by Travis Baldree

• Cosy
• Fantasy
• Fiction
• Magical

I decided to pick up Legends & Lattes after finishing the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and wanting something with a similar fantasy feel, but a little lighter. The blurb immediately caught my attention and, as both a fantasy gamer and D&D player, I could already imagine this story fitting perfectly into those kinds of worlds. 

The first book in the series follows Viv, an orc who, after years of battles, bounties, and bloodshed, decides to hang up her sword and pursue a much quieter dream: opening a café and introducing the world to an unfamiliar drink called coffee. 

At its heart, this is a warm and cosy story about fresh starts, taking chances, and finding the right people at the right time. It’s about the friendships and unexpected connections that help us achieve things we never thought possible, and the family we build along the way. 

I listened to this as an audiobook, and it was an incredibly easy and enjoyable experience. The pacing is relaxed yet engaging, making it the perfect cosy fantasy. Every character feels unique and memorable, while the setting feels as though it has been lifted straight from a D&D campaign, filled with charm, magic, and familiar fantasy races. 

The novel explores themes of starting over, embracing change, and building a new life from the ground up. More than anything, it’s a story about community, belonging, and creating a place where people feel welcome. 

If you’re looking for a comforting, low-stakes fantasy that offers plenty of heart, Legends & Lattes is a fantastic choice. It’s the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads and one I’d happily recommend to anyone wanting to dip their toes into the cosy fantasy genre.