Book Review: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Legends & Lattes
Author: Travis Baldree
Series: Legends & Lattes (Book 1)
Publication: Tor Books (June 7, 2022)

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: This fantasy is about fresh starts and finding friends. Viv is an orc who is tired of being in battles all the time. When she discovers a magical relic, she takes it as an opportunity to start a new life. Research leads her to Thune with its converging leylines as a new home. She plans to open a coffee shop which will be a challenge because no one in Thune has ever heard of coffee.

Her circle grows as a she meets a carpenter who helps her convert the old livery stable she bought into a new venue for her business. Then she advertises for an assistant and gets a succubus who is looking for a new start of her own. When another customer wanders in who is a genius baker, he is drawn into the fold too. 

But all is not simple and easy. The local protection association threatens her livelihood, and an old enemy wants the magical relic that she found. But calling still other friends and a deal with the crime boss whose organization is selling protection, lowers those threats.

At least until the old enemy manages to use magical fire to burn down Viv's place and steal the relic. But friends rally to rebuild bigger and better and confirm that Viv has found her new home and people who are just who she has been missing.

This was an enjoyable story - almost a cozy fantasy - with great characters. 

Favorite Quote:

While Viv puzzled over that, Laney wafted the steam from the roll to her nose. "I don't mind tellin' you, this beats the smell of horse apples, any day of the week." Her eyes disappeared in the dried-fruit crinkle of her grin.

"I'd always hoped we'd clear the high bar set by horseshit."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.