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The Inn Side Shop: A Cozy LitRPG Adventure
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.
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 25, 2026
Good, but a bit wordy
Author has good descriptive prose. However, he overuses it. When the story becomes too flowery, a reader can get lost because it takes too long to connect. A good editor could help to curtail some of the more verbose areas. Also, it needs a bit more coziness. In spite of these criticisms, it’s still a good read. Creative.
Author has good descriptive prose. However, he overuses it. When the story becomes too flowery, a reader can get lost because it takes too long to connect. A good editor could help to curtail some of the more verbose areas. Also, it needs a bit more coziness. In spite of these criticisms, it’s still a good read. Creative.
February 6, 2026
All Wren wanted was a place that was his alone! Get this cozy. You'll ❤ it!
Ohhhh! Wow! This book is AwesomeSauce! Each word had impacted merit, almost lyrical in nature, as Gill Hess spools out this cozy adventure. And I loved it every mesmerizing word. From epilogue to epilogue (read the book, you'll understand!) Wren Alder at age 14 feel like his life's been shredded, upended as his family moves to the Inn at the Crossroads, which is absolutely nowhere. But closer to Bonewake dungeon then a city, and there's the wilds. The wilds full of mystery and treasures if you know what to look for. But first there's the Inn his Aunt Elna owns the Ash and Willow, and a place that surprisingly, to Wren it starts feeling like it could become a home. Especially when Aunt Elna offers Wren a deal he can't refuse! The Inn Side Shop... Wren's always been a tinkerer but now he has a place he can call his own. A place that legitimizes him and his unique abilities... and what’s this? A ledger, a book, or something other?!? Is it looking at him? NO, No, no...
So yeah you gotta grab this one, where you can find that wonderful warm cozy spot, a place that's a bit kinder. A place filled with family, friends, love, laughter, music, and good food. And there will be some heartache along the way.
Ohhhh! Wow! This book is AwesomeSauce! Each word had impacted merit, almost lyrical in nature, as Gill Hess spools out this cozy adventure. And I loved it every mesmerizing word. From epilogue to epilogue (read the book, you'll understand!) Wren Alder at age 14 feel like his life's been shredded, upended as his family moves to the Inn at the Crossroads, which is absolutely nowhere. But closer to Bonewake dungeon then a city, and there's the wilds. The wilds full of mystery and treasures if you know what to look for. But first there's the Inn his Aunt Elna owns the Ash and Willow, and a place that surprisingly, to Wren it starts feeling like it could become a home. Especially when Aunt Elna offers Wren a deal he can't refuse! The Inn Side Shop... Wren's always been a tinkerer but now he has a place he can call his own. A place that legitimizes him and his unique abilities... and what’s this? A ledger, a book, or something other?!? Is it looking at him? NO, No, no...
So yeah you gotta grab this one, where you can find that wonderful warm cozy spot, a place that's a bit kinder. A place filled with family, friends, love, laughter, music, and good food. And there will be some heartache along the way.
March 6, 2026
Good concept - but it feels very AI written, which is disappointing. Repetitive language throughout, awkward sentences that don’t make sense in context. Bummer.
March 22, 2026
THE INN SIDE SHOP
Rare Goods - Potions - Curios - Custom Orders Welcome
May you walk light, brew true, and leave a few seeds behind for those still to come.
જ⁀➴ preview:
Fourteen-year-old Wren Alder never wanted adventure—only a quiet place to tinker. When he inherits a forgotten supply room at the Crossroads, he discovers a shop that literally levels up with every sale and secret uncovered. As the magic deepens, a hidden dungeon stirs and Wren finds unexpected purpose in the bustle of travelers, quests, and new friends.
𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊
I was a shopkeeper. I made potions. I labeled jars. I ran tabs and hosted a cat. And most importantly, I tried very hard not to die.
This one was a surprise for me! I've never read a cozy book in my life and I'm so happy that The Inn Side Shop was the first one. I loved the writing style. Reading felt like snuggling under my blanket on the couch with my pumkin spiced candle lit while it's raining outside. 🕯️𓂃🪶
Wren is a likable teen but I almost forgot that he's so young because he behaved in a mature way. It's always about his inventory, his potions, his cat Boots 🐈⬛ and Inkwell, his ledger.
This is why I do what I do. Not for the coins, although that aspect would always be a part of it. But because somebody has to put tools in the hands of people who go where monsters wait. Because someone like me—someone who thinks, who plans—can tip the scale. Even if only a little.
This story is sometimes slow and cozy, sometimes sad and sometimes on edge. And I loved it. The ending surprised me a lot and Wren goes through a lot of character development - and some of the other characters do, too.
Rare Goods - Potions - Curios - Custom Orders Welcome
May you walk light, brew true, and leave a few seeds behind for those still to come.
જ⁀➴ preview:
Fourteen-year-old Wren Alder never wanted adventure—only a quiet place to tinker. When he inherits a forgotten supply room at the Crossroads, he discovers a shop that literally levels up with every sale and secret uncovered. As the magic deepens, a hidden dungeon stirs and Wren finds unexpected purpose in the bustle of travelers, quests, and new friends.
𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊
I was a shopkeeper. I made potions. I labeled jars. I ran tabs and hosted a cat. And most importantly, I tried very hard not to die.
This one was a surprise for me! I've never read a cozy book in my life and I'm so happy that The Inn Side Shop was the first one. I loved the writing style. Reading felt like snuggling under my blanket on the couch with my pumkin spiced candle lit while it's raining outside. 🕯️𓂃🪶
Wren is a likable teen but I almost forgot that he's so young because he behaved in a mature way. It's always about his inventory, his potions, his cat Boots 🐈⬛ and Inkwell, his ledger.
This is why I do what I do. Not for the coins, although that aspect would always be a part of it. But because somebody has to put tools in the hands of people who go where monsters wait. Because someone like me—someone who thinks, who plans—can tip the scale. Even if only a little.
