Review: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

What if someone wrote a high fantasy novel, something sort of akin to a game of Dungeons and Dragons, but veered off on a different path, creating a cozy, low stakes read that was just pure entertainment? Okay, it's been done before--and exceptionally well by authors like Terry Pratchett--but there is something that feels very new, and appealing, about Legends & Lattes.

Viv is hanging up her sword, literally. After a long and successful career of slaying monsters she has decided to turn her hand to a peaceful enterprise, running a coffeeshop in a small town where none of the residents know what coffee is. Chapter by chapter we watch as she builds the cafe up from scratch, makes many friends along the way and resists the urge to pick up her sword once again. It is light and addictive, (of course there is a hint of foes and danger in there but nothing too heavy,) and ultimately it is entertaining. I found this one to be an enjoyable read, though its best asset, the cosy nature of it all, meant that I had forgotten at least half of the book the day after I finished reading it. Ultimately though, it is what it is and it does a great job of delivering everything promised to the reader on the back cover.

Recommended.

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