Legends and Lattes

Legends and Lattes

written by Travis Baldree

I’ve been on a small “cozy” reading streak. I discovered a whole vein of “cozy” books. It’s not quite a genre, for I’ve seen cozy fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi so far. It’s more like a tone. Something that makes you feel warm inside as if the world’s troubles are small and good, kind people abound everywhere you go. I knew cozy video games existed: Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, A Witch in the Woods, etc. Cozy television exists too such as The Great British Baking Show or that “movie” where it’s just a video of a fireplace. I do enjoy some gritty, high-stake thrillers, but sometimes I get sick of watching bones break in Stranger Things and want to relax and think of the sweet things in life. I don’t want to witness fictional suffering today. Today I want a fantasy book about a female Orc named Val who retired from raids and pillaging to start a coffee shop.

This is a book about Val building her coffee shop from the ground up and meeting fortuitous folks along the way who help make her dream a reality. That really is the main plot. I wouldn’t say this story has no stakes. Val has a history that tries to tempt her back into her old, more violent habits that she’s long since given up, and there’s a collector trying blackmail the shop, but when I tell you that I was enthralled when reading the chapter when the rat-kin baker made biscotti, believe me. This book made me feel safe and entertained, like I was sitting in Val’s atmospheric coffee shop sipping my drink, nibbling a pastry, tapping my foot to music, chatting with neighbors, and soaking in the heat of the oven. It’s warm.

Maybe this book isn’t your speed, but don’t underestimate this short read. It’s good to remember that when things feel large and scary, there’s always the option to get a little cozy.