But beyond the surface, there were a lot of relatably resonating themes that made Legends and Lattes so precious. At a glance, it’s easy to advertise this as a fantasy novel about building a new coffee shop in a fantasy world, and yes, it indeed is. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners and a different kind of resolve. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. However, her dreams of a fresh start making coffees instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen. Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. The story in Legends and Lattes is centered on Viv. Well, not if you have too much, then it’s something else.” People just sat around drinking it from these little ceramic cups, and I had to try it, and… it was like drinking the feeling of being peaceful. “I told you I came across it in Azimuth, and I remember following the smell to the shop. Legends and Lattes is the slice-of-life fantasy novel I craved and received. Despite loving slice-of-life in other storytelling mediums such as manga, anime, and TV shows, I seem to struggle to find a terrific slice-of-life fantasy novel. I knew immediately I should read this when I’m in the mood for something short, cozy, and wholesome.

When I saw the cover art-illustrated by Carson Lowmiller-to Legends and Lattes on Twitter, with the premise indicating this is a high fantasy novel with low stakes, I knew I couldn’t go wrong with my expectations entering this book.

But I do love slice-of-life as a genre as well. Most of you probably know already, almost all of my favorite novels and stories are intense, emotional, dark, and serious in tone. I wouldn’t have known about Legends and Lattes if it weren’t for Twitter. Legends and Lattes is his debut novel, and I do think Baldree should now be known for his fantasy novel, too. Legends and Lattes is the wholesome and cozy fantasy you didn’t know you need.įor those of you who don’t know, Travis Baldree has been well known for his role as the audiobook narrator behind Will Wight’s Cradle series. Published: 22nd February 2022 by Cryptid Press (Self-Published) ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.Ĭover art illustrated by: Carson Lowmiller

Legend and lattes