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The Harvest of Moondew Valley: A Low Stakes Cozy Slice of Life Farming Fantasy LitRPG
444 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 6, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous.
I would have liked a bit of a background story a bit better; it felt a little like dumping info at the beginning without explanation. Like, why is he such a whimp towards the female characters? Why are his feelings so extreme regarding relationships? And what is important about knowing about his past relationships? What do all the stats mean? etc. Of course, nobody will stay by him; he is a total whimp with no backbone! Also, he is a moron, I mean, he finds a cute girl and right away he is thinking of not falling for them and a relationship out of the gate? Total immature behavior, for someone who is supposed to be 24, who behaves like that? Not even teens in the middle of a hormone craze are that stupid. There is also a LOT of repetitiveness. All the characters are plain weird, and the dialogue is HORRIBLE!
This story needed better editing; not sure if things were lost in translation or something, because the writing is a bit all over the place. The idea was good, but poorly developed. Finally, I really don't get why adventure/cultivation books constantly include unnecessary "love/romance".
BTW if the author is reading this, you need to merge this book entry; there are 3 separate versions in Goodreads.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
I would have liked a bit of a background story a bit better; it felt a little like dumping info at the beginning without explanation. Like, why is he such a whimp towards the female characters? Why are his feelings so extreme regarding relationships? And what is important about knowing about his past relationships? What do all the stats mean? etc. Of course, nobody will stay by him; he is a total whimp with no backbone! Also, he is a moron, I mean, he finds a cute girl and right away he is thinking of not falling for them and a relationship out of the gate? Total immature behavior, for someone who is supposed to be 24, who behaves like that? Not even teens in the middle of a hormone craze are that stupid. There is also a LOT of repetitiveness. All the characters are plain weird, and the dialogue is HORRIBLE!
This story needed better editing; not sure if things were lost in translation or something, because the writing is a bit all over the place. The idea was good, but poorly developed. Finally, I really don't get why adventure/cultivation books constantly include unnecessary "love/romance".
BTW if the author is reading this, you need to merge this book entry; there are 3 separate versions in Goodreads.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
July 2, 2025
I have only recently (within the last six months) discovered litRPG. I really enjoy cozy games (Coral Island, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Fantasy Life i, Rune Factory etc) so I figured I couldn’t go wrong with this book. After all, who doesn’t love a game that starts with the deed to a farm arriving on your doorstep just as your life starts falling apart?!
It was exactly what I hoped it would be! There’s levelling up, different passive and active skills, relationship building along with farming skills. There’s an overarching mystery around the farm at Moondew Valley, along with other secrets to discover along with the main character in the form of quests. I love quests - they’re my favourite part of gaming, and I really enjoyed seeing them popping up through the story.
I liked the range of characters, which were akin to some of my favourite games, and while there was some peril and some combat it wasn’t overly graphic and you knew that everything was going to be ok in the end. I especially liked the interactions between Alden and Ignis, and I thought the bond they started developing was quite sweet!
If you like cozy farming games with a bit of a mystery, then this is a great, accessible introduction to the litRPG genre. If you already know you like these kinds of books, then you absolutely can’t go wrong with this entry into the genre.
It was exactly what I hoped it would be! There’s levelling up, different passive and active skills, relationship building along with farming skills. There’s an overarching mystery around the farm at Moondew Valley, along with other secrets to discover along with the main character in the form of quests. I love quests - they’re my favourite part of gaming, and I really enjoyed seeing them popping up through the story.
I liked the range of characters, which were akin to some of my favourite games, and while there was some peril and some combat it wasn’t overly graphic and you knew that everything was going to be ok in the end. I especially liked the interactions between Alden and Ignis, and I thought the bond they started developing was quite sweet!
If you like cozy farming games with a bit of a mystery, then this is a great, accessible introduction to the litRPG genre. If you already know you like these kinds of books, then you absolutely can’t go wrong with this entry into the genre.
July 3, 2025
I enjoyed this cozy LitRPG - I'm not sure I've seen the two sub-genres combined all that often, and it was an enjoyable read. Our 'Hero' (MC really), city-dweller Alden is in search of a better life and family ties. When the genealogist he hired comes across an old deed to a farm, his heart leaps at the opportunity. The fact that he is recently unemployed doesn't hurt any.
I enjoyed how Author Hatch has different races of beings - Alden is a Grasskin and really thrives in the more rural settings. There are Adventurers and other classes, but Alden is truly meant for agriculture - the problem is the farm is in disrepair, the locals don't quite trust him, and his step-brother shows up.
The blending of character and storyline development along with the LitRPG focus on skills and character advancement was well done and it resulted in an enjoyable, fun story. The book is described as the first in a series, but no cliffhanger here! While I would enjoy a return to Moondew Valley, the story is complete in itself.
I enjoyed how Author Hatch has different races of beings - Alden is a Grasskin and really thrives in the more rural settings. There are Adventurers and other classes, but Alden is truly meant for agriculture - the problem is the farm is in disrepair, the locals don't quite trust him, and his step-brother shows up.
The blending of character and storyline development along with the LitRPG focus on skills and character advancement was well done and it resulted in an enjoyable, fun story. The book is described as the first in a series, but no cliffhanger here! While I would enjoy a return to Moondew Valley, the story is complete in itself.
July 3, 2025
Okay, So this is my first Cozy book and I must admit I have doubts going into the story. The first book I read from this author is still sitting on my DNF pile, so I was crossing my fingers when I got this book.
I was not disappointed. I love farming games. I love farm stories, and this book scratched the itch! I love the idea of Grasskin. Alden is literally made for gardening!
I didn't like him in the beginning —he was wimpy and sobby and literally ran away from the first problem he encountered, but he grew! And he's developing relationship with Ignis was the perfect character growth!
I also love how, despite being cozy in feels, real problems crop up, not just not being able to find your hoe or tractor. I love it. I am giving it a five stars.
I wouldn't say it's perfect for fans of Beware of Chicken since BOC is anything but cozy, but if you'd like farming along the lines of Emberstone farmer, and cozy to boot, this book is for you!
I was not disappointed. I love farming games. I love farm stories, and this book scratched the itch! I love the idea of Grasskin. Alden is literally made for gardening!
I didn't like him in the beginning —he was wimpy and sobby and literally ran away from the first problem he encountered, but he grew! And he's developing relationship with Ignis was the perfect character growth!
I also love how, despite being cozy in feels, real problems crop up, not just not being able to find your hoe or tractor. I love it. I am giving it a five stars.
I wouldn't say it's perfect for fans of Beware of Chicken since BOC is anything but cozy, but if you'd like farming along the lines of Emberstone farmer, and cozy to boot, this book is for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
At the beginning of this book I thought that maybe some things were coming too easily, too quickly to the main character, but as I read though the story I realized that I never cared about the problems that solved easily, and I didn't want to spend twenty pages watching him struggle to get a watering can so it was great that didn't happen! Instead the tension and conflict that pushed me forward though the story was the mystery, the characters.
The main character Alden is kind, quiet, with a broken heart and a love for plants. His stepbrother, Ignis, is the polar opposite, loud, fiery, with an aptitude for battle. I love story dynamics of opposite characters so this was something I loved from the start. Each had their own budding romances and animal companions.
This story took the time to describe the scenery, the frogs jumping in the water, the tadpoles, dragon flies, and floating lights. It was picturesque and peaceful.
I haven't read cozy or litRPG before and hadn't been expecting character stat sheets, and yet I found myself drawn to them. They signposted progress and built anticipation for level ups, and mysteries.
Overall, this story was like being immersed in a farming RPG... except it brought me deeper than any game has.
The main character Alden is kind, quiet, with a broken heart and a love for plants. His stepbrother, Ignis, is the polar opposite, loud, fiery, with an aptitude for battle. I love story dynamics of opposite characters so this was something I loved from the start. Each had their own budding romances and animal companions.
This story took the time to describe the scenery, the frogs jumping in the water, the tadpoles, dragon flies, and floating lights. It was picturesque and peaceful.
I haven't read cozy or litRPG before and hadn't been expecting character stat sheets, and yet I found myself drawn to them. They signposted progress and built anticipation for level ups, and mysteries.
Overall, this story was like being immersed in a farming RPG... except it brought me deeper than any game has.
January 23, 2026
Thank you to D. R. R. Hatch for providing an early copy of The Harvest of Moondew Valley in exchange for an honest review.
I made it about 20% through the book, and while I really appreciated the cozy premise and heartfelt themes, I realized that the writing style and pacing just weren’t the right fit for me personally. I'm still trying to fight through it, that's why there is the late review. That said, I can see how readers who enjoy gentle, slice-of-life fantasy with LitRPG elements will find a lot to love here — especially those looking for a comforting story focused on healing, growth, and community.
The world of Moondew Valley is clearly built with care, and I’m confident this story will resonate with fans of titles like Stardew Valley, Legends & Lattes, or cozy progression fantasy.
Even though it wasn’t quite for me, I still find myself wanting to pick it up and read a little more. I’m grateful for the chance to read it and wish the author all the best with the book’s release.
Edited to add: I decided to come back and power through the rest of the book. My review 100% still stands, but I will say, it did get better about halfway through.
I made it about 20% through the book, and while I really appreciated the cozy premise and heartfelt themes, I realized that the writing style and pacing just weren’t the right fit for me personally. I'm still trying to fight through it, that's why there is the late review. That said, I can see how readers who enjoy gentle, slice-of-life fantasy with LitRPG elements will find a lot to love here — especially those looking for a comforting story focused on healing, growth, and community.
The world of Moondew Valley is clearly built with care, and I’m confident this story will resonate with fans of titles like Stardew Valley, Legends & Lattes, or cozy progression fantasy.
Even though it wasn’t quite for me, I still find myself wanting to pick it up and read a little more. I’m grateful for the chance to read it and wish the author all the best with the book’s release.
Edited to add: I decided to come back and power through the rest of the book. My review 100% still stands, but I will say, it did get better about halfway through.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews