Author: Travis Baldree
Published: June 7, 2022 by Tor
Format: Kindle, 296 Pages
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Legends & Lattes #1
Blurb: 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.
My Opinion: Cozy fantasy tends to divide readers -- you’re either charmed by its warm embrace or find yourself wanting something with sharper edges. Legends & Lattes falls into that unique space where fantasy meets comfortable storytelling. While many fantasy books ask you to memorize elaborate magic systems and wade through dense world-building, this novel keeps things light. There is no need to decode ancient prophecies or navigate a maze of unfamiliar names; just a simple, satisfying tale with all the charm of a well-worn café.
That said, the author does plant a historical anchor, a reference to a 1300’ish date, but rather than grounding the story, it ended up feeling more like a distraction. With a cast of non-human characters and a setting that felt removed from any factual historical timeline, this detail pulled me out rather than drawing me in.
As for reading order, it’s a puzzle. I started with Bookshops & Bonedust, the prequel, which gave me some helpful context for the world and its characters. But with a third book, Brigands & Breadknives, coming soon (following Fern, a character first introduced in the prequel), the question of where to begin feels even trickier. Do you start with Viv’s story, where an orc warrior turns coffee shop owner and builds a community from scratch? Or do you work backward first, unraveling the past before stepping into the present? Either way, one thing is for certain: this series thrives on its sense of found family. Viv’s journey isn’t just about coffee (or bean water, as some call it); it’s about resilience, friendship, and the quiet joy of building something lasting.
However you approach it, you’re in for a world that feels less like an epic saga and more like a warm, familiar retreat that invites you in with the promise of companionship and a freshly brewed drink.
My Opinion: Cozy fantasy tends to divide readers -- you’re either charmed by its warm embrace or find yourself wanting something with sharper edges. Legends & Lattes falls into that unique space where fantasy meets comfortable storytelling. While many fantasy books ask you to memorize elaborate magic systems and wade through dense world-building, this novel keeps things light. There is no need to decode ancient prophecies or navigate a maze of unfamiliar names; just a simple, satisfying tale with all the charm of a well-worn café.
That said, the author does plant a historical anchor, a reference to a 1300’ish date, but rather than grounding the story, it ended up feeling more like a distraction. With a cast of non-human characters and a setting that felt removed from any factual historical timeline, this detail pulled me out rather than drawing me in.
As for reading order, it’s a puzzle. I started with Bookshops & Bonedust, the prequel, which gave me some helpful context for the world and its characters. But with a third book, Brigands & Breadknives, coming soon (following Fern, a character first introduced in the prequel), the question of where to begin feels even trickier. Do you start with Viv’s story, where an orc warrior turns coffee shop owner and builds a community from scratch? Or do you work backward first, unraveling the past before stepping into the present? Either way, one thing is for certain: this series thrives on its sense of found family. Viv’s journey isn’t just about coffee (or bean water, as some call it); it’s about resilience, friendship, and the quiet joy of building something lasting.
However you approach it, you’re in for a world that feels less like an epic saga and more like a warm, familiar retreat that invites you in with the promise of companionship and a freshly brewed drink.
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