Travis Baldree

I really wish there were half stars, argh! This is a 7/10 for me. The pace dragged a little at times, but the story and characters were endearing and I was charmed.

I never really thought about "cozy fantasy" as a subgenre, but that's what this is. It's kind, it's sweet (but not cloying), it's funny, and it is as comfortable a read as can be. I'll be reading the sequel immediately.

Saw Legends & Lattes in the bookstore a few months back and knew I'd want to try it one day. Decided to get it yesterday, but, hmmm, not available now. But here's the prequel. Bought and started to read. A day-and-a-half to finish and didn't read anything else (odd for me). A light fun read with good emotional underpinning. Highly recommend for anyone who likes light fantasy.—Paul

This is a jump back in Viv's past to when she was still part of a team in adventuring. But she's been injured and is forced into peaceful recovery. She makes friends, foils a plot, and ends up helping her team take down their target. I enjoyed getting a peak at Viv's past, but the first book was more fun for me.