A review by robin1010
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.0

 I adored this book. It does cosy fantasy excellently, without losing the sense of being immerse in a different world. 

First and foremost the writing was very enjoyable. It wasn't particularly dense, but still descriptive and rich, and appropriately humorous where it was needed. I definitely got strong DnD vibes, though I think the author has mentioned that they themself have not played much DnD, just helped design games in similar worlds. I was a bit nervous reading a book about sapphic women written by a man, as historically thats had some issues, but I had no issues with Baldree's writing of women. I know someone I was buddy reading this with mentioned he excessively uses 'the woman' when referring to Tandri, to the point that it felt a bit out of place.

The characters were heartwarming, I genuinely adored them and was rooting for them every step of the way. All had distinct voices and motivations that were similar enough that you can see why they were brought together. The only place this falls a bit flat is with the antagonists.
  The threat of the madrigal dissipates far too quickly and easily, and for the rest of the book shes a staunch ally. I understand the intention and the bounds of cozy fantasy, but it left tension hanging and no way to deal with it. It felt strange. Fennus fared a lot better, until the epilogue. Tandri's message of nonviolent resolution and finding a way to live without permanently ridding the world of your enemy is immediately thrown out the window for a comedic scene of Fennus getting his butt handed to him by a dire cat. Making it so light hearted also undermined him as a villain - the damage he did to Viv and her dream feels less weighty, somehow. I much preferred the vague, ominous sense the Scalvert's stone brought that he would reap what he sowed in a more subtler sense.


The romance wasn't as much of a focus as I thought it was going into it, but that's not a bad thing. It was sweet, and there were some really beautiful moments between the main couple. I would have preferred if there was more lead up, and some fluffy padding, as it seems to happen rather suddenly. But 'dollop of romantic froth' on top does seem to describe the romance well. 

I liked the way the plot unfolded and the mystery of
the Scalvert's stone unravelled.
Each bit felt progressive, and yet there was a tension to it because of its rocky foundations. The pay off was excellent. 
Viv carrying the coffee machine out through the fire is a scene that really stuck with me, and felt very powerful. And up to the loss of the stone, Viv's constant fear and imposter syndrome regarding her success and her friends carry over to the reader - you are genuinely worried she will lose it all and more as soon as that stone is gone. The later discovery of what the Scalvert's stone actually does is well done, I feel, and the ominous fate left to Fennus (Despite later being undermined) was a great way to end a villain.


Overall, I am very glad I bought a hard copy, as this is now one of my favourites and one I believe I will reread when I want to feel the cosiness of Viv's coffee shop again. 
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