Legends and lattes (International Edition)

So you're scrolling through books and happen across this one. You stop, thinking "hmm....that name looks familiar. Isn't there a Travis Baldree who narrates books?" And the answer is yes, yes there is. AND, that Travis Baldree the one who has voiced Cradle, Necrotic Apocalypse, Death Cultivator, and many others, has written a novel. This novel. Legends & Lattes is a wonderful slice-of-life standalone fantasy novel that is unlike any other. How? I'm so glad you asked! Well, first of all, there is only one (yes, you read that right, just one!) monster battle in the ENTIRE BOOK! And since it takes place in the prologue, that's not even a spoiler! After that battle, our heroine Viv hangs up her sword and embarks on a new journey - to open up a coffee shop! What's so special about that? Well, the thing is, no one in the city of Thune, where she opens her shop, has ever even heard of coffee! So, she definitely has her work cut out for her. Of course, not everything is smooth sailing, and not everyone wants her to succeed. In fact, Viv soon begins to butt heads with the local mafia enforcers, and she may also be facing trouble from a frenemy in her past! Yet Viv is determined to solve her problems without resorting to violence. Can she stick to that promise? One of the best things about Travis's debut novel, in my opinion, are the characters. As Viv begins her journey as a barista, she begins to pull in a wonderful and eclectic group of individuals around her, all of whom help to play a role in the potential success of her coffee shop. Not only that, but those characters are well-developed, each with clear personalities and quirks that quickly make them not only lovable but also real. One of the favorite characters is Thimble (whom we see on the back cover of the book), a ratkin who makes magic (not actual magic, but cooking and food magic) with the treats that he bakes. By the way, just as fair warning, you may find yourself craving a nice cup of coffee (or a latte!) and a hot cinnamon roll as you read the story. And, of course, what fantasy story would be complete without at least a little bit of romance? While the sapphic romance is certainly not the focus of the story (so don't worry, guys, you can still read it and not lose any street cred!), it is a very nice side story that grows alongside the main storyline. So, long review short, if all of the above doesn't make you want to grab a copy of this novel right now, then let me finish up by saying this: You NEED to read this novel. It is a truly unique fantasy novel that is as cozy as curling up by a fire with a blanket, a warm cup of cocoa (or coffee LOL), and a book on a cold, winter night. Let THIS book be THAT book. You will not be disappointed. In fact, now that I've written this review, I'm going to reread it, to rejoin all the friends I made the first time I read it.

This was my first dive into the world of cozy fantasy, and I'm hooked. This was such a fun read! The vibe of the book is what really sold me. I could see Viv’s coffee shop in my head so clearly, from the cozy atmosphere to the steam curling up from a hot cup of coffee. The descriptions were so good you could almost smell the roasted beans. The characters were wonderful, each bringing their own charm and quirks to the story. It’s a book that thrives on friendship, quiet moments, and the small but meaningful victories that come from building something new. There’s just a little hint of romance in there too, which was the perfect touch. If you're looking for a fantasy novel that’s filled with warmth, hope, and a cute coffee shop, this is it.

When I heard that one of my favorite narrators, who also happens to be a talented game designer and story writer was publishing his first book, I knew I'd have to check it out. Legends and Lattes is that book, and I will tell you upfront, this is one of my favorite books of the year. It's not shocking to me he wrote such a good story, but I was amazed at how much I came to really care for the characters and the world he creates. And what a world it is. Anyone who has ever played a game Travis wrote and designed knows he creates a world you can sink right into, and this one is no exception. Taking place mostly in the city of Thune, you are drawn into how this city resembles a medieval city. The various craftsmen and women and their businesses feel so real, and you can almost see the various sights, especially as Legend's and Lattes the business comes into being. The neighborhood feels warm and inviting, but we still get a good look at the other districts of the city as well, both good and bad. Its a world with magic and adventurers, and yet it feels like a fully realized world where you can step into a locally owned coffee shop and buy a latte and a pastry. It's the coziest of worlds, with a real intimacy that is surprisingly pleasant and heartwarming. The characters are such a treat. Viv is the orc warrior who gives up adventuring to take a chance on opening the first coffee shop in Thune, introducing it's denizens to the wonders of this gnomish treat. 22 years of adventuring were enough, and Viv wants to do something orcs don't generally do, which is live peacefully to a ripe old age and die peacefully in her sleep, not by an ax blow to the skull. She is such a fun character, because she has is the best kind of fish out of water story, wanting to put her violent past behind her to try and find peace for herself in something she thinks she'll truly be happy doing. She really could solve a lot of problems in the book by resorting to "Viv Smash", but she is dedicated to not being about that life, and its really heartwarming to see. How the story for her plays out is really unexpected, with a lot of twists and turns up until the very end. The secondary characters are excellent as well. The most important of these is Thandri, Viv's assistant who is actually more a second main character. She is a succubus, although she doesn't use her inbred abilities, and actually sees them as a hinderance more than anything else. She is a talented artist, and is a lot of help to Viv in growing the business. She too is trying to escape her past, which was much different than I expected, and she really plays a pivotal role in Viv's life. They have such great camaraderie, and they work together seamlessly, really enhancing each others strengths. There are quite a few other characters as well, such as the ratkin Thimble, who makes up for his silence, with a great work ethic and amazing ability to create sinfully delicious pastries. He is another vital part of the growth of Legends and Lattes, and his silent presence in felt throughout the story. The other characters are a fun bunch, from the nosy but nice neighbor to the shop, to the young wizard student who comes in to study, and is actually the cause of a new drink in the shop, created in a hilarious way. They all play so well together that you can't help but to want to go hang out with them yourself. The antagonists shift throughout the story. The initial antagonists ended up becoming friendly with Viv, so they became what I'd call more neutrally aligned. The antagonist who causes the most harm is actually a blast from Viv's past, and knowing Viv, has ideas how to ruin what she's worked so hard to build for herself. While he may have some insight, his own narcissism may be his downfall, without Viv having to resort to a life she swore to avoid again. It was very intriguing to see how this played out. The narration was handled by the author himself. Being a narrator by current profession, this was a logical choice, especially considering he knows the characters and story better than anyone. You can tell he poured his heart and soul into this one, and an already talented narrator puts on his best performance to date. The characters already had life, and he just enhances that even more, bringing all the character to life in new and exciting ways. You can feel the emotion throughout, and I'll be honest, you get hit right in the feelz several times. I highly recommend this format, although paper and ebook are excellent as well. It's not often a book about a slice of life, with characters building lives, friendships, love and a coffee shop would be first pick of mine to read, but I may have been missing out. The term cozy is thrown around a lot, sometimes as a pejorative, but this book kind of embodies the best of what a cozy kind of story can be. With some fantastic characters, interesting relationships and fun world building, you have the recipe for the best kind of story, the ones you re-read time and again. This is definitely one that will get an annual re-read at least, and is the best kind of comfort read. I highly recommend picking this up in whatever format you prefer, you won't be disappointed.

A friend recommended this book, and I am glad that she did. Sometimes, a cozy, low-stakes fantasy is exactly what I need at the end of a long day. The characters were endearing, the stakes were low but meaningful - I don't even like coffee and I was rooting for them all the whole way through. There's a lovely little theme running through the book of trying to be a better person than you were before and recognizing the strengths and skills of others. This is the sort of book to read on a rainy day, curled up on the couch with a hot cup of tea - er, coffee - by your side. It is a fairly quick read. Physically, I liked the weight of the book. Nice hardcover, nice size for reading, and I'm liking the trend of pretty colors on the edges of the pages.

For years Viv wandered the road, taking bounties and quests alongside her companions. But after a while, the orc barbarian wanted a change. Instead of bashing heads for a living, she wanted to settle down and start a new life. One that brought joy to herself and others. Viv sets her sights on the city of Thurne. There she would begin a new adventure, building the first-ever coffee shop in the city. But setting up shop isn’t as easy as it seems. Especially when life on the road leaves you with a sometimes undesirable past. How could I possibly pass up reading a fantasy book about starting a café? I was also intrigued to see if such a theme could hold my attention and entertain me. Travis Baldree did an amazing job putting together this novel. It may be a book with low stakes and small moments of tension, but the characterization and story are just as compelling. The relationships in this book foster understanding and acceptance. Being an orc Viv has faced the scrutiny that goes along with it. Due to her experience, she is less judgmental than most. This perspective paves the way for Viv to hire on metahumans others would look down on. And it’s the best decision she could make as she forms friendships and a comradery that helps the shop thrive. Together her companions create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere in the coffee shop. However, Viv does have some mountains to climb to keep her shop afloat. Not only does she have to entice people in with a new beverage no one has heard of, but she also has to navigate the local gang. The pressures of starting a new business in town were turned delightfully entertaining by adding humor and a bit of misdirection. While Viv does encounter rough patches, there isn't a central focus on the unsavory bits of her adventure. The tone remains light-hearted and makes the villains, while not overtly dark, still worthy foes. And once the café is up and running, be prepared to crave a sweet pastry and cup of coffee as you read. The descriptions used for the food and coffee are mouth-watering. I loved reading about the characters' experiences with each new delicacy. Witnessing the apparent confusion over the newness of it all to the genuine enjoyment of each treat was heartwarming. Legends and Lattes is a feel-good book. The tone is light and set towards Viv beginning life anew. And while she may want to fall back on her warrior ways at times, she fights against her road instincts. Forced to rethink the situations she’s put in causes some slight mishaps in the adventure that make it all the more entertaining. This was such an enjoyable read!

Twitter really is a great place to find recommendations. This book popped up on my feed, and honestly, I don’t even remember who shared it, but I was hooked the moment I saw the cover. I am always here for a great fantasy read and the addition of “high fantasy with low stakes” reeled me in. Legends & Lattes follow Viv, an orc mercenary who is tired of that life and wants to settle down. When she finally obtains a mythical relic she believes the time has come to go her own way. She eventually lands in a small town and begins to set about acquiring all the things she needs to bring the very first coffee shop to its inhabitants. If cosy fantasy is a thing, this would fit that genre perfectly. Viv not only collects all the tools and supplies she needs to set up her coffee shop but a found family that rallies to her aid and side time and again. There is a touch of conflict toward the end, but it really only serves to remind Viv that the people she has met along the way are her true treasure. The pacing kept me flipping pages and I was eager to find out if Viv would finally see the potential for a loving partnership right in front of her. The romance is soft, but I really enjoyed watching it slowly grow throughout the book. Legends & Lattes is a charming, sweet fantasy, full of found family and characters following their dreams, despite external expectations. Recommend.

It's a bit difficult to know where to start when talking about LEGENDS AND LATTES by Travis Baldree (well, it's difficult for me, anyway). I find it difficult to imagine an orc that wants to give up the fighting life and open her own coffee shop. That's probably because Viv (since when are orcs named Viv?), the orc in question, isn't an orc in the traditional sense as we know them via fantasy stories going all the way back to Tolkien. And maybe that's my problem as a reader of this novel. I mean, orcs don't want to reinvent who they are because they're tired of their life, and they want to do something better with it. That's not what orcs do. And, if I'm not mistaken with my orc lore - well, the orc lore as put forth by Tolkien, anyway - orcs don't team up with other scoundrels aside from other orcs. But that's what we're dealing with here. At this point, you may be starting to think that I didn't like LEGENDS AND LATTES. You'd be wrong. But I'm setting up something for later on in this review. Please bear with me. So, in Viv's last adventure with her gang of rogues, she takes as her share of the booty the Scalvert's Stone grown in the skull of the Scalvert Queen. The stone is supposed to bring good luck to its bearer. Viv's plan, as we've already learned, is to go to a town - in this case Thune - to set up a coffee shop. She purchases an abandoned stable in Thune, and in short order manages to recruit a hob carpenter named Cal and a succubus named Tandri to help her run the business. As time goes on she acquires a baker (Thimble), a bard (Pendry) to perform in the shop, and a dire cat named Amity to watch over the place. As the story progresses, the cafe (named Legends and Lattes, of course) gains customers, expands its menu, becomes successful, and draws the attention of the Madrigal, who, along with the requisite thugs, runs the local protection racket. But, strangely enough, it's not the Madrigal's thugs that cause the most problems for Viv, but her former colleague Fennus, who believes there's something more to the Scalvert's Stone than meets the eye. Fennus is the cause of the novel's requisite disaster (because there has to be one in a story where the main character is doing so well), which brings Viv, her friends, and the town, closer together than ever. LEGENDS AND LATTES is light, cozy, and a comfort read. If the reader is looking for something deep, heavy, and meaningful, well, you get a little bit of the meaningful here. LEGENDS AND LATTESis a story of change, rebirth, friendship, cooperation, and community. It's funny at times, poignant at others, and satisfying. This is a pretty good book, which, according to Baldree's website, started out life as a National Novel Writing Month project in 2021. It's a low-stakes fantasy that turned into a best seller. It really is an enjoyable read, and a good story with good characters. I did like it. What it is not is worthy of a Hugo. Yes, that's harsh. I was having a discussion with someone who is close to me about what makes a book a Hugo finalist and eventually a Hugo winner. What we did agree on is that a Hugo winner must have some heft, if you will. Something that would make a long lasting contribution to the fields of science fiction and fantasy. Something that may change the field. Something that people might be talking about decades from now. I was at a Worldcon a few years ago and attended a kaffee klatsch (or however you spell it) with a couple of notable people in the field who produce a podcast and whose opinions I respect. I asked them, "what books will people like us sitting around a table like this be talking about 50 years from now?" (this came up because we were talking about Dune, more than 50 years after its publication), and the answer was The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin. That was the answer I was expecting, and I agree with it. With regard to the Hugo Awards, no one will be talking about LEGENDS AND LATTES 50 years from now. But that's okay, because being a Hugo Award winner (or finalist) is not a prerequisite for being a good book, or even a great book (goodness knows that Kim Stanley Robinson's THE MINISTRY FOR THE FUTURE is a great book, and it wasn't a Hugo finalist, but I digress). LEGENDS AND LATTES is a fine, light read, and sometimes you just need that. Travis Baldree himself narrated the novel. It turns out that Baldree is a full time audio book narrator, and it shows. He does a fine job narrating his own work. I wouldn't mind listening to something else that he has narrated.

Travis Baldree has perhaps written the best cozy fantasy adventure story of our time. The story takes place in a world a bit unlike our own with magical stones, orcs, goblins and succubi. However, Travis really brings the story to life and gives our characters so much personality, that it is a world that is believable and easy to get into. The writing in itself is tasteful and it reads so easily. I really related to the main character, Viv. "I think I'd been looking for a way out for years. Adventuring, fighting, hunting bounties - you're either bleeding yourself slow from a hundred wounds or waiting on one deathblow. But you get numb from the possibility of anything different. This was the first time something else made me feel a way I wanted to keep feeling. So, here I am, and with some blood still in me."pg. 69 -Viv in regards to what her work used to be, to what it is now. Tandri is a loveable character as well. She doesn't have much at the start, with exception of her own wit. She is clever and helps Viv in her new profession. She also is a bit of an artist and she knows her way around a pen. Thimble may have been my favorite character...but I love them all so much. What I really loved about Thimble though, was he was never much for words and he has such a cute demeanor. I like the way the author has written him. Paying close attention to details, like taking his time with his coffee, whilst swinging his legs/feet subtly because his little mouse feets don't reach the ground. I could go on. Travis Baldree's writing appeals to the senses. These are the main three characters you will meet in this adventure but there are three more major characters that you will learn about but I couldn't talk much more without giving any spoilers. If you think you may enjoy this book, give it a go, because you will! My head will be stuck in this world for lifetime and I'm okay with that. It has inspired me to get some fanart to the author! Thimble's first on the list but I love the entire cast. 100/100 - I wish there were more books to read from this author...and I hope this review will inspire him to continue his craft.