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Tonic Shop at the Edge of the World: A Cozy LitRPG

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One Alchemist. One Dream. One Seriously Ridiculous Shop Location, What The Hell.

Mason Curacao is a big dreamer with an even bigger legacy to uphold. After the unexpected deaths of his famous Alchemist parents, it’s been a long, lonely summer for the new Alchemy Academy graduate.

But as summer comes to a close, it looks like his new life can begin at last.

It’s finally time to open his very own Tonic Shop, and he’s got an idea that no one has tried before.

Unfortunately, the Brewmasters’ Guild seems to have it out for him. Why else would they assign him-- the son of the famous Curacaos, and top of his graduating class-- to a shop located in the absolute last place anyone would ever want to travel

The Edge of the World.

It’s no matter. Mason’s dream is too important for him to fail now.

Despite how wild and downright unsettling his new town and neighbors might be, he’s determined to do his parents justice, give a big ‘ol F U to the Brewmasters’ Guild, and build himself the best damn Tonic Shop at the Edge of the World.

Just as long as he doesn’t fall off The Edge first. Visitors should proceed with caution…

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2025

141 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

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Max Vale

21 books6 followers

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5 stars
161 (63%)
4 stars
62 (24%)
3 stars
24 (9%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for James Sneed.
23 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2025
Great little read

This story is somewhat off-beat for the genre in that its main character is a potion maker and the story line involves the acts of discovering, harvesting, and merging of the ingredients that make a potion. There is a lot of personal interaction involved and the backstory is solid enough to build a story arc for it.

The story flow is quite realistic as are the descriptions involved in the character personalities and physical descriptions. It really is well done as the character definition is excellent. I liked the book and i look forward to more of the story. I do feel that too many words were used to describe potion characteristics and ingredients.

9 reviews
September 30, 2025
fabulous slice of life book

I can’t wait to read the next one! This is a wonderful feel good book that manages to have high stakes interactions in a very chill way leaving an overall feeling of calm satisfaction.

I enjoyed that the plants had personality and can’t wait to see what else is discovered.

I greatly enjoyed it and would like to read more.
1 review
September 29, 2025
Entertaining and Relaxing

The storyline flows quite gently There's no high dramatic conflicts and the main character grows steadily throughout the story by his friendly interactions.
The main theme of helping others is a welcome and novel storyline
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
53 reviews
September 14, 2025
Most Enjoyable!

A pleasurable ride through a story that keeps you entertained from beginning to the end. Well thought out characters and the botanicals are great!
Profile Image for Laura.
10 reviews
September 2, 2025
fun book

Very enjoyable. My sister who never played D&D loved it and told me about it since I’ve played for years. Reminded me of the best parts of playing.
24 reviews
August 24, 2025
Astonishingly great book!

I was half way through when I started hoping there would be the second book ready to read. I knew this was going to end too soon. What a fun and inventive read! It’s a true testament to “when life gives you lemons “
2,117 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2025
Great Read

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and I wasn't really ready for it to end. I loved the characters that he came across in his travel to the town, and especially the ones in the In-Between. I loved that the book didn't focus heavily on his budding romance with Hyacinth or the hatred with the Brewmaster back in the Prism. The best parts of this book was Mason's growth professionally, his journey through growth grief and finding his own place of belonging and community. I loved his research of botany, alchemy, and various beings; the way he befriended plants and magical beings. In most books, they would've slain the beings and taken what they wanted, but Mason befriended them and was given the items. I truly hope there's A book 2 coming, that keeps all of this in the forefront. I'd like to see him help Brian and Marcus along with Alyss and various others.
Profile Image for Gloria.
Author 39 books85 followers
July 28, 2025
The Tonic Shop at the End of the World is adorable.

A very laid-back litrpg. The writing was smooth, the ideas colorful and fantastical. There's a lot to like as we follow Mason to the Edge of the World and watch him work toward his dream. Lots of interesting characters and situations. My only complaints were the excessive use of rolled eyes by almost every character and the repetition of phrases within a paragraph or two of each other. Still, it was a fun, light fantasy, well worth the read.
Profile Image for MyDoRyS.
1,054 reviews4 followers
October 13, 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 really enjoyed this book! The world-building is great and allows the reader to get in the perfect mindset. I also enjoyed that he was focused on his goal, and we see him grow while dealing with loss. I did not get why he was so "poor" since his parent were famous. Still, the story and the newfound family will keep you interested. It is a slow-paced story, so if you are looking for lots of angst and action, this is not the right book for you. The characters/friends are interesting, and even the side characters are well-written. There are a LOT of opportunities to further the story, which is always great. I do hope the storyline doesn't change much in future books. The author talks about chemicals, ingredients, cooking, and botanicals; there is a bit of everything, and I loved it!

The only negative is the romance; while they don't focus much on it, I do not understand why litRPG books almost always introduce a romantic partner. It is not needed, and the focus of the story currently should be the store and growing it.  Can we focus on the story? Is that not enough?  Can't people be JUST friends? Anyway, the minus star was because of that. I don't care for a romantic sideline on my adventure. It happened to me with another story about BOBA, I dropped it because of the sappy romantic part of it. WHEN IS BOOK 2 COMING OUT?!??!?!?!

On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Profile Image for Mark.
232 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2025
A Cozy Read!

This was a quick and cozy read that I really enjoyed. I like the world building, the storyline, and the development of the primary and secondary characters. I will definitely be reading future sequels and encourage anyone to check out this addition to the cozy fantasy shop genre.
29 reviews
December 30, 2025
cosy indeed

It’s not my normal choice of book, but I really am very glad I bought it! Very easy going, interesting characters with lots of interesting side stories, I hope this turns into a long running series! Highly recommend this book.
48 reviews
January 14, 2026
DNF:

This book just never grabbed me. I never cared about the main character or his challenges. All problems are seeming to be solved for them or with minimal effort on their part. Just not a fun read.
Profile Image for Michele.
83 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2025
Lovely story

I really enjoy these slice of life stories, but this was one of my favorites! I will be look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Jim Phillips.
984 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2025
Not bad

No magic (well not much) no fights but a lot of alchemy. Overall it was a quick fun read. Nice epilogue!
82 reviews
December 12, 2025
Really couldn’t get into this. DNF at 30%. Nothing is really explained. Some contradictions in the MC’s decision making. What is up with that train vampire???
95 reviews
January 13, 2026
Unusual

Very unusual Litrpg. Lots of crafting and development of the shop. Not the McDermott but the shop! Looking forward to book 2.
10 reviews
January 15, 2026
Fun and simple, not a lot of development, easy upgrades and flow almost no work don't by main character to advance.
Profile Image for Kelly.
43 reviews
January 18, 2026
Super sweet, quick read :) Looking forward to the next book! I can’t wait to see where this goes.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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