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abitbetterbooks's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
This was a solidly good book! I really enjoyed it and appreciated everything the author was trying to do with it. I loved being in a fantasy world without earth shattering fantasy stakes. The characters were all so charming and interesting, the conflict and tension kept things moving along and I wanted to know what happened, but it never felt tense or nerve wracking, just intriguing! The whole thing was just so sweet and wholesome and special, the vibes created by this story were so warm and cozy— like a perfect cup of coffee. I even teared up once or twice because I was so touched by the beauty of found family! I’m a sucker for a ragtag group of friends coming together to support each other and this book had that by the cartful. I loved the way more modern engineering and other concepts that are familiar to us in our world (fans, electricity, microphones, biscotti, coffee machines) were adapted and introduced in the story. It was so creative and so much fun.
Anyways, I’m off to eat a cinnamon bun!
Anyways, I’m off to eat a cinnamon bun!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Violence
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
booksandteatime's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Fire/Fire injury
oliverreeds's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
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
oceanwriter's review against another edition
funny
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
3.0
Though I'm not much of a fantasy reader, I was drawn to this one, especially after hearing what a cozy book this is. I probably would have enjoyed this more as a fantasy reader, but I did find it cute.
Ready to settle down into a quieter life, Viv opens a coffee shop. Being Thune's first coffee shop (what's coffee?), she's met with some opposition.
As described, the book is low stakes. This was the perfect pace for someone not used to this genre's heavy action and world-building. I can't say that I got lost in the story as I just don't have much interest in fantasy worlds or characters. Very much a matter of my personal taste. I had the opportunity to read this along with The Global Book Nook on Discord, which ultimately made me pick it up.
Ready to settle down into a quieter life, Viv opens a coffee shop. Being Thune's first coffee shop (what's coffee?), she's met with some opposition.
As described, the book is low stakes. This was the perfect pace for someone not used to this genre's heavy action and world-building. I can't say that I got lost in the story as I just don't have much interest in fantasy worlds or characters. Very much a matter of my personal taste. I had the opportunity to read this along with The Global Book Nook on Discord, which ultimately made me pick it up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence and Sexual harassment
Minor: Blood
khargaotte's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was as good a read as everyone had promised! The feelings of cozyness are definitely there, though, to play on the catchphrase on the cover, it did make me realize that I like my stories with a little bit more stakes. This didn't prevent me from loving every moment spent with this story and characters, with a special mention to the description of Thimble's pastries, which really made me crave some baked goods!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcoholism, Violence, and Blood
Fire/Fire injury:msradiosilence's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.75
TLDR; 4.75 rating, loved the lesbians, and I very much enjoy cozy fantasy.
Content warnings at the bottom. :)
This book was described to me as a cozy fantasy, and after reading a bunch of high fantasy last year, I was glad this was so low stakes. Also, I usually have an issue with men writing lesbian couples, but Baldree did it in a way that didn’t give me an ick (unlike so many, many other men). While I am of the firm opinion that you shouldn’t write from a perspective you can never or will never experience, at least Baldree did it in a respectful way.
Anyway. I loved Viv and Tandri. The idea of an orc opening a coffee shop in a D&D-esque world where she’s constantly having to explain to folks what coffee is was delightful. I loved all of the characters, and the gradual build of Viv’s life. It was so sweet, and while the book was a quick read, the pacing was pretty great.
Honestly, I have no huge complaints about the book, except for maybe the language. It was a little awkward in a few places, but I suspect that’s because the author didn’t quite find his voice, or one that felt completely right in both understandability with low fantasy, and just the weird place D&D exists.
Rating: 4.75
Would I recommend? Yes, especially if you liked the D&D movie, you like cozy low fantasy, or you’re just looking for an enjoyable and easy read.
Content warnings at the bottom. :)
This book was described to me as a cozy fantasy, and after reading a bunch of high fantasy last year, I was glad this was so low stakes. Also, I usually have an issue with men writing lesbian couples, but Baldree did it in a way that didn’t give me an ick (unlike so many, many other men). While I am of the firm opinion that you shouldn’t write from a perspective you can never or will never experience, at least Baldree did it in a respectful way.
Anyway. I loved Viv and Tandri. The idea of an orc opening a coffee shop in a D&D-esque world where she’s constantly having to explain to folks what coffee is was delightful. I loved all of the characters, and the gradual build of Viv’s life. It was so sweet, and while the book was a quick read, the pacing was pretty great.
Honestly, I have no huge complaints about the book, except for maybe the language. It was a little awkward in a few places, but I suspect that’s because the author didn’t quite find his voice, or one that felt completely right in both understandability with low fantasy, and just the weird place D&D exists.
Rating: 4.75
Would I recommend? Yes, especially if you liked the D&D movie, you like cozy low fantasy, or you’re just looking for an enjoyable and easy read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
leguinstan's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Honestly, if this was my first cozy fantasy read there's a good chance I would've completely written off the sub-genre with the assumption that it simply isn't for me. But luckily that isn't the case and while Legends & Lattes is responsible for starting a wave of interest in cozy fantasy I think it's one of the weakest examples of the sub-genre.
