An orc’s life was strength and violence and a sudden, sharp end—but she’d be damned if she’d let hers finish that way. It was time for something new.
Legends and Lattes
by Travis Baldree
Genre: Cosy Fantasy
About: Viv was a mercenary orc with little to expect in her future except a bloody end. But she's given up her sword and bought a... horse livery? Well, what the place used to be doesn't matter; she'll make it work because her secret dream is to open up her own coffee shop. All she needs to do is explain what coffee is to the masses.
Thoughts
I'm a bit late to the party on this one. Legends and Lattes is probably one of the most popular cosy fantasy books out there and now, at last, I can see why. It's just a really relaxing read. Simple as that. The plot is pretty much: open a coffee shop, hire employees, entice customers, expand menu, and (minor spoiler) rebuild.
I liked the characters, I liked the vibe, the dialogue was funny and felt like hanging out with friends, and mostly I was impressed by how good the writing was considering nothing was actually happening. In fact, I preferred the story when there was no story. Any time some minor conflict was building, I zoned out a little to think what new menu item Thimble would come up with next. My least favourite characters were the 'villains' as the Madrigal was extremely anticlimactic and Fennus seemed to fit a different type of story.
If you've read and enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold, or you simply like being in a coffee shop and think the idea of an orc and succubus running the place sounds cool, then this book is for you. I'm definitely interested in reading more from Travis Baldree and hope Viv's shop continues to thrive - they haven't even added hot chocs to the menu yet!
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