JULY 2022 - AudioFile
Taking a break from narrating other authors’ audiobooks, Travis Baldree narrates his own debut fantasy. Viv, a fierce orc warrior, has decided to retire. She has discovered coffee, a gnomish delicacy, and she wants to open a café in Thune, a city where no one has heard of the beverage. Baldree has created a delightful set of characters. He introduces the motley crew of disparate creatures that become involved with the café enterprise. Using a variety of accents, he captures the cosmopolitan character of Thune. His vivid presentation of the flavors and smells of the café makes it easy to savor the scenes that take place there. Baldree attentively differentiates even the minor characters in this world, perhaps hinting at sequels to come. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2023 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
08/22/2022
Baldree debuts with a gentle little cozy set against an epic fantasy backdrop. Aging and tired of bloodletting, orc swordswoman Viv leads her mercenary crew on one last adventure. After slaying a monster and wrenching from its skull a legendary stone, a talisman said to bring good fortune to its bearer, she abandons her erstwhile comrades—warrior dandy Fennus, Gallina of the sharp knives, and Taivus—and settles down in Thune. There, she buys a decrepit stable and hires Cal, a hob carpenter, and Tandri, a reformed succubus, who become her friends and helpers in opening a coffee shop that eventually takes the town by storm. The slight conflicts that follow are far from standard high fantasy fare: Viv must defy a local protection racket and evade the machinations of the envious Fennus. Viv’s success in business is buttressed by her growing affection for Tandri, adding a dash of sweet romance to this tale of finding meaning in the little things. This charming outing will please anyone who’s ever wished to spend time in a fantasy world without all the quests and battles. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It's sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book."—Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway
“This slice-of-life cozy fantasy novel has everything you've been searching for.”—Buzzfeed
"I just loved it."—Felicia Day
“Legends & Lattes is a big-hearted story about the small things in life. A lovingly written ode to the genre, it is a must-read for every D&D player who has ever wondered what happens after 'happily ever after.'”—Cassandra Khaw, USA Today bestselling author
"A gentle little cozy set against an epic fantasy backdrop. . . . This charming outing will please anyone who’s ever wished to spend time in a fantasy world without all the quests and battles."—Publishers Weekly
“Legends & Lattes is a uniquely beautiful book. Its cast of endearing characters have no interest at all in killing one another. There is no Great Evil, no bloody battles, and yet the pillars of great fantasy—resilience, fellowship, and a desire to make the world a better place—are all here. It’s wonderfully wholesome, and I hope heralds the rise of a 'slice-of-life' sub-genre in modern fantasy.”—Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld
“The most fun I've ever had in a coffee shop.”—Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of London
“I absolutely loved this book. It's a heartwarming story of how effort, intention and coffee can work together to change the world for the better. Fills my hunger for happy endings.”—Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library
“An orc retires from adventuring to start a fantasy city’s very first coffee shop. This setup combined with the positive messages of defying societal stereotypes, letting go of violence to build peace, and trusting in your friends feels like a premise from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. . . . Legends & Lattes is a novel, and shop, that will delight anyone who enjoys coffee-shop alternate universes, slow-burn romances, and the vindication of friendship.”—Booklist, starred review
"The definition of a cozy fantasy comfort read. . . . It was lovely.”—Olivia Atwater, author of Half a Soul
“Take a break from epic battles and saving the world. Legends & Lattes is a low-stakes fantasy that delivers exactly what's advertised: a wholesome, cozy novel that feels like a warm hug. This is my new comfort read.”—Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart
“Baldree's book is beautiful and uplifting, a soothing tonic in our troubled times. Escape into its pages and you won't ever want to leave.”—T. L. Huchu, author of The Library of the Dead
“A love letter to queer D&D players.”—Autostraddle
“Those looking for a more peaceful story set in a world reminiscent of the fantasy landscapes they love will adore Legends & Lattes—and keep an eye out for Baldree’s next charming tale.”—BookPage
"This is a warm hug of a book, a place to retreat from the world for a little while, drink a coffee, and come out a little better."—T. Kingfisher, USA Today bestselling author of Nettle & Bone
"If you like fantasy but you’re tired of reading about wars and general intensity, this is the book for you. . . . Cozy fantasy at its best."—Literary Hub
JULY 2022 - AudioFile
Taking a break from narrating other authors’ audiobooks, Travis Baldree narrates his own debut fantasy. Viv, a fierce orc warrior, has decided to retire. She has discovered coffee, a gnomish delicacy, and she wants to open a café in Thune, a city where no one has heard of the beverage. Baldree has created a delightful set of characters. He introduces the motley crew of disparate creatures that become involved with the café enterprise. Using a variety of accents, he captures the cosmopolitan character of Thune. His vivid presentation of the flavors and smells of the café makes it easy to savor the scenes that take place there. Baldree attentively differentiates even the minor characters in this world, perhaps hinting at sequels to come. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2023 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
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