Genres:
Cozy Fantasy, Queer, Romance
Pages:
296
Published:
February 22, 2022
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 of 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.
✧ Overall Score✧
7.5/10
I don’t normally have much patience for overly cozy or sappy stories, but it was something I needed at the moment. The characters are very lovable and there is a plot to speak of, at least enough of one to break things up between the cozy scenes. Had to take some hefty suspension of disbelief though — having a working espresso machine and milk frother and ventallation system in a medieval fantasy…? Maybe if more magic was involved. Still, I forgive it. It was a very enjoyable read and it absolutely accomplishes what it set out to do.
✧ Enjoyment Score✧
6/10
Slow paced, as cozy stories are, without much hook to keep you going. Still, the dialogue was cute and the story drew me along — just more like a lazy river than an exciting chase.
✧ Writing Style✧
9/10
I quite liked the descriptions of the foods and the areas and just.. the description in general. The prose was well paced and comforting, with just enough simile to add flavor and not so much that it made it tedious or obstructed meaning.
✧ Plot✧
5/10
There was a bit of politics and intrigue but it all… settled itself a little too easily with cute little bows. But again, this wasn’t a book that was written to be challenging. It is what it is, a comfort novel, and that is no poor thing.
✧ Characterization✧
7/10
Nothing shocking nor particularly exciting, but all of these characters were built to be charming and they certainly succeed at that. Cute and cozy and happy making.