Thank you to Penguin Random House International for providing an Advance Reader’s Copy of the book through Edelweiss+.
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My first encounter with this book was when it was still independently published. At the time, I was adamant about delving into fantasy stories thanks to my fascination with The Wheel of Time series, and this book was rising in popularity as a good cosy fantasy. So, it was a no-brainer when I saw that the graphic novel was available as an Advance Reader’s Copy.
Having never read the original novel, I went into this story completely blind. My only knowledge of it was that it was a cosy fantasy.
The story follows Viv, an orc who has decided that she wants to start a new life, quit adventuring, and open a coffee shop instead—inspired by her experience of drinking coffee, and loving it, in Azimuth.
Every moment with this book was enjoyable. I loved Viv’s encounters with the friends she made in this new city. Her kindness really brought to life the beautiful philosophy of reciprocity—how kindness breeds kindness.
The relatively low-stakes conflict was also really nice. Moving to a new city to start a business? Here’s a mafia asking you for money for their “protection.” The way Viv tried to argue with herself over what action she should take felt so real. She’s used to brawling, so something like this doesn’t intimidate her. But as Cal, one of the friends she makes along the way, says, “You can take care of yourself, but there’s more you got at stake.”
My favourite character is Thimble. A Ratkin who barely talks. He just bakes. And he bakes good. I think he’s such a charming character. If I ever decide to continue with the sequel, I hope I get to see more of him.
As I’ve said, I haven’t read the novel, so I can’t offer any insight into how closely the graphic novel follows it, but I believe Samuel Sattin did an incredible job adapting the story to this format. I loved the dialogue and interactions throughout the book.
Shanti Rittgers and Sarah Web did an amazing job as well in bringing the characters and setting to life. I loved the colours, the panels, and especially the way they emphasized the food. It made me feel so hungry.
Reading this book really reinvigorated my desire to read short, cosy fantasy stories. Fantasy can sometimes be extremely daunting for people like me who don’t have it among their top five genres, but Legends & Lattes reminded me that a fantasy story doesn’t always have to be complicated.
Sometimes, it can simply feel like home.
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