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proza's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Cursing and Racism
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual harassment
erebus53's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
I didn't know what to think going into this title. It was one of the most read books in my book club so I assumed it was an easy read and was not disappointed.
This is a cosy novel. It's fairly short and is aimed at modern nerds. The main character is an orc fighter who is used to being the brawn of her adventuring party. During her travels she recently encountered, and was won over by, a strange gnomish beverage.. a stimulating bean water called "coffee".
Having saved up her plunder, and a magical stone rumoured to have fortune enhancing properties, she heads to the city to set up a shop.. but who will she sell to, considering nobody has even heard of her product?
Much of this story is the building of the shop, finding employees, making friends, designing a menu, and getting rid of people who want to intimidate, extort or stalk them.
As a result the aim of the game seems to be, leaning into friendships, and using your words, when your sword could be doing the talking.. if you wanted it to.. nothing says "not interested" like a couple of feet of steel.. I mean...
This story leans hard into the sort of personal loves and anachronism that roleplayers typically bring to a game. Mashing things into a high fantasy setting, like coffee machines, cinnamon pinwheels, electric- er.. "thaumic" lute, ceiling fans, and a pet interdimensional hell cat, make it a lighthearted adventure in.. interior decorating and urban marketing(?).
Not.. ultra-engaging, but exactly what I was in the mood for at the time.
This is a cosy novel. It's fairly short and is aimed at modern nerds. The main character is an orc fighter who is used to being the brawn of her adventuring party. During her travels she recently encountered, and was won over by, a strange gnomish beverage.. a stimulating bean water called "coffee".
Having saved up her plunder, and a magical stone rumoured to have fortune enhancing properties, she heads to the city to set up a shop.. but who will she sell to, considering nobody has even heard of her product?
Much of this story is the building of the shop, finding employees, making friends, designing a menu, and getting rid of people who want to intimidate, extort or stalk them.
As a result the aim of the game seems to be, leaning into friendships, and using your words, when your sword could be doing the talking.. if you wanted it to.. nothing says "not interested" like a couple of feet of steel.. I mean...
This story leans hard into the sort of personal loves and anachronism that roleplayers typically bring to a game. Mashing things into a high fantasy setting, like coffee machines, cinnamon pinwheels, electric- er.. "thaumic" lute, ceiling fans, and a pet interdimensional hell cat, make it a lighthearted adventure in.. interior decorating and urban marketing(?).
Not.. ultra-engaging, but exactly what I was in the mood for at the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
hayleyvem's review against another edition
lighthearted
tense
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Self harm, Violence, Xenophobia, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
thecavewoman's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
For a majority of this book I would find myself enthralled with the pages and come back to myself for a short moment and realize that I was smiling like an idiot at the book. This is truly such a cozy and heartwarming book that provides a much needed break from life. Plus, it's best enjoyed with a hot beverage of your choice (though coffee might be your best bet).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
wishbea's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
Utterly brilliant! I knew this book had been hyped up a lot and I was shocked at how well it lived up to that hype, I never expected to be so invested in a fictional coffee shop ran by an orc but here we are.
Even the side characters are completely loveable, I can't wait for the sequel.
I did not expect Durias to be a time traveller!!! It's such a small thing that doesn't need to be there but the fact that it is makes me love this world even more
Edit: With time I think this wasn't as good as I thought it was, the romance is barely there and most characters have 1 trait. Rating lowered to 4 stars from 5.
Even the side characters are completely loveable, I can't wait for the sequel.
Edit: With time I think this wasn't as good as I thought it was, the romance is barely there and most characters have 1 trait. Rating lowered to 4 stars from 5.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cursing, Death, Gore, and Alcohol
antarcticsloth's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.75
This story was such a cozy read I loved it. It’s outside of what I typically read, but I’m glad I did. The only reason I didn’t rate it higher is I personally don’t enjoy when there’s allusions to fantasy racism, which there definitely was in this story. Other than that, a lovely read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Racism and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
solaris's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
This was such a cosy book. Maybe it's because I'm in my thirties and have gone through the whole "take a risk to set up a new life for yourself" thing, but I found this book so relatable and enjoyable to read. There's a succubus character who's never reduced to sex appeal and lovely character interactions throughout. Highly recommended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Alcohol
The book starts out with a violent description of a monster hunt, but after that it never comes up again.melethwi's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.75
Books do not usually bring me to tears but this one did out of sheer love for the characters. I WOULD DIE FOR THIMBLE!!!!!
