This cosy fantasy publishes on the 10th and is perfect to read with a Costa Toblerone latte (other coffee shops and latte varieties are available).

However a couple of years back I discovered that I could buy the syrups Costa use and have my own little latte station at home now. Budgets are tight and we need all the book money we can get. Now after reading the book I also feel the need for a pastry or three.

About the Book

A cosy, heart-warming slice-of-life fantasy about found families and fresh starts – perfect for fans of TJ Klune, Katherine Addison, T. Kingfisher, and snuggling up on the sofa.

After decades of adventuring, Vov the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sights her sights on a new dream – for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is…

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can’t go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thane’s shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once more.

But the true reward of the unchartered 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 ever could have imagined.

High fantasy, low stakes – with a double shot of coffee.

About the Author

Travis Baldree is a full-time audiobook narrator who has lent his voice to hundreds of stories. Before that, he spent decade designing and building video games like Torchlight, Rebel Galaxy, and Fate. Apparently, he also now writes books. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his very patient family and their small, nervous dog. Legends & Lattes is his debut novel.

What I Thought

Does for fantasy what Becky Chambers did for sci-fi.

Publishing these days is often all about the hard sell, the hook, the pacy adventure and sometimes you want something a little more laid back with a bit less peril. Slice-of-life with found family (and a sneaky bit of romance) is a perfect description and the characterisation in this, is Thimble chef’s kiss!

If you love food don’t be surprised to find yourself salivating and craving a trip to your local cafe or patisserie – I love that they include a recipe for one of the goodies in the book. As well as a bonus short story and a Q&A with the author. For any U.K. fans sad we don’t have the US cover, the cover image appears on the end pages.

There are so many cool characters and species included and definite spin off potential! Obviously, as our main character, Viv the barbarian Orc has the most growth throughout the book. Just be warned though that despite the cosy feel of most of the book the prologue is a little gruesome but this works as stark contrast and to show why Viv is striving to follow a different path now.

Final thought. Are you really a bookworm if you’ve never daydreamed bout owning a book & coffee shop?! Nod to any friends reading this who remembers the 80s BBC computer game Teashop. This is a coffee shop version of that in book form mixed with the fantasy adventure game I can’t remember the name of.

Do follow along with the tour and use the hashtag#ShowUsHowYouLatte to share your fave coffee spots or rituals.

Thanks to Black Crow PR and the publisher for the gifted copy for the purpose of an honest review.