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April Group Read Discussion: Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes #1) by Travis Baldree
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Welcome to the April group read of Legends & Lattes. We are reading Legends & Lattes to satisfy prompt # 27 A # Book Tok recommendations. The book also works for # 41 A book written during NaNoWriMo, This is a debut book ,#4 first-time author & was self published prompt # 44. It also works for the 2022 prompt #9 found family. I searched to see if the book works for fan fic but I never found a definitive answer. If it works let us know. Travis Baldree is an audio book narrator & video game designer & builder. Good skills to have if you want to write a book. The genres are High Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Lgbt, Cozy Mystery. Lets start with some general questions & questions from the epilogue.
1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation?
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover?
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Sone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations?
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone?
Lets start with some general questions & questions from the epilogue.1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation? No I'm using it for prompt # 41 A book written during NaNoWriMo. This worked out well because I wanted to read L&L.
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover? I love the cover. I love the blended colors. The cover tells its own little story. When I saw the cover I immediately thought of TJ Klune books & covers.
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes. From the cover I knew it was a fantasy set in a coffee shop. I thought that was a novel idea. The coffee shop is cozy looking so that takes care of the cozy mystery part. The book is described as "High Fantasy & Low Stakes". I wanted to read something light so I was game.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Sone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations? Viv was on the path of self-reinvention. She wanted to start over without relying on Blackblood or the crew.
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone? Viv went through alot to retrieve the Scalvert Stone which is a stone in the Scalvert Queens brain. She was beginning a new life & needed powerful luck.
(view spoiler) Once Vic removes the stone she sets in action the low tensions or stakes in the book.
I have read alreadyvand just loved it. The ebook I read and the print copy I saw have a very short story at the end entitled Pages to Fill tgat should not be ignored.1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation?
No. Used for self-published.
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover?
Neither. My Feminerdy Book Club had picked it for March discussion as a light read between heavier ones. One of the club memembers had just read and loved it.
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes.
I was a bit put off. Looked almost middle grade to me from the cover but the description sounded fun. I love cozy mysteries and this it could be felt the same despite the cover.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Sone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations?
Viv was weary and wanted a new life. Might even have been some moral qualms about the life she had led - it happens as you get older, more tired. Also she was clearly the leader of the crew, the boss. In her mind were 2 things: knowing for them to find own way forward, or even pick a new leader, she had to be really gone, and she did not want to fail in front if them. Viv had a lot of confidence but no true belief that she could succeed.
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone?
Like all these magical stones or even the mirror in Harry Potter, it's a bit of a conundrum or puzzle as in not so much providing you with something tangible but providing you with the belief and confidence in what you strive or wish for or let's say what you believe in. Which ties to what Sherri says in her spoiler.
Theresa wrote "Like all these magical stones or even the mirror in Harry Potter, it's a bit of a conundrum or puzzle as in not so much providing you with something tangible but providing you with the belief and confidence in what you strive or wish for or let's say what you believe in." The Mirror of Erised from Harry Potter is a great comparison to the Scalvert Stone. I hadn't thought of that. Harry sees his hearts desire in the mirror & thinks everyone that looks into the mirror sees what he saw. Harry thinks everyone interprets the mirror the same way. Viv & Harry are naive at times.
Sherri wrote: "Theresa wrote "Like all these magical stones or even the mirror in Harry Potter, it's a bit of a conundrum or puzzle as in not so much providing you with something tangible but providing you with t..."That particular comparison came to me only after I had read it, actually during my book club's discussion of the stone. Until then I just thought of the sorcer's stone. The Scalvert Stone is definitely one of the plot elements taking it to a deeper level.
1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation?Nope. I'm using it for the NaNoWrMo prompt because that's the harder prompt to complete.
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover?
Neither. It was nominated for a Goodreads choice, and I kept seeing people compare it to The House in the Cerulean Sea, so when I looked through the list for NaNoWrMo this was the one that jumped out.
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes.
Why is it so slow??? The characters are cute, but I need more plot.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Sone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations?
