Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Genre: Fantasy, Slice of Life, Gaslamp Fantasy
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Have you ever read a book that just feels like a warm hug? Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree is just that. It’s slice of life fantasy where the fantasy elements give it just a touch of flavor that don’t at all overshadow the story and characters. This is that book you want to read on a rainy day, wrapped in a blanket, and drinking coffee.
Baldree, normally an audiobook narrator by day, took a stab at writing his own novel, and wow did he impress me. This little self-published book has gained quite a bit of traction, and I’m happy to see his work become immediately successful. His characters are really what sell it for me.
Legends and Lattes is a found family story that follows an orc barbarian named Viv who gives up her life of violent combat to open up a coffee shop. After finding the perfect town to settle in, she begins work. Throughout the story, we meet members of the town and watch their relationship with Viv blossom into friendship, family, and love. It’s purely slice of life, and it was a really nice, relaxing palate cleanser after all of the hard sci–fi I’ve been reading lately.
This novel is relaxing, carefree, and cozy. You’ll love the characters right out the gate. The only tension you’ll get reading is very minor and almost non-existent. Our inciting incident is that Viv is wanting to start a new life of putting violence behind her to settle down and open a cafe. Usually it’s the other way around!
Baldree doesn’t try to throw in plot twists, action, or mystery, and that’s ok. I’ve never read a book that didn’t throw those elements in, and I’m honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed this style. I will absolutely be looking out for more Baldree and, I hope, more Viv and her new family.
