Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree | Blind Date Book Review
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Hello Readers,
After giving it some thought, I’ve decided that rather than do a full monthly wrap here of all the books I’ve read, I’m going to write a full review of the Blind Date Books I’ll be reading throughout the year. That way I can share my thoughts thoroughly on one book rather than trying to cram in numerous reviews into one post for you.
So the first Blind Date Book of 2024 that I’ll be sharing my thoughts on with you is Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. I remember seeing this book everywhere when it was first published and heard nothing but good things about it. Then a member of my book club read it last year and recommended it, so I decided to add it to my Blind Date Book picks and I was so glad it was the first book I unwrapped.
Before I get into my thoughts on the book, let me share the synopsis with you:
“After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights upon a new dream: opening the first coffee shop in Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to realise her plans, she’ll need help from unexpected quarters. Yet rivals old and new stand in the way of success. And Thune’s shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once again.
But the true reward of the uncharted path is the travellers you meet along the way. Whether bound by ancient magic, delicious pastries or a freshly brewed cup, they may become something deeper than Viv could ever have imagined.”
I read a lot of fast paced books, with the main characters usually in some kind of danger and they have to save the world from all the villains. Now while I love those sorts of books, (I wouldn’t read them if I didn’t) sometimes I want something a bit more slower paced without the characters being in jeopardy every other page. Something that makes me feel cosy, pulls on my emotions without leaving me heartbroken, and like I’d be completely safe living in the world that the author has created. Basically, books that give the same comfort level of drinking a warm cup of tea on a cold winter’s day.
For me Legends and Lattes covers all that and more; Travis Baldree has created a wonderfully unique, cosy high fantasy with low stakes story set in a world full of endearing characters that you just want the best for. I just felt like I wanted to grab my book and laptop, head out to Viv’s coffee shop to work and read and watch the world go by every day while enjoying a drink and one of the most amazing sounding pastries known to man or well, Orc I guess.
I think this will be one of those books that, when I’m just wanting to read something comforting and easy, will be at the top of the list. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a warm hug in a book and I’m eagerly awaiting the paperback edition of the prequel, (because I like my editions to match) Bookshops & Bonedust in September and I’m hoping it will offer the same amount of warmth and comfort as Legends & Lattes.
Stay Safe. Read a Book.
L x