While I understand that there wasn't going to be any seriously distressing drama or conflicts among the staff in the book, I feel like they got along a little *too* well and that they lacked depth overall. What was Thimble's job before he became a baker at the titular coffeeshop? How does Cal afford to provide his services to the coffeeshop when he frequently declines payment? Tandri is negatively affected by the stereotypes about succubi... but what exactly *are* those stereotypes?? The supporting characters are extremely bland and the only thing they've got going for them is their superficial pleasantness. Don't even get me started on the complete lack of romantic tension/chemistry between Viv and Tandri. And speaking of Viv, I find it disappointing that all her struggles to distance herself from her violent past are strictly external (villainous characters pushing her to defend herself and her business through violence). After years of beast-slaying and mercenary work, I'm surprised she doesn't struggle to unlearn certain behavioral traits or unpack trauma that would prevent her from fully assimilating into her newfound civilian lifestyle.
Moving on from the characters now. I was looking forward to reading this book because I was excited to see how a coffee shop business would thrive in a fantasy book. How would the coffeeshop accommodate the needs of a fantastically diverse clientele? How would the business incorporate magic into their business practices? Sadly, the coffeeshop end result feels like the fantasy equivalent of a Starbuck store and it felt as though the author was ticking off bullet points on a coffeeshop business checklist. In addition, I suspect the reason I didn't find much comfort in the coffeeshop aspects of the novel is because there was more focus on the coffeeshop as a thriving, profitable business and less focus on the coffeeshop as a safe, relaxing space. If I'd never spent time in a coffeeshop Legends & Lattes would've given me the impression that the comfort of a coffeeshop is mostly found in a cup of coffee. And while there is certainly joy to be found in a good cup of coffee, I feel the novel fails to describe the sense of peace I and others feel in certain coffeeshops--a sense of peace that has very little to do with the quality of the coffee being served.
I don't know... I just feel that it actually takes a deceptive amount of effort to pull off a good cozy, slice-of-life book. A lack of conflict and a veneer of pleasant is simply not enough for me unfortunately.
While I understand that there wasn't going to be any seriously distressing drama or conflicts among the staff in the book, I feel like they got along a little *too* well and that they lacked depth overall. What was Thimble's job before he became a baker at the titular coffeeshop? How does Cal afford to provide his services to the coffeeshop when he frequently declines payment? Tandri is negatively affected by the stereotypes about succubi... but what exactly *are* those stereotypes?? The supporting characters are extremely bland and the only thing they've got going for them is their superficial pleasantness. Don't even get me started on the complete lack of romantic tension/chemistry between Viv and Tandri. And speaking of Viv, I find it disappointing that all her struggles to distance herself from her violent past are strictly external (villainous characters pushing her to defend herself and her business through violence). After years of beast-slaying and mercenary work, I'm surprised she doesn't struggle to unlearn certain behavioral traits or unpack trauma that would prevent her from fully assimilating into her newfound civilian lifestyle.
Moving on from the characters now. I was looking forward to reading this book because I was excited to see how a coffee shop business would thrive in a fantasy book. How would the coffeeshop accommodate the needs of a fantastically diverse clientele? How would the business incorporate magic into their business practices? Sadly, the coffeeshop end result feels like the fantasy equivalent of a Starbuck store and it felt as though the author was ticking off bullet points on a coffeeshop business checklist. In addition, I suspect the reason I didn't find much comfort in the coffeeshop aspects of the novel is because there was more focus on the coffeeshop as a thriving, profitable business and less focus on the coffeeshop as a safe, relaxing space. If I'd never spent time in a coffeeshop Legends & Lattes would've given me the impression that the comfort of a coffeeshop is mostly found in a cup of coffee. And while there is certainly joy to be found in a good cup of coffee, I feel the novel fails to describe the sense of peace I and others feel in certain coffeeshops--a sense of peace that has very little to do with the quality of the coffee being served.
I don't know... I just feel that it actually takes a deceptive amount of effort to pull off a good cozy, slice-of-life book. A lack of conflict and a veneer of pleasant is simply not enough for me unfortunately.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Violence, Blood, and Sexual harassment
twistykris's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
5.0
The perfect book to read while drinking coffee and eating a cinnamon roll. A cute, fun, cozy read about an orc wanting to live a life without violence while running a coffee shop in a city that doesn't know what coffee is. The characters were absolutely lovable- especially Thimble, the baking rattkin.
This book is a low stakes cozy fantasy read, so the majority of it is Viv meeting folks and running the coffee shop, which is absolutely wonderful. But there are some darker, tragic moments partway through the book that were devastating. The world isn't ending, the hero doesn't need to go on an epic journey to save it; it's a fantasy slice-of-life story that warmed my heart like a toasty cinnamon roll.
This book is a low stakes cozy fantasy read, so the majority of it is Viv meeting folks and running the coffee shop, which is absolutely wonderful. But there are some darker, tragic moments partway through the book that were devastating. The world isn't ending, the hero doesn't need to go on an epic journey to save it; it's a fantasy slice-of-life story that warmed my heart like a toasty cinnamon roll.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Blood and Sexual harassment