Legends & Lattes
A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes
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4.4 • 420 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2022
A Library Reads Pick
An Indie Next Pick
A Goodreads Best Fantasy Choice Award Nominee
The much-beloved BookTok sensation, Travis Baldree's novel of high fantasy and low stakes.
*This new edition includes a very special, never-before-seen bonus story, 'Pages to Fill.'*
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.
“Take a break from epic battles and saving the world. Legends & Lattes is a low-stakes fantasy that delivers exactly what's advertised: a wholesome, cozy novel that feels like a warm hug. This is my new comfort read.”—Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Get ready for a fantasy novel that lets you chill, without an epic adventure getting in the way. As an orc barbarian, Viv is no stranger to warrior life—and she’s done with it. All she wants is to hang up her sword and open something called…a café. Of course, nobody in the town of Thune has even heard of coffee, so she’ll need help, but that’s what makes Legends and Lattes so delightful. This is a book about characters working together, caring about each other, and even (gasp) apologizing when they hurt each other’s feelings. We fell in love with Thimble the ratkin, Tandri the succubus, and Cal the hob, who become Viv’s surrogate family and partners in her heartfelt quest. Pour yourself your favorite drink and cozy up with this sweet, slice-of-life fantasy.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Baldree debuts with a gentle little cozy set against an epic fantasy backdrop. Aging and tired of bloodletting, orc swordswoman Viv leads her mercenary crew on one last adventure. After slaying a monster and wrenching from its skull a legendary stone, a talisman said to bring good fortune to its bearer, she abandons her erstwhile comrades—warrior dandy Fennus, Gallina of the sharp knives, and Taivus—and settles down in Thune. There, she buys a decrepit stable and hires Cal, a hob carpenter, and Tandri, a reformed succubus, who become her friends and helpers in opening a coffee shop that eventually takes the town by storm. The slight conflicts that follow are far from standard high fantasy fare: Viv must defy a local protection racket and evade the machinations of the envious Fennus. Viv's success in business is buttressed by her growing affection for Tandri, adding a dash of sweet romance to this tale of finding meaning in the little things. This charming outing will please anyone who's ever wished to spend time in a fantasy world without all the quests and battles.
Customer Reviews
A Fun “Bit of Fluff”
This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
Viv is a battle-weary orc who is aiming for a fresh start. She has traveled to Thune, her heart set on opening the city’s first-ever coffee shop. Yet her goal is beset with difficulties. Old and new enemies seek to disrupt her plans. More importantly, no one in Thune has the faintest idea of what coffee is.
It’s a path she can’t hope to walk alone. Whether through the arcane magic hidden in her shop, a delicious pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, people get drawn into her venture and become partners, friends, even family.
Review:
I’ve always said a storyteller’s greatest asset is the question, “what if …?” What if an orc came upon the concept of coffee and decided to turn it into a business? What challenges would such an unusual, budding entrepreneur face in a fantasy world? Is there magic? Yes. How about battle? A little. The blade work is minimal. Because I am something of an amateur barista, the title drew me to pick up the book.
Travis Baldree doesn’t go into much detail about the setting but describes the coffee shop in loving detail. I liked the interpersonal relationships, though some of the conflicts seemed resolved too easily. If you are looking for high fantasy, this isn’t the book. Other reviewers describe it as a “cozy fantasy” and even “a bit of fluff.” However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fun read.
Boring
This book had no plot. This was not escapism for me. I wish the entire book was as exciting as the short story at the end.
Not my cup of tea….or latte
Wow, for a short novel this book dragged on. A whole lotta nothing going on.