Whenever you're going to do something that scares you, the more time you have to think about it before hand, the harder it is to go through with it. So I think Viv knew that if she stopped to say goodbye, she'd chicken out and keep on with her old life.
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone?
I think it's probably like Dumbo's magic feather - it does nothing except give someone the confidence that allows them to succeed. We'll see once I finish the book if I'm right.
Kendra wrote "3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes.Why is it so slow??? The characters are cute, but I need more plot."
Great point. The book is described as " High fantasy & low stakes". The cute characters & the solutions to problems draw the readers to the story elements. We want to see what cute inventions will solve Viv's business problems. The character part of the story is doing the heavy lifting of the novel. The down side with low stakes is the tension in the book is low. Tension is not the moving factor. The reader quickly picks up on the fact all business & daily living problems will have a predictable but cute solution by cute characters.
Well, I've now finished it. I think I might have rated it higher if there hadn't been so much hype - I went in expecting to be blown away and I wasn't. It was nice, and if there's another book, I'll read it, but I feel this was more a short prequel story that got drawn out because it had to introduce the characters and setting.
Sherri wrote: "The down side with low stakes is the tension in the book is low."I don't mind a more character driven plot, but I need more emotional tension. The second half of the book once it got past the logistics of setting up the café were much better.
1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation? I used the book for Nano, which is 40 something.
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover?
Neither. A friend read it and said it was good. But I really liked the cover. If I hadn't known about it, I would have looked at it because of the cover.
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes.
My first impression was that it was fantasy/isekai adventuring at the first chapter. I knew it was going to be a 'cozy' fantasy because it was advertised as such, but I really liked the adventuring during the first chapter.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Sone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations?
I think because she wanted a clean break and she didn't want any of her companions to try and talk her out of it. or tell her that her idea was stupid, etc.
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone?
I think the Scalvert Stone feels like its not all that is cracked up to be. It feels off. That it brings good fortune, but at a price. kind of like the rabbit's foot in that Supernatural episode.
Good Early Morning All, I hope you had a good week. It's time for new questions. Chapters 1-7 Questions:
1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters?
2. What is Laney's role & significance?
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand.
4. The book is a slow burn. Discuss what you see as at this point as slow burns.
5. To find an assistance Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant?
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in?
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roan's appearance. What is the significance?
Chapters 1-7 Questions:1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters? It did. I wondered why Viv was looking for strong ley lines. Also she showed good business sense & forethought when picking the spot. Since no one knew what a coffee shop should be Viv was free to pick a broken down livery & design it as she wanted.
2. What is Laney's role & significance? Laney has information. She is also a neighbor.
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand. The first example is Laney. Viv needs to find the owner of the livery & Laney knows. Viv needed a good carpenter so she goes to the dock & watches. She sees Cal & picks him when she notices his good work ethic. Cal is a great problem solver which shows up time & again.
4. The book is a slow burn. Discuss what you see as at this point as slow burns. Refurnishing the coffee shop seems to take a while. It took the coffee machine a long time to arrive. Madrigal shows up in the form of Lack. He states his purpose & explains what is expected of Viv. Then he leaves. It seems like a month passes before this slow burning tension builds up.
5. To find an assistance Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant? She broke away from going out & watching people before she hired them. Viv always found work in the past through advertisements so I think that is why she advertised.
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in? I got curious about the coffee machine. My thought was there wasn't electricity so how does the coffee machine work & when was the first coffee machine. I goggled it. My other thought was they had gas street lights so what time period does that fall in? The first well recorded street light was 1807. The first commercial coffee machine was 1901. It worked on steam & pressure.
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roan's appearance. What is the significance? Roan was part of her old crew & he worked for the postal system at this point. He delivered the coffee machine. He let Viv know everything was okay with the old crew & they still had her back.
1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters?Not really. I liked that she the way she was searching for it though. Searching for the perfect spot was the whole point because of the stone.
2. What is Laney's role & significance?
I just found her to be the gossiping old lady that knows everything and everyone. She’s the advice giver and the irritation that’s lovable.
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand.
I liked how she chose the least likely person. A mouse that cooked and the best woodworker despite being alone.
4. The book is a slow burn. Discuss what you see as at this point as slow burns.
I see that viv’s relationships and her business were growing slowly and steadily. She had to get out of adventurer mode and into civilian mode. Her caution was warranted with how her lifestyle was before.
5. To find an assistance Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant?
Maybe she didn’t trust herself enough to choose someone. Or she wanted a variety of people to choose from.
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in?
It’s a mix of medieval with advanced technology.
It’s like the real world. There were so many scientific advances in other cultures other than European. The telescope (11th century Arabia) and precursor to forensic science (6th century China).
I feel that this book kind of examples that in a way.
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roan's appearance. What is the significance?
Roan caught on to where she went and wanted to check on her. I think he was worried.
It signifies that you truly can’t leave the past behind.
I am leaving on a 2 week trip with my camping trailer today. This book was not available in my local libraries when I last checked, so I had to buy a copy. That usually means it will languish on my shelves while I try to read the library books before the due date!However, I really do not like traveling with books that I do not own, so it is going with me on this trip. I plan to start it tonight.
I finished this book already :)1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation? Yes, it was already on my tbr list when I saw in the thread for this prompt that this was a #Book Tok recommendation.
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover? The cover. I had read another book first that I rated 3 stars called City of Strife by Claudie Arsenault, and I think I saw the cover for this book on that book's page (though I don't see it there anymore).
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes. I listened to the audiobook while knitting, and my first impression was "this is surprisingly good". I was worried that it would be a bit twee, but it wasn't.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Sone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations? Because goodbyes and explanations are hard, and I think there was a bit of guilt there too.
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone? -
Bea wrote: "I am leaving on a 2 week trip with my camping trailer today. This book was not available in my local libraries when I last checked, so I had to buy a copy. That usually means it will languish on my..."I personally think it is an excellent travel and vacation read, entertaining and easy. Have a great vacation!
2nd round: 1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters?
Definitely helped pull me into what Viv is searching for, what her vision is. The concept of 'feeling' or 'sensing' that a location is right - the 'I will know it when I see it' is a familiar one, commmon to a property search. In fact, my respect for Viv's idea, and the thought and planning she put into it rose during her search.
2. What is Laney's role & significance?
Laney is the local whose acceptance even support of Viv and her project is a key to success and being accepted into the fabric of the neighborhood. Viv knows locals will be jey to success.
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand.
My favorite is the baker, but again and again Viv demonstrates an ability to problem solve and quickly assess people, all of course skills honed as a mercenary.
4. The book is a slow burn. Discuss what you see as at this point as slow burns.
Frankly it didn't seem that slow a burn to me. I knew going in that it was considered a cozy fantasy which immediately calls up cozy mysteries, a favorite genre of mine. I saw the pace as typical and enjoyable - the building of setting and character and not a lot of action with much of the action happening off stage.
5. To find an assistance Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant?
Timimg and the skill set she needed was not going to just wander in.
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in?
I always see these types of fantasies as either medieval or maybe renaissance. This feels more renaissance - an age of progression and all kinds of advances (DaVinci) but not industrialization.
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roan's appearance. What is the significance?
Clearly it will not be so easy to leave her past - and its relationships - behind. You can't run away. It all follows you.
Lets start with some general questions & questions from the epilogue.1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation?
Hadn't planned on it as I had not heard of this book until after I planned my reading. 'Course the plan is always up for change!
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover?
Actually, no. My reaction to the cover is that it is a book a bit too young for me, which is strange as I read YA books frequently...as well as fantasy.
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes.
After reading the prologue, I decided this might be a story that I would like. I like strong women characters, so thought I might like Viv. "Orc" did not immediately give me a picture of her, though. It took the cover and further description for me to begin to draw her in my mind.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Stone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations?
