And boy am I glad I started small!

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is a lovely light-hearted fantasy about new-beginnings, new friends and living your dreams. The premise is simple, the execution sublime, and the outcome totally expected but completely satisfying. The characters are loveable, likeable and more importantly, believable. The plot is good, well paced and satisfying – and not all questions are answered, but why shouldn’t there be a little mystery in this cosy fantasy? It was a quick read that I really enjoyed: it made me smile, it made me laugh and while I didn’t expect to like it, I really, really did and would quite happily recommend it to someone looking for some light, unique fantasy.

I’m so glad that I decided to take part in the Book Bingo, and that this was my first read for it. I don’t do a lot of fantasy beyond what I already know, so the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone with this one really was me doing exactly that. Legends & Lattes is Viv’s journey from being a bad-ass Orc Warrior, to wanting to settle down and, for want of a better word, “retire” to a peaceful life – the one she’s dreamed of. She’s discovered coffee on her adventures as a warrior, and fancies herself as a barista – bringing new tastes and delights to the city of Thune and while this sets out as a solo venture, Viv soon gains new friends (and staff) who eventually become family, and learns that although the path to living your dreams isn’t always easy, it’s always worth it.

I loved the light-heartedness of this story – I had no trouble at all getting into the narrative and that’s down to the author – it was easy to see what he was trying to achieve but it didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment of the plot. The pacing was perfect – there’s enough comfort to keep you satisified, and enough tension to keep the plot intriguing. Yes, there are tropes – found-family, beginning of a new romance, a villain from the past but none of these feel forced or contrived.

Would I have normally picked this book up and read it? No. I wouldn’t, and if I hadn’t I’d have missed a total gem of a book, so I’m really glad that I picked it up. Is it a literary masterpiece? No. Does it need to be? Again, no. Would I read it again? Yes.

Cawpile rating: 8.14/10 (equivalent to 4 stars)

Characters: 8/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Writing: 9/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 7/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 9/10