Ep. 76: Fantasy (Legends and Lattes + The Library at Mount Char)

2024-12-03

Summary: From Lord of the Rings to ACOTAR, Fantasy is a genre that is as unique and multifaceted as the human imagination. Today, Holly and Devin give a sense of the range and flexibility of the genre by bringing books from their wheelhouses - how can a single genre be the coziest and creepiest? What we do know, at least, is that any fantasy story will be a great escape from reality and any great fantasy author can build us vivid worlds we’ve never seen before. Topics Discussed: The Heart (4:01): Devin d...

Summary: From Lord of the Rings to ACOTAR, Fantasy is a genre that is as unique and multifaceted as the human imagination. Today, Holly and Devin give a sense of the range and flexibility of the genre by bringing books from their wheelhouses - how can a single genre be the coziest and creepiest? What we do know, at least, is that any fantasy story will be a great escape from reality and any great fantasy author can build us vivid worlds we’ve never seen before.

Topics Discussed:

The Heart (4:01): Devin discussed Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree, a cozy fantasy following Viv, a recently retired mercenary orc looking to start anew in the city of Thune. In her travels she discovered an unusual drink called coffee, and has a dream of opening a shop that sells it. Soon she is working alongside a succubus, a ratfolk, other orcs, wizards and all kinds of people seeking peace, pastries, and a latte. After a lifetime of danger, swords, and threats, can Viv relax enough to accept her new, slower-paced life and new friends who like her for her and not her muscles? Devin’s key takeaways were:

If you want an orc-themed blanket to wrap yourself in this holiday season, Legends and Lattes is it! As a fantasy lover there were moments where Devin’s heart rate picked up, but any reader will immediately be soothed by Baldree’s diligent plotting and ability to take his foot of the gas without making the book boring.
There is so much humanity and heart in these non-human creatures from Orcs to Succubuses to Ratfolk and everything in between; the fantastical flare to a coffee shop that serves cappuccino and pastries levels up the magical feeling of a cozy, easy read.
The soft, evolving dynamic between Viv and Tanzy (succubus barista) as Viv lets go of a life of hypervigilance and mistrust and learns to build a community and healthy, non-combat relationships is a delight for any romance fan. There is tension and flirting but no pressure and the dynamic founded in friendship and respect is all anyone can hope for in life.

The Dagger (16:27): Holly discussed The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins, an apocalyptic fantasy novel following Carolyn, one of twelve adopted children of a powerful, god-like being called Father. Each child was raised in isolation and taught by Father in his mystical library to master a specific catalog of knowledge. After decades of abuse, living in fear, and consistent punishments - Father has disappeared and the library is locked. Carolyn enacts a plan she’s been building for years, one that could give her the power of Father, or destroy her. Holly’s key takeaways were:

The novel examines the corrupting nature of power and how it can alter one’s humanity. Carolyn’s pursuit of ultimate power in the Library raises questions about whether anyone can wield such control without becoming monstrous.
Carolyn and her siblings have been scarred by Father’s abusive upbringing, creating deep-seated trauma that influences their actions. The novel explores the long-lasting impact of trauma, especially within a family, and how abuse can shape one’s path, even when seeking liberation.
The Library, with its endless knowledge, symbolizes the human pursuit of understanding and control over the universe. However, this knowledge is also dangerous and overwhelming, reflecting the idea that some things may be beyond human comprehension.