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The Cozy Abyss #2
A Farm in the Afterlife
A dead warrior must learn how to defend his afterlife against a hellish invasion in this sequel to LitRPG adventure A Pub in the Underworld.
Sylas Runewulf has been dead for about a month, but he’s making the best of it. The former battle-hardened swordsman is now a brewer and pub owner in the town of Ember Hollow. He’s also made a few friends here in the Underworld. Plus, he has a pet in Patches the cat, and he recently bought a farm, complete with a peppy pup named Cornbread. Not bad for someone who once lived and died by the blade.
The trouble is Sylas could very well die by the blade again—or else something much worse. Because his pub overlooks the worst place in the afterlife: the Chasm, home to demons and monsters that frequently rise up and wreak havoc, often killing a local or two.
With the looming threat of an invasion from the Chasm’s fiery depths, Sylas must look to his growing community for the power to survive—and ensure his new friends and neighbors are allowed to continue to rest in peace . . .
“An action-packed journey through a cozy, yet appealingly unpredictable, realm.” —Kirkus Reviews on A Pub in the Underworld
Sylas Runewulf has been dead for about a month, but he’s making the best of it. The former battle-hardened swordsman is now a brewer and pub owner in the town of Ember Hollow. He’s also made a few friends here in the Underworld. Plus, he has a pet in Patches the cat, and he recently bought a farm, complete with a peppy pup named Cornbread. Not bad for someone who once lived and died by the blade.
The trouble is Sylas could very well die by the blade again—or else something much worse. Because his pub overlooks the worst place in the afterlife: the Chasm, home to demons and monsters that frequently rise up and wreak havoc, often killing a local or two.
With the looming threat of an invasion from the Chasm’s fiery depths, Sylas must look to his growing community for the power to survive—and ensure his new friends and neighbors are allowed to continue to rest in peace . . .
“An action-packed journey through a cozy, yet appealingly unpredictable, realm.” —Kirkus Reviews on A Pub in the Underworld
314 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2024
60 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Harmon Cooper
144 books365 followersHarmon Cooper is the author of over sixty fantasy works. His bestselling series include Pilgrim, War Priest, Cowboy Necromancer, and Tokens and Towers.
His series, The Feedback Loop, is one of the earlier GameLit works first published in 2015. An earphone award winner for the series Death's Mantle, Harmon won the LitRPG/GameLit Audiobook of the Year award for Sacred Cat Island, narrated by Legends and Lattes author Travis Baldree.
Harmon write progression fantasy, cultivation fantasy, and LitRPG/GameLit.
His series, The Feedback Loop, is one of the earlier GameLit works first published in 2015. An earphone award winner for the series Death's Mantle, Harmon won the LitRPG/GameLit Audiobook of the Year award for Sacred Cat Island, narrated by Legends and Lattes author Travis Baldree.
Harmon write progression fantasy, cultivation fantasy, and LitRPG/GameLit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 21, 2024
Wow fantastic! A Farm in the Afterlife is just as good as the first book. I really wasn't sure how Sylas could handle the Pub and a Farm. Well it took a lot of juggling but he managed it with aplomb. And actually ended up with a new Beast Companion a dog named Cornbread who was determined to protect both Sylas and the Farm... So with Patches the Pub cat and Cornbread and with all the friends he's made in the village he's ready to take on the demons or whatever the Afterlife is gonna to throw at them. As Sylas is still receiving messages about the coming invasion, apocalypse maybe.
So if ya wanna have a good time have a beer and hang out with your neighbors grab this cozy litRPG. Besides it's written by Harmon Cooper for heaven sakes.
Here's some quotes that amused me:
"He placed both hands on his waist and struck a pose. “I’ve been here for nearly thirty days now. I’m practically a built-in at this point.”
“Negotiations are complete. As I said, Elena and I have a past. Perhaps we now have a future, likely not. But that is neither here nor there. Well, it is here, but it’s not there, there being Battersea, where we need to go next."
“even if he is both blunt and grumpy—blumpy, no, grumpty, yes, that could work."
So if ya wanna have a good time have a beer and hang out with your neighbors grab this cozy litRPG. Besides it's written by Harmon Cooper for heaven sakes.
Here's some quotes that amused me:
"He placed both hands on his waist and struck a pose. “I’ve been here for nearly thirty days now. I’m practically a built-in at this point.”
“Negotiations are complete. As I said, Elena and I have a past. Perhaps we now have a future, likely not. But that is neither here nor there. Well, it is here, but it’s not there, there being Battersea, where we need to go next."
“even if he is both blunt and grumpy—blumpy, no, grumpty, yes, that could work."
September 22, 2025
This book felt like a middle book to me so I didn’t enjoy it *quite* as much as the first but there was still a lot of new things and I got a better understanding of the world. I was actually kind of surprised I was already at the end because I wanted it to keep going on for a while more. I’m not looking forward to the series ending after one more book! I can see myself re-reading these one day for a nice little escape.
May 6, 2025
3 & a half stars. Good, but a shade less fun than book 1
This still has a lot of charm, but...
It's more busy, with a little less joy, and the Characters make questionable choices just to unnecessarily complicate the plot. Other than that, it's very much the same as book 1 and if you liked that one you should like this one well enough too.
This still has a lot of charm, but...
It's more busy, with a little less joy, and the Characters make questionable choices just to unnecessarily complicate the plot. Other than that, it's very much the same as book 1 and if you liked that one you should like this one well enough too.
October 15, 2024
OK, first off, I will read basically anything by Harmon Cooper because he never disappoints, and the same for listening to anything Matthew Wolf narrates (I listened to this on audible). A Pub in the Underworld became a fast favourite of mine and I could hardly wait for this one to come out but was nervous it wouldn't live up to the first. Boy was I wrong. This was as good or better than the first and I just can get enough. Seriously one of the most enjoyable, comforting, and entertaining series out there...bring on the 3rd...and 4th...and never have this series end!!
September 17, 2024
He bought the farm twice
This was fantastic. I had trouble putting it down, even when I was working. Silas bought a farm to help himself, and Ember Hollow to grow stronger. The best part for me was when one of the stubborn characters humbled themselves and worked to better the community. Now, Silas has friends from his old life to help him with the challenge ahead.
This was fantastic. I had trouble putting it down, even when I was working. Silas bought a farm to help himself, and Ember Hollow to grow stronger. The best part for me was when one of the stubborn characters humbled themselves and worked to better the community. Now, Silas has friends from his old life to help him with the challenge ahead.
October 2, 2024
Farming can be cool in books
First, I don’t recall ever reading a farming cultivation book. Not sure if that’s the correct terminology, but it’s what I know. The Pub might be the first of this style for me.
I’m more used to fighting-focused progression books that have a definite slant towards martial arts or magical fighters. This is solid blending of the genres for me, not too many stats to memorize or recall as I read the story. That tends to distract me if I’m constantly reading numbers and having to do math to understand power levels.
I enjoyed the characters and the way the story feels well thought out, almost complete already in the authors mind. Most authors in this genre seem to have only the words in front of them completed, not the full story, so they stray from the initial plot or idea and the whole thing unravels. This feels different. It makes the pace comfortable and I don’t feel like I was flying through a short story or a slice of life story. Short, in that it’s not a joy ride through the world with constant explanations for everything. I feel that it’s concise and gets you the info you need to understand where the characters are and why.
4 stars for the story, only due to the minor editing issues I found. Cool thing is that I reached out to the author and they were humble and honest about the mistakes. Harmon Cooper is a real person who isn’t backed by a world-wide publishing company (as far as I know!) so I don’t care if there are some edit misses. Considering I only saw two “edit misses”, both really small and easy to figure out immediately, this was an almost perfect edit of a story imo.
First, I don’t recall ever reading a farming cultivation book. Not sure if that’s the correct terminology, but it’s what I know. The Pub might be the first of this style for me.
I’m more used to fighting-focused progression books that have a definite slant towards martial arts or magical fighters. This is solid blending of the genres for me, not too many stats to memorize or recall as I read the story. That tends to distract me if I’m constantly reading numbers and having to do math to understand power levels.
I enjoyed the characters and the way the story feels well thought out, almost complete already in the authors mind. Most authors in this genre seem to have only the words in front of them completed, not the full story, so they stray from the initial plot or idea and the whole thing unravels. This feels different. It makes the pace comfortable and I don’t feel like I was flying through a short story or a slice of life story. Short, in that it’s not a joy ride through the world with constant explanations for everything. I feel that it’s concise and gets you the info you need to understand where the characters are and why.
4 stars for the story, only due to the minor editing issues I found. Cool thing is that I reached out to the author and they were humble and honest about the mistakes. Harmon Cooper is a real person who isn’t backed by a world-wide publishing company (as far as I know!) so I don’t care if there are some edit misses. Considering I only saw two “edit misses”, both really small and easy to figure out immediately, this was an almost perfect edit of a story imo.
October 2, 2024
I enjoyed this well enough. Tilbud in particular is super entertaining, and I'm glad he's become a bigger part of the books.
However, it's unfortunately moving away from the cozy vibes.
However, it's unfortunately moving away from the cozy vibes.
September 21, 2024
A wonderful sequel to A Pub in the Underworld.
Sylas Runewulf - brewer and owner of The Old Lamplighter pub - is making excellent progress finding connections, and old and new friends in the Underworld. He now has a farm and a new animal female friend named Cornbread. Needless to say, Patches the cat, protector in the Tavernly Realm, doesn't seem to be too impressed with Sylas's new pal.
Sylas has to learn all about what crops can be grown in his land, and just how many MLus this will cost. Farmers from all around make deals and swaps to help each other along, and there's one particular farmer whose product will ensure that Sylas ends up with a tasty brew. (I admit I did a wee squeak when I read who this person was, and an even bigger squeak with the dog's name! A phenomenal surprise for the author's fans.)
The Chasm's potential invasion date doesn't mean that the demons and monsters can't have a lovely visit to Ember Hollow, or the Underworld, much earlier. And they do.
Another thoroughly enjoyable tale in The Cozy Abyss series, wonderful characters, excellent world building, great storytelling. Looking forward to reading A Market in the Maelstrom.
Sylas Runewulf - brewer and owner of The Old Lamplighter pub - is making excellent progress finding connections, and old and new friends in the Underworld. He now has a farm and a new animal female friend named Cornbread. Needless to say, Patches the cat, protector in the Tavernly Realm, doesn't seem to be too impressed with Sylas's new pal.
Sylas has to learn all about what crops can be grown in his land, and just how many MLus this will cost. Farmers from all around make deals and swaps to help each other along, and there's one particular farmer whose product will ensure that Sylas ends up with a tasty brew. (I admit I did a wee squeak when I read who this person was, and an even bigger squeak with the dog's name! A phenomenal surprise for the author's fans.)
The Chasm's potential invasion date doesn't mean that the demons and monsters can't have a lovely visit to Ember Hollow, or the Underworld, much earlier. And they do.
Another thoroughly enjoyable tale in The Cozy Abyss series, wonderful characters, excellent world building, great storytelling. Looking forward to reading A Market in the Maelstrom.
January 24, 2025
This book has several problems:
The dialog does not sound like people talking.
The book spends a lot of effort discussing the economy of the afterlife. It's related closely to the magic system and there seems to be an attempt to set up an actual system of magic and economy. Unfortunately, the economy in the world makes no sense. This is a case where I think a less structured system might have worked better.
The plot is strangely constructed, with a cozy tone but a daily warning of imminent invasion. Related to this, the characters seem to have a curious lack of urgency, given the sword above their heads. And the book doesn't have much of an ending, but rather just a stopping place.
So, why didn't I rate this lower? I like the characters. They are sympathetic and varied enough for interest.
And I like the idea of the world even when the implementation is lacking.
I can't really recommend this, but it's not a bad light diversion. I'm not sure whether the series is worth continuing, but I might give the next volume a try if it's cheap enough.
The dialog does not sound like people talking.
The book spends a lot of effort discussing the economy of the afterlife. It's related closely to the magic system and there seems to be an attempt to set up an actual system of magic and economy. Unfortunately, the economy in the world makes no sense. This is a case where I think a less structured system might have worked better.
The plot is strangely constructed, with a cozy tone but a daily warning of imminent invasion. Related to this, the characters seem to have a curious lack of urgency, given the sword above their heads. And the book doesn't have much of an ending, but rather just a stopping place.
So, why didn't I rate this lower? I like the characters. They are sympathetic and varied enough for interest.
And I like the idea of the world even when the implementation is lacking.
I can't really recommend this, but it's not a bad light diversion. I'm not sure whether the series is worth continuing, but I might give the next volume a try if it's cheap enough.
September 13, 2025
This series is pure comfort fantasy—warm, whimsical, and delightfully corny in all the best ways. Set in the underworld, it follows the charmingly mundane adventures of a pub owner navigating magical mishaps, quirky patrons, and the occasional existential hiccup. Think slice-of-life meets afterlife, with a generous helping of dad jokes, puns, magical creatures, and polite innuendo.
But don’t let the cozy vibes fool you—there are short but epic clashes with Cazsum dwellers and demon fights sprinkled throughout the journey, adding bursts of adrenaline and high-stakes magic to the otherwise laid-back rhythm. The world-building is light but clever, with just enough depth to keep you curious without ever feeling heavy.
It’s the kind of story that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of something warm. If you loved The House Witch, The Wandering Inn, The Spellshop, or Legends & Lattes, this series will feel like coming home.
Highly recommended for anyone craving a cozy, feel-good escape with a touch of magic, a dash of danger, and a whole lot of heart.
But don’t let the cozy vibes fool you—there are short but epic clashes with Cazsum dwellers and demon fights sprinkled throughout the journey, adding bursts of adrenaline and high-stakes magic to the otherwise laid-back rhythm. The world-building is light but clever, with just enough depth to keep you curious without ever feeling heavy.
It’s the kind of story that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of something warm. If you loved The House Witch, The Wandering Inn, The Spellshop, or Legends & Lattes, this series will feel like coming home.
Highly recommended for anyone craving a cozy, feel-good escape with a touch of magic, a dash of danger, and a whole lot of heart.
January 14, 2026
Charming Farm in the Underworld
I loved book two even more than book one. Sylas finds himself the new owner of a farm as one has become available. The best part is, it comes with a farm dog, Cornbread. Our devoted pub cat Patches is still as brave as ever and still up in all the action.
Mira and Azor are fabulous friends and still always here for Sylas, but are also leveling up for the betterment of themselves and the hamlet. My favorite addition that got so much more page time is Tilbud, and he is an absolute delightful ball of chaos and enthusiasm everytime he is involved. With a team like this, of course we will find our friends! Every moment of this book was wonderful and I will be jumping into book three just as quick. I have to know what happens to Ember Hallow and all the friends there!
"It will be a grand day, Sylas.” “A potentially expensive day.” “Yes, it will be that as well, but most grand days are.”
I loved book two even more than book one. Sylas finds himself the new owner of a farm as one has become available. The best part is, it comes with a farm dog, Cornbread. Our devoted pub cat Patches is still as brave as ever and still up in all the action.
Mira and Azor are fabulous friends and still always here for Sylas, but are also leveling up for the betterment of themselves and the hamlet. My favorite addition that got so much more page time is Tilbud, and he is an absolute delightful ball of chaos and enthusiasm everytime he is involved. With a team like this, of course we will find our friends! Every moment of this book was wonderful and I will be jumping into book three just as quick. I have to know what happens to Ember Hallow and all the friends there!
"It will be a grand day, Sylas.” “A potentially expensive day.” “Yes, it will be that as well, but most grand days are.”
October 8, 2024
Jeg var begejstret for den første bog i serien, og jeg blev bestemt ikke skuffet over bog 2. Historien fortsætter på en dejligt afslappende måde og byder på en varm og indlevende fortælling om Sylas Runewulf, der kæmper for at få sin kro op at køre i en lille, charmerende landsby. Bogens tempo er behageligt, og man får virkelig en fornemmelse af at blive en del af det lille samfund, hvor Sylas forsøger at finde sin plads. Karaktererne er godt udviklede, og der er en dejlig balance mellem hverdagsdrama, humor og de små udfordringer, som Sylas møder på sin vej. Det er en historie, der får dig til at slappe af og nyde hvert øjeblik, og den giver dig lyst til at blive hængende i universet længe efter, du har vendt den sidste side.
September 19, 2024
Harmon Cooper continues his delightful cozy fantasy about a man who dies and comes to the underworld. He becomes a brewer and opens a pub in his first book. In the second, he begins farming. With the pub, he gets a magical, protective cat, Patches.
With the farm, he gets a magical protective day, Cornbread. What's his motivation? Every day, he gets a notice about an invasion coming in 90 days. Then 89. And so on. He (His name is Sylas), figures he needs to get as powerful as possible to face this unknown threat.
His quest leads him to these careers and to powerful people in the Underworld--and hell itself.
Recommended!
With the farm, he gets a magical protective day, Cornbread. What's his motivation? Every day, he gets a notice about an invasion coming in 90 days. Then 89. And so on. He (His name is Sylas), figures he needs to get as powerful as possible to face this unknown threat.
His quest leads him to these careers and to powerful people in the Underworld--and hell itself.
Recommended!
September 29, 2024
How far would you go?
How far would you go to save a friend? To hell and back? For Sylas there is only one answer.
Sylas is a good friend, and he has good friends. Together they make plans to enter The Chasm to save an old comrade and prepare for the coming Invasion. Along the way each of them must grow in strength for the impending challenges.
This is a well written book with fun, friendly characters who can handle trouble when it comes but prefer to sit back and enjoy a beer.
Cheers!
How far would you go to save a friend? To hell and back? For Sylas there is only one answer.
Sylas is a good friend, and he has good friends. Together they make plans to enter The Chasm to save an old comrade and prepare for the coming Invasion. Along the way each of them must grow in strength for the impending challenges.
This is a well written book with fun, friendly characters who can handle trouble when it comes but prefer to sit back and enjoy a beer.
Cheers!
October 21, 2025
DNF -This felt like a huge drop in quality from the first book; such I couldn't bring myself to finish it despite making several attempts to just get through.
Where characters had depth they now feel flat.
Where once there was clear direction, now the main character is buying a farm - for reasons?
Where there were stakes, there is now a wizard that helps solve every issue.
A new character was very dramatically introduced near the beginning and immediately shelved while the MC runs off to do stuff.
Where characters had depth they now feel flat.
Where once there was clear direction, now the main character is buying a farm - for reasons?
Where there were stakes, there is now a wizard that helps solve every issue.
A new character was very dramatically introduced near the beginning and immediately shelved while the MC runs off to do stuff.
September 17, 2024
Farming Great
Sylas is expanding his reach, and I love how this works out with the MLs and how the world is expanded as we meet more characters and the pub endeavours increase. Although this is a trilogy, the 2nd book expands out a lot on what we got in the first. Cooper, yet again, doesn't disappoint as we find out more about the realms.
Looking towards book 3 for more great reading.
Sylas is expanding his reach, and I love how this works out with the MLs and how the world is expanded as we meet more characters and the pub endeavours increase. Although this is a trilogy, the 2nd book expands out a lot on what we got in the first. Cooper, yet again, doesn't disappoint as we find out more about the realms.
Looking towards book 3 for more great reading.
August 8, 2025
Cozy danger
Alternate universe, magic, LitRPG, afterlife progression
Sylas decides meets a magic named Cornbread, and after discovering her owner dead, decides to buy the property and adopt the dog. Many more adventures happen within this novel, and several characters join Sylas in the growing village. Excellent editing. Stoked because Book 3 is out and I'm reading that book next!
Alternate universe, magic, LitRPG, afterlife progression
Sylas decides meets a magic named Cornbread, and after discovering her owner dead, decides to buy the property and adopt the dog. Many more adventures happen within this novel, and several characters join Sylas in the growing village. Excellent editing. Stoked because Book 3 is out and I'm reading that book next!
October 12, 2024
Did I miss something? What was the point in venturing into tye chasm? Wasn't it to meet with his dad and a friend?
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
October 18, 2024
nice easy read
Continues the plot line from the previous book. You can’t read this as a stand alone book. The characters are personalable. It does jump around a bit and that can get a bit confusing at times, i thought I missed a couple pages. I like the points of view from the MC as well as the animals.
Continues the plot line from the previous book. You can’t read this as a stand alone book. The characters are personalable. It does jump around a bit and that can get a bit confusing at times, i thought I missed a couple pages. I like the points of view from the MC as well as the animals.
September 22, 2024
Cozy pub and farm
Ok, I think my favorite part of this book is Patches and Cornbread, the MC's pets. They go on their own adventures and puzzle over the humans activities. Another good read.
Ok, I think my favorite part of this book is Patches and Cornbread, the MC's pets. They go on their own adventures and puzzle over the humans activities. Another good read.
January 6, 2025
I absolutely ADORE this series! Book one was one of my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. I love seeing the characters grow and new characters introduced throughout. This is such a wonderful and cozy read, and I already can't wait for the next story!
September 29, 2024
Awesome continuation of Pub in the Underworld story I just wish it was longer/there was more of this world to enjoy!
November 23, 2024
Heard it on audible and it's absolutely phenomenal. Love the series so far and I'm looking forward to listening to the next one when it comes out.
January 29, 2025
Great story from a Great writer
Great story from a Great story teller. Grabs you takes you for a thrilling ride, through a world of wonders.
Great story from a Great story teller. Grabs you takes you for a thrilling ride, through a world of wonders.
February 9, 2025
A good read.
March 2, 2025
4,5*
Tuhle sérii fakt můžu 😍 duo Patches a Cornbread je nejvíc 💛
Tuhle sérii fakt můžu 😍 duo Patches a Cornbread je nejvíc 💛
March 20, 2025
Waiting on number 3
Great story line. The action continues and does not turn into pages of feelings. I am ready for the next book.
Great story line. The action continues and does not turn into pages of feelings. I am ready for the next book.
March 24, 2025
I really injoyed this book cute and Cozy
April 26, 2025
Would have been five stars if all the spelling and grammar errors had been fixed!
May 17, 2025
Awesome! Please write lots lots more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews