Case Study: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Introduction

2025/03/08

Case studies are almost like my review of a book I recently read and is fresh in memory. Some of it will be impressions and other more elaborated, however it will be reviewed through the lens of a writer. Such that what I liked, learned and would avoid doing in my writing (as a personal preference not because there is anything wrong with it).

THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR THE ACTUAL BOOK!

Setting, theme and tone

• Medieval High Fantasy
• Dungeon and Dragons inspired
• Cosy fantasy
• City living and new start in life
• Found family
• Easy reading
• Community and belonging
• Acceptance and understanding
• Friendship and loyalty
• No violence or gore

Well done aspects

• Brief, illustrative descriptions
• Interesting and varied cast of characters
• Enjoyed the mature, more self-aware characters
• Simple, but engaging dialogue
• Really enjoyed the story progression, felt like the reader was experiencing the new life/shop flourish with the protagonist
• Couldn't wait for new items to be added to the menu! LOL
• Some say its 'low stakes', but threats to someone's livelihood does not strike me as low stakes
• Amity is a GOAT
• Thimble is such a sweetie
• Loved how the lattes and biscotti were introduced (i.e., 'modern' concepts with a story-fitting integration)

Could be improved aspects

• Would have liked to know a bit more about Viv's past adventures, like she could have had a few 'story time with Viv' - I'm sure the customers would have liked that too ;)
• A bit more explanation on some of the lore, characters and races

Lessons learned

• No need for over-the-top descriptions, especially for things that the reader should be familiar with
• It is nice to have some 'slice-of-life' moments. Give everyone a bit of a breather and allow you to see characters during their more 'comfortable' moments
• Characters who have 'lived' some life can be interesting, endearing and grow in their own ways