The Inn Side Shop: A Cozy LitRPG Adventure

by Gil Hess

The Inn Side Shop

A Cozy LitRPG Adventure by Gil Hess

Fourteen-year-old Wren Alder never planned to be an adventurer. He just wanted a place to tinker in peace. But when his great-aunt hands him the key to a forgotten supply room at the Crossroads—a sleepy outpost perched between dungeons, cities, and the deep wild—Wren inherits more than a dusty shop.

Because this shop… levels up.

Each sale unlocks new features. Each discovery stirs old magic. A ledger learns to write back. A dungeon wakes beneath the roots. And a boy who thought he wanted quiet finds purpose in the chaos of travelers, quests, and growing friendships.

Heartfelt, clever, and brimming with quiet wonder, The Inn Side Shop blends cozy fantasy with the satisfying progression of a LitRPG—perfect for readers who love slow-burn worldbuilding, endearing characters, and magic that feels just within reach.

762 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This was a well written entertaining read that kept me up way past my bedtime. I loved the chat stand the plot. Wren was a great main character, just a tad too emotional with the crying, but otherwise I really liked him, and Inkwell with his sarcasm was a true delight. Im definitely a fan of this series and wanting book 2.

[MyDoRyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. My review is honest and voluntary.

This one was very well-written, dealing with the awkwardness of growing up in more than one way. I'm not usually into YA books, but I was very happy I found this one. The word building was perfect. Despite the fact that it is a slow-paced story, it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I wished it were more into him, the craft, and the discovery instead of him dealing with the ridiculous "couple". I could have done without them. Some things made no sense, like why Vicky didn't use one of the MC's healing potions? And why did the MC take it so personally? They had just met once, and if she didn't use the product, it was her own stupidity. Also, his parents were cruelly mean. Especially for a kid who has been good since the beginning. Other than that, it was a great book. Really enjoyed the adventure.

On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!

[Elizabeth Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good morning, besties!

This is my full review for The Inn Side Shop by Gil Hess!

This was such a fun and cozy time! It was just what I needed in between all the heavy fantasy!

Our MMC Wren is just trying to carve out a little peace for himself in his little corner of the world. He is extremely relatable, and my daughter and I both loved his growth throughout the journey. Having the shop be sentient in that it learned and leveled up was very clever! Each time a new feature was unlocked, I couldn’t help but smile!

Inkwell and his sarcasm is perfection and I need more!

I rated it four stars because there are a couple of points I got confused at, namely with the character of Vicky and the pacing in some areas.

That said, the setting is just so heartwarming and magical, the characters are lovable, and I am interested in seeing where this series is going to take me!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alice Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath its unassuming surface, The Inn Side Shop offers a quietly profound meditation on growth and purpose. Hess weaves a story that balances the mechanical logic of LitRPGs with the emotional resonance of literary fantasy. The shop itself becomes a metaphor for personal evolution, every improvement, every sale, every discovery reflecting Wren’s own emerging sense of self. The prose is crisp but lyrical, the worldbuilding immersive yet intimate. This is a novel that rewards patience, inviting readers to linger in its moments rather than chase spectacle. For those who appreciate craft and subtlety, it’s a delight.

[Emily San · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute gem! The Inn Side Shop perfectly captures the charm of cozy LitRPGs , low stakes, warm atmosphere, and just enough mystery to keep you turning pages. Wren is such a relatable protagonist; he doesn’t want glory or adventure, just a little peace and purpose. The “shop that levels up” mechanic was both clever and heartwarming, and I found myself grinning every time a new feature unlocked. It felt like reading Stardew Valley mixed with a dash of Dungeon Core. Can’t wait for Book Two!

[Marguerite Duras · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves character-driven YA fantasy, I fell in love with The Inn Side Shop. Wren Alder feels really awkward, curious, and uncertain about where he belongs. Instead of throwing him into dangerous quests, the story lets him grow through discovery, friendship, and creativity. The Crossroads is a wonderful backdrop, part inn, part mystery, part workshop, and the leveling system feels like magic you could almost learn yourself. The pacing is gentle but never dull, and the emotional beats land beautifully. This book is perfect for teens (and adults!) who crave adventure but not angst.

[William Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about The Inn Side Shop is how it reimagines the LitRPG genre. Instead of stats, spreadsheets, and grind, we get growth that feels natural and emotional. The “shop leveling” system is clever, with upgrades that reveal new layers of mystery rather than power boosts. The story keeps the satisfaction of progression while grounding it in character and community. Wren’s curiosity mirrors that of a player exploring an open-world game for the first time each discovery feels earned. If you’re tired of overpowered heroes and endless combat, this book is the perfect palate cleanser.

[Nathalie Sarraute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Inn Side Shop felt like sitting by a fire on a rainy day, warm, soothing, and quietly magical. Gil Hess understands what makes cozy fantasy so special: not the scale of the world, but the heart within it. Wren’s little shop, the travelers who pass through, the old magic humming beneath the floorboards, it all builds a sense of comfort and belonging. There’s danger, sure, but it’s never despairing. Every challenge leads to connection and growth. This is the kind of story that makes you want to brew tea, curl up, and stay awhile.

[George Orwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent, I appreciate stories that model emotional intelligence and curiosity, and The Inn Side Shop does both beautifully. Wren’s journey is not about saving the world, but about finding his place in it. The relationships he builds and the lessons he learns about responsibility, creativity, and friendship feel genuine and positive. The book is engaging without being overwhelming, making it perfect for younger readers who love fantasy but aren’t ready for darker themes. It’s a wholesome, imaginative, and deeply kind story, a rare gem in today’s fantasy landscape.

[Joey Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pure magic in the most unexpected way. I went in expecting a quirky LitRPG adventure and came out emotionally attached to a boy, a shop, and a sleepy outpost that somehow felt like home. Wren Alder’s journey from a quiet tinkerer to a young man discovering purpose in chaos reminded me how growth often comes from small, everyday choices. The “shop that levels up” idea is so creative, but what really stood out was the warmth and humanity in every page. Gil Hess has crafted something beautiful, cozy, clever, and quietly profound.

[Marcus Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me the same warm, fuzzy feeling I got from reading Legends & Lattes. It’s cozy fantasy at its finest. No grimdark battles, no endless stats ,just a boy, a magical shop, and a slow-burn sense of wonder. I loved the balance between slice-of-life storytelling and light RPG mechanics. The supporting cast, especially the eccentric travelers passing through the Crossroads, added so much personality. I’d recommend this to anyone who needs a gentle, uplifting read.

[Latoya Mitchell Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for nonstop action, this might not be your book. But if you crave worldbuilding that breathes, characters that grow slowly and meaningfully, and a touch of magic that feels earned, The Inn Side Shop delivers in spades. The idea of running a magical store that evolves with every sale was so refreshing. It’s less about fighting monsters and more about finding your place in the world. By the end, I didn’t want to leave the Crossroads, or its people.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inn Side Shop is a heartwarming story about friendship, magic, and growing up. I was completely drawn into the world, and the characters-the mix of wonder and emotion - stayed with me long after I finished reading. I absolutely loved it.

[Samuel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn Side Shop is exactly what cozy fantasy should be, gentle magic, heartfelt moments, and a sense of home tucked between the pages. Wren Alder’s world feels like a place you could walk into and never want to leave.

[Olivia Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts as a simple shopkeeper’s tale grows into a full-fledged quest filled with ley lines, relics, and hidden dangers. A perfect blend of comfort and courage, proof that not all heroes need swords.

[Daniel Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren and his crew are instantly lovable. Their relationships are the heart of the story, and their found family dynamic adds real emotional depth. You’ll want to open your own magical shop just to be near them.

[Emily Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a warm cup of tea by a glowing hearth. Wren’s journey from a quiet tinkerer to someone finding meaning in community absolutely melted my heart. The “shop that levels up” concept? Brilliant! Perfect balance of humor, heart, and gentle adventure.

[Gregory Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Legends & Lattes or Azarinth Healer, you’ll love this. Not every fantasy needs a dragon fight,sometimes you just need inventory management, mysterious ledgers, and a dungeon under your shop. Slow paced but so rewarding.

[Linda Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from a cozy litrpg book but I loved it! It's a warm, people-centric book with great characters and an engaging story. I was very disappointed to find out I'll have to wait for 6 months for the book 2 to come out! Can't wait!

[Joy Booe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful!

I was totally spellbound in the world of the shopkeeper. This book touches you like few others. It takes you on a journey through change, friendship, wonder, mystery, and family born and found. I just loved this book!

[Thomas John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the whimsy and warmth lies a meditation on purpose and belonging. The Inn Side Shop succeeds because it finds grandeur in the ordinary, its quiet courage resonates long after the final page.

[Mary Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Completely different take on the GameLit/LitRPG genre. Relaxed cozy read with some action toward the end. Also a good coming of age story. Well written.

[Joseph Torregrossa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional

A hero that helps...that fights with intelligence... with empathy....with compassion. He is helped by family, friends, and aquaintences that become friends and allies.

[Nancy Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Really like this book. It's different from anything I have read. A complex but exciting magic system and people you will like.