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Coffee, Crypts, and Curses: A Low-Stakes Cozy Fantasy LitRPG
A low-stakes cozy fantasy LitRPG from Tom Watts, the bestselling author of Small Town Crafter and Blades Rest.
Safe career. Easy life. He chose Necromancy instead.
Eighteen-year-old Benny finds himself the newest apprentice to Master Necromancer Mortimer Lightroot. In the town of Fairview, his kind are viewed with deep suspicion. This decision isn't just risky, it’s career suicide.
But Benny soon learns the truth. Necromancy isn’t evil. It’s a vital, practical trade that links the living and the dead, honors memories, and finds peace.
To prove his worth and win over a skeptical town, Benny must master the five Necromancial
• Knowledge Retrieval to pull secrets from long-dead objects.
• Spirit Communion to offer a sympathetic ear to lingering ghosts.
• Spirit Cleansing to remove troublesome spirits from local taverns and libraries.
• Bonecrafting to assemble loyal skeletal creatures for complex tasks.
• Resurrection to restore small animals and plants, proving that necromancy is truly the ultimate gift.
Benny needs all the help he can get, but his training is anything but normal. His master is almost always absent, leaving him under the chaotic tutelage of the overly enthusiastic Dostov brothers and Lisa, the manor’s cook.
Against town gossip and his own chaotic impulses, Benny must use his newfound powers to mend broken hearts, retrieve forgotten knowledge, and prove that the masters of death are the only people capable of truly helping the living.
Welcome to Lightroot The dead are talking, the magic is cozy, and the apprentice is determined to get the town's approval—one resurrected pigeon at a time.
A new low-stakes cozy fantasy LitRPG from Tom Watts, the bestselling author of Small Town Crafter and Blades Rest.
Safe career. Easy life. He chose Necromancy instead.
Eighteen-year-old Benny finds himself the newest apprentice to Master Necromancer Mortimer Lightroot. In the town of Fairview, his kind are viewed with deep suspicion. This decision isn't just risky, it’s career suicide.
But Benny soon learns the truth. Necromancy isn’t evil. It’s a vital, practical trade that links the living and the dead, honors memories, and finds peace.
To prove his worth and win over a skeptical town, Benny must master the five Necromancial
• Knowledge Retrieval to pull secrets from long-dead objects.
• Spirit Communion to offer a sympathetic ear to lingering ghosts.
• Spirit Cleansing to remove troublesome spirits from local taverns and libraries.
• Bonecrafting to assemble loyal skeletal creatures for complex tasks.
• Resurrection to restore small animals and plants, proving that necromancy is truly the ultimate gift.
Benny needs all the help he can get, but his training is anything but normal. His master is almost always absent, leaving him under the chaotic tutelage of the overly enthusiastic Dostov brothers and Lisa, the manor’s cook.
Against town gossip and his own chaotic impulses, Benny must use his newfound powers to mend broken hearts, retrieve forgotten knowledge, and prove that the masters of death are the only people capable of truly helping the living.
Welcome to Lightroot The dead are talking, the magic is cozy, and the apprentice is determined to get the town's approval—one resurrected pigeon at a time.
A new low-stakes cozy fantasy LitRPG from Tom Watts, the bestselling author of Small Town Crafter and Blades Rest.
- GenresCozy FantasyCozy
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Tom Watts
12 books46 followersHey! Tom Watts here. If you're reading this then you've either read one of my books or you’re thinking about doing it, and I want to say thanks either way.
I write low-stakes fantasy books that offer people a little of that important thing we call escapism, and I might have what you’re looking for.
Do you want to become a master craftsperson and live in a small, sunny village full of taverns and cafes? Then I have the story for you! Try my book, ‘Small-Town Crafter: the Artificer’s Apprentice.’
Or maybe you want to build a whole town from scratch right on top of untouched land, together with a couple of good friends. If that sounds good, then I’ve got something you’ll enjoy! Check out, ‘Welcome to Blade’s Rest.’
So, those are a couple of my books. As for me, well, I live in a little village with my wife and three dogs. When I’m not writing then I’m reading, and when I’m not doing that I’ve usually got a small schnauzer trying to get my attention.
Thanks for stopping by my author page. Make sure you press ‘follow’ so that you can be the first to find out when I release a new book.
Finally, If you try one of my books, then I'd like to wish you happy reading. Hope you enjoy visiting one of my fictional towns for a while.
Nice to meet you,
Tom.
I write low-stakes fantasy books that offer people a little of that important thing we call escapism, and I might have what you’re looking for.
Do you want to become a master craftsperson and live in a small, sunny village full of taverns and cafes? Then I have the story for you! Try my book, ‘Small-Town Crafter: the Artificer’s Apprentice.’
Or maybe you want to build a whole town from scratch right on top of untouched land, together with a couple of good friends. If that sounds good, then I’ve got something you’ll enjoy! Check out, ‘Welcome to Blade’s Rest.’
So, those are a couple of my books. As for me, well, I live in a little village with my wife and three dogs. When I’m not writing then I’m reading, and when I’m not doing that I’ve usually got a small schnauzer trying to get my attention.
Thanks for stopping by my author page. Make sure you press ‘follow’ so that you can be the first to find out when I release a new book.
Finally, If you try one of my books, then I'd like to wish you happy reading. Hope you enjoy visiting one of my fictional towns for a while.
Nice to meet you,
Tom.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 18, 2026
what a interesting take on Necormancy
I love this. A slow progression. But totally worth the read. Very relaxing and interesting way of taking Necromancy. I love how it’s not all about death and gloom. It’s about helping some cross over. Others it’s about helping letting go. I can’t wait for the next book!!
I love this. A slow progression. But totally worth the read. Very relaxing and interesting way of taking Necromancy. I love how it’s not all about death and gloom. It’s about helping some cross over. Others it’s about helping letting go. I can’t wait for the next book!!
May 26, 2026
Coffee, Crypts, and Curses by Tom Watts ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Dungeon Crawler was my first LitRPG, and it sparked my curiosity about the genre. This one, though, brought such a cozy vibe to it. Honestly, put “cozy” in front of almost any genre and I’m interested.
Benny is a young man trying to choose a trade at the local fair when he finds himself drawn to the newly legalized art of necromancy. What follows is part magical apprenticeship, part coming-of-age journey, as Benny learns the craft while navigating prejudice, expectations, and his own insecurities. Along the way, he builds friendships that slowly become a found family, making the story feel warm and heartfelt despite the crypts and curses.
I really enjoyed watching Benny grow into himself and succeed in a world that doesn’t always welcome him. The progression elements of the LitRPG were fun without overwhelming the story, making this a great cozy entry into the genre. Following Benny further into the world of necromancy and self-discovery made for such a comforting, entertaining read.
Dungeon Crawler was my first LitRPG, and it sparked my curiosity about the genre. This one, though, brought such a cozy vibe to it. Honestly, put “cozy” in front of almost any genre and I’m interested.
Benny is a young man trying to choose a trade at the local fair when he finds himself drawn to the newly legalized art of necromancy. What follows is part magical apprenticeship, part coming-of-age journey, as Benny learns the craft while navigating prejudice, expectations, and his own insecurities. Along the way, he builds friendships that slowly become a found family, making the story feel warm and heartfelt despite the crypts and curses.
I really enjoyed watching Benny grow into himself and succeed in a world that doesn’t always welcome him. The progression elements of the LitRPG were fun without overwhelming the story, making this a great cozy entry into the genre. Following Benny further into the world of necromancy and self-discovery made for such a comforting, entertaining read.
May 14, 2026
I love sweet Cozy litRPG's and this is one of the best!
Never in my wildest oxymoronic dreams could I imagine how much love ❤ I'd have for this Cozy Necromancer adventure! But it's written by Tom Watts and he's already proven that he can write seriously fantastic Cozies! This is a story following Benny. It's his 18th birthday and it's time to choose a class. After looking at the Smith's, Bard's, Baker's still nothing feels right to him... then quite by accident something catches his eye, and with the help of crow's he stumbled into the Necromancer's offerings. Deciding on the spot that this was the Class that best suited him!
So if you like Cozy litRPG's, grab the book! 'Cause you'll adore this one!
Here's a couple of quotes:
"...and I expect that we will work well together like a femur bone and a hip joint."
"Remy’s much smaller grave read ‘Remy the tortoise: Lettuce meet again.’"
Never in my wildest oxymoronic dreams could I imagine how much love ❤ I'd have for this Cozy Necromancer adventure! But it's written by Tom Watts and he's already proven that he can write seriously fantastic Cozies! This is a story following Benny. It's his 18th birthday and it's time to choose a class. After looking at the Smith's, Bard's, Baker's still nothing feels right to him... then quite by accident something catches his eye, and with the help of crow's he stumbled into the Necromancer's offerings. Deciding on the spot that this was the Class that best suited him!
So if you like Cozy litRPG's, grab the book! 'Cause you'll adore this one!
Here's a couple of quotes:
"...and I expect that we will work well together like a femur bone and a hip joint."
"Remy’s much smaller grave read ‘Remy the tortoise: Lettuce meet again.’"
May 17, 2026
My reviews are my own. If you enjoyed this book, I’m glad you did. If not, I respect your opinion, so please respect mine. This is simply my view, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
I almost dropped the book at the beginning because it was too much not related to necromancy. That said, once he begins using it, it is very interesting and even though it is centered on him, he helps others with his powers. However it gets repetitive. I HATED the Cara character and wished she disappeared, what an unnecessary character, incredibly petty and a horrible human being.. The MC is constantly complaining about not being good enough. He acts more like a younger teen rathern a 19 YO. It wasn't bad and I appreciated the author not turning friendship into romance, because a lot of authors thinks that every book needs romance, but I'm not sure I will continue this series. I couldn't care for the characters much.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
I almost dropped the book at the beginning because it was too much not related to necromancy. That said, once he begins using it, it is very interesting and even though it is centered on him, he helps others with his powers. However it gets repetitive. I HATED the Cara character and wished she disappeared, what an unnecessary character, incredibly petty and a horrible human being.. The MC is constantly complaining about not being good enough. He acts more like a younger teen rathern a 19 YO. It wasn't bad and I appreciated the author not turning friendship into romance, because a lot of authors thinks that every book needs romance, but I'm not sure I will continue this series. I couldn't care for the characters much.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
May 20, 2026
This book was almost great, but it just became mediocre.
The great:
Amazing premise, I liked the idea of a necromancy Mystery. It felt like Sherlock Holmes meets Harry Potter.
I thought the characters were great; each character was interesting and unique.
The Bad:
The litrpg/exp was useless. It provided no real benefit, since it never really dictated much. Honestly, a locked grimoire puzzle would've been a better route.
Mysteries were solved too quickly with absolutely no plot twists or much solving.
The Mysteries felt incredibly repetitive.
I came into this book thinking I was going to rate it a 9-9.5, and sadly, it fell so hard. I'd probably give it closer to a 3.5. The fact that I got too bored to finish is why I decided to drop to a 3 on GR.
The great:
Amazing premise, I liked the idea of a necromancy Mystery. It felt like Sherlock Holmes meets Harry Potter.
I thought the characters were great; each character was interesting and unique.
The Bad:
The litrpg/exp was useless. It provided no real benefit, since it never really dictated much. Honestly, a locked grimoire puzzle would've been a better route.
Mysteries were solved too quickly with absolutely no plot twists or much solving.
The Mysteries felt incredibly repetitive.
I came into this book thinking I was going to rate it a 9-9.5, and sadly, it fell so hard. I'd probably give it closer to a 3.5. The fact that I got too bored to finish is why I decided to drop to a 3 on GR.
Read
May 27, 2026I have to be upfront here, I am an out and out fan of Mr Watts. His artificers apprentice series is one of my favourites ever, and I can't wait for the next two in the series to come out in July. They just hit me in exactly the right spot. This new series is the same.
Yes it is in some ways LitRPG but that is so light at touch that some reviewers have complained that it isn't LitrRPG at all! It's just apprentice growing and developing skills.
These books are always found family, cozy, great characters, Great world building and as I say, are some of my favourite books ever. Very low stakes, don't be put off my necromancy or spooky stuff it's treated very lightly and there is never any sense of danger. Can't recommend these books enough (Artificers and Necromancy series)
Yes it is in some ways LitRPG but that is so light at touch that some reviewers have complained that it isn't LitrRPG at all! It's just apprentice growing and developing skills.
These books are always found family, cozy, great characters, Great world building and as I say, are some of my favourite books ever. Very low stakes, don't be put off my necromancy or spooky stuff it's treated very lightly and there is never any sense of danger. Can't recommend these books enough (Artificers and Necromancy series)
May 22, 2026
Surprising
I truly value the approach Tom has taken to the broad general feelings people have towards death...fear, dread, remorse (perhaps) about missed opportunities, etc. I found nuggets of philosophy, hope, encouragement and some cautionary thoughts as well about the potential effects of survivor grief on loved ones who've passed. A rich tale to be sure.
I truly value the approach Tom has taken to the broad general feelings people have towards death...fear, dread, remorse (perhaps) about missed opportunities, etc. I found nuggets of philosophy, hope, encouragement and some cautionary thoughts as well about the potential effects of survivor grief on loved ones who've passed. A rich tale to be sure.
May 23, 2026
This is a true low-stakes, low-stress, slice-of-life cozy progression fantasy. It's not insanely exciting, but I did find it very interesting. I enjoyed all the characters and loved seeing into their lives. This book covers the whole of the apprenticeship so I'm really looking forward to the next one to see his new journey as a Novice Necromancer
July 2, 2026
Brilliant book
A cozy and quite refreshing title that gives you the warm fuzzies in all the best of ways. If you're asking yourself whether this necromancer book is for you, I can promise it is.
It was charming, intelligent, and wholesome. If you liked Beware of Chicken, Heretical Fishing, or the like, this is something you'll enjoy.
A cozy and quite refreshing title that gives you the warm fuzzies in all the best of ways. If you're asking yourself whether this necromancer book is for you, I can promise it is.
It was charming, intelligent, and wholesome. If you liked Beware of Chicken, Heretical Fishing, or the like, this is something you'll enjoy.
May 18, 2026
This book is just as advertised. It is cozy and low stakes. This is a different look at Necromancers as a more societally acceptable class and what that means. The characters are fun and the story was enjoyable.
May 21, 2026
I really Loved this story and the author did a wonderful job with storyline and characters. I can Not wait for the next book in this Series to come out in Audible. Narrator was GREAT, really like his voice and the wonderful job with the various characters voices!!
May 25, 2026
A fantastic start.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
May 26, 2026
Gently different
Unique and easy to fall into. This tale captured my attention and fed me calm at a time when I needed it.
It left me well content (except for the wait for the next book).
Unique and easy to fall into. This tale captured my attention and fed me calm at a time when I needed it.
It left me well content (except for the wait for the next book).
June 11, 2026
Good read
I enjoyed this book immensely. Good cozym story, enough going on to keep my interest but it didn't get too dark or violent. It's just a good, easy reading book. Very good/ interesting take on necromancy.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Good cozym story, enough going on to keep my interest but it didn't get too dark or violent. It's just a good, easy reading book. Very good/ interesting take on necromancy.
June 23, 2026
This is charming story with a beautiful subtext towards how we choose to perceive and interpret life and death against the challenge of personal and social biases. The character development of Benny is endearing, and I found myself rooting for him to grow his skils, magical development, and what it means to be a necromancer.
I hope there is a crossover to the SmallTown Artificer universe. Perhaps Benny will find himself taking a visit to Sunhampton and Coiner’s Way?
I hope there is a crossover to the SmallTown Artificer universe. Perhaps Benny will find himself taking a visit to Sunhampton and Coiner’s Way?
June 28, 2026
Well Written and Moving
I was expecting a light cozy read with interspersed bits of leveling up. I’m so glad it was that but also more than that. I honestly cried towards the end, and I can’t wait to read the next book!
I was expecting a light cozy read with interspersed bits of leveling up. I’m so glad it was that but also more than that. I honestly cried towards the end, and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Did Not Finish
July 2, 2026Just not for me. I can see it getting repetitive and the main character reads much younger than 18
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews