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sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Cursing, Violence, Xenophobia, and Toxic relationship
angorarabbit's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
Ethnicity, some gender, and orientation diversity. Most of the violence is in the prologue and the short story that follows the main story in my edition of the book, These can be skipped with little lost to the main story. There is a little kissing but no spicy stuff.
TLDR: The last chapter is the chef’s kiss.
Context: This was my 3rd book choice for the Kindle Series Pioneer Spring 2024 challenge.It made up for Tress of the Emerald Sea.
So let’s compare Legends and Lattes (Legends) to Tress of the Emerald Sea (Tress) shall we?
The basic plot is similar. A woman goes on a quest. She does not know how she will achieve her goals but she sets off anyway. On the way others join her because she is a good person. With the help of others the woman achieves her goal after vanquishing an opponent.
So Tress is a 2 star and L & L a 4 star to me.
Two things: writing style and characterisation.
Legends has no narrator asides telling you that Viv is remarkable, or humble, or so like other girls that no other girl is like her. You taste the Midnight Crescents because Tandri puts it in her mouth. Tress tells you that Charle eats a pie. Tress has to tell you that sexism has no place in business, Legends just shows men and women working. Legends trusts the reader.
With apologies to Fort, Tress’ characters are backdrops to Tress. They have few initiatives of their own, even the narrator. Charlie in particular felt like a hot mess of tropes to me. On the other hand Legend’s characters seem to have lives of their own. I can imagine Thimble going back home after a baking day and sipping a cold drink pleased at everyone’s reactions to his newest creation. Calamity sitting back with a warm soup and an ice pack on aching muscles reflecting on a job well done.
Also I love the idea of a studious non-violent orc. I am looking forward to the further adventures of Viv, Cal, Tandri, and Thimble.
Also also the elf deserved what he got, elves spend way to much silver on hair care products.
Lastly I am rethinking my aversion to Amazon’s KPD. Thank you to tor.com and all the booksellers out there for making this available to non-Kindle-Unlimited readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Blood
mild injury detail (not fire related), no children or animals are harmedtea_coffee_sam's review against another edition
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Xenophobia and Stalking
chainsawmochi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
Cozy fantasy. Those are two words not often associated with each other, especially not when it comes to novels. At least, if it is, it isn't associated enough. "Legends & Lattes" offers up something unique and beautiful--the what comes after.
Main character Viv, a battle worn Orc, hangs up her sword in order to open up a cafe in a bustling riverside city. This is after years and years of fighting, of adventuring and questing. One might think of her as a Dungeons and Dragons playable character--one that has seen enough blood and bone for multiple lifetimes. Now, she is looking for more; she is looking for an actual life for herself. Something she had own, and hold, and love without having to fight off monsters and mages.
Within the pages of "Legends & Lattes" lies the story of Viv's happily ever after. It isn't so easy as that, however; soon she finds herself entangled with foes old and new. Yet, through it all, she begins to collect a loving found family around herself--and discovers that some things are really worth fighting for.
Travis Baldree is a master of storytelling. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every moment of this novel. It had moments of being perfectly raw and loving, along with moments of pulse-pounding intrigue. Viv's journey becomes more than just opening a coffee shop; it becomes a testament to discovering what makes you feel good, feel purposeful and fulfilled. There are beautiful moments of calm within the narrative. These reflective moments are nothing to skip over; they are just as important to the story as the parts with action and tension. There is an ebb and flow that reminds me very much of cozy mystery novels.
"Legends & Lattes" has opened up a whole new world of fantasy to me. I am already craving more cozy fantasy. Hopefully I will be able to find something that is as decadent as this splendid, coffee-flavored story.
Main character Viv, a battle worn Orc, hangs up her sword in order to open up a cafe in a bustling riverside city. This is after years and years of fighting, of adventuring and questing. One might think of her as a Dungeons and Dragons playable character--one that has seen enough blood and bone for multiple lifetimes. Now, she is looking for more; she is looking for an actual life for herself. Something she had own, and hold, and love without having to fight off monsters and mages.
Within the pages of "Legends & Lattes" lies the story of Viv's happily ever after. It isn't so easy as that, however; soon she finds herself entangled with foes old and new. Yet, through it all, she begins to collect a loving found family around herself--and discovers that some things are really worth fighting for.
Travis Baldree is a master of storytelling. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every moment of this novel. It had moments of being perfectly raw and loving, along with moments of pulse-pounding intrigue. Viv's journey becomes more than just opening a coffee shop; it becomes a testament to discovering what makes you feel good, feel purposeful and fulfilled. There are beautiful moments of calm within the narrative. These reflective moments are nothing to skip over; they are just as important to the story as the parts with action and tension. There is an ebb and flow that reminds me very much of cozy mystery novels.
"Legends & Lattes" has opened up a whole new world of fantasy to me. I am already craving more cozy fantasy. Hopefully I will be able to find something that is as decadent as this splendid, coffee-flavored story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Stalking, and Violence
boba_n_books's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Spice Rating: 🫑 / 5 🌶️
Legends & Lattes was such a cute and fluffy cozy fantasy novel that helped me escape the world for a little bit.