That wasn't immediately apparent to me. My overall impression was that she was tired of the blood and guts of killing. However, I did not realize until the next chapter that she had left her group and set out on her own...rather than just walking away from the kill.
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone?
Not sure. I am thinking something magical.
1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters?Hmm. Good question. Maybe. I was a bit curious why she wanted the livery...and then realized it was for the coffee shop. By the end of this selection (ch. 1-7), yes.
2. What is Laney's role & significance?
Nosy neighbor, I suspect. I think she might be either a friend or a spy, so there is more to know about her. At least now, I know she cannot bake so the theory that she will provide pastries for the coffee shop is shot down.
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand.
I need to think about this a bit.
4. The book is a slow burn. Discuss what you see as at this point as slow burns.
Nothing, unless it is an attraction between Viv and Tandri ((view spoiler))...or maybe Viv and Cal ((view spoiler)). But, neither would have sparked my interest at this point, except for the question.
5. To find an assistant, Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant?
Who says she didn't? She advertised to find anyone willing to work with certain credentials...not because she didn't trust her own judgement.
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in?
The story has a medieval feeling about it with the description of Thune and the landscape.
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roan's appearance. What is the significance?
I think that the Madrigals will be providing issues that will make it necessary for her prior friendships to come into play. But, that is just a gut feeling. Nothing to really base it on except for Roon's stone.
General questions:1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation? yes, Book-tok, but that could change
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover? The cover
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes. Cute but slow. I like the characters.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Sone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations? I think she was afraid of not being able to leave
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone? I'm not sure. It's supposed to bring good luck, but is it luck or coincidence?
Chapters 1-7 Questions: 1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters? This was a slow start and it should have been boring as anything, setting up a coffee shop? So I have to say yes, it did help me build an attachment to Viv and the coffee shop and I have no idea why because it's more the stuff of real life than fantasy.
2. What is Laney's role & significance? Laney gives me the creeps. I don't know what her role is but I don't trust her one little bit. Maybe she's something as simple as the nosey neighbor but I think it's more likely that she's an antagonist.
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand. It's like she's surrounding herself with wizards: Cal is an amazing builder, and there's the shop itself, almost like magic. Tandri comes a long, and is this great manager that pulls everything together. Just when they need food, there's Thimble who is a genius in the kitchen, and then there's Amity-- a guard cat!, who intimidates threats and seems always to be there when needed.
5. To find an assistance Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant? She hasn't been in 'society' in a long time. She can deal with the kind of adventurer met on the road but has no experience with ordinary people.
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in? This is hard. It's fantasy time. It's Game of Thrones time. Steam punk, with the gnomish inventions? High medieval, if I had to say, but I think it has it's own time.
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roan's appearance. What is the significance? Viv's not hiding as well as she thought, if that was her intent. Also, if hiding was her intent and we can take it that Viv is intelligent and knows what she's doing, then this could be a coincidence indicating that this world is much smaller than we might have thought. Or it could be the stone drawing her former colleagues here, or could it be Laney? There is much that needs to be answered yet.
I have finished. What a delightful book!
1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters?No! It was too much walking around doing nothing, not enough character interaction - which is what I need to get attachment to the characters.
2. What is Laney's role & significance?
She's the first member of Viv's newfound family - she's a bit of a busy body, but she welcomes Viv and helps her out.
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand.
4. The book is a slow burn. Discuss what you see as at this point as slow burns.
IMO the first half of the book isn't a slow burn - it comes in fits and starts and wastes too much time on inconsequential details and doesn't have enough character interaction to sustain it all. So more a fire that goes out and has to be relit constantly.
5. To find an assistance Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant?
I think she has spent most of her life just showing up and doing what she's told and letting other people make most of the decisions, or at least take the responsibility if something goes wrong. So she's just never had any practice.
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in?
A vaguely Renascence/Tudor time period. (aka when coffee came over to Europe)
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roan's appearance. What is the significance?
