Audiobook Review: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
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Fans of fantasy series are sometimes seen to be a different sort of reader. They’re often the kind who will fully immerse themselves in these imaginary worlds, dressing up as their favorite characters and enacting scenes with fellow enthusiasts. But the audio edition of Legends & Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes by Travis Baldree is the kind of fantasy that even casual readers can enjoy.
The story finds orc warrior Viv hanging up her sword (quite literally) and starting a new life in the town of Thune. There, she purchases a run-down livery stable and sets out to convert it into something the town has never seen before: a coffee shop. As she works to introduce the townspeople to this delicious delicacy, she’s aided by a succubus barista and a timid ratkin who just happens to be a brilliant pastry chef. But she also attracts the attention of Thune’s criminal element—and an unwelcome blast from her own past.
With its warm and welcoming setting, its likable mythical characters, and just a touch of action and mayhem, Legends & Lattes promises to be the coziest, most lovable fantasy you’ll ever read. As Viv settles into her new life in Thune and works toward her dream of starting her own business and sharing the joy of coffee with a bunch of gruff (and somewhat apprehensive) townsfolk, she finds herself attracting the most endearing circle of friends and business partners and customers. Though Viv is an orc—and the characters around her are hobs and witches and gnomes—they feel just like any patrons of any local coffee shop in any town. And readers will quickly fall in love with these characters and their own particular quirks.
The author manages to blend genres flawlessly to tell a story that can be appreciated by fans of both serious fantasy and fluffy small-town fiction. It’s sweet and charming and wickedly clever, too—the kind of read that will pull readers in and make them want to order a latte and a cinnamon roll, pull up a chair, and stay a while.
Whether your reading tastes tend toward J. R. R. Tolkien or Jane Austen, you’ll love the delightfully charming fantasy and adventure of Legends & Lattes. When it comes to an end, you might feel a little bit lost—like you’ve lost a good friend—but you’ll be eager to return to Viv’s coffee shop for the sequel.
Pros:
– Easygoing fantasy
– Clever sense of humor
– Fun mix of genres
– Coffee shop setting
Cons:
– Lots of mythical creatures to follow
You can listen to this audiobook through Audible on Amazon.
Psssttt…Did you know that I review books on the radio each week? You can hear my audio review of this book on PRX.