can get, even if that means searching in unexpected places. But both old rivals and new are determined to stop her from succeeding—if Viv’s not careful she might just find herself taking up the blade once more.
But with soo many new people to meet along the way—whether bound by ancient magic , delicious baked pastries or freshly brewed cup of coffee—Viv may just find herself with deeper ties than she ever thought possible.
Words cannot do justice to how utterly adorable this was! The prose was lovely and really envelopes you like a warm (toasty) hug—I truly didn’t want to leave. I will say that the plot is for the most part character driven, which I really enjoyed as the characters (well, most of them) were utterly endearing.
I loved Viv, who despite her orc barbarian appearance was such a nervous and utterly adorable character, whose sole concern is no one liking her business—it was nice to also see a character actively reject the use violence to solve her problems, and instead seek out creative ways to remedy things. Given the plot’s low stakes, I was surprised by how good the tension surrounding Viv’s problem was—and there’s even a love to hate antagonist, who’s just dastardly enough for us to despise (and boy did I!)
The eccentric, rag tag group that Viv inadvertently gathers around her were also firm favourites, each with their own unique charm that kept the cosy heartfelt narrative going.
I especially loved resident artist (and viv’s co-worker) Tandri, a succubus attempting to dismantle the prejudices attached to her species, and Thimble the baking extraordinaire whose delicious creations bring soo much joy to Thune—both of whom find solace and a place to belong at Legends&Lattes. The food descriptions were also lovely and had me craving all the delicious sweet treats mentioned (I’m also super excited to be able to bake my very own Thimblets thanks to the recipe included in the new Tor edition.)
There is a hint of romance nearing the end but the plot’s focus definitely leans more towards the friendship and found family aspect, which is beautifully done.
The world building was just beautiful and I can see soo many possibilities for expanding this diverse world through an infinite number of books and series (I’m absolutely desperate to see more of Thune and it’s residents.)
And, although based firmly in a high fantasy setting (with Orcs, Succubi, Hobs, Elves and Dwarves making up the majority of the world’s characters) it’s definitely a great intro for newbies into high fantasy-style fiction who might not be ready for any of the longer examples of the genre. Plus, with the main story being just over 250 pages, it’s a fairly quick and satisfying read too.
Overall, a throughly enjoyable low stakes, high fantasy that’s sweet enough to leave you feeling all fluffy and warm inside. I’d definitely recommend to fans of slice of life fantasy, the found family trope or serotonin boosting games such as Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley.
And also, a massive thank you to Tor UK and Blackcrow PR for the incredible proof.
It follows Viv the orc who’s decided—after decades of adventuring—to hang up her sword for good for the dance to make her new dream a reality: to open up the first coffee shop in Thune. The only problem is no one seems to know what coffee is.
If Viv wants her new business to succeed, she’ll need all the help she can get, even if that means searching in unexpected places. But both old rivals and new are determined to stop her from succeeding—if Viv’s not careful she might just find herself taking up the blade once more.
But with soo many new people to meet along the way—whether bound by ancient magic , delicious baked pastries or freshly brewed cup of coffee—Viv may just find herself with deeper ties than she ever thought possible.
Words cannot do justice to how utterly adorable this was! The prose was lovely and really envelopes you like a warm (toasty) hug—I truly didn’t want to leave. I will say that the plot is for the most part character driven, which I really enjoyed as the characters (well, most of them) were utterly endearing.
I loved Viv, who despite her orc barbarian appearance was such a nervous and utterly adorable character, whose sole concern is no one liking her business—it was nice to also see a character actively reject the use violence to solve her problems, and instead seek out creative ways to remedy things. Given the plot’s low stakes, I was surprised by how good the tension surrounding Viv’s problem was—and there’s even a love to hate antagonist, who’s just dastardly enough for us to despise (and boy did I!)
The eccentric, rag tag group that Viv inadvertently gathers around her were also firm favourites, each with their own unique charm that kept the cosy heartfelt narrative going.
I especially loved resident artist (and viv’s co-worker) Tandri, a succubus attempting to dismantle the prejudices attached to her species, and Thimble the baking extraordinaire whose delicious creations bring soo much joy to Thune—both of whom find solace and a place to belong at Legends&Lattes. The food descriptions were also lovely and had me craving all the delicious sweet treats mentioned (I’m also super excited to be able to bake my very own Thimblets thanks to the recipe included in the new Tor edition.)
There is a hint of romance nearing the end but the plot’s focus definitely leans more towards the friendship and found family aspect, which is beautifully done.
The world building was just beautiful and I can see soo many possibilities for expanding this diverse world through an infinite number of books and series (I’m absolutely desperate to see more of Thune and it’s residents.)
And, although based firmly in a high fantasy setting (with Orcs, Succubi, Hobs, Elves and Dwarves making up the majority of the world’s characters) it’s definitely a great intro for newbies into high fantasy-style fiction who might not be ready for any of the longer examples of the genre. Plus, with the main story being just over 250 pages, it’s a fairly quick and satisfying read too.
Overall, a throughly enjoyable low stakes, high fantasy that’s sweet enough to leave you feeling all fluffy and warm inside. I’d definitely recommend to fans of slice of life fantasy, the found family trope or serotonin boosting games such as Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley.
And also, a massive thank you to Tor UK and Blackcrow PR for the incredible proof.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Racism and Injury/Injury detail
ramreadsagain's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Love is real and it’s this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cursing and Violence
caseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
Thanks to Tor Books for the free copy of this book.
- LEGENDS & LATTES is the book equivalent of a warm bath, or a gentle hug, or an ASMR video.
- I love that this book is an ode to friendship and community. The book has several characters who are used to doing things by themselves, and then they find each other and discover their lives are fuller if they work together and support each other.
- I hope that with the success of this book, along with other books similar in tone like the MONK & ROBOT books, we might see a subgenre of gentle SFF emerge.
- LEGENDS & LATTES is the book equivalent of a warm bath, or a gentle hug, or an ASMR video.
- I love that this book is an ode to friendship and community. The book has several characters who are used to doing things by themselves, and then they find each other and discover their lives are fuller if they work together and support each other.
- I hope that with the success of this book, along with other books similar in tone like the MONK & ROBOT books, we might see a subgenre of gentle SFF emerge.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Alcohol