This story is sometimes slow and cozy, sometimes sad and sometimes on edge. And I loved it. The ending surprised me a lot and Wren goes through a lot of character development - and some of the other characters do, too.
January 23, 2026
A new sparkle of magic!
I must say I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did..I've been reading fantasy, D&D, and the like for at least forty years. This book sneaks up on you. Characters you enjoy, twists in the tale, adventures galore. I just enjoyed every bit of it.
I am tired of the overused tropes; someone dies and suddenly the person who inherits the entire estate discovers they have magic powers, a vast amount of money and they struggle to come to the fullness of their power. Been there, read that. Wren and his family and friends are a breath of fresh air.
I must say I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did..I've been reading fantasy, D&D, and the like for at least forty years. This book sneaks up on you. Characters you enjoy, twists in the tale, adventures galore. I just enjoyed every bit of it.
I am tired of the overused tropes; someone dies and suddenly the person who inherits the entire estate discovers they have magic powers, a vast amount of money and they struggle to come to the fullness of their power. Been there, read that. Wren and his family and friends are a breath of fresh air.
December 24, 2025
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.
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.
February 9, 2026
Loved it
What a wonderful writing style you have! So poetic. I really enjoyed this tale! You have a wonderful imagination checking for book 2
What a wonderful writing style you have! So poetic. I really enjoyed this tale! You have a wonderful imagination checking for book 2
January 29, 2026
I was moved to tears
Rarely does a book move me tears, but this one did. Gil Hess's writing is just beautiful! His character development is pure genius, his story unfolds like a good book should; gradually, drawing you in, mesmerising you. Highly recommend.
Rarely does a book move me tears, but this one did. Gil Hess's writing is just beautiful! His character development is pure genius, his story unfolds like a good book should; gradually, drawing you in, mesmerising you. Highly recommend.
January 21, 2026
Inspired
This was by far the best book I've read in years. It resonated with me and even brought me to tears, which is a miracle in itself. Experience it yourself, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
This was by far the best book I've read in years. It resonated with me and even brought me to tears, which is a miracle in itself. Experience it yourself, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
January 22, 2026
A very enjoyable read
I like this book especially because it contains a lot of action, but because it wasn't full of testosterone laden heroes, but of a hero that believes in kindness, helping people first over self. I highly recommend it.
I like this book especially because it contains a lot of action, but because it wasn't full of testosterone laden heroes, but of a hero that believes in kindness, helping people first over self. I highly recommend it.
Read
January 27, 2026Clearly ai written at some point. Unreadable.
Tedious to read. Extremely over verbose in descriptions.
Repetitive phrasing indicative of AI generation...
Every other paragraph(and sometimes multiple inside a para): "Not x. Not y. Just... z".
Similies left and right.
Extreme overuse of m-dashes. 1-6 per paragraph.
Sentences that make no sense... "not dumped, folded, like the difference between throwing a rock and planting a seed"
Tedious to read. Extremely over verbose in descriptions.
Repetitive phrasing indicative of AI generation...
Every other paragraph(and sometimes multiple inside a para): "Not x. Not y. Just... z".
Similies left and right.
Extreme overuse of m-dashes. 1-6 per paragraph.
Sentences that make no sense... "not dumped, folded, like the difference between throwing a rock and planting a seed"
May 9, 2026
This is either written by ai, with a lot of help from ai, or just incredibly shoddy and needs an editor or some good beta readers. It repeats important plot points. And the repetition of certain phrases is crazy high.
I get why other readers aren't catching it, if they aren't the kind of people who read 50 pages in a sitting. It's hidden under beautiful prose. Any single paragraph is beautiful, written to be touching and poignant. But the author seems to not realize that those touching moments lose what makes them special because every paragraph is like that. After a bit, each beautiful chunk feels less beautiful because a nearly identical phrase is repeated.
If you read more than a few pages, there's a real uncanny feeling to it. The word "breath" is used to describe inanimate objects SO OFTEN. It got to the point that I did a search on the Kindle because I felt like I was reading the same chapter over and over, even when I wasn't. "Breath" is also used a ton to also describe respiration, but I'll give that a pass. Here's a sample of it being used as a shortcut for ambience in the first 25% of the book:
- The willow’s branches swayed—not fast, not frantic—just slow and sure, like breathing...
- the kind of quiet that wasn’t really silence—just the world breathing slowly...
- the place was already breathing like a creature just waking up...
- Its pale threads glowed faintly in the shade, almost breathing...
- like the world was holding its breath...
- Like the air caught it's breath...
- where even the rafters hold their breath...
- It seeped up from the fibers of the page like breath on glass...
- just a flicker at first, like breath disturbing dust...
- The shop had started to breathe...
- Like the wind forgot to breathe...
Plus, it isn't the only word that is used ad nauseum.
- "Settle" for inanimate things like the yard, the inn, glass jars, a lull, more than 60 times.
- "Smoke" is another one, used 30+ times.
- "Slow and_____" sure/steady/deliberate/careful but again, to describe inanimate things, like ink or tree branches.
-"Creaked/creaking" 30+ times. The main character is supposed to be 14 and he's talking about his knees creaking.
- "Still" is used 500+ times in 762 pages. Some of those might actually be about holding still, but so many are a shortcut for setting the scene (the room stilled, the chatter stilled, the air was still and undisturbed).
--------
Frequently, if you look at what the actual flowery pose is saying, it makes no sense. It's just a compilation of gibberish. "Evening had tucked itself around the building like a blanket, smothering the light and dulling the sounds from the inn next door as the great room was coming to life." That isn't how light and noise works. Just because it got dark doesn't mean the sound from the bar next door gets quiet, especially as it's getting into full-swing for the evening. (I'm not cherry-picking this either. Every couple of paragraphs there's some overwrought prose that doesn't make sense.)
