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“Things don’t have to stay as what they started out as.”

What is the Book about?

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.

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Rating
Plot ★★☆☆☆
Characters ★★★★☆
Excitement ★★☆☆☆
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★☆☆

Favourite Character
Tandri

My thoughts while reading it

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree is like a rollercoaster ride through a fantasy world where Orcs double as baristas, Goblins demand their coffee just right, and the only thing stronger than the magic is the aroma of freshly ground beans. Picture this: a land where spellcasting and latte crafting go hand in hand, and Travis Baldree is your whimsical tour guide. While the book didn’t blow my mind like a wizard’s misfired potion, it left me feeling cozier than a hobbit in a blanket fort.

Up until now, my encounters with orcs had been of the warrior, ruthless variety—neither visually nor aromatically appealing. Yet, this book tossed those clichés out the window. Viv, an orc, turns her back on battles and her tumultuous past after snagging a peculiar piece during a final heist. Yearning for a new life far from violence and destruction, she bids her comrades farewell without a word and ventures to the port city of Thune.

There, she acquires a run-down rental stable and decides, with the help of the kobold Cal, to transform it into a coffee-house. Her aim? To make a living selling coffee, even though the folks in Thune aren’t quite sure what coffee is. Surprisingly, things go swimmingly for Viv. She recruits Tandri, a succubus, as a valuable employee, and a gifted baker who enriches her creations with cinnamon rolls, she expands her menu. I could practically smell the mix of fresh coffee and warm pastries. But life isn’t all about cake and café lattes. Viv and her companions face numerous challenges and grapple with difficulties. Though, like a cauldron missing a key ingredient, I wished for a bit more depth about the actual plot. I found the short story segments a bit too brief, and the conflicts seemed to be resolved too easily for my taste.

What impressed me the most was the portrayal of the protagonist, Viv. She undergoes a remarkable transformation from a battle-hardened orc to a compassionate coffeehouse owner. Viv no longer wants to fight and successfully strives to showcase her softer side. She’s just plain nice and magnetically appealing to those around her. Even when her existence is threatened, she maintains calm and composure. This inner strength is also thanks to her friends, who support her in their own unique ways.

The story is more profound than it initially appears. In addition to the charming characters, it delves into the meaning of friendship and the importance of accepting and valuing oneself. Another facet of the story is the delicately woven love story. Normally, I feel like authors include a love story just because it’s a genre requirement. But here, it’s different. The sensitively incorporated love story enriches the narrative in a special way without taking centre stage. It reveals a lot about the inner essence of the lovers and seamlessly integrates into the storyline, providing additional depth without distracting from Viv’s personal development and the challenges she faces. I want to highlight the supporting characters, meticulously crafted with love. Tandri, the succubus, proves to be a valuable and supportive friend to Viv. Their dynamic and mutual assistance are a joy to read. And the gifted baker, also impressed me with his creations that wonderfully enhance the offerings at Vivi’s coffeehouse.

In conclusion, Legends and Lattes is a charming read that weaves fantasy and coffee into a delightful blend. While it might not be the next epic masterpiece, it’s a whimsical escape that will leave you grinning like a Cheshire cat and yearning for both adventure and a darn good latte. Legends and Lattes is not just a book about coffee and cake; it tells a story of courage, staying true to oneself, and finding one’s own path. It’s an enchanting journey of self-discovery that leaves the reader with a warm feeling in their heart.

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Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✘