It shows that you always carry your past with you and trying to deny that never works, and probably isn't that healthy actually. Viv left her old crew without a word because she didn't think she'd be able to go through with it if she stopped to say goodbye, but just cutting herself off from them permanently was a bad idea and Roan is able to remind her that she does already have friends and resources from her past life.
1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation?Nope, I already filled that one. But I see it also works for the NaNoWriMo prompt, so I'll slot it in there!
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover?
The cover is slightly adorable, but I was more excited because friends loved it and it comes highly recommended.
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes?
I actually tried it several weeks back and wasn't in the mood - I didn't even make it through the prologue! This time around I'm enjoying it considerably. It's very sweet and I love the characters.
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Stone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations?
It seemed like she would've had a hard time explaining/justifying her leaving to them, when crewing is all they've ever known.
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone?
Seems like a good-luck charm of sorts!
Chapters 1-7 Questions:1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters?
I loved watching all this unfold, especially since it was a place Viv said she'd only visited a few times before and she was worried about future repercussions if she made bad impressions on people.
2. What is Laney's role & significance?
Laney is the first person in town to act welcoming toward Viv, which is clearly something Viv doesn't get a lot, being an orc. I thought their bond was sweet. She's very neighborhood-watch-y.
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand.
I really appreciated seeing Viv go down to the docks to watch for just the person she needed/wanted for the job, and Cal was fantastic. I adored Thimble from the first moment he asked for a latte and was clearly smitten with it.
5. To find an assistant Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant?
She does point out that she has experience with this sort of thing in theory, because of hiring various mercenaries for jobs etc, but it's clear she's not comfortable being around so many people she doesn't know.
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in?
I'm getting flashbacks to the old Fable video games - that is, medieval fantasy with a touch of steampunk. Very DND.
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roan's appearance. What is the significance?
I think his name is Roon? Anyway, he seems proud of her if a bit puzzled by the whole affair, and it's a nice reminder that just because your friends don't necessarily understand a certain facet of you, they still love you and support you. So wholesome.
Ashley Marie wrote: "Chapters 1-7 Questions:6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in?
I'm getting flashbacks to the old Fable video games - that is, medieval fantasy with a touch of steampunk. Very DND.."
Funny you mention DND - my SFF book club read this and discussed it last month -- we all loved it -- and when I was going on with all the references to classic SFF like LOTR, the other -- much younger! -- members looked at me tolerantly and said that no, they are all references to DND. At which point I responded that DND drew on all the classics so I am still right! 🤣
Anyway, I do think that actually DND is the inspiration for this author, which is fine with me as I never have played. It doesn't feel derivative.
Happy Saturday Everyone, It's time for new questions. There has been a lot of good insights made so far. Chapters 8-14
1. Legends & Lattes opens. Describe how opening day problems lead to the introduction of some of the books most loved characters.
2. What part does Fennus play in the line "draws the ring of fortune" from the myth of the Scalvert Stone?
3. Based on the installation of the fan what time period would you now place the book?
4. The characters that are at this point forming Viv's found family were in response to a need Viv had. They solved business problems. Perdy just appeared. What was his purpose?
Chapters 8-141. Legends & Lattes opens. Describe how opening day problems lead to the introduction of some of the books most loved characters.
The problems are that there were no ‘rules’ to the cafe as there are now. The social protocols we have don’t exist. So customers hang out without ordering. But that’s the advent of new products.
2. What part does Fennus play in the line "draws the ring of fortune" from the myth of the Scalvert Stone?
He’s the one that looms misfortune in the legend of the stone. He’s comes across as jealous of viv. I did not like him.
3. Based on the installation of the fan what time period would you now place the book?
Exhaust fans for kitchens were invented in 1937. So I’m thinking it’s maybe a little later. Renaissance with advanced tech. They are still using cobblestone. Any place using cobblestone is before the Victorian era.
4. The characters that are at this point forming Viv's found family were in response to a need Viv had. They solved business problems. Perdy just appeared. What was his purpose?
I can’t remember Perdy. Is he the guitar player?
