Legends & Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes
by: Travis Baldree (Paperback)
After a long, bloody life of adventuring, Viv, an orc swordswoman, decides she’s had enough. She wants something quieter, something better. Viv hangs up her sword and invests in her dream: opening the first coffee shop in the city of Thune — even though most folks there have no idea what coffee is. World of Bai+2Wikipedia+2
She uses savings from her mercenary days, buys a run-down building (an old stable), hires help to renovate it, and brings in a barista. She faces a few problems: old adventuring rivals, customers unfamiliar with coffee culture, and the challenges of starting a small business. But what really becomes central isn’t so much external threats, but the relationships she builds — with her staff, neighbors, loyal customers, and the odd magical or adventurous types who drift into her café.
The book is more about cozy moments, friendships, community, and found family than epic battles or world-ending stakes. It’s “high fantasy” in the setting (creatures, magic, fantasy races etc.), but “low stakes” in plot — it’s gentler, slower, and focused on daily life and internal growth.
Viv’s dream-coffee shop becomes more than just a business; it becomes a place of connection. Her past continues to tug at her, but she learns what matters now: peace, purpose, and the joy of a well-pulled latte.
Genre(s): Fantasy (especially cozy fantasy / low-stakes fantasy), with elements of romance and found family.
Page count: 316 pages
Goodreads rating: Approximately 4.36 / 5
by: Travis Baldree (Paperback)
After a long, bloody life of adventuring, Viv, an orc swordswoman, decides she’s had enough. She wants something quieter, something better. Viv hangs up her sword and invests in her dream: opening the first coffee shop in the city of Thune — even though most folks there have no idea what coffee is. World of Bai+2Wikipedia+2
She uses savings from her mercenary days, buys a run-down building (an old stable), hires help to renovate it, and brings in a barista. She faces a few problems: old adventuring rivals, customers unfamiliar with coffee culture, and the challenges of starting a small business. But what really becomes central isn’t so much external threats, but the relationships she builds — with her staff, neighbors, loyal customers, and the odd magical or adventurous types who drift into her café.
The book is more about cozy moments, friendships, community, and found family than epic battles or world-ending stakes. It’s “high fantasy” in the setting (creatures, magic, fantasy races etc.), but “low stakes” in plot — it’s gentler, slower, and focused on daily life and internal growth.
Viv’s dream-coffee shop becomes more than just a business; it becomes a place of connection. Her past continues to tug at her, but she learns what matters now: peace, purpose, and the joy of a well-pulled latte.
Genre(s): Fantasy (especially cozy fantasy / low-stakes fantasy), with elements of romance and found family.
Page count: 316 pages
Goodreads rating: Approximately 4.36 / 5