As for pacing, The first 15% (140 pages) is an incredibly, incredibly slow buildup to any real plot. Seriously, it can be summed up thusly- Wren is a 14 year old whose family moves to a new place. He meets some relatives and new people, is given permission to start up a shop in an abandoned building full of discarded junk, and learns to forage plants. He starts turning the plants into potions. Then it gets to being an actual LitRPG.
-------
And when it repeats stuff? Like major plot stuff? How did an editor, beta reader, or the author ( if they were just skimming what they had ai write for them) not catch this?
On page 152- "I looked down at the ledger again. “You got a name?” “I have several. None of them printable.” “I’m not calling you ‘the ledger’ forever.” “Then invent something clever. You’re the shopkeeper. Isn't naming things part of the gig?”
On page 221-“Do you have a name?” I wrote in a neat script. This time, the ink responded slowly. A little more deliberate. “I do not.” A pause, then. “But you may give me one, should it suit the tone of our ongoing relationship and if you simply must.”
Kind of a big plot point, to just forget about!
-----
Also, the main character is 14! He talks about his parents when they first move to town, and then not again until 300 pages in. I can't tell if he sleeps in his shop or in the room near his parents, because they basically cease to exist. Wren frequently works in his shop early in the morning, before other people are up and when he goes to grab dinner, they or him to work manning the bar at the inn until closing. Where are his parents? Not at the bar or in the kitchen. Not around when traumatic things happen and his parents should check if he's doing okay mentally. It's like the story was written about a 50 year old who was just aged down for funsies.
I get why other readers aren't catching it, if they aren't the kind of people who read 50 pages in a sitting. It's hidden under beautiful prose. Any single paragraph is beautiful, written to be touching and poignant. But the author seems to not realize that those touching moments lose what makes them special because every paragraph is like that. After a bit, each beautiful chunk feels less beautiful because a nearly identical phrase is repeated.
If you read more than a few pages, there's a real uncanny feeling to it. The word "breath" is used to describe inanimate objects SO OFTEN. It got to the point that I did a search on the Kindle because I felt like I was reading the same chapter over and over, even when I wasn't. "Breath" is also used a ton to also describe respiration, but I'll give that a pass. Here's a sample of it being used as a shortcut for ambience in the first 25% of the book:
- The willow’s branches swayed—not fast, not frantic—just slow and sure, like breathing...
- the kind of quiet that wasn’t really silence—just the world breathing slowly...
- the place was already breathing like a creature just waking up...
- Its pale threads glowed faintly in the shade, almost breathing...
- like the world was holding its breath...
- Like the air caught it's breath...
- where even the rafters hold their breath...
- It seeped up from the fibers of the page like breath on glass...
- just a flicker at first, like breath disturbing dust...
- The shop had started to breathe...
- Like the wind forgot to breathe...
Plus, it isn't the only word that is used ad nauseum.
- "Settle" for inanimate things like the yard, the inn, glass jars, a lull, more than 60 times.
- "Smoke" is another one, used 30+ times.
- "Slow and_____" sure/steady/deliberate/careful but again, to describe inanimate things, like ink or tree branches.
-"Creaked/creaking" 30+ times. The main character is supposed to be 14 and he's talking about his knees creaking.
- "Still" is used 500+ times in 762 pages. Some of those might actually be about holding still, but so many are a shortcut for setting the scene (the room stilled, the chatter stilled, the air was still and undisturbed).
--------
Frequently, if you look at what the actual flowery pose is saying, it makes no sense. It's just a compilation of gibberish. "Evening had tucked itself around the building like a blanket, smothering the light and dulling the sounds from the inn next door as the great room was coming to life." That isn't how light and noise works. Just because it got dark doesn't mean the sound from the bar next door gets quiet, especially as it's getting into full-swing for the evening. (I'm not cherry-picking this either. Every couple of paragraphs there's some overwrought prose that doesn't make sense.)
As for pacing, The first 15% (140 pages) is an incredibly, incredibly slow buildup to any real plot. Seriously, it can be summed up thusly- Wren is a 14 year old whose family moves to a new place. He meets some relatives and new people, is given permission to start up a shop in an abandoned building full of discarded junk, and learns to forage plants. He starts turning the plants into potions. Then it gets to being an actual LitRPG.
-------
And when it repeats stuff? Like major plot stuff? How did an editor, beta reader, or the author ( if they were just skimming what they had ai write for them) not catch this?
On page 152- "I looked down at the ledger again. “You got a name?” “I have several. None of them printable.” “I’m not calling you ‘the ledger’ forever.” “Then invent something clever. You’re the shopkeeper. Isn't naming things part of the gig?”
On page 221-“Do you have a name?” I wrote in a neat script. This time, the ink responded slowly. A little more deliberate. “I do not.” A pause, then. “But you may give me one, should it suit the tone of our ongoing relationship and if you simply must.”
Kind of a big plot point, to just forget about!
-----
Also, the main character is 14! He talks about his parents when they first move to town, and then not again until 300 pages in. I can't tell if he sleeps in his shop or in the room near his parents, because they basically cease to exist. Wren frequently works in his shop early in the morning, before other people are up and when he goes to grab dinner, they or him to work manning the bar at the inn until closing. Where are his parents? Not at the bar or in the kitchen. Not around when traumatic things happen and his parents should check if he's doing okay mentally. It's like the story was written about a 50 year old who was just aged down for funsies.
February 10, 2026
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Well, this book is just so outstanding. I’m still thinking about it.
You never know when you pick up a book from an author you’re not familiar with based on the cover (love it) and story description. But what a fabulously magical and compelling journey Gil Hess sent me and his character, Wren Alder, into for the first book in this series.
What do I deeply love and admire about this book and Hess’s writing? Its subtlety and simplicity of language, beautifully crafted in a way that’s both remarkable, poetic and yet able to convey the essence of the characters and situations. The awe of a magical moment to the sublimely silly scenes of a found family letting of their emotions. We are there with them, especially Wren, as he struggles with his new life and sense of duty. As a very special young man.
