Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Five Word Summary

Delightful, amusing, heart-warming, cosy, wholesome.

For

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

My Thoughts

I read this book with a smile on my face and in my heart. It is absolutely delightful! Travis Baldree writes wonderfully and the characters he developed are rich, relatable and gorgeous.

The cover says High Fantasy, Low Stakes, Good Company and that is the best description. But, don’t be fooled, the low stakes part does not make for a slow read. On the contrary, I kept picking the book up again and again to see what happens to the beloved characters.

The main character, Viv, is an brutal orc who decides she’d like to give up selling her sword and open a coffee shop instead. What ensues is a gorgeous commentary of someone following their dreams while filled with doubts that perhaps they are crazy for doing so. Haven’t we all been there? The cast of characters that become her found family believe in her dream and with their support and help, she creates something special. Of course, not all goes to plan and the bad guys hover like a menacing cloud threatening rain.

One of the reasons I love fantasy is that they allow us to explore lifes’ challenges in a ‘safe’ environment of make-believe. This book is no different, providing a heart-warming commentary on learning who we are, embracing change and valuing the people who come into our lives. It is a perfect palate cleanser, giving us high fantasy that doesn’t threaten death and gore at every turn. Ever since I read it, we have been fondly referring to coffee as ‘bean water’ in my household. I highly recommend this gorgeous fantasy.

Cover

The cover is perfection, borrowing from the menu chalkboard in the coffee shop that almost became a character of its own.