.25 deducted for the romance not happening faster- but the lack of romance didn't take away from the warm and fuzzies at all!!!
.25 deducted for the romance not happening faster- but the lack of romance didn't take away from the warm and fuzzies at all!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Racism, Violence, and Alcohol
adrians_library's review against another edition
hopeful
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? No
5.0
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would to be quite honest. I was expecting to read a book about an orc who opens a coffee shop with a comedic tone but what I got was so much better
than I could have hoped for.
This book, at its core, was about the importance of support systems and self care. While it was light-hearted as a whole, it had some incredibly insightful passages discussing work-life balance, self worth, personal growth and evolution, and the power of friendship and found family.
Again, this novel did focus primarily on the inner workings of the Legends & Lattes cafe, but it is clear that the author put a great deal of thought and love into the world building when discussing the magic system through Hem’s character, or showing the wide range of creatures and races when addressing Viv’s past as someone who is well traveled and well read.
I really enjoyed how this book managed to subvert expectations at nearly every turn. Starting the
book, I was expecting the Madrigal to be the “big bad” of the story, only for the conflict to be resolved with weekly payments of cinnamon buns. This dedication to non-violent conflict resolution, as well as the continued effort to maintain a peaceful life on Viv’s part, is really beautiful. She is not what she has always been, people are capable of change and growth.
Probably my favorite part of this book was the overall ambiance and general relaxed vibe. I enjoyed reading about the environment of the coffee shop, I loved being able to envision myself in this tavern-like place with beautiful music playing, delicious pastries, and, of course, fresh brewed coffee.
Being able to see these characters grow with each other, love each other, learning to trust each other, was incredibly healing and beautiful.
I picked this book up as a way to get back into the habit of reading following a challenging school
year in which I had little to no time to pursue my own interest and hobbies. Seeing Viv grow to a point where she sees herself as worthy of a comfortable and peaceful life was powerful and exactly what I needed to read about. Not only was I able to enjoy some time without stress and fall into a beautiful fantasy setting, but I was also able to find characters I see myself in as a queer overachieving person. Thank you Travis, and thank you Viv.
than I could have hoped for.
This book, at its core, was about the importance of support systems and self care. While it was light-hearted as a whole, it had some incredibly insightful passages discussing work-life balance, self worth, personal growth and evolution, and the power of friendship and found family.
Again, this novel did focus primarily on the inner workings of the Legends & Lattes cafe, but it is clear that the author put a great deal of thought and love into the world building when discussing the magic system through Hem’s character, or showing the wide range of creatures and races when addressing Viv’s past as someone who is well traveled and well read.
I really enjoyed how this book managed to subvert expectations at nearly every turn. Starting the
book, I was expecting the Madrigal to be the “big bad” of the story, only for the conflict to be resolved with weekly payments of cinnamon buns. This dedication to non-violent conflict resolution, as well as the continued effort to maintain a peaceful life on Viv’s part, is really beautiful. She is not what she has always been, people are capable of change and growth.
Probably my favorite part of this book was the overall ambiance and general relaxed vibe. I enjoyed reading about the environment of the coffee shop, I loved being able to envision myself in this tavern-like place with beautiful music playing, delicious pastries, and, of course, fresh brewed coffee.
Being able to see these characters grow with each other, love each other, learning to trust each other, was incredibly healing and beautiful.
I picked this book up as a way to get back into the habit of reading following a challenging school
year in which I had little to no time to pursue my own interest and hobbies.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cursing and Alcohol
alexalily's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol