A while back I read a pretty good book called Legends & Lattes, sort of a cozy story about a tough character hanging up their sword and starting up a coffee shop instead of killing monsters. I enjoyed the book for the vibe and simple writing – you can dig up my review on this site.
Even though this next book is billed as “In the tradition of Legends & Lattes” it misses on most of the marks where the first book succeeded, and turns out to be like a checklist of non-traditional characters doing “cool” things and handling their problems and relationship issues in what is meant to be a clever, confident way.
My problem was with the main focus of the story on how these two people are getting used to each other and this new stage of their relationship. Most of the book is this pair cooing at each other and acting like teenagers in love. There are plenty of childish jokes and simple characters. The world they live in is only marginally fleshed out and probably doesn’t really matter anyway.
I liked the premise of the idea and the beginning of the book, but it soon turned into a childish romp and I had to grit my teeth to finish the story. Not recommended!
Next I am reading Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton.