That’s another element here. A feeling of historic accuracy in a magical world. Where teenagers and preteens were already in “adult mode” because that’s how that life drew on people. Grow up fast, used up fast, die faster. So having a character like Stella, as bookkeeper, at the old age of 18? Perfect because she’s been learning that trade since she was much younger. It feels believable and Stella feels real, older than her age, worn, and layered in her knowledge and reliability. All the characters have this same energy, this deep sense of realism that makes them so relatable and emotionally able to relate to the world and story.
The plot is compelling in itself, has multiple storylines that makes it interesting, emotionally intriguing and suspenseful. Especially when you consider how the author started his story. With a daunting prologue that puts a shadow over the rest of the story.
Do not let this slow you down! Proceed immediately through!
Categorized, accurately, as a cozy fantasy LitRPG adventure story, the LitRPG aspect of the novel is minimal at best. And that will help for those readers who aren’t familiar with LitRPG stories (Literary Role-Playing Game where a character can level up, see stats, have quests is fused with a fantasy or scify storyline) can happily be engaged in this remarkable narrative and enjoy that aspect without relying too heavily on gamer knowledge.
What makes The Inn Side Shop a great success, and truly riveting fantasy adventure is Wren, his story, his ability to create a found family among his new community’s struggles and and how he’s stays true to himself and the values that he brings with him. This is an absolute gem. Honestly I found myself in tears in places, so raw in the moment and emotional scenes that I was caught up in the moment.
There is mention of a sequel but I can’t find it anywhere. Perhaps it in progress. This was a long book although it doesn’t seem like it.
Among my top findings this year. One I think should find a place next to the bed if people ask you to read to them. Choose this!
Highly recommended!
Well, this book is just so outstanding. I’m still thinking about it.
You never know when you pick up a book from an author you’re not familiar with based on the cover (love it) and story description. But what a fabulously magical and compelling journey Gil Hess sent me and his character, Wren Alder, into for the first book in this series.
What do I deeply love and admire about this book and Hess’s writing? Its subtlety and simplicity of language, beautifully crafted in a way that’s both remarkable, poetic and yet able to convey the essence of the characters and situations. The awe of a magical moment to the sublimely silly scenes of a found family letting of their emotions. We are there with them, especially Wren, as he struggles with his new life and sense of duty. As a very special young man.
That’s another element here. A feeling of historic accuracy in a magical world. Where teenagers and preteens were already in “adult mode” because that’s how that life drew on people. Grow up fast, used up fast, die faster. So having a character like Stella, as bookkeeper, at the old age of 18? Perfect because she’s been learning that trade since she was much younger. It feels believable and Stella feels real, older than her age, worn, and layered in her knowledge and reliability. All the characters have this same energy, this deep sense of realism that makes them so relatable and emotionally able to relate to the world and story.
The plot is compelling in itself, has multiple storylines that makes it interesting, emotionally intriguing and suspenseful. Especially when you consider how the author started his story. With a daunting prologue that puts a shadow over the rest of the story.
Do not let this slow you down! Proceed immediately through!
Categorized, accurately, as a cozy fantasy LitRPG adventure story, the LitRPG aspect of the novel is minimal at best. And that will help for those readers who aren’t familiar with LitRPG stories (Literary Role-Playing Game where a character can level up, see stats, have quests is fused with a fantasy or scify storyline) can happily be engaged in this remarkable narrative and enjoy that aspect without relying too heavily on gamer knowledge.
What makes The Inn Side Shop a great success, and truly riveting fantasy adventure is Wren, his story, his ability to create a found family among his new community’s struggles and and how he’s stays true to himself and the values that he brings with him. This is an absolute gem. Honestly I found myself in tears in places, so raw in the moment and emotional scenes that I was caught up in the moment.
There is mention of a sequel but I can’t find it anywhere. Perhaps it in progress. This was a long book although it doesn’t seem like it.
Among my top findings this year. One I think should find a place next to the bed if people ask you to read to them. Choose this!
Highly recommended!
February 11, 2026
loved it, can’t wait for the next one
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Well, this book is just so outstanding. I’m still thinking about it.
You never know when you pick up a book from an author you’re not familiar with based on the cover (love it) and story description. But what a fabulously magical and compelling journey Gil Hess sent me and his character, Wren Alder, into for the first book in this series.
What do I deeply love and admire about this book and Hess’s writing? Its subtlety and simplicity of language, beautifully crafted in a way that’s both remarkable, poetic and yet able to convey the essence of the characters and situations. The awe of a magical moment to the sublimely silly scenes of a found family letting of their emotions. We are there with them, especially Wren, as he struggles with his new life and sense of duty. As a very special young man.
That’s another element here. A feeling of historic accuracy in a magical world. Where teenagers and preteens were already in “adult mode” because that’s how that life drew on people. Grow up fast, used up fast, die faster. So having a character like Stella, as bookkeeper, at the old age of 18? Perfect because she’s been learning that trade since she was much younger. It feels believable and Stella feels real, older than her age, worn, and layered in her knowledge and reliability. All the characters have this same energy, this deep sense of realism that makes them so relatable and emotionally able to relate to the world and story.
The plot is compelling in itself, has multiple storylines that makes it interesting, emotionally intriguing and suspenseful. Especially when you consider how the author started his story. With a daunting prologue that puts a shadow over the rest of the story.
Do not let this slow you down! Proceed immediately through!
Categorized, accurately, as a cozy fantasy LitRPG adventure story, the LitRPG aspect of the novel is minimal at best. And that will help for those readers who aren’t familiar with LitRPG stories (Literary Role-Playing Game where a character can level up, see stats, have quests is fused with a fantasy or scify storyline) can happily be engaged in this remarkable narrative and enjoy that aspect without relying too heavily on gamer knowledge.
What makes The Inn Side Shop a great success, and truly riveting fantasy adventure is Wren, his story, his ability to create a found family among his new community’s struggles and and how he’s stays true to himself and the values that he brings with him. This is an absolute gem. Honestly I found myself in tears in places, so raw in the moment and emotional scenes that I was caught up in the moment.
