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chronic_listener's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
This was such a comfy, cozy read with lots of wholesome moments that had me go "🥹". I really liked the details of Viv and Cal building the shop, that combined with all the baked goods slowly added to the shop felt like unlocking new levels in a cozy video game.
I totally see how this is beloved by so many but for me personally a 5 star read needs to really move me and leave a lasting impression, which as sweet and fun as this book was, in just not the case here for me.
Would totally recommend if you are looking for a short, quick and enjoyable book with a coffee shop DIY project and found family vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Gore, Racism, Xenophobia, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
augustst's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Stalking
esme_may's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Abandonment
booksoversecondbreakfast's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
I just loved this book so much!! It's definitely a cozy fantasy, so don't expect something fast-paced and thrilling, but it's just so sweet and full of so much well thought out lore and intrigue.
It's a story of a retired mercenary & adventure orc, Viv, and her journey building a business and a community. There's a secondary plot that features a romance between Viv and one of the other characters, but it's not as central as the community-building plot of the book. I had hoped that there would be more romance to this book, because I really enjoyed it, but I can't penalize the book for not having as much of as I'd have preferred, especially because it was so tastefully written and the rest of the plot was so interesting otherwise.
All in all, this was totally a 5-star book! Especially for fantasy! The characters were all so interesting and loveable, the setting left me wanting to explore the world and visit Viv's coffee shop, and the magic system seemed well thought out and interesting. It was such a wonderful found-family story, which I'm a total sucker for, and I loved how this author made that work in such an interesting and well-written fantasy world. We totally need more books like these! I borrowed this book via ebook from the library, but I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this book for my library, because I expect to comfort-reread this several times throughout my lifetime.
It's a story of a retired mercenary & adventure orc, Viv, and her journey building a business and a community. There's a secondary plot that features a romance between Viv and one of the other characters, but it's not as central as the community-building plot of the book. I had hoped that there would be more romance to this book, because I really enjoyed it, but I can't penalize the book for not having as much of as I'd have preferred, especially because it was so tastefully written and the rest of the plot was so interesting otherwise.
All in all, this was totally a 5-star book! Especially for fantasy! The characters were all so interesting and loveable, the setting left me wanting to explore the world and visit Viv's coffee shop, and the magic system seemed well thought out and interesting. It was such a wonderful found-family story, which I'm a total sucker for, and I loved how this author made that work in such an interesting and well-written fantasy world. We totally need more books like these! I borrowed this book via ebook from the library, but I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this book for my library, because I expect to comfort-reread this several times throughout my lifetime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Racism, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Stalking, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death, Genocide, Gore, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Gaslighting
wetrathours's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
ktdakotareads's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
kateyglesias's review
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
amelia9100's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
meridith_bex's review
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
kirstieanya's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don't think I have ever so clearly envisioned a fictional place, and I can't think of any wanting to be inside a book more than Legends and Lattes.
This book is the definition of cosy fantasy. The descriptions of the Thune and the coffee shop were warm and vivid, and I could feel myself in the space. I love the way Baldree narrated Viv's passion for coffee; the prose was so decadent that every chapter left me craving a hot latte (even though I never liked coffee).
In terms of plot, I was left wanting either more or slightly less. I appreciate that the "cosy fantasy" genre is supposed to be just that—cosy—but I found the narrative left something to be desired. There was a tiny bit of drama/trepidation in there, but without the payoff of a clever reveal, it felt like an unnessicary and jarringly stressful diversion from the cosy story I was enjoying.
I also wasn't a huge fan of the bonus "pages to fill section". Again, the reason for picking this book up was for a gentle fantasy romp, so several pages devoted to fighting, chasing, and crime weren't for me.
Nevertheless, the characters were delightful. Baldree has a skill for writing soft, lovable, and awkward characters. I found myself routing for all of the main coffeehouse crew and always felt a sense of comfort when they were on the page, like a gentle hug.
Once I had the chance to properly sit down with this book, I flew through it. It is a great easy, cosy read, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a gentle story on a cold day.
This book is the definition of cosy fantasy. The descriptions of the Thune and the coffee shop were warm and vivid, and I could feel myself in the space. I love the way Baldree narrated Viv's passion for coffee; the prose was so decadent that every chapter left me craving a hot latte (even though I never liked coffee).
I also wasn't a huge fan of the bonus "pages to fill section". Again, the reason for picking this book up was for a gentle fantasy romp, so several pages devoted to fighting, chasing, and crime weren't for me.
Nevertheless, the characters were delightful. Baldree has a skill for writing soft, lovable, and awkward characters. I found myself routing for all of the main coffeehouse crew and always felt a sense of comfort when they were on the page, like a gentle hug.
Once I had the chance to properly sit down with this book, I flew through it. It is a great easy, cosy read, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a gentle story on a cold day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Body horror, Violence, and Murder