A review by crin_d1nk
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is the definition of cozy. On the surface, it’s a simple tale about an orc named Viv who is taking a chance on herself by opening a coffee shop in the city of Thune. However, coffee is a rare commodity—outside of a gnomish city where Viv discovered it—and orcs don't run shops; they fight. As Viv battles her own insecurities, she forms new friendships, finds love, and learns what it means to call someplace home.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. At first, I was nervous I’d find the story dull, but instead, it offered a sense of comfort. In many ways, it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. The characters are incredibly likable and familiar, like old friends you haven’t seen in a while. Their personal struggles—like dealing with imposter syndrome or feeling out of their depth when embarking on a new venture—are things most of us can relate to.

I was also impressed by how Baldree vividly describes the process of making, drinking, and experiencing coffee and pastries—something many readers will be familiar with. He takes these everyday elements and transforms them into a novel experience for the characters, making the mundane feel magical. More than once, I found myself wishing there was a café like this I could visit in real life.

Another reason why I’d call this book cozy is that while the stakes are real, they’re low. I felt safe and comforted while reading, knowing that the characters I was falling in love with were in relatively little danger. As an occasional Dungeons & Dragons player and someone who loves Baldur’s Gate 3, I started this book with a heightened sense of danger, but as the story unfolded, I found myself relaxing into the gentle pacing.

That said, this isn’t a book for everyone. If you're looking for fast-paced, high-stakes adventure, this isn't it. But if you’ve ever wondered what your Dungeons & Dragons character might do after the campaign ends—and you love coffee—you might be pleasantly surprised.