Tabitha Tomala

Linus Baker is efficient and follows the rules and regulations set out by the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth. He takes assignments to evaluate the living conditions of magical children placed in orphanages, ensuring their health and safety. Because of his efficiency and attention to detail, he’s sent to Marsyas Island Orphanage. The youth in question are seen as dangerous magical beings and their caretaker’s responsibility over them lies in the question. But as Linus experiences the day-to-day life at the orphanage, he’ll discover there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. And maybe the rules and regulations aren’t always right.

Linus is one of those characters where readers can see the potential for character development right away. And with every turn of the page, you hope for him to grow a little more. Linus is such a stickler for the rules, and at the start lives an entirely ordinary life. He reads files on all the children and goes into his latest job with assumptions about who they will be and how they will behave. However, even though the kids do try to rile him up, he comes to the realization they’re more than just what has been reported. Despite the outside world believing they are dangerous, they each have their own hopes and dreams.

My favorite of the children was Lucifer. Referred to as the antichrist by the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he is one of the main reasons Linus is sent to investigate. Nicknamed Luci, he is a mischievous little boy who does happen to be the son of the devil. His nightmares make objects move uncontrollably and he has a tendency to let his thoughts stray into darker territory than he should. But, he can also be a sweetheart in his own way. His love of music and sarcastic humor made this book for me. And the way he innocently suggests digging up graveyards or causing hellfire is hilarious.

If you’re in a reading slump or need a book to just pick yourself up and feel better, read The House in the Cerulean Sea. While there are some undertones of heavier subjects, they do nothing but accent the story and embellish the heartfelt messages of acceptance and found family. The witty banter between characters as they push each other’s boundaries and learn to trust one another will charm you. By the end, you’ll have a smile on your face and a fond memory of all the adventures Linus and the children embarked on.

For years Viv wandered the road, taking bounties and quests alongside her companions. But after a while, the orc barbarian wanted a change. Instead of bashing heads for a living, she wanted to settle down and start a new life. One that brought joy to herself and others. Viv sets her sights on the city of Thurne. There she would begin a new adventure, building the first-ever coffee shop in the city. But setting up shop isn’t as easy as it seems. Especially when life on the road leaves you with a sometimes undesirable past.

How could I possibly pass up reading a fantasy book about starting a café? I was also intrigued to see if such a theme could hold my attention and entertain me. Travis Baldree did an amazing job putting together this novel. It may be a book with low stakes and small moments of tension, but the characterization and story are just as compelling.

The relationships in this book foster understanding and acceptance. Being an orc Viv has faced the scrutiny that goes along with it. Due to her experience, she is less judgmental than most. This perspective paves the way for Viv to hire on metahumans others would look down on. And it’s the best decision she could make as she forms friendships and a comradery that helps the shop thrive. Together her companions create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere in the coffee shop.

However, Viv does have some mountains to climb to keep her shop afloat. Not only does she have to entice people in with a new beverage no one has heard of, but she also has to navigate the local gang. The pressures of starting a new business in town were turned delightfully entertaining by adding humor and a bit of misdirection. While Viv does encounter rough patches, there isn't a central focus on the unsavory bits of her adventure. The tone remains light-hearted and makes the villains, while not overtly dark, still worthy foes.

And once the café is up and running, be prepared to crave a sweet pastry and cup of coffee as you read. The descriptions used for the food and coffee are mouth-watering. I loved reading about the characters' experiences with each new delicacy. Witnessing the apparent confusion over the newness of it all to the genuine enjoyment of each treat was heartwarming.

Legends and Lattes is a feel-good book. The tone is light and set towards Viv beginning life anew. And while she may want to fall back on her warrior ways at times, she fights against her road instincts. Forced to rethink the situations she’s put in causes some slight mishaps in the adventure that make it all the more entertaining. This was such an enjoyable read!