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Tonic Shop at the Edge of the World: A Cozy LitRPG
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…
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…
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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.
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.
February 28, 2026
A cozy & adventurous read🪴
I loved all of the magical creatures & the living plants.
This story had a good mix of fantasy, wilderness/ botany, potion making, magic & a touch of futuristic fantasy?
It was a light read, quest driven, with low stakes adventure. Nothing bad happens- and I loved that. I almost felt like I was playing a game as I read, if that makes sense..
Oh and of course I was rooting for Mason the entire time!
This is a great book for all ages, appropriate for young readers & adults alike!
I loved all of the magical creatures & the living plants.
This story had a good mix of fantasy, wilderness/ botany, potion making, magic & a touch of futuristic fantasy?
It was a light read, quest driven, with low stakes adventure. Nothing bad happens- and I loved that. I almost felt like I was playing a game as I read, if that makes sense..
Oh and of course I was rooting for Mason the entire time!
This is a great book for all ages, appropriate for young readers & adults alike!
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.
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.
February 21, 2026
Enjoyed this one. Read it in KU and then purchased a copy.
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.
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.
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!
A pleasurable ride through a story that keeps you entertained from beginning to the end. Well thought out characters and the botanicals are great!
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.
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.
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 “
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 “
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.
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.
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.
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.
April 8, 2026
4.5 Cozy Shop Stars
This is my 2nd book by Max Vale and so far I'm really liking his style of writing. He does a great job of creating that community element which is one of my favorite parts of cozy readings. I'm also REALLY excited for book 2 as it feels like things are just getting started for Mason and I want to see how he, and his little town at the Edge of the World will end up thriving.
I will say the first few chapters did have me questioning the cozy as you start off feeling rather enraged/frustrated along with Mason as he has to deal with both the recent, likely not accidental, loss of his parents AND the injustice handed to him by the Alchemist guild. He reacted with much more composure and positivity than I would have so good for him. In addition there was also the really casual mention of a murder of an innocent person that had just happened by a vampire that Mason didn't really blink eye at. It seemed a little out of pocket and left me wondering if there were unwritten rules of the world I wasn't privy too considering it was only Chapter 2, however everything kind of just moved on from there and we got a really good of cozy slice of life, some small adventuring and interesting talks of alchemy. elements, and plants.
Max Vale's other book "The Unfamiliar Familiar Emporium" is still my favorite so far of his works but I can see myself giving this one a re-read which is a pretty high bar for me.
This is my 2nd book by Max Vale and so far I'm really liking his style of writing. He does a great job of creating that community element which is one of my favorite parts of cozy readings. I'm also REALLY excited for book 2 as it feels like things are just getting started for Mason and I want to see how he, and his little town at the Edge of the World will end up thriving.
I will say the first few chapters did have me questioning the cozy as you start off feeling rather enraged/frustrated along with Mason as he has to deal with both the recent, likely not accidental, loss of his parents AND the injustice handed to him by the Alchemist guild. He reacted with much more composure and positivity than I would have so good for him. In addition there was also the really casual mention of a murder of an innocent person that had just happened by a vampire that Mason didn't really blink eye at. It seemed a little out of pocket and left me wondering if there were unwritten rules of the world I wasn't privy too considering it was only Chapter 2, however everything kind of just moved on from there and we got a really good of cozy slice of life, some small adventuring and interesting talks of alchemy. elements, and plants.
Max Vale's other book "The Unfamiliar Familiar Emporium" is still my favorite so far of his works but I can see myself giving this one a re-read which is a pretty high bar for me.
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!!!
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 25, 2026
This a good cozy! So many times I struggle with books labeled cozy because I get bored, but I did not get bored with this one. I loved the expeditions to collect plants and the MMC’s happy attitude. Looking forward to the next one!
February 28, 2026
Real Tonic
The background of the story is original. The characters are well created and established. Most of the basis of the magic is logical. The plot is fairly common, but fitted well to the story. I'm looking forward to new episodes.
The background of the story is original. The characters are well created and established. Most of the basis of the magic is logical. The plot is fairly common, but fitted well to the story. I'm looking forward to new episodes.
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.
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.
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!
No magic (well not much) no fights but a lot of alchemy. Overall it was a quick fun read. Nice epilogue!
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???
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.
Very unusual Litrpg. Lots of crafting and development of the shop. Not the McDermott but the shop! Looking forward to book 2.
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.
January 18, 2026
Super sweet, quick read :) Looking forward to the next book! I can’t wait to see where this goes.
May 17, 2026
warm fuzzies
A sweet coming of age cosy litRPG to snuggle in with like a warm blanket and your favourite cup of tea on a rainy day
A sweet coming of age cosy litRPG to snuggle in with like a warm blanket and your favourite cup of tea on a rainy day
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews