What do you think?
Rate this book
Tilda Quickthatch #1
When Life Gives You Legends
A Cozy Fantasy Adventure
Magic, mayhem, and a misfit crew... Well, every legend has to start somewhere.
An adventurer no more, Tilda Quickthatch’s retirement plans were simple. She wanted to keep a low profile, pour drinks, and avoid the necromancer who’d love to see her six feet under. Yet her quiet life veers off course when she’s blackmailed into mentoring a band of teens who are as unpredictable as they are untrained.
When her hiding spot is accidentally revealed, Tilda’s old nemesis swoops in with a sinister offer: exchange the powerful artifact she stole nearly a decade ago for her former partner's life. With the clock not just ticking but rapidly winding down, Tilda faces a daunting journey—one that's particularly challenging for her little halfling legs.
Joined by Calina, a half-elf ranger with a penchant for mischief; Rurik, a half-orc wizard who trips over his own spells; and Tulip, a centaur princess more concerned with her social status than swordplay, Tilda must transform this pity of a party into bona fide heroes before time runs out.
When Life Gives You Legends is a hilariously heart-pounding fantasy where being a hero means breaking a few stereotypes—and possibly a tavern chair or two. If you enjoy witty banter, magical mayhem, and rooting for the underdog, then you’ll love Luna Ryder’s outrageous adventure.
Magic, mayhem, and a misfit crew... Well, every legend has to start somewhere.
An adventurer no more, Tilda Quickthatch’s retirement plans were simple. She wanted to keep a low profile, pour drinks, and avoid the necromancer who’d love to see her six feet under. Yet her quiet life veers off course when she’s blackmailed into mentoring a band of teens who are as unpredictable as they are untrained.
When her hiding spot is accidentally revealed, Tilda’s old nemesis swoops in with a sinister offer: exchange the powerful artifact she stole nearly a decade ago for her former partner's life. With the clock not just ticking but rapidly winding down, Tilda faces a daunting journey—one that's particularly challenging for her little halfling legs.
Joined by Calina, a half-elf ranger with a penchant for mischief; Rurik, a half-orc wizard who trips over his own spells; and Tulip, a centaur princess more concerned with her social status than swordplay, Tilda must transform this pity of a party into bona fide heroes before time runs out.
When Life Gives You Legends is a hilariously heart-pounding fantasy where being a hero means breaking a few stereotypes—and possibly a tavern chair or two. If you enjoy witty banter, magical mayhem, and rooting for the underdog, then you’ll love Luna Ryder’s outrageous adventure.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2024
222 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 25, 2025
This was a nice cozy adventure. I loved getting to know the characters. I am excited to read the second one and see where it goes!
September 6, 2024
It’s always a treat to dive into a fantasy that embraces humor and heart with such warmth, and When Life Gives You Legends by Luna Ryder certainly delivered on that front. From the moment we’re introduced to Tilda Quickthatch and her misfit crew, it’s clear this book is going to be an entertaining ride. The blend of classic D&D-inspired character dynamics, the witty banter, and light-hearted yet poignant moments made this a cozy yet exciting first installment to what promises to be a fun series. Ryder has a knack for balancing character-driven stories with the chaos of magical mayhem, and it left me eager for more.
One of the strongest aspects of this book was the character development. Tilda, our reluctant mentor, is an absolute gem. Her grumpy yet lovable nature plays perfectly off her new crew of wildly different teens. Calina, the mischievous half-elf, and Rurik, the clumsy half-orc wizard, were both standout characters for me—endearing in their flaws and genuinely funny. And while Tulip, the centaur princess, was insufferable at times (no doubt intentionally), I found myself hoping to see more growth from her in future books. Ryder knows how to craft characters that feel like they’ve leapt right out of a D&D campaign, with each one bringing their own quirks and strengths to the party. However, Tulip did push the boundaries of being tolerable, which made her harder to connect with, but there’s potential for her arc to evolve.
The world-building, while leaning heavily into familiar D&D tropes, was done well enough to make Briarhaven and the adventuring culture come alive. Ryder weaves in enough detail about the social dynamics of the village and the mechanics of adventuring to satisfy both fantasy lovers and tabletop RPG fans. As someone who enjoys D&D, I appreciated these nods, but I could see how the reliance on these tropes might be a little trickier for readers less familiar with the genre. That said, Ryder does an admirable job of keeping things accessible, even if you’re not fluent in the language of dice rolls and spell slots.
One of my favorite moments was the kobold scene, which had me laughing out loud. Ryder’s humor shines through in these interactions, and it's moments like this that give the book its heart and levity. The story balances the more urgent, adventure-driven plotlines with these lighter, almost absurd scenes, creating a nice ebb and flow throughout the book.
Overall, When Life Gives You Legends is a strong start to a promising series. With engaging characters (even the ones you love to hate), clever humor, and a world that feels familiar yet fresh, I’m giving this book a well-deserved 4 stars. I’m looking forward to seeing how the party evolves, particularly with some deeper growth for characters like Tulip, and how their adventures will unfold in the next installment. If you’re a fan of D&D-inspired fantasy and love a story where the underdogs truly shine, this book will definitely hit the mark. Huge thanks to Luna Ryder for the ARC, I can’t wait to see where this adventure leads next!
One of the strongest aspects of this book was the character development. Tilda, our reluctant mentor, is an absolute gem. Her grumpy yet lovable nature plays perfectly off her new crew of wildly different teens. Calina, the mischievous half-elf, and Rurik, the clumsy half-orc wizard, were both standout characters for me—endearing in their flaws and genuinely funny. And while Tulip, the centaur princess, was insufferable at times (no doubt intentionally), I found myself hoping to see more growth from her in future books. Ryder knows how to craft characters that feel like they’ve leapt right out of a D&D campaign, with each one bringing their own quirks and strengths to the party. However, Tulip did push the boundaries of being tolerable, which made her harder to connect with, but there’s potential for her arc to evolve.
The world-building, while leaning heavily into familiar D&D tropes, was done well enough to make Briarhaven and the adventuring culture come alive. Ryder weaves in enough detail about the social dynamics of the village and the mechanics of adventuring to satisfy both fantasy lovers and tabletop RPG fans. As someone who enjoys D&D, I appreciated these nods, but I could see how the reliance on these tropes might be a little trickier for readers less familiar with the genre. That said, Ryder does an admirable job of keeping things accessible, even if you’re not fluent in the language of dice rolls and spell slots.
One of my favorite moments was the kobold scene, which had me laughing out loud. Ryder’s humor shines through in these interactions, and it's moments like this that give the book its heart and levity. The story balances the more urgent, adventure-driven plotlines with these lighter, almost absurd scenes, creating a nice ebb and flow throughout the book.
Overall, When Life Gives You Legends is a strong start to a promising series. With engaging characters (even the ones you love to hate), clever humor, and a world that feels familiar yet fresh, I’m giving this book a well-deserved 4 stars. I’m looking forward to seeing how the party evolves, particularly with some deeper growth for characters like Tulip, and how their adventures will unfold in the next installment. If you’re a fan of D&D-inspired fantasy and love a story where the underdogs truly shine, this book will definitely hit the mark. Huge thanks to Luna Ryder for the ARC, I can’t wait to see where this adventure leads next!
October 1, 2024
This book was great!! The adventure the characters took kept you on your toes and you just wanted more as the story developed because it wrapped you up in it. One of the themes that resonated with me is the idea behind family. The main character, Tilda, felt a strong connection to Brynlee, Calina, Rurik, and Durgan and she treated them like the family she didn’t have. Throughout the story she showed perseverance and she was willing to sacrifice herself to keep everyone else safe and this is what makes Tilda so relatable and likable. She’s not a selfish character and that’s what makes the adventure even better. All of the characters were relatable and worked so well together. Another interesting aspect of the book is that Tilda’s character was interconnected with the rest of the characters surrounding her and they didn’t even know just how much was the case. They all showed up for one another and you as the reader, gets to see just how important the idea of family is, even when they’re not blood related to you. This book is a must read!!!!
January 11, 2025
This started slowly for me as I didn’t take immediately to Tilda, the retired adventurer who is hiding out in a small town working as a barmaid. Tilda, a halfling, tries to keep her distance from people in town, hiding the secrets of her past. It’s a world populated with halflings, elves, dwarfs, gnomes, orcs, centaurs, dragons, humans, and more.
