Summer has returned, bringing heat, holiday celebrations, and the prospect of freedom for students everywhere. Personally, I have associated Summer with long days curled up around a mug of coffee or tea and devouring every book I could get my hands on. I suspect I’m not the only one out there with similar experiences. Fortunately, I’m now in a position to recommend some stories that I think pair nicely with coffee and tea that Dragon’s Lair also happens to carry, courtesy of our friends at Houston’s own Many Worlds Tavern.
A Witch’s Guide to Burning, by Aminder Dhaliwal paired with Lamp’s Light coffee: This phenomenally illustrated story is a graphic novel in the truest sense. It is a novel with magnificent graphics throughout. Subtle and overt flourishes add emphasis and emotion to everything from the text to the very backgrounds of pages. When a witch falls behind on her obligations, she is burned. The burning takes everything…magic, memory, and eventually the body itself. In this case, a fortuitous rain shower has put out the fire, but not before taking almost everything from the witch who will be known as Singe. With the help of some other witches, she will undertake a journey of healing and discovery.
This is the kind of story that I would pair with a light coffee. Lamp’s Light is a bright, smooth blend that has some gentle high notes and a nice subtle floral scent. This blend will mark the way through the darkest peril of your story to make sure you arrive back home, safe and secure, and reaching for another cup.
Hexagon Bridge by Richard Blake for Image Comics and Astral Bloom, Floral white tea: Richard Blake illustrated and wrote Hexagon Bridge by himself. This is a mind-bending journey into a geometrically intricate parallel reality in the far future. The art is gorgeous, and the story is the rare high-concept sci-fi story told in this medium. At its core, this is a story of a young psychic woman searching for her parents, lost in the twisting, confusing dimension called the Bridge. This singular volume contains the entire run of the series, so it’s a good one to take in all at once.
As a companion to this story, I feel a good soothing white tea is best. Astral Bloom feels appropriate on many levels. The lavender and rose help calm any would-be Cartographers navigate their way across the Bridge, and the mint will leave you clear-eyed and ready for whatever comes next.
To Shape a Dragon’s Breath, by Moniquill Blackgoose and Bahamut’s Brew coffee: You think you’ve heard this story before. I assure you, you have not. On a fantastical version of Earth, a young woman named Anequs bonds with a dragon and is entered into an academy for dragonriders. Anequs is from a Native North American tribe, and the academy is run by European colonists with imported dragons of their own. Here’s an interesting and more inclusive take on the magical school genre that might appeal to those looking for something fresh.
Fresh ideas pair with fresh coffee. In this case, I’m choosing Dragon’s Lair’s own Bahamut’s Brew from Many Worlds Tavern. This light-roasted Ethiopian coffee is the perfect accompaniment to lazy days with a good book. It’s sweet enough to be enjoyed without cream or sugar, and the earthy chocolate notes are balanced with a smooth finish. This is a personal favorite of mine. I’ve had this particular blend as a staple in my kitchen for days off reading or gaming.
Suzume by Makoto Shinkai and Sacred Spring Cinnamon Hibiscus Plum herbal tea by Many Worlds Tavern: Finally, let me tell you about a modern-day fable set in Japan. It concerns a young girl, a mysterious young man on a quest, an imposing, impossible door, and one avatar of chaos in the shape of a cat. This story was produced as the critically acclaimed film Suzume, in my opinion one of the absolute best animated films of the last decade. Seriously, if you haven’t seen it do yourself the favor of experiencing it for yourself. It’s by turns harrowing, delightful, and introspective. The novelization was written by Makoto Shinkai, the writer and director of the film.
One of the first scenes in the story takes place at an abandoned onsen, and so the perfect companion tea is Sacred Spring. This herbal tea is like a mulled, spiced wine. The tart fruity base is contrasted with the exciting cinnamon top notes. The combination is a wonderfully mellow experience that will keep you warm on the coolest of nights. Grab a fluffy blanket and a mug of this tea and join the chase with Suzume as she races to save the world she loves.
I hope this summer you have the chance to stop and enjoy the long days and possibly a story or two. Raise a mug to the storytellers, to the roasters, and to yourself. See you next time!
-Robert Hill, Sales Team Manager (Coffee and Tea afficionado, resident Bookworm)
