‘Legends & Lattes: The Graphic Novel’ Review: A Lovely Addition to The Cozy Fantasy Series
This week came the release of Legends & Lattes: The Graphic Novel, based on the much-loved cozy fantasy by best-selling author Travis Baldree. The graphic novel was adapted by Samuel Sattin, with illustrations by Shanti Rittgers and Sarah Webb. I have listened to the audiobook previously (which Baldree narrates himself), and when I heard about the graphic novel on the way, I was quite keen to check it out.
Legends & Lattes follows Viv, a battle-weary orc who desperately wants to leave the fighting behind her and find something more peaceful and positive to call her own. That desire, combined with her deep love of the gnomish drink coffee, leads her to the city of Thune, where she aims to establish the very first coffee shop. On the way, she meets a colorful cast of characters—some friends, some from her past, and some who may create more obstacles to Viv’s peaceful ambitions.
[Note: While I review this book honestly and independently, it should be mentioned that I received a copy of Legends & Lattes: The Graphic Novel from Penguin Random House & Ten Speed Graphic for the purpose of this review.]
What’s so great about Legends & Lattes?
Since its release in 2022, Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes has been a greatly praised cozy fantasy novel, and many credit this book with launching the now popular genre. Themes of starting over in life, found family, and overcoming obstacles are universal ones that many can relate to. Throw in a deep appreciation and love of the perfect cup of coffee, and delicious cinnamon rolls almost as big as your head, and there’s something for everyone to like in this story.
The first novel was soon followed by Bookshops & Bonedust (a prequel to the first book) in 2023, with the third in the series Brigands & Breadknives released in August 2026. Both books continued the trend of high praise for Baldree’s work from readers with their endearing characters, clever worldbuilding, and engaging stories. A side of some sweet LGBTQ+ representation is the icing on the top.
This graphic novel is a lovely addition to any fantasy collection
When a novel becomes a graphic novel, it’s necessary to condense the story quite a bit, unless it’s meant to be a very, very long graphic novel. Samuel Sattin has brought in just enough of the right elements of the story to make it easy to follow and get a taste of these characters. Still, I would say that there’s a lot more nuance and details that a reader would be missing out on if they did not read the novel or listen to the audiobook before picking up this version of the book.
Illustrators Shanti Rittgers and Sarah Webb have done a wonderful job bringing the city of Thune and the characters of this beloved novel to life. The warm color palette and often whimsical and wholesome artwork befit the story beautifully. It certainly makes for a lovely addition to anyone’s graphic novel, comics, or cozy fantasy book collections.
At the beginning is a detailed map of the city of Thune, and towards the back of the book are colorful sketches of many of the characters. For those who have difficulty visualizing fantasy characters in a book, having a graphic novel like this is very helpful and really brings to life the story more vividly in the mind.
Legends & Lattes: The Graphic Novel rating and final thoughts
Ten Speed Graphic has produced a beautiful and charming addition to Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes series with this graphic novel. But I would strongly suggest that anyone interested in this one read the novel first, to help fill in more details and bring more depth to the characters.
Whether you have trouble picturing fantasy characters from a novel or not, it’s still great to have something like this to add to your vision of the story, especially if you really love this story. So I would highly recommend it as a gift for any Legends & Lattes fans in your life or if you just want to add it to your own fantasy collection.
Once you get to know Viv and her friends, not only will you be dying to sample Viv’s coffee and Thimble’s sweet bakery items, you’ll want to read more. Here’s hoping there’s more graphic novels to come from this series as well. Legends & Lattes: The Graphic Novel is now available wherever books are sold.
Also check out: How to Lose a Goblin in 10 Days by Jessie Sylva Book Review