Things pick up when Tilda is blackmailed by two teenagers (an elf and a half-orc) to train them to be adventurers. Shortly after, Tilda’s past comes back and threatens both her life and the lives of everyone she cares for in the town. Tilda decides to leave and initially go into hiding but is then led into a quest to rescue someone from her past. And of course those pesky teenagers blackmail her to come along.
I liked that we don’t get big information dumps in the beginning, but gradually learn about the world Tilda lives in, as well as about Tilda’s secrets. I gradually warmed to Tilda and the other characters. However, the book ends on a huge cliff-hanger, with the action apparently picking up in the next book. I was not happy about this. I will undoubtedly read the next book, but not for a while. Hopefully it will finish the current action.
Things pick up when Tilda is blackmailed by two teenagers (an elf and a half-orc) to train them to be adventurers. Shortly after, Tilda’s past comes back and threatens both her life and the lives of everyone she cares for in the town. Tilda decides to leave and initially go into hiding but is then led into a quest to rescue someone from her past. And of course those pesky teenagers blackmail her to come along.
I liked that we don’t get big information dumps in the beginning, but gradually learn about the world Tilda lives in, as well as about Tilda’s secrets. I gradually warmed to Tilda and the other characters. However, the book ends on a huge cliff-hanger, with the action apparently picking up in the next book. I was not happy about this. I will undoubtedly read the next book, but not for a while. Hopefully it will finish the current action.
September 21, 2025
There is a lot of potential here. However I am disappointed that I just read a three hundred something page introduction to the main characters....
Absolutely nothing of any real interest happened in this book until about 75% through. I wish I had known this before I started it.
Overall disappointed with the setup of the series, but I will one day continue the series to see what is to come.
Absolutely nothing of any real interest happened in this book until about 75% through. I wish I had known this before I started it.
Overall disappointed with the setup of the series, but I will one day continue the series to see what is to come.
partly-read
November 27, 2024Dead flat prose with a number of small but annoying errors (past tense that slips into present, hyphens and commas where they shouldn't be, "lied" as an error for "lay"). It's the flatness rather than the errors that put me off; I read plenty of books that work in terms of their storytelling but have bad mechanics, but I don't have the patience to persevere if the voice isn't working for me.
July 22, 2025
This cozy fantasy revolves around a halfling named Tilda that has retired from adventuring in her former partner’s town to live as a tavern-hand. The beginning has all the cozy feels you would expect with a small village setting and mixed-race creatures and ticks all the boxes. Then things begin to unfold. Tilda is determined to save the life of her former partner from the necromancer by offering him a magical artifact, she may or may not have taken. As she ventures out several characters, untrained in their various skills, force to join her and see the world.
Tilda - a strong woman with a checkered past and more patience than anyone person (or handling) should possess - the party’s leader
Calina - a half elf, archer wanna-be, that is the daughter of Tilda’s dearest friend - she is insightful at times and absolutely insolent other times
Rurik - is a half-orc that wants to be a mage but his family is insistent he becomes a warrior - at times he is shy and becomes overwhelmed which brings out a stutter in his speech - he is the lovable character all want to shelter but he must find his own feet to stand on
Tulip - is a lot - she is an entitled centaur with a “princess” lifestyle and attitude but is bored with her life and just wants something to do
I would say that of these characters, I was most drawn to Rurik because he had so much to lose or gain with this adventure. His family wanted him to go out and become a hero warrior, lose body parts and prove his Orc-ish heritage. He knew this is not what he wanted and he was grappling with how to prove his worth to his family as something they did not support. I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket, hand him a hot beverage (I did not steal that from Sheldon Cooper) and let him discover life and where he fit into the world.
This story is told through Tilda’s narrative, much in the manner of a bard’s voice. A bit strange as the is an adventurer and her tone is more artistic than gruff or gruesome. Though we do head out on adventure, breaking the cozy rule of low stakes, Tilda’s tone maintains that composure throughout and makes it feel like we are all sitting around a fire at the tavern listening to tales of old. Honestly, I would have like a bit more of the other characters voices to be heard sprinkled throughout the story to break up the tale a bit through other perspectives.
If you are looking for a relaxed pass story about hijinks and trying to mold young wide-eyed adventurers into a formidable group of heroes, then sit back and visit with Tilda.
