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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 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.
This book is very cozy and wholesome. Set in a D&D-esque fantasy world with a cast of characters that is eclectic and lovable. Each character is unique, well written, and developed.
Travis Baldree has tapped into a minimally touched niche in the fantasy genre—the less epic side of fantasy life.
Viv is an orc that has lived a life of questing and bloodshed. Using her physical presence and abilities to her advantage. Though, sadly, I have never been on an epic quest, she is very relatable. Her ambition and desire to follow a bigger dream is mundane but engaging.
The story is well-written, develops naturally, and flows really well. That being said, I didn’t love it.
I can say all the wonderful things about this novel and they will all be true and genuine. But objective.
Subjectively, this story was not my cup of tea, or cup of coffee as it were. This story is simply a slice of everyday life. While the writing immersed the reader in a vivid world, the story wasn’t enough for me. I prefer a plot with more, well, excitement.
The plot is simple. A woman trying to pursue a dream without any extraordinary circumstances or events. The overall pace is slow and steady. There are a few bouts of excitement. In general, the plot is a bit one note for me.
This is where I am torn. The writing style, characters, world building, and flow are all excellent. Personally, I prefer a bit more drama and mystery.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! Am I likely to reach for it again? No. I can appreciate the novel for what it is. It is just my personal preference that is not completely conducive.
But I don’t want that to deter anyone from reaching for this novel and missing out on a story that they may possibly fall in love with.
And yes, I am planning in reading the sequel due to drop November 2023. And looking forward to it.
