Like many, I heard about Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree through hype online. The name alone made it an obvious choice for me, but it helped that I was in the mood for reading something light and fluffy to combat these cold, dreary days. The book is exactly that—a real cinnamon roll of read—heart warming, gooey, and a treat.
“Things don’t have to stay as what they started out as.”
Travis Baldree, Legends & Lattes
Following Viv, an orc adventurer looking to retire and open a coffee shop in the town of Thune. Motivated by the sense of wonder she felt when she discovered coffee, she vows to give up her dangerous life and bring the same feeling to others. She pours all her hard-earned savings from years as a sword-for-hire into purchasing a livery and converting it into the first coffeeshop the people of Thune have ever seen. Along the way she encounters a cast of eclectic characters who help supply and operate her business. My personal favourite character is Thimble, a nervous mouse and incredible baker. Writing that sentence alone makes me very happy.
“The combined aromas of hot cinnamon, ground coffee, and sweet cardamom intoxicated her, and as she brewed and smiled and served and chatted, a deep contentment welled up. It was a glowing warmth she’d never experienced before, and she liked it. She liked it a great deal.”
Travis Baldree, Legends & Lattes
There are a few shadowy figures including the mysterious Madrigal to whom she must pay a monthly “protection fee” and, of course, the consequences from her old life come to revisit her. But overall, it is a no-stakes adventure that is just a good time. I needed it more than I realized! As the story unwinds with the cozy themes of found family, romance, and beginning anew I was struck by how little I cared about the lack of action. In fact, when some approximation of conflict began to arise, I found myself less interested in the plot. I discovered that I could read Baldree’s descriptions of café interiors and menu items all day long. A romance plot emerges, and I found it passable although a bit rushed. I wouldn’t have minded if Viv and her paramour took a bit more time hanging out in the coffee shop (so I could read more about Thimble’s baking) but there were no surprises.
As a book originally written for the 2021 National Novel Writing Month, Baldree’s tale of a life-after-adventure reads like a much-needed reprieve from the world. There is enough conflict to keep the plot moving, but the heartfelt themes of choice, found family, and misconceptions based on appearances are like a balm for tough times.