The first in the Legends & Lattes series is a cozy fantasy story about new beginnings, the transformative power of coffee, and vulnerability and unexpected love.
After twenty-two years of adventuring, Viv had reached her limit of blood and mud and bullshit. An orc’s life was strength and violence and a sudden, sharp end—but she’d be damned if she’d let hers finish that way. It was time for something new.
I've had this book on my list for ages, and recently both my friend Jamie and my nephew Jamie sang its praises, so I finally listened to Legends & Lattes.
Viv has spent years hunting down creatures for bounties, wielding her sword, and doing anything ruthless needed to bag her prey.
But Viv has discovered the wonder of coffee and has determined to make a new start: she's headed to the city of Thune to settle down and open its first coffee shop.
“People just sat around drinking it from these little ceramic cups, and I had to try it, and...it was like drinking the feeling of being peaceful. Being peaceful in your mind. Well, not if you have too much, then it's something else.”
She must rely on an unlikely, ragtag group of new collaborators and friends--creatures of all types, some of whom seem to expect rejection but who find acceptance with Viv--to make her business a success.
And she'll have to finally let down her guard if she's going to build the friendships and find the love she's realizing she so desperately wants.
This is a sweet, cozy fantasy story that feels like a big hug; it's a love letter to coffee, to the beauty of diversity, to unexpected and special connections, and to the joy and satisfaction in a settled life surrounded by loyal friends and found family.
Do you have any Bossy thoughts about this book?
Bookshops & Bonedust is the prequel to Legends & Lattes.
The short story "Pages to Fill" (also a prequel) is included at the end of Legends & Lattes.