The Starwick Seal: A Cozy LitRPG-Lite Fantasy

The Level One Bookshop #2

by Arthur Glenwood

Edwin Salamand thought running a bookshop for beginners was complicated enough. But now that he's settled into his role as Starwick's most unlikely shop owner, winter brings a new his skill tomes are failing.

When customers start returning books with fading magic and blurred text, Edwin discovers it's not just his shos. It's happening across the entire city. Even worse, the earthquakes shaking Starwick's foundations might be connected to the magical blight affecting everyone's abilities.

Armed with his Shopkeeper skills and a frost-breathing salamander named Cricket, Edwin must unite squabbling wizards, suspicious city guards, and his delightfully chaotic community to uncover the truth. Because someone is profiting from Starwick's magical crisis, and they'll do anything to keep their scheme running.

But Edwin's learned a thing or two about throwing his weight around. Even if that weight is mostly books, good intentions, and the occasional bowl of Sherry's stew.

The Starwick Seal is the sequel to The Level One Bookshop and continues Edwin's cozy adventures with slightly higher stakes, deeper friendships, and the discovery that sometimes the best way to help a city is one stabilized tome at a time.

Genres: Fantasy

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2025

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this one as much as the first one and i cant pinpoint why. It wasnt bad, the writing was good. The atmosphere was of course cozy and quaint, but maybe it was the story being a bit more hectic than the first one. I would still read another one but hopefully it returns more to what made the first one so good.

[Cassandra Lenzini · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cozy and delightful!

If you’re looking for a cozy, community-focused, uplifting and engaging story, this is for you! All the characters are well written with their own personalities and the culmination of the story was completely satisfying. Highly recommended. Hope to read more from this author!

[Austen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to put this down only a handful of chapters in. I finally figured out why this authors writing style feels so off. I firmly believe that these are being written with heavy AI assistance and that is what keeps causing the dissonance when I try to pick this book up each time. It had potential, but if the writing style regardless of AI or not keeps like this, its another for the reject bin.

[Dara Wick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, cozy read.There were times when I was getting a little confused by why the characters waited so long to do certain things that seemed super urgent and the only answer was "We must be thorough, mustn't we!" and it wasn't as convincing as it could have been. But overall, if this is your genre, it's worth a read imo.

[Vivek Mannava · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a DNF for me. I was maybe 30% in, but I just couldn't keep going. The first book was okay in that, despite the repetitiveness of events, it generally flowed with some amount of logic. This book somehow failed to do even that. The writing feels off, the logic is lacking for the most part, and the scenes do get repetitive again.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

slightly higher stakes, still cozy.

A light enjoyable read suitable for a cold day, a warm fire and a good cup of tea.

I could spent time nitpicking details, inconsistencies in time, story threads that niggle and oddities of characterization, but the author deserves praise for writing a book about building community. Something we need to do more today.

[Jenesee Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staying on track

This book matches the energy of book 1 with a lot more action than planning. I was glad to see the situation conclude positively and the community continue to grow. Looking forward to book 3.

[Peggy Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy is the word

There are no huge sword fights or bloody battles in this book. Just a good plot with clear and consistent characters. Perfect for an evening read or a vacay getaway.
I have enjoyed both books in this series and look forward to many more.

[Paul Hefka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great sequel.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book and series are definitely worth checking out.

[bookworm594 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the best cozy series I've read

Loveable characters with enough tension (bad guy) to be interesting without unnecessary drama or suspense. It is nice to have a positive perspective, feeling that everything will work out okay-- especially with all the tumult in our days.

[Amy Chused · Rating 5 out of 5]

light and cozy

There is never a doubt that Edwin and his friends will succeed, but the story was enjoyable, the magic is interesting and cozy and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to sequels.

[Laura Claire Nema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Such a cozy and sweet story. I went to this after reading my first LitRPG DCC. I was looking for something more gentle and this was such a heartwarming and lovely read. Look forward to more.

[Carolyn Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

great lessons to be learned

Great lessons for early teens about cooperation and teamwork. Good entertainment without adult content and violence. Interesting concepts that make you stop and think.

[Jennifer Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored the second book

This book is such a lovely addition to the series. This series is just cozy and relaxing. Can't wait for the next!

[Dalton Eagar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tough read, it has all of the flaws of the first plus a few new problems that’ll of course be solved by honesty and hard work.

[Ian Dubaurrenfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good series - sure hope a book 3 is on the horizon.

[Morandia · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun book. Lovely storyline. I want to go to the book store. I love the sense of community

[Mrs jayne breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

Loved 😍
The characters and plot were awesome . So atmospheric and immersive. thank you . Please create more twists and turns, . possibly a Xmas one.

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasurable read

This book kept my attention through out the pages. It was fun reading it from start to finish. I look forward to his next adventure!