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Like a Blanket on a Chilly Day: Legends & Lattes

23 Nov

Cozy stories are something that have been around for quite some time, Agatha Christie pioneered the cozy mystery genre with her work. For some time, it was often the mystery genre that was usually associated with the concept of a cozy story, many of them featuring covers with cats, dogs, quilts, cookies, and other such things associated with being comfy. Lately, however, other genres have begun to take on this subgenre and one of the books leading the cinnamon scented charge is  Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree.

Leading our cast of characters is Viv, an orgeress and warrior who decides to retire from her life in adventuring and open a coffee shop in the hopes of living out the rest of her days in quiet contentment, carrying with her a mysterious stone said to bring luck and fortune to whoever holds it. Through her we meet the rest of the cast and her journey bringing her coffee shop to life.

Baldree’s writing is as charming as it is whimsical, keeping each chapter interesting while still working at a pace that goes with the vibe the novel sets. It’s a dash of slice-of-life, but still with all the hallmarks of a fantasy novel that may remind some of the old fantasy cartoons of old. 

The characters also add their own flare and spice to the story, from the timid mouse Thimble to the spirited Tandry, they all add to the overarching plot and stakes (albeit very low stakes) of this book. Each one is interesting without disrupting the mellow vibe of the book and yes, this book does have its villain and mischief makers.  The descriptions of the food and beverages served at the title’s namesake cafe will leave you wishing Thimble would write a cookbook with all of the delectable goodies that he bakes throughout the story.

The warmth and charm of this book is one that will leave you craving coffee and cinnamon rolls while still providing you a comforting sense of adventure that feels very much like a blanket on a chilly winter day.

Written by:
Lauren Lapinski
Information and Digital Services Assistant

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Recommended Halloween Read: Empire of the Vampire

26 Oct

The vampire genre has had quite the rise and fall since its inception, undergoing various changes and rises in popularity throughout the decades. The popularity of this genre faded after hype around Twilight died down, but now vampire books are slowly making a resurgence back into the mainstream and one of the books leading the way is Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff.

Set inside the French inspired Elidaen, a world dominated by vampires and eternal night, we begin with a prisoner, Gabriel de Leon, the Last Silver Saint, telling the history of his life from childhood to his times serving as a Silver Saint. The narrative changes through multiple different time periods, Gabriel’s early life, his life years later after the fall of the Silver Order, and in the present day while Gabriel is imprisoned. While all three narratives move at a different pace, they do not distract from each other or the story as a whole and only serve the overarching plot in the long term.

Kristoff’s writing is vivid and flows with a vicious grace that sets the tone of this dark fantasy that many fans of the vampire will find refreshing and more aligned with the more classical monster side of vampire lore while still bringing just a dash of the sexy vampire aesthetic that many also crave. The pace of the novel starts slow, but quickly picks up speed and dives into the bloody action. The characters, as with all of Kristoff’s characters, are a delight to read as they carve their way through the plot and don’t give a care while doing it.

The faint of heart beware, besides the promise of blood and gore, you will be in for a hefty read, as the book is close in thickness to an average Sanderson novel (an impressive 734 pages in length) however it is a journey well worth the travel if you are willing to tread the path forward. So for those seeking vampires of a more gothic, bloodthirsty nature, with a tone of dark fantasy, this is one that comes highly recommended! You can also read my previous blogs about Kristoff’s novel, Nevernight and Illuminae.

Written by:
Lauren Lapinski
Information and Digital Services Library Assistant

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