There is mention of a sequel but I can’t find it anywhere. Perhaps it in progress. This was a long book although it doesn’t seem like it.
Among my top findings this year. One I think should find a place next to the bed if people ask you to read to them. Choose this!
Highly recommended!
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Well, this book is just so outstanding. I’m still thinking about it.
You never know when you pick up a book from an author you’re not familiar with based on the cover (love it) and story description. But what a fabulously magical and compelling journey Gil Hess sent me and his character, Wren Alder, into for the first book in this series.
What do I deeply love and admire about this book and Hess’s writing? Its subtlety and simplicity of language, beautifully crafted in a way that’s both remarkable, poetic and yet able to convey the essence of the characters and situations. The awe of a magical moment to the sublimely silly scenes of a found family letting of their emotions. We are there with them, especially Wren, as he struggles with his new life and sense of duty. As a very special young man.
That’s another element here. A feeling of historic accuracy in a magical world. Where teenagers and preteens were already in “adult mode” because that’s how that life drew on people. Grow up fast, used up fast, die faster. So having a character like Stella, as bookkeeper, at the old age of 18? Perfect because she’s been learning that trade since she was much younger. It feels believable and Stella feels real, older than her age, worn, and layered in her knowledge and reliability. All the characters have this same energy, this deep sense of realism that makes them so relatable and emotionally able to relate to the world and story.
The plot is compelling in itself, has multiple storylines that makes it interesting, emotionally intriguing and suspenseful. Especially when you consider how the author started his story. With a daunting prologue that puts a shadow over the rest of the story.
Do not let this slow you down! Proceed immediately through!
Categorized, accurately, as a cozy fantasy LitRPG adventure story, the LitRPG aspect of the novel is minimal at best. And that will help for those readers who aren’t familiar with LitRPG stories (Literary Role-Playing Game where a character can level up, see stats, have quests is fused with a fantasy or scify storyline) can happily be engaged in this remarkable narrative and enjoy that aspect without relying too heavily on gamer knowledge.
What makes The Inn Side Shop a great success, and truly riveting fantasy adventure is Wren, his story, his ability to create a found family among his new community’s struggles and and how he’s stays true to himself and the values that he brings with him. This is an absolute gem. Honestly I found myself in tears in places, so raw in the moment and emotional scenes that I was caught up in the moment.
There is mention of a sequel but I can’t find it anywhere. Perhaps it in progress. This was a long book although it doesn’t seem like it.
Among my top findings this year. One I think should find a place next to the bed if people ask you to read to them. Choose this!
Highly recommended!
April 1, 2026
Actually more like a 3.7 so might put my overall rating up from a 3 to a 4.
This was a lovely first swing from author Gil Hess. Obviously a debut novel, and a self-published offering, but far better than a lot of those that I’ve read.
My only issues with this book were the gameplay aspects and with the protagonist.
Firstly, what I mean by gameplay, is that Gil is very obviously a fan of Skyrim and D&D, which is not a problem in and of itself. Me too! And, let’s be honest, there’s a rich history of Dungeon Masters becoming very successful storytellers. It’s just that, usually, the writer lets that world and that knowledge infuse the world they create in their novel, they don’t bonk you on the head with the inner workings and mathematical stats. Real people don’t have hit points and would not know if a potion has made them feel 25% or 35% better. They might feel their wounds heal or their pace quicken, but quantify it? Hmmm. A bit of a cop out that kept me distanced from the emotional response to the action at times. But, although I don’t believe a novel is the place to show your working in such great detail, others might find this very endearing and it by no means spoiled my experience.
The bigger problem for me was the lead character Wren. I have no idea why the author made him 14. Like, literally no idea at all! Wren does not speak, make decisions or react like any 14 year old boy I’ve ever met, and I am a teacher, so I have met a fair few. If the author had taken the angle that Wren was autistic that might have been interesting and explained why a fully grown adult was walking around looking like a child. Or, make him a different race, which would mean that I couldn’t judge him as a human child, maybe that would have been more believable, but nope. I was just meant to believe that Wren was the most mature 14 year old ever to have existed in any realm ever! It was lucky that the actual plot of this story was so fun and kept me coming back for more, because the combination of the distance created by the RPG inner workings on show, and the lack of connection to the lead character nearly made me put this down and never pick it up again more than once.
I really hope that Mr Hess is spotted amidst the noise of self-published nonsense and gets himself the agent and editor he deserves. I feel like if a good editor got their hands on him, this could really be something special!
This was a lovely first swing from author Gil Hess. Obviously a debut novel, and a self-published offering, but far better than a lot of those that I’ve read.
My only issues with this book were the gameplay aspects and with the protagonist.
Firstly, what I mean by gameplay, is that Gil is very obviously a fan of Skyrim and D&D, which is not a problem in and of itself. Me too! And, let’s be honest, there’s a rich history of Dungeon Masters becoming very successful storytellers. It’s just that, usually, the writer lets that world and that knowledge infuse the world they create in their novel, they don’t bonk you on the head with the inner workings and mathematical stats. Real people don’t have hit points and would not know if a potion has made them feel 25% or 35% better. They might feel their wounds heal or their pace quicken, but quantify it? Hmmm. A bit of a cop out that kept me distanced from the emotional response to the action at times. But, although I don’t believe a novel is the place to show your working in such great detail, others might find this very endearing and it by no means spoiled my experience.
The bigger problem for me was the lead character Wren. I have no idea why the author made him 14. Like, literally no idea at all! Wren does not speak, make decisions or react like any 14 year old boy I’ve ever met, and I am a teacher, so I have met a fair few. If the author had taken the angle that Wren was autistic that might have been interesting and explained why a fully grown adult was walking around looking like a child. Or, make him a different race, which would mean that I couldn’t judge him as a human child, maybe that would have been more believable, but nope. I was just meant to believe that Wren was the most mature 14 year old ever to have existed in any realm ever! It was lucky that the actual plot of this story was so fun and kept me coming back for more, because the combination of the distance created by the RPG inner workings on show, and the lack of connection to the lead character nearly made me put this down and never pick it up again more than once.
I really hope that Mr Hess is spotted amidst the noise of self-published nonsense and gets himself the agent and editor he deserves. I feel like if a good editor got their hands on him, this could really be something special!
January 27, 2026
This was a competently written, charming tale of finding yourself in a new home and coming of age, if a bit wordy. It could do with another pass by an editor as several areas could do with tightening, otherwise a very enjoyable read none the less.
The alchemy was some of the best I've read. Capturing the stuff that made Harry Potter's potions class so interesting. Gathering rare and interesting ingredients, then prepping each one differently, and using different techniques for the various potions, such as altering heating, stirring pattern, cooling times, etc.
Unfortunately, some of the weakest elements were around the shop, which is the core setting and framing of the book. Despite having a debt subplot, there was no real tracking of progress to pay it off, just the odd mention as if an afterthought, which made it feel like less of any issue than it clearly was .
There were a few elements of the plot which seemed to be in the wrong order or slightly ret-conned later on. . There was also a few trades that had apparently occurred but were only mentioned later on, which always felt odd.
I've seen other complaints about the main antagonists, and I would largely agree though I didn't mind the bit of extra action and something different than the shop plotline. My issue was there were some heavy-handed mentions early on then nothing for several chapters,
Final point, the book is well written but overly descriptive. It could be trimmed, maybe 20 pages worth of descriptions and be all the better for it.
The alchemy was some of the best I've read. Capturing the stuff that made Harry Potter's potions class so interesting. Gathering rare and interesting ingredients, then prepping each one differently, and using different techniques for the various potions, such as altering heating, stirring pattern, cooling times, etc.
Unfortunately, some of the weakest elements were around the shop, which is the core setting and framing of the book. Despite having a debt subplot, there was no real tracking of progress to pay it off, just the odd mention as if an afterthought, which made it feel like less of any issue than it clearly was .
There were a few elements of the plot which seemed to be in the wrong order or slightly ret-conned later on. . There was also a few trades that had apparently occurred but were only mentioned later on, which always felt odd.
I've seen other complaints about the main antagonists, and I would largely agree though I didn't mind the bit of extra action and something different than the shop plotline. My issue was there were some heavy-handed mentions early on then nothing for several chapters,
Final point, the book is well written but overly descriptive. It could be trimmed, maybe 20 pages worth of descriptions and be all the better for it.
April 5, 2026
I picked it up on a whim, it started of alright and i liked the concept. But it didn't really deliver what i wanted it to and i noticed that i skimmed a lot of pages at the end.
Some random and incoherent thoughts after finishing it.
- The MC does not act like he is 14, and neither does people threat him like he is 14. It just ends up really weird and i would just have preferred if the MC was older. Perhaps the book is targeting younger teenagers and i am the weirdo reading the book, but no one takes 14 year olds seriously, for good reasons
-Vicky Treader (or whatever her name was), the sections describing her and the MCs reaction to hearing about her death is just odd and felt extremely forced. Almost made me drop the book
-Cozy books and their pet mascots needs to be stopped. I am officially partition the UN to put a stop to this nonsense. Feels like the book would reduce its length by a tenth if we would remove all the sentences about boots
-Believable skills and a believable world, perhaps this is part of the genre and i am a fool for expecting otherwise, but it would be nice if our alchemist actually have a history as an alchemy apprentice or something. People (especially don't 14 years old) don't find a book and suddenly becomes an expert in alchemy/forest-foraging (wasn't he also a city boy?) capable of creating valuable potions. You can explain some parts with magic here the alchemy part was at least somewhat separated. It feels silly and it makes the world feels silly.
-"Special Special MC", perhaps complaining about this is as silly as complaining about all the girls falling in love with the MC in a harem show, but it just becomes somewhat silly when everyone meets MC for a couple of mins and just starts treating him as someone special, (e.g. trader vicky)
- Side characters could also be more fleshed out, parents are pretty thin, so is the two other kids.
Perhaps i am being nitpicky and i guess it was alright. But i don't think i will continue to read the series.
Some random and incoherent thoughts after finishing it.
- The MC does not act like he is 14, and neither does people threat him like he is 14. It just ends up really weird and i would just have preferred if the MC was older. Perhaps the book is targeting younger teenagers and i am the weirdo reading the book, but no one takes 14 year olds seriously, for good reasons
-Vicky Treader (or whatever her name was), the sections describing her and the MCs reaction to hearing about her death is just odd and felt extremely forced. Almost made me drop the book
-Cozy books and their pet mascots needs to be stopped. I am officially partition the UN to put a stop to this nonsense. Feels like the book would reduce its length by a tenth if we would remove all the sentences about boots
-Believable skills and a believable world, perhaps this is part of the genre and i am a fool for expecting otherwise, but it would be nice if our alchemist actually have a history as an alchemy apprentice or something. People (especially don't 14 years old) don't find a book and suddenly becomes an expert in alchemy/forest-foraging (wasn't he also a city boy?) capable of creating valuable potions. You can explain some parts with magic here the alchemy part was at least somewhat separated. It feels silly and it makes the world feels silly.
-"Special Special MC", perhaps complaining about this is as silly as complaining about all the girls falling in love with the MC in a harem show, but it just becomes somewhat silly when everyone meets MC for a couple of mins and just starts treating him as someone special, (e.g. trader vicky)
- Side characters could also be more fleshed out, parents are pretty thin, so is the two other kids.
Perhaps i am being nitpicky and i guess it was alright. But i don't think i will continue to read the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
The Inn Side Shop. Not great. Not terrible. Just... cozy. And AI. Very, very AI.
So, I am a little embarrassed about how long it took me to catch on. My first impressions of the book were good. The writing style was thoughtful, and at times even lyrical. Our main character was, for once, neither a rogue, a wizard, or a paladin, but just a hard working, geeky kid looking for a new place to fit in.
But the writing style that started out as portentous quickly became merely pretentious. Soon all of the hallmarks of AI (or at minimum AI-assisted) writing began sticking out like sore thumbs. The sentence fragments lacking their objects. Every other phrase beginning with "not" or "just." The m-dashes and the ellipses. The endless (and usually pretty forced) similes. And of course it took forever for anything to happen. While the book has a shockingly high page count, you really only needed to read about 1/3 of the words on any given page because so, so much of it was devoted to endless description. And even with so many words, it was still super choppy with stuff routinely coming out of nowhere. Characters suddenly appeared with important roles and you'd barely heard of them. The emotional impact to Wren when a certain delver dies that he'd only met once seemed grossly out of proportion. His relationship with Nibs was barely sketched out. The timeline and the pacing was wonky with a spring that seemed to last forever and a summer that never really happened. Editing errors (wrong form of words, for instance) were fairly common. And Wren's poor parents! I don't know if his mom ever got a name, and Dad got one only in the last few chapters.
So did I finish it? Yes, but I kinda hated myself for doing so. I mean, it was cozy, low stakes, and demanded absolutely nothing of me. And sometimes cotton candy tastes really good.
But you can't live on it. I immediately picked up a John C Wright book when I finished Inn Side Shop!
Will I read the sequel? Um... maybe. If I hit another spot where I don't have the energy for a real book. But I will probably hate myself for that too.
So, I am a little embarrassed about how long it took me to catch on. My first impressions of the book were good. The writing style was thoughtful, and at times even lyrical. Our main character was, for once, neither a rogue, a wizard, or a paladin, but just a hard working, geeky kid looking for a new place to fit in.
But the writing style that started out as portentous quickly became merely pretentious. Soon all of the hallmarks of AI (or at minimum AI-assisted) writing began sticking out like sore thumbs. The sentence fragments lacking their objects. Every other phrase beginning with "not" or "just." The m-dashes and the ellipses. The endless (and usually pretty forced) similes. And of course it took forever for anything to happen. While the book has a shockingly high page count, you really only needed to read about 1/3 of the words on any given page because so, so much of it was devoted to endless description. And even with so many words, it was still super choppy with stuff routinely coming out of nowhere. Characters suddenly appeared with important roles and you'd barely heard of them. The emotional impact to Wren when a certain delver dies that he'd only met once seemed grossly out of proportion. His relationship with Nibs was barely sketched out. The timeline and the pacing was wonky with a spring that seemed to last forever and a summer that never really happened. Editing errors (wrong form of words, for instance) were fairly common. And Wren's poor parents! I don't know if his mom ever got a name, and Dad got one only in the last few chapters.
So did I finish it? Yes, but I kinda hated myself for doing so. I mean, it was cozy, low stakes, and demanded absolutely nothing of me. And sometimes cotton candy tastes really good.
But you can't live on it. I immediately picked up a John C Wright book when I finished Inn Side Shop!
Will I read the sequel? Um... maybe. If I hit another spot where I don't have the energy for a real book. But I will probably hate myself for that too.
April 23, 2026
This story follows a 14-year-old boy, and from the very beginning, it feels intentional in a way that stays with you. There are some stories that entertain you, and then there are the ones that feel purposeful from beginning to end. This was one of those.
What stood out to me most was the writing style. It felt very deliberate, like every word had a purpose and every moment was placed with care. Nothing felt rushed or thrown in. Instead, the story unfolded in a way that made you slow down and really take it in. At its core, this story carries a quiet but powerful theme of kindness, and that is something that resonated deeply with me. It is not presented in an obvious or overly sentimental way, but rather woven naturally into the main character’s choices and growth. You see it in how he responds to challenges, in how he treats others, and in the lessons that unfold along the way.
The adventure itself was engaging and enjoyable, but what made it memorable was the depth behind it. There are meaningful life lessons layered into the story about growth, intention, and the impact we have on the people around us. Watching the main character evolve was one of my favorite parts. His development felt authentic, and by the end, you can see how much he has changed, not just because of what he went through, but because of what he learned.
This is also a story that can be appreciated by readers of all ages, which makes its message feel even more impactful. This was a story that felt thoughtful, heartfelt, and genuinely crafted with care. And truly, thank you to the author for that. You can tell when something is written with intention, and this absolutely was.
What stood out to me most was the writing style. It felt very deliberate, like every word had a purpose and every moment was placed with care. Nothing felt rushed or thrown in. Instead, the story unfolded in a way that made you slow down and really take it in. At its core, this story carries a quiet but powerful theme of kindness, and that is something that resonated deeply with me. It is not presented in an obvious or overly sentimental way, but rather woven naturally into the main character’s choices and growth. You see it in how he responds to challenges, in how he treats others, and in the lessons that unfold along the way.
The adventure itself was engaging and enjoyable, but what made it memorable was the depth behind it. There are meaningful life lessons layered into the story about growth, intention, and the impact we have on the people around us. Watching the main character evolve was one of my favorite parts. His development felt authentic, and by the end, you can see how much he has changed, not just because of what he went through, but because of what he learned.
This is also a story that can be appreciated by readers of all ages, which makes its message feel even more impactful. This was a story that felt thoughtful, heartfelt, and genuinely crafted with care. And truly, thank you to the author for that. You can tell when something is written with intention, and this absolutely was.
March 25, 2026
14-yr-old Wren is forced to move from his home and transplanted to an Inn that his Great Aunt Elna owns and is passing the torch along to his parents. When Aunt Elna gives Wren his own little piece of the Inn, the side shop, she entrusts him to take this decrepit building and make it into something special. Wren decides to accept the challenge and learns he this shop contains not only treasures he can sell, but also guidance to help him create inventory of his own! And that's a good thing, because suddenly the family is faced with a steep tax bill that Wren knows he must find a way to help pay so the family can keep the Inn at the Crossroads going.
As young Wren learns about the potions he can create, the inventory he can build for adventurers and others that need it, little does he know that some of these things he's creating will come back to help him in the future. And every step forward he makes with the shop actually "levels" it up in gamer fashion. Even if you aren't into gaming, the action in this story and the real life events that fed off those gamer vibes were very exciting.
In the last part of this book, where the highest stakes are and where Wren had to be the person who could fix literally everything, it becomes very exciting.
As young Wren learns about the potions he can create, the inventory he can build for adventurers and others that need it, little does he know that some of these things he's creating will come back to help him in the future. And every step forward he makes with the shop actually "levels" it up in gamer fashion. Even if you aren't into gaming, the action in this story and the real life events that fed off those gamer vibes were very exciting.
In the last part of this book, where the highest stakes are and where Wren had to be the person who could fix literally everything, it becomes very exciting.
April 21, 2026
I enjoyed the story but the writing style is terrible. I'm no expert on identifying AI writing, but I have a hard time believing a human would write like this.
For one thing, the kid is seriously emo at times. He comes across a set of alchemy stuff that someone left behind/misplaced and he's described as getting 'choked up'. Seriously? Your going to start crying because someone lost their alchemy manual and cauldron?
Then there are the weird comparisons and descriptions. Like the world holding it's breath. They'd probably work in the right place where there's tension, but he uses things like that several times a page, and the description goes on in weird ways for an entire paragraph. I ended up skimming the book rather than reading it because so much of it was this sort of weirdly written fluff. I seriously wouldn't be shocked if this kid took 10 minutes to get his shoes on because he spent the first 9 waiting for them to speak to him. That's the sort of descriptions I mean.
The story itself as well as the world are quite interesting, but the writing style is bad enough that I'm not sure I'll bother picking up anything else this author writes, which is a shame because I really like these sorts of cozy stories.
For one thing, the kid is seriously emo at times. He comes across a set of alchemy stuff that someone left behind/misplaced and he's described as getting 'choked up'. Seriously? Your going to start crying because someone lost their alchemy manual and cauldron?
Then there are the weird comparisons and descriptions. Like the world holding it's breath. They'd probably work in the right place where there's tension, but he uses things like that several times a page, and the description goes on in weird ways for an entire paragraph. I ended up skimming the book rather than reading it because so much of it was this sort of weirdly written fluff. I seriously wouldn't be shocked if this kid took 10 minutes to get his shoes on because he spent the first 9 waiting for them to speak to him. That's the sort of descriptions I mean.
The story itself as well as the world are quite interesting, but the writing style is bad enough that I'm not sure I'll bother picking up anything else this author writes, which is a shame because I really like these sorts of cozy stories.
December 24, 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. 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!!!
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!!!
January 6, 2026
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!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 29, 2026
Meandering but well meant
Author is self-indulgent with their prose throughout the book. Needs a better editor. In this 700+ page book there’s probably a 4 star book that sits closer to 350 or 400 pages. Too much time is spent inside the protagonists head reexamining thoughts and feelings that have already been expressed and serve no purpose in advancing the narrative or the characters growth. Book spends a lot of time pushing the role of the protagonist in a support role only to upend it in the last 100 pages to try and create a hook for additional story telling. It’s pretty immersion breaking. The only hint that the book will turn this way seems to be strong armed into the book by imposing a flashback from another character that really doesn’t bear strong significance to the protagonist beyond the author needing some soil to plant this particular seed in.
Author is self-indulgent with their prose throughout the book. Needs a better editor. In this 700+ page book there’s probably a 4 star book that sits closer to 350 or 400 pages. Too much time is spent inside the protagonists head reexamining thoughts and feelings that have already been expressed and serve no purpose in advancing the narrative or the characters growth. Book spends a lot of time pushing the role of the protagonist in a support role only to upend it in the last 100 pages to try and create a hook for additional story telling. It’s pretty immersion breaking. The only hint that the book will turn this way seems to be strong armed into the book by imposing a flashback from another character that really doesn’t bear strong significance to the protagonist beyond the author needing some soil to plant this particular seed in.
October 23, 2025
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.
January 20, 2026
Good story
I nearly put this book down before I got to the first chapter. Neither the pre-prologue epilogue nor the prologue itself gave me much reason to continue, but the book description was good enough to go that one chapter further. The author’s descriptions and the MC thoughts are rather flowery and poetic, but become a more extensive background for the story.
The actual story begins with a boy who is upset with being torn away from his village. He eventually finds friends and finds a trade that works for him. He has various experiences that stress him and teach him about himself and his abilities.
I nearly put this book down before I got to the first chapter. Neither the pre-prologue epilogue nor the prologue itself gave me much reason to continue, but the book description was good enough to go that one chapter further. The author’s descriptions and the MC thoughts are rather flowery and poetic, but become a more extensive background for the story.
The actual story begins with a boy who is upset with being torn away from his village. He eventually finds friends and finds a trade that works for him. He has various experiences that stress him and teach him about himself and his abilities.
March 2, 2026
An Enjoyable Blend of Slice of Life and Reluctant Hero
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in this new series.
What do you do when you just want to help your family, and eventually your customers and friends? You take on one responsibility at a time. You grow, learn, and improve. Let the others do the adventures while you support them with the good products you sell. Then, if you absolutely must, you go and help a friend who is in danger.
The main character was very well developed and a few of the secondary characters were as well.
Worth the read.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in this new series.
What do you do when you just want to help your family, and eventually your customers and friends? You take on one responsibility at a time. You grow, learn, and improve. Let the others do the adventures while you support them with the good products you sell. Then, if you absolutely must, you go and help a friend who is in danger.
The main character was very well developed and a few of the secondary characters were as well.
Worth the read.
October 23, 2025
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!
October 23, 2025
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.
October 23, 2025
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.
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