Tilda - a strong woman with a checkered past and more patience than anyone person (or handling) should possess - the party’s leader
Calina - a half elf, archer wanna-be, that is the daughter of Tilda’s dearest friend - she is insightful at times and absolutely insolent other times
Rurik - is a half-orc that wants to be a mage but his family is insistent he becomes a warrior - at times he is shy and becomes overwhelmed which brings out a stutter in his speech - he is the lovable character all want to shelter but he must find his own feet to stand on
Tulip - is a lot - she is an entitled centaur with a “princess” lifestyle and attitude but is bored with her life and just wants something to do
I would say that of these characters, I was most drawn to Rurik because he had so much to lose or gain with this adventure. His family wanted him to go out and become a hero warrior, lose body parts and prove his Orc-ish heritage. He knew this is not what he wanted and he was grappling with how to prove his worth to his family as something they did not support. I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket, hand him a hot beverage (I did not steal that from Sheldon Cooper) and let him discover life and where he fit into the world.
This story is told through Tilda’s narrative, much in the manner of a bard’s voice. A bit strange as the is an adventurer and her tone is more artistic than gruff or gruesome. Though we do head out on adventure, breaking the cozy rule of low stakes, Tilda’s tone maintains that composure throughout and makes it feel like we are all sitting around a fire at the tavern listening to tales of old. Honestly, I would have like a bit more of the other characters voices to be heard sprinkled throughout the story to break up the tale a bit through other perspectives.
If you are looking for a relaxed pass story about hijinks and trying to mold young wide-eyed adventurers into a formidable group of heroes, then sit back and visit with Tilda.
March 10, 2025
I was torn in this book, I loved the premiss but have a problem with a couple of the characters.
Tilda is a halfling with a mysterious, checkered past. Currently working as a barmaid, she is a former thief whose last adventure ended in the death of her partner even though she got away with the prize.
As she is keeping her past hidden any thought of it getting known is a problem so when her best friends daughter blackmails her into training the girl to become an adventuress, things start to go wrong. Found by a creature sent from the main enemy of her last quest, she discovers her partner is still alive and she must turn in the talisman she took to save his life. On a side note, her ex-partner is the father of one of her students. The students automatically manage to accompany Tilda.
Tilda is a great character – tough, smart, experienced and beyond patient. Her students not so much.
Caline, the half-elf who blackmailed Tilda has some redeeming qualities. Her friend Rurik, a half-orc mage who has definite possibilities and then Tulip, a centaur princess, who is one of the most annoying characters I’ve ever read.
The quest starts out with problems right from the beginning, from Tulips’ absurd demands and her prima donna manner, to the fact that no one will listen to Tilda. Frustration extreme. Tulip seems to bring out all the worst in everyone.
This book has some action, interesting and annoying characters with a fair amount of humour.
I did enjoy what I read so I will be continuing on in this series.
Tilda is a halfling with a mysterious, checkered past. Currently working as a barmaid, she is a former thief whose last adventure ended in the death of her partner even though she got away with the prize.
As she is keeping her past hidden any thought of it getting known is a problem so when her best friends daughter blackmails her into training the girl to become an adventuress, things start to go wrong. Found by a creature sent from the main enemy of her last quest, she discovers her partner is still alive and she must turn in the talisman she took to save his life. On a side note, her ex-partner is the father of one of her students. The students automatically manage to accompany Tilda.
Tilda is a great character – tough, smart, experienced and beyond patient. Her students not so much.
Caline, the half-elf who blackmailed Tilda has some redeeming qualities. Her friend Rurik, a half-orc mage who has definite possibilities and then Tulip, a centaur princess, who is one of the most annoying characters I’ve ever read.
The quest starts out with problems right from the beginning, from Tulips’ absurd demands and her prima donna manner, to the fact that no one will listen to Tilda. Frustration extreme. Tulip seems to bring out all the worst in everyone.
This book has some action, interesting and annoying characters with a fair amount of humour.
I did enjoy what I read so I will be continuing on in this series.
June 6, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the story of Tilda, an ex-rogue halfling who is done with adventuring and decides to live (or better said, hide) in a small city for the rest of her life. But the past is calling her back: she must save someone dear and go on a quest one last time. She will not be alone, because three immature teenagers and an ancient (and sleepy) creature are going to be her companions on this journey.
If you are into cozy adventures and DnD this will be your cup of tea. The story is fun, very lighthearted and adventurous, and it seems like it came straight out of a tabletop role playing game-you can almost hear the rattle of the dice. Also, the chapters are short and fast-paced.
For me, Tilda was a really good character. She is a grumpy lady, but with a big and kind heart and she is truly a saint, because she had so much patience with the kids. I could never.
And there lies my real problem with this story: the rest of her party. I know that they are just kids, but they are annoying as hell. They can't take anything seriously and just make things harder for poor Tilda half the time. They say they're there to learn, but they never listen! I personally have beef in particular with Tulip.
It was really frustrating for me, but also a fun read! I hope they get character development though because it was a bit painful at times.
This is the story of Tilda, an ex-rogue halfling who is done with adventuring and decides to live (or better said, hide) in a small city for the rest of her life. But the past is calling her back: she must save someone dear and go on a quest one last time. She will not be alone, because three immature teenagers and an ancient (and sleepy) creature are going to be her companions on this journey.
If you are into cozy adventures and DnD this will be your cup of tea. The story is fun, very lighthearted and adventurous, and it seems like it came straight out of a tabletop role playing game-you can almost hear the rattle of the dice. Also, the chapters are short and fast-paced.
For me, Tilda was a really good character. She is a grumpy lady, but with a big and kind heart and she is truly a saint, because she had so much patience with the kids. I could never.
And there lies my real problem with this story: the rest of her party. I know that they are just kids, but they are annoying as hell. They can't take anything seriously and just make things harder for poor Tilda half the time. They say they're there to learn, but they never listen! I personally have beef in particular with Tulip.
It was really frustrating for me, but also a fun read! I hope they get character development though because it was a bit painful at times.
October 1, 2024
Delightful romp that works as a cozy adventure all on its own and for those with TTRPG experience (D&D or other options) it is easy to step back just a little and see the players sitting around the table getting into their characters, running amok, and keeping the game master on their toes.
My biggest critique is that the ending comes on fast and isn't satisfying as the end of a novel. And this is a problem more of medium than of the story itself. From a role playing session perspective the ending makes a lot of sense. And if this story was being doled out comic book style I wouldn't bat an eye with this ending to an issue. Thankfully the next book is well underway, so much like a comic book we won't have to wait too long for the next installment of the adventure.
If Legends and Lattes was your jam, and you'd love something with those vibes but more actual adventuring on the page give When Life Gives You Legends a read.
My biggest critique is that the ending comes on fast and isn't satisfying as the end of a novel. And this is a problem more of medium than of the story itself. From a role playing session perspective the ending makes a lot of sense. And if this story was being doled out comic book style I wouldn't bat an eye with this ending to an issue. Thankfully the next book is well underway, so much like a comic book we won't have to wait too long for the next installment of the adventure.
If Legends and Lattes was your jam, and you'd love something with those vibes but more actual adventuring on the page give When Life Gives You Legends a read.
October 16, 2024
What a fun, chaotic, frustrating read! I never knew what was going to happen next. It truly felt like I was in an ongoing live action role playing universe where the stakes are real and so are the characters. The backstories and motivations highlight the changes of said characters as they evolve or well slowly evolve through the tale.
Team building is important here as solo adventures wouldn’t be as fun, I’m sure, but being in a team and why that is important stems from love, support, and trust among the team members and when you don’t trust yourself or don’t trust your team things are bound to flop. Hope is huge in this story as well in the sense of being a hero, proving yourself to others, knowing what you can and can’t do, asking for help, etc.
No one said adventuring was easy… and I didn’t expect easy… but…
I’m pretty sure Tilda and her young companions have a lot epically hard quest ahead of them. I wonder what will happen next?
Team building is important here as solo adventures wouldn’t be as fun, I’m sure, but being in a team and why that is important stems from love, support, and trust among the team members and when you don’t trust yourself or don’t trust your team things are bound to flop. Hope is huge in this story as well in the sense of being a hero, proving yourself to others, knowing what you can and can’t do, asking for help, etc.
No one said adventuring was easy… and I didn’t expect easy… but…
I’m pretty sure Tilda and her young companions have a lot epically hard quest ahead of them. I wonder what will happen next?
September 15, 2024
4.5 stars! Tilda is a retired adventurer, working as a bar maid in a quant town, and hoping her past never comes to find her. After 10 years, her past has found her by happenstance and given her an ultimatum... she returns the artifact she has in return for someone she cares deeply for. Tilda is strongarmed into taking some wanna-be teenaged adventures with her on her quest. They antics of these teenagers are exactly how you would expect teenagers to behave, even in the face of danger and possible death. It is a lot at times, and Tilda has to decide if she will continue. Now is Tilda's chance. Will she adventure up or run away again? This was a charming story, and it reads very much like a D&D story, I do look forward to further Tilda and company adventures.
"Yeah, well, this isn't exactly a book. It's real life, and in real life, the stakes are always death."
"Yeah, well, this isn't exactly a book. It's real life, and in real life, the stakes are always death."
March 30, 2025
When Life Gives You Legends by Luna Ryder is a cozy fantasy novel, where Tilda’s nemesis shows up and makes her an offer she can’t refuse: exchange the artifact she stole for the life for her former partner’s life. And so a delightful and funny tale begins.
I loved reading this novel and kept wondering what would happen next so I kept reading. There were some many unexpected things going on. The writing style is flowing and it a delightful and entertaining story, it a rather refreshing. The story-line, plot and world-building were well developed as are the characters.
When Life Gives You Legends is a refreshing cozy fantasy novel, with a great FMC, a good plot, great world-building, unexpected turns and humour. If you want to read a totally different cozy fantasy novel, this is the book you want to read.
I loved reading this novel and kept wondering what would happen next so I kept reading. There were some many unexpected things going on. The writing style is flowing and it a delightful and entertaining story, it a rather refreshing. The story-line, plot and world-building were well developed as are the characters.
When Life Gives You Legends is a refreshing cozy fantasy novel, with a great FMC, a good plot, great world-building, unexpected turns and humour. If you want to read a totally different cozy fantasy novel, this is the book you want to read.
August 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clean
Trigger Warnings:
Orphan
Theft
Loss of a father
Lying
Fighting
Wonderful adventure!
When Life Gives You Legends is my first book by Luna Ryder and I must say that I'm a fan! If you love adventure books, you will adore this book! The characters are beautifully written and the world building is fantastic. Tilda is complicated and wonderful. I couldn't help but root for her. I can not wait to see what this rag tag group of adventurers gets into on their quest. Book one does leave off on a cliff hanger, but we are assured by Luna that book two will pick up right where book one leaves off. I can't wait to read more! If you love all types of D&D style characters and a great adventure be sure to pick this one up.
Clean
Trigger Warnings:
Orphan
Theft
Loss of a father
Lying
Fighting
Wonderful adventure!
When Life Gives You Legends is my first book by Luna Ryder and I must say that I'm a fan! If you love adventure books, you will adore this book! The characters are beautifully written and the world building is fantastic. Tilda is complicated and wonderful. I couldn't help but root for her. I can not wait to see what this rag tag group of adventurers gets into on their quest. Book one does leave off on a cliff hanger, but we are assured by Luna that book two will pick up right where book one leaves off. I can't wait to read more! If you love all types of D&D style characters and a great adventure be sure to pick this one up.
April 6, 2025
A fun read that is very enjoyable. The author did a grear job with the characters and the plot was interesting. I absolutely adored it.
Tilda has retired from adventuring and has taken a job as a bar maid. She hopes her past will stay buried but as usual it won't. However, the first to discover her secret was her best friends daughter and she used the info to bribe Tilda. She had to take two young wanna be adventurers with her or they would reveal her truth. Tilda wasn't happy about it & especially when her group also inherited a spoiled bratty centaur named Tulip. The group set off on an adventure that Tilda had tried to hide from. The group had many arguments along the way and Tilda wondered if they 9would even succeed.
A fun read that will make you chuckle. Looking forward to book 2.
Tilda has retired from adventuring and has taken a job as a bar maid. She hopes her past will stay buried but as usual it won't. However, the first to discover her secret was her best friends daughter and she used the info to bribe Tilda. She had to take two young wanna be adventurers with her or they would reveal her truth. Tilda wasn't happy about it & especially when her group also inherited a spoiled bratty centaur named Tulip. The group set off on an adventure that Tilda had tried to hide from. The group had many arguments along the way and Tilda wondered if they 9would even succeed.
A fun read that will make you chuckle. Looking forward to book 2.
September 24, 2024
Adventure that envelops you! When Life Gives You Legends is an exceptional book that takes the reader on a daring adventure with the most ragtag group of adventures (both professional and wannabe) not unlike most DND campaigns. There is action, suspense, comedy, some doe-eyed romance, and witty banter that keeps you enthralled from page 1. Luna Rider has brought DND to paperback and provided a wholesome world with magic, villains, a prissy centaur, a broody elf teenager, a wisecrack halfling thief, and an Orc trying to break the family mold. With an ending that leaves you with some answers and significantly more questions, you will be eagerly awaiting the next installments!
September 28, 2024
I've just finished this one, but got mixed feelings about it.
Rurik aside, the main characters in this one really frustrated me! Their behaviour was sometimes just stupid in my opinion. Tilda was supposed to be the adult, but so many times she let herself be walked all over. So many times I was like 'woman, you're the adult, act like it!' As for Calina and Tulip, I guess it was typical teenage behaviour, but gosh, it was annoying.
But saying that, the plot was a good one, and I would still be interested in seeing where it will go in the next book, especially after that cliffhanger. The characters did also get a bit better towards the end of the book so, there is that too.
Thank you to Luna for the eARC of this one.
Rurik aside, the main characters in this one really frustrated me! Their behaviour was sometimes just stupid in my opinion. Tilda was supposed to be the adult, but so many times she let herself be walked all over. So many times I was like 'woman, you're the adult, act like it!' As for Calina and Tulip, I guess it was typical teenage behaviour, but gosh, it was annoying.
But saying that, the plot was a good one, and I would still be interested in seeing where it will go in the next book, especially after that cliffhanger. The characters did also get a bit better towards the end of the book so, there is that too.
Thank you to Luna for the eARC of this one.
September 27, 2024
Fast-paced classic adventure with an eclectic group of adventurers. The book has everything that makes for a really good fantasy adventure, including a reluctant hero, a couple of teenagers who have more enthusiasm than fighting abilities, and a drama queen with her companion. The party members flight with each other more than against the bad guys which gives the hero plenty of misgivings for the whole adventure. The dialogue is spiced with snarkiness and general good fun. A clean and wholesome tale which is perfect for all ages to read. It does end on a cliff hanger, which means there is definitely more fun and adventure to come. An excellent start to a great new fantasy adventure series!
October 1, 2024
This was my first adventure with a cozy fantasy. I now understand the hype! Tilda is an amazingly whole character and I find a lot of myself in them. When the story opens up we learn how her life is going for her and it probably wouldn't be as you'd expect in a world like this.
As the story progresses you cannot help be engrossed into Tilda's story and that is down to the easy to read writing style of Luna but also you are made to feel like you need to know what happens which is perfect especially if you're new to the genre.
The ending is a wow... Can't express it without spoilers but all I can say is that I am in need of the sequel asap!
As the story progresses you cannot help be engrossed into Tilda's story and that is down to the easy to read writing style of Luna but also you are made to feel like you need to know what happens which is perfect especially if you're new to the genre.
The ending is a wow... Can't express it without spoilers but all I can say is that I am in need of the sequel asap!
October 7, 2024
LITPRG on steroids
"A true hero knows that attachments aren't a weakness. They’re a strength."
Tilda and her merry band of mostly young partners have set out on a quest the retired adventurer had been hiding from for years. The question becomes, can they actually accomplish what they set out to do. And will the reader care?
I guess I'm too old to get into adventures like this. I had some trouble following the story as the personalities especially those of the younger characters overshadowed the whole idea. Will the group get it's act together to accomplish what they set off to do? You're just going to have to read it and see what this legend will be. Recommended 4/5
"A true hero knows that attachments aren't a weakness. They’re a strength."
Tilda and her merry band of mostly young partners have set out on a quest the retired adventurer had been hiding from for years. The question becomes, can they actually accomplish what they set out to do. And will the reader care?
I guess I'm too old to get into adventures like this. I had some trouble following the story as the personalities especially those of the younger characters overshadowed the whole idea. Will the group get it's act together to accomplish what they set off to do? You're just going to have to read it and see what this legend will be. Recommended 4/5
January 4, 2025
Life has not been kind to Tilda Quickthatch, a former Adventurer. When things went terribly wrong, Tilda hides away in the small village of Briarhaven and works in a tavern. How can this tough woman find herself blackmailed by two teens who insist that she show them all she knows about being an Adventurer. With no recourse but to train these two, she knows she must train in secret or be found by the necromancer who has been searching for her. This charming tale held my interest until the final page. I hope there are more Tilda adventures in the future. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
Read
October 19, 2025I don't think it'd be fair for me to give the book a stars rating, for (a) I only read half of it and (b) it's really not for me. I initially thought this was a follow-up to Legends and Lattes. It is not. The writing is way more "tell" than "show." Just one example: The main characters frequently says another character is just like her, but doesn't show us how that is true. (Which might be pretty funny.) Another "dislike" for me is that the tension in the story comes from immature teens. It's also not an intense or complicated story, and overall, it strikes me somewhere between middle-grade and young YA.
October 20, 2025
Sorry, I don't have the patience for this
A former Adventurer Barmaid in hiding is blackmailed by two teens so she will train them as Adventurers. She saw something in the girl that reminded her of younger self. I saw something totally different. As things progress the two teens and their bully, a pampered female Centaur depart on the quest. With a limited amount of time to reach their destination the two female teens bicker, fight, broken bones, destroyed transportation, lost supplies and lost time occurs. Only in the last few pages do the teens start to form a unit.
A former Adventurer Barmaid in hiding is blackmailed by two teens so she will train them as Adventurers. She saw something in the girl that reminded her of younger self. I saw something totally different. As things progress the two teens and their bully, a pampered female Centaur depart on the quest. With a limited amount of time to reach their destination the two female teens bicker, fight, broken bones, destroyed transportation, lost supplies and lost time occurs. Only in the last few pages do the teens start to form a unit.
December 27, 2025
A bit over the top
I was quickly enamored with Tilda but some of the rest of this group just got on my nerves. She can’t get a break and I wish she had been given a chance to retire in peace. The kids involved don’t honestly understand how dangerous the world is and that adventures can get you killed. It’s a cute book and it did make me laugh. I am going to have to finish it, if for no other reason than to see Tulip Leeann she center of the universe.
I was quickly enamored with Tilda but some of the rest of this group just got on my nerves. She can’t get a break and I wish she had been given a chance to retire in peace. The kids involved don’t honestly understand how dangerous the world is and that adventures can get you killed. It’s a cute book and it did make me laugh. I am going to have to finish it, if for no other reason than to see Tulip Leeann she center of the universe.
June 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this cozy fantasy, and appreciated the diversity and Inclusivity!
The characters were really intriguing, and I enjoyed watching them develop and build relationships.
The quest was super fun, and I enjoyed the different species, and feeling like I was part of a D and D campaign!
Definitely recommend this book!
The characters were really intriguing, and I enjoyed watching them develop and build relationships.
The quest was super fun, and I enjoyed the different species, and feeling like I was part of a D and D campaign!
Definitely recommend this book!
October 4, 2024
This was an interesting fantasy story that follows Tilda, who works at the local tavern and gets to meet some interesting characters. A well written magical fantasy tale that is humorous and exciting to read.
October 12, 2024
Whatta Story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love how Luna weaves the different characters. I feel in love with all of them. I am glad there is more to come. I don't want to ruin it, but, if you love mystery, adventure and lots of characters; this is the one for you
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love how Luna weaves the different characters. I feel in love with all of them. I am glad there is more to come. I don't want to ruin it, but, if you love mystery, adventure and lots of characters; this is the one for you
November 6, 2024
Angry
This story delivered one of my most -hated gimmicks: end abruptly mid story so you have to buy the next book to even get a complete story arc. Won't do it. Nothing can make up for that.
This story delivered one of my most -hated gimmicks: end abruptly mid story so you have to buy the next book to even get a complete story arc. Won't do it. Nothing can make up for that.
December 19, 2024
I very much considered not finishing this. The character motivation was baffling. The dialogue was a slog. The ending felt like it should have occurred halfway through with a cliffhanger that instead of having me seek out the next book, fully turned me off the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2025
It was a cute, cozy read that got you excited for the quest and invested in the outcome. Not a fan of the cliffhanger ending and definitely need to read the next one.
As a stand alone, I don't know that I could recommend it, but I can see it being a great first installment in a series.
As a stand alone, I don't know that I could recommend it, but I can see it being a great first installment in a series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews