After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success ― not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

I have seen nothing but rave reviews for this book, and admittedly, I wasn’t quite sure what I would be getting myself into. I knew it was described as a “cozy fantasy,” and I expected a gentle story, but I wasn’t prepared for how much charm and warmth it would deliver. It was both everything I didn’t know I needed and nothing like what I expected.

The story follows Viv, a battle-hardened orc who has spent her life as a mercenary, swinging swords and slaying monsters. But she’s done with all that. Tired of the violence and the never-ending cycle of bloodshed, Viv wants something more – something simple, peaceful, and hers. So, she decides to hang up her blade and open a coffee shop. The only issue? The city of Thune doesn’t even know what coffee is.

If that premise and the promise of an orc barista living in a fantasy world where she dreams of opening a shop filled with coffee and pastries instead of quests and bloodbaths isn’t enough to intrigue you, then I don’t know what is. I can say that the real magic of the story lies not in the novelty of the setting or even the whimsical plot but in the characters and the relationships that blossom between them.

Viv quickly learns that starting a business from scratch – especially one selling an unknown beverage – is no easy feat. But along the way, she collects a ragtag group of companions who help turn her dream into reality. There’s Cal, the hob who constructs the shop’s charming interior; Tandri, a succubus with marketing smarts; and Thimble, a shy ratkin baker whose cinnamon rolls, croissants, and other pastries might just be the final piece that makes the shop a success.

The writing is straightforward and warm, much like the story itself. Baldree keeps things simple, allowing the charm of the characters and the setting to shine through without needing to embellish or complicate. It’s a gentle escape, a cozy nook where found family, good food, and quiet bravery take center stage.

Yes, there’s some conflict – mostly mild threats from shady figures and remnants of Viv’s past – but the stakes are relatively low, and that’s exactly what makes the story so fun. This isn’t a story about saving the world. It’s about building something new, finding a family, and learning to trust others. It’s about community, second chances, and the small, beautiful moments that make life meaningful.

If you’ve ever wanted a fantasy novel that feels like the equivalent of wrapping yourself in a blanket and sipping a warm latte on a rainy day, I’ve found what you’ve been looking for. Travis Baldree has brewed up something truly special, and I can’t wait to check out the other books in the series. This was the perfect palate cleanser. If you’re looking for a little bit of magic, a lot of heart, and a whole bunch of pastries, Legends & Lattes is the book for you.

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