Viv is a retired warrior looking to settle down and start a coffee shop. The only problem is that no one knows what coffee is and she's relying on a potentially fortuitous stone to help her through. Things seem to fall into place as Viv meets Cal, who helps her build up the shop; Tandri, who helps her advertise and serve the customers; and Thimble, who is constantly creating delicious new baked goods. Together, this band of four just might be able to create something so special it can succeed.
Going into this novel, I expected no plot and just vibes. There were definitely a lot of good vibes, found family, and friendship; but there was a bit of a plot with getting the coffee shop up and running as well as Viv's old gang coming back to town. The sapphic romance was a huge slow burn, but it was so sweet and worth the wait. I loved the vibes and the way the story showed how you can start over without forgetting your past.
Legends & Lattes was such a cute and fluffy cozy fantasy novel that helped me escape the world for a little bit.
Viv is a retired warrior looking to settle down and start a coffee shop. The only problem is that no one knows what coffee is and she's relying on a potentially fortuitous stone to help her through. Things seem to fall into place as Viv meets Cal, who helps her build up the shop; Tandri, who helps her advertise and serve the customers; and Thimble, who is constantly creating delicious new baked goods. Together, this band of four just might be able to create something so special it can succeed.
Going into this novel, I expected no plot and just vibes. There were definitely a lot of good vibes, found family, and friendship; but there was a bit of a plot with getting the coffee shop up and running as well as Viv's old gang coming back to town. The sapphic romance was a huge slow burn, but it was so sweet and worth the wait. I loved the vibes and the way the story showed how you can start over without forgetting your past.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence and Sexual harassment
alphawolfe13's review against another edition
adventurous
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
5.0
Listened to the book on audio and it was such a blast. Ended up listening to it more often than not! A bit of romance in it but subtle enough to not hit you over the head with it. Recommend for any DND peeps put there!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Cursing
Minor: Stalking and Violence
leexpenandpages's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
📝 SYNOPSIS:
A retired orc adventurer builds a fantasy-style Starbucks and learns the power of friendship (and love).
🗡❤️🔨☕️🥯🐈👭💰🔥
👍🏻 RECOMMENDATION:
💚 READ it! It's a quick and heartwarming story that makes an excellent palate cleanser.
💬 FAVORITE QUOTES:
[PENDING]
👓 FORMAT:
🎧
📑 COMMENTS:
• This is cozy, slice of life fantasy at its finest! Most of the plot features fairly mundane and low stakes events, and the characters move about their daily lives with surprising regard for one another. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea or cocoa) and let the warmth wash over you.
• It's a fairly short read, but it still could've been shorter with how little plot or character development actually occurs. The fantasy is also more flavor than an actual setting, and it's hilarious (in simultaneously good and bad ways) to encounter a Starbucks being built in a Dungeons & Dragons setting. The story lives in its atmosphere and themes.
• The characters are flat but quirky, featuring races you'll recognize if you're a D&D fan. The romance follows a slow pace, coming across as written by someone who has not experienced a sapphic relationship firsthand, but that should be expected given how blatantly butch an orc protagonist sounds. On that note, stereotypes and racism are key elements directly addressed by the text.
• The menu motif is heartwarming. Even as someone who doesn't drink coffee (sorry!), it's charming to read/hear the menu growing as the characters develop new items to offer their customers.
• Reminds me of Restaraunt to Another World. Yummy!
A retired orc adventurer builds a fantasy-style Starbucks and learns the power of friendship (and love).
🗡❤️🔨☕️🥯🐈👭💰🔥
👍🏻 RECOMMENDATION:
💚 READ it! It's a quick and heartwarming story that makes an excellent palate cleanser.
💬 FAVORITE QUOTES:
[PENDING]
👓 FORMAT:
🎧
📑 COMMENTS:
• This is cozy, slice of life fantasy at its finest! Most of the plot features fairly mundane and low stakes events, and the characters move about their daily lives with surprising regard for one another. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea or cocoa) and let the warmth wash over you.
• It's a fairly short read, but it still could've been shorter with how little plot or character development actually occurs. The fantasy is also more flavor than an actual setting, and it's hilarious (in simultaneously good and bad ways) to encounter a Starbucks being built in a Dungeons & Dragons setting. The story lives in its atmosphere and themes.
• The characters are flat but quirky, featuring races you'll recognize if you're a D&D fan. The romance follows a slow pace, coming across as written by someone who has not experienced a sapphic relationship firsthand, but that should be expected given how blatantly butch an orc protagonist sounds. On that note, stereotypes and racism are key elements directly addressed by the text.
• The menu motif is heartwarming. Even as someone who doesn't drink coffee (sorry!), it's charming to read/hear the menu growing as the characters develop new items to offer their customers.
• Reminds me of Restaraunt to Another World. Yummy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Racism
Minor: Cursing
jojothefool's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Very cute slice of life. I’m not a big DND player so I feel like some of the lore and world building were confusing for me or just didn’t hit the way it might for others. But overall, an adorable concept that was well put and very very cute and heartwarming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Violence
theeoldbear's review against another edition
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
5.0
After finishing up a really tough read previously, I chose to listen to this story as an audiobook while also reading another fantasy graphic novel (though not at the same time), and this was a perfect pallet cleanser. Low-stakes storytelling with likable and relatable characters the story is a really great way to brighten your mood!
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Fire/Fire injury
ashylibrarian's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence and Sexual harassment