Published: 2022
Series: Legends & Lattes #1
Author: Travis Baldree
Genres: Cozy Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Queer, Adult, Lesbian
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 10+
Number of Stars: 5 Stars
Goodreads Link: Legends & Lattes
Triggers: Fire/Fire injury, stalking, violence, sexual harassment, blood
Review By: Heather Turner
Publisher’s Summary:
The much-beloved BookTok sensation, Travis Baldree’s novel of high fantasy and low stakes. Come take a load off at Viv’s cafe, the first and only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening!
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.
Review:
This is a fantastic read that feels like a big hug. It completely changes your preconceived notions of what an orc can do in a fantasy world. Our main character, Viv, is tired of dungeons and adventuring and is looking for a simpler life. She decides to open a coffee shop. Has she ever done it before? No! That’s part of the fun. Along the way, she builds lasting friendships with a quiet baker who rarely speaks and a talented sign maker who might just become something more.
I was so surprised by how much I adored this book. It was recommended to me by a fellow librarian, and I’m so glad I picked it up.
I listened to the audiobook, and the author, Travis Baldree, is also a well-known audiobook narrator. His voice is amazing, and I actively search out books he narrates. He brings the story to life beautifully. This was also the start of an excellent series. This fun, breezy novel is like a mug of hot cocoa on a cold, bitter day. If you enjoy fantasy like the movie Willow, this story will definitely appeal to you. It has the comfort of a friend giving you a warm hug when you need it most.
There isn’t a heavily structured plot, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re in a reading slump and can’t seem to find a book that holds your attention, this one might be exactly what you need. It is the coziest fantasy I’ve ever read. There is some mild conflict involving violence, harassment, and stalking that adds just enough action to keep readers interested in Viv’s past life. The rest of the novel feels like walking into your favorite place: warm, welcoming, embracing, and full of love and friendship. It’s the kind of book that leaves you completely satisfied and smiling long after you’ve finished.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- English Language Arts (Subverting Genre Tropes): This novel offers a fantastic case study in how to intentionally subvert traditional high fantasy conventions. Instead of standard high-stakes epic battles and world-ending threats, the story focuses entirely on low-stakes world-building and character development. Teachers can use this text to explore how authors manipulate genre expectations to create comforting, character-driven narratives.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The book heavily emphasizes themes of career transitions, personal reinvention, and constructing an inclusive community built on foundational love and friendship. It provides an excellent platform for students to discuss the importance of leaving a toxic past behind to forge healthier, collaborative support networks.
Diversity & Representation Note:
The novel provides excellent LGBTQ+ and queer representation through an embracing, inclusive world that celebrates diverse identities without trauma-centric narratives. It features healthy, evolving relationships and showcases an expansive cast of characters finding common ground, family, and mutual acceptance across different background experiences.
Readalikes
- The House Witch by Delemhach
- The Cybernetic Tea Shop by Meredith Katz
- The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
- A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
See review of the prequel Bookshops & Bonedust.