This book hit every stereotypical character trope. The poor student, the old man in the corner that seems confused, the nosy old lady, and the wanna be rock star playing small gigs to get popular and exposed to the world.
Each has a role of making the shop a better place.
Chapters 8-141. Legends & Lattes opens. Describe how opening day problems lead to the introduction of some of the books most loved characters.
I'm intrigued by the student - Hemington, I think? He keeps saying that he'd order something if they had cold beverages so I'm waiting for (view spoiler)
2. What part does Fennus play in the line "draws the ring of fortune" from the myth of the Scalvert Stone?
Fennus is up to something and I don't like it.
3. Based on the installation of the fan what time period would you now place the book?
I don't consider epic fantasy to have a "time period" necessarily; it's good to see Baldree sticking with the steampunk vibe though.
4. The characters that are at this point forming Viv's found family were in response to a need Viv had. They solved business problems. Perdy just appeared. What was his purpose?
Ah, Pendry! He's so sweet and nervous. I can see similarities between him and Viv stepping outside of their comfort zones to pursue passion projects.
@ Ashley Marie wrote I can’t remember Perdy. Is he the guitar player? Yes he's the guitar player.
Chapters 8-141. Legends & Lattes opens. Describe how opening day problems lead to the introduction of some of the books most loved characters. On opening day business is slow even with free coffee. Viv using her power of observation notices flour on the Rattkin, Thimble. Cal had mentioned selling food & had installed an oven before the cafe opened. Viv had a business problem & Thimble solved it. Hemington arrives in the afternoon of opening day. Hemington was the problem at first. He wouldn't buy anything he just did research. I loved the dire-cat Amity. The dire-cat reminded me of the direwolf in Game of Thrones. The old gnome Durias was a mystery & had information. All of these characters play a bigger role as days go by.
2. What part does Fennus play in the line "draws the ring of fortune" from the myth of the Scalvert Stone? When Viv got the Scalvert Stone Fennus is right there. Viv leaves all the riches in the Scalvert Queens cave to Fennus & her crew. That had to make him curious. Fennus sees fortune as money not luck so he shows up in the cafe to check out his hunches. Fennus is one of the low tension problems.
3. Based on the installation of the fan what time period would you now place the book? A fan powered by heat was invented in 1816. A steam powered fan was invented in 1849.
4. The characters that are at this point forming Viv's found family were in response to a need Viv had. They solved business problems. Perdy just appeared. What was his purpose? Perdy played the guitar. Viv hadn't thought of having music yet but it worked out. He brought in business.
1. Legends & Lattes opens. Describe how opening day problems lead to the introduction of some of the books most loved characters.Well, a lack of customers led to better advertising. Low customers numbers led Viv to pay close attention to the ones she had, which led her to notice the flour on Thimble, which led to there being food on the menu. And Hemington's disinterest in coffee led Viv to realize that café customers are sometimes just looking for a place to spend time, which let Viv know the 'purchase necessary' clause would be important. But it also led her to think about cold drinks.
2. What part does Fennus play in the line "draws the ring of fortune" from the myth of the Scalvert Stone?
I don't think he does. I think the 'ring of fortune' is what allows Viv to survive Fennus' sceems. It also shows that good luck isn't so much as avoiding bad things happening, but about being able to handle it when the bad things happen.
3. Based on the installation of the fan what time period would you now place the book?
I still say post-renascence, pre-industrial revolution. So 1700s or so.
4. The characters that are at this point forming Viv's found family were in response to a need Viv had. They solved business problems. Pendry just appeared. What was his purpose?
His purpose is to show how Viv's dream can be used to fulfill someone else's dream - a pay-it-forward kind of thing. So it's not about how Pendry can help the shop, but how the shop can help him.
Sherri wrote: "@ Ashley Marie wrote I can’t remember Perdy. Is he the guitar player? Yes he's the guitar player."Mandy asked this, not me. His name is Pendry.
I'm sorry Ashley Marie I got the wrong person & Pendry's name wrong also. I will do better next time.
Sherri wrote: "I'm sorry Ashley Marie I got the wrong person & Pendry's name wrong also. I will do better next time."No worries, Sherri!
I loved Pendry. He was a fun character.
Happy Saturday Everyone, I hope your week has been good. I'm changing my format a little this week. Legends & Lattes is described as "High Fantasy & Low Stakes". Using the acronym below discuss how this description fits the book.A- Attachment- The degree you care about the elements of the story.
N-Novelty- The degree you're fascinated by the story details.
T- Tension- The degree you're riveted by the events
S- Satisfaction- How much you appreciated the outcome.
I am still far in line at the library for this one... I requested both the paperback and the ebook versions around 3/15 and it looks like 4-5 weeks out still for the first available, so not sure if I'll get to this one this month, may need to come back later.
A- Attachment- The degree you care about the elements of the story.Medium high. I got fairly attached to the various characters, although the characters I got most attached to (Viv's old crew) were barely in the book...
N-Novelty- The degree you're fascinated by the story details.
Low. I read a lot of fantasy, so this wasn't anything new.
T- Tension- The degree you're riveted by the events
Low. I knew things would end up in a good place, and given how little actually happened, I felt almost no tension.
S- Satisfaction- How much you appreciated the outcome.
High. I loved the ending and how it all fit together perfectly. The last third of the book (and the short prequel story) are why this book ended up getting a positive rating from me.
I know it's "low stakes" but if the action isn't important, the characters should be, not the mind numbing details of building a business. So I'd rather have had more details about who the characters were and how they ended up in Viv's orbit, and less details about menu planning....
Given the next book is a prequel with Viv back in her old ways, I'm hopeful there will be more character interaction in that one.
A- Attachment- The degree you care about the elements of the storyOh this format is neat! Medium-high here, because the elements of the story are what keep me reading.
N- Novelty- The degree you're fascinated by the story details
Medium. I loved seeing the shop come together, and seeing how the various characters arrive into the narrative.
T- Tension- The degree you're riveted by the events
Low. I wouldn't consider this book 'riveting' even though I didn't want to put it down; as Kendra says, it's a high fantasy with low stakes and you know there will be a happy ending going into it, so there's not too much to worry about.
S- Satisfaction- How much you appreciated the outcome
High. It was so sweet and wholesome.
Using the acronym below discuss how this description fits the book.A- Attachment- The degree you care about the elements of the story. I didn't care a high degree for the elements of the story. Once I started the book I could see how one problem was going to be solved by the introduction of a new character or a new invention. The elements would fall in place & the coffee shop idea would work.
N-Novelty- The degree you're fascinated by the story details. I thought the story details were cute. I wasn't too fascinated but I was invested enough to keep reading.
T- Tension- The degree you're riveted by the events. I wasn't riveted by events but by the end I was intrigued by two events. (view spoiler)
S- Satisfaction- How much you appreciated the outcome. I was highly satisfied with the outcome of the book. I went in knowing it was a fun light read & I wasn't dissapointed.
A- Attachment- The degree you care about the elements of the story.The elements kept me interested because it was such a mash up. A fantasy novel that had magic but used modern technology in it. and the food. Dude, I really need Thimble to cook those yummy treats for me.
N-Novelty- The degree you're fascinated by the story details.
It was very novel for me. I liked that it was a fantasy that wasn't a hack 'em slash 'em high stakes. The low key vibes made me like it. I wanted the food so bad!
T- Tension- The degree you're riveted by the events
There were definite moments of tension that kept me reading. elf boy especially cuz i knew he was trouble from the moment he showed up.
S- Satisfaction- How much you appreciated the outcome.
I was satisfied with the book. my only beefs were i wanted to find out more about Amnity (the cat) and the openness of the ending.
Good Saturday Everyone, Below are the questions for chapter 21 & the Epilogue. Thank You everyone for participating. It has been a fun discussion.1. Explain your take on who Durias was playing chess with.
2. Legends & Lattes is described as a romance. Does the book fit the romance genre?
3. We have taken guesses on the year L&L is set in. What did you think when you saw the year of establishment on the new sign? Did the year fit with what you thought?
4. Did your version of the book have Pages To Fill in the back?
5. Did you like/dislike the book & why?
Finished this last night! Catching up on this thread.1. Are you using the book for prompt #27 A #Book Tok recommendation?
No, I used it for #41 Nanowrimo
2. Were you drawn to the book by the #Book Tok recommendation or the cover?
Not the cover!! I think it's cheesy- but I kept hearing about this on bookish podcasts, so finally pushed over the edge to get this one.
3. What were your first impressions of Legends & Lattes.
Cute, whimsy story with a lot of characters!
4. The book begins with Viv walking away from her mercenary ways with only Blackblood on her back & the Scalvert Sone in a pouch on her bandolier. Why did Viv feel it was best to leave her crew without explanations?
Maybe she wasn't good at goodbyes? I assume it was partially shame for walking away and partially pride to give up that lifestyle with everyone she knew best.
5. What is the significance of the Scalvert Stone?
It has magical powers! Or does it?
1. Explain your take on who Durias was playing chess with.I'm happy to leave that one ambiguous lol
2. Legends & Lattes is described as a romance. Does the book fit the romance genre?
I definitely noted certain genre tropes, and I'm very glad there's romance in the book, but "fantasy" springs to mind more quickly than "romance" for me
3. We have taken guesses on the year L&L is set in. What did you think when you saw the year of establishment on the new sign? Did the year fit with what you thought?
*can't remember what the year on the sign was*
4. Did your version of the book have Pages To Fill in the back?
I had the Kindle version and if I remember right it did not
5. Did you like/dislike the book & why?
I liked it very much! It was the perfect feel-good book and now I'll be on the lookout for more cozy fantasy in the future.
1. Viv spends chapter 1 finding the perfect spot for her coffee shop. Did the process of finding Parkins Livery help you as a reader build attachment to the future coffee shop & other characters?I don't feel like they went into a ton of detail on why she chose the Livery or Thune as a whole either. I loved the idea of her building this out of an old barn. I was a "horse girl" growing up so I could just picture what this looked like.
2. What is Laney's role & significance?
I have now finished this and I'm still not sure why she was needed.
3. Viv seems to have a gift of picking the right individual for the job. Give examples of how problems are solved by using the resources at hand.
Cal can rebuild, Pendry is a great musician, and Thimble can bake like no other. Tandri helps her see her own potential.
4. The book is a slow burn. Discuss what you see as at this point as slow burns.
Took a little while to get going, too many characters, and the mundane nature of the coffee shop every day.
5. To find an assistant Viv actually advertises instead of using her skill of observation. Why do you think she didn't trust her judgment to hire an assistant?
Pride or the fact that she didn't know anyone in town and was trusting the stone would bring her the right people.
6. In the first seven chapters what time period would you say the story is set in?
I think it says 1386 somewhere
7. Viv's past begins to surface with Roon's appearance. What is the significance?
I think just her being able to confront her old life and testing her to see if she can truly leave it behind.
1. Explain your take on who Durias was playing chess with.I assumed it was the cat!
2. Legends & Lattes is described as a romance. Does the book fit the romance genre?
I would say Fantasy, cozy sci-fi more than romance. I wouldn't classify it that way.
3. We have taken guesses on the year L&L is set in. What did you think when you saw the year of establishment on the new sign? Did the year fit with what you thought?
Yes, it fit, although obviously the technology was advanced. So, I'm just taking it as set in another world.
4. Did your version of the book have Pages To Fill in the back?
Yes.
5. Did you like/dislike the book & why?
Yes, I ended up rating it 4 stars and here's my full review for anyone interested.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
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Legends & Lattes (other topics)
Legends & Lattes (other topics)
Sherri will be serving as the "reading wrangler" for this discussion! THANK YOU, Sherri!
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