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The Cafe at the End of the World: The meet-cute between cosy romance and apocalypse you didn't know you needed
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jul 26Love, lattes, and world-ending drama – life just got a lot less cosy for Lydie, teenage daughter of Death. The YA romcom/fantasy obsession you didn't know you needed.
Lydie, the daughter of Death, a retired Rider of the Apocalypse, is obsessed with 'cosy'; cosy books, cosy summer job in the family café, cosy low-drama life.
But when secretive, attractive, and above all annoying, Kai, becomes her co-worker, Lydie's cosy life is in jeopardy. Kai is the son of War, a very active Rider of the Apocalypse, who has some rather big world-ending plans.
Lydie wants nothing to do with all that, so she is forced to conceal her identity while dealing with the coffee shop dramas of Mr Henson's lost cat and preparing for the town's Autumn Fayre.
But big, non-cosy things are coming for Lydie whether she likes it or not, and working with Kai might be the only way to protect her town. Provided she doesn't fall for him first ...
Lydie, the daughter of Death, a retired Rider of the Apocalypse, is obsessed with 'cosy'; cosy books, cosy summer job in the family café, cosy low-drama life.
But when secretive, attractive, and above all annoying, Kai, becomes her co-worker, Lydie's cosy life is in jeopardy. Kai is the son of War, a very active Rider of the Apocalypse, who has some rather big world-ending plans.
Lydie wants nothing to do with all that, so she is forced to conceal her identity while dealing with the coffee shop dramas of Mr Henson's lost cat and preparing for the town's Autumn Fayre.
But big, non-cosy things are coming for Lydie whether she likes it or not, and working with Kai might be the only way to protect her town. Provided she doesn't fall for him first ...
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this arc.
I was a bit hesitant about this when I first started reading as I hadn’t realised that it was YA. However, the storyline had me gripped right from the start and I loved every second of it! I will say I found some parts of it quite predictable, but I think that actually because part of the charm. I loved Lydie’s character development and the relationships she had with the other characters made me care about them so much! I loved the ending and the epilogue set up so well for book two! I already need answers! I highly recommend such a quick read that I couldn’t put down.
I was a bit hesitant about this when I first started reading as I hadn’t realised that it was YA. However, the storyline had me gripped right from the start and I loved every second of it! I will say I found some parts of it quite predictable, but I think that actually because part of the charm. I loved Lydie’s character development and the relationships she had with the other characters made me care about them so much! I loved the ending and the epilogue set up so well for book two! I already need answers! I highly recommend such a quick read that I couldn’t put down.
April 1, 2026
Unputdownable YA fantasy. Who knew that a story about the four horsemen of the apocalypse and their offspring could be so cosy and warm? Masterfully plotted, swooningly romantic and wonderfully imaginative. I read it in a single sitting and I can’t wait for the next book!
May 21, 2026
Lydie Mortimer is the daughter of Death, one of the four Riders of the Apocalypse who ‘retired’ to live a soft countryside life with his family. Lydie wants a quiet life where she makes people feel safe in her family cafe, affectionately called The Snug - she specifically does NOT want to be associated with Death and fears the afterlife door that is hiding in the basement of the cafe. But one day, mysterious and broody Kai blows in with the autumn leaves and life starts to change for Lydie. She soon finds herself on a mission to prevent the return of the Riders which brings her out of her cosy, little shell and takes her on an exhilarating adventure.
I really loved this YA story. It had all of my favourite tropes; grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, yearning, friends to lovers.
I was hooked by the concept of the four Riders of the Apocalypse having lives and families and following their children throughout this story was so fun! The found family that these kids created by working together and supporting one another was sweet. It highlighted the importance of allowing others to help you overcome your fears and putting your true self out there despite the possible judgement that may come with it.
The story also put a bittersweet spin on Death - that he exists purely because of the destruction and pain caused by the other Riders. The fact that Rider Death sought to make people’s journeys to the afterlife easier and softer was very touching and brought a tear to my eye.
Lydie massively misunderstood this aspect of her dad’s existence, choosing to reject and ignore his explanations and teachings. The story proves that listening to and trying to understand your parents is deeply important. Once Lydie did this, she was able to grow so much and her character arc was fantastic.
I really enjoyed this YA story and am very grateful to receive this ARC from Bloomsbury and Helen through NetGalley.
I really loved this YA story. It had all of my favourite tropes; grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, yearning, friends to lovers.
I was hooked by the concept of the four Riders of the Apocalypse having lives and families and following their children throughout this story was so fun! The found family that these kids created by working together and supporting one another was sweet. It highlighted the importance of allowing others to help you overcome your fears and putting your true self out there despite the possible judgement that may come with it.
The story also put a bittersweet spin on Death - that he exists purely because of the destruction and pain caused by the other Riders. The fact that Rider Death sought to make people’s journeys to the afterlife easier and softer was very touching and brought a tear to my eye.
Lydie massively misunderstood this aspect of her dad’s existence, choosing to reject and ignore his explanations and teachings. The story proves that listening to and trying to understand your parents is deeply important. Once Lydie did this, she was able to grow so much and her character arc was fantastic.
I really enjoyed this YA story and am very grateful to receive this ARC from Bloomsbury and Helen through NetGalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & Anz) for gifting me this digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Our girl Lydie is the daughter of Death, who is one of the retired riders of the Apocalypse. Lydie is excited for a summer of working and taking on more responsibility in her family’s cafe, The Snug, until our boy Kai stumbles into the cafe and her life. Things get a lot less cosy with World ending drama coming their way.
I went into this thinking, oh yeah… YA romance, snuggly cosy fantasy about a supernatural cafe, that will be lovely and relaxing, and oh my goodness yes but also oh my goodness no….. this book is so much more than that, it’s drama, depth, emotion, found family and friends, comedy, and evil villains that you will love to hate. I kicked my feet, screamed, yelled, cried, scream again and read so many quotes and paragraphs out to my husband.
A sweet grumpy/sunshine romance, supernatural cafe regulars and lattes, a door to the afterlife in the basement next to the milk fridge, and menacing tooth fairy’s with a love of toffee apples.
My favourite book of the year vibes are really tingling - Honestly put on your TBR now. This is the first book in a series, and I’m so happy for book 2.
Our girl Lydie is the daughter of Death, who is one of the retired riders of the Apocalypse. Lydie is excited for a summer of working and taking on more responsibility in her family’s cafe, The Snug, until our boy Kai stumbles into the cafe and her life. Things get a lot less cosy with World ending drama coming their way.
I went into this thinking, oh yeah… YA romance, snuggly cosy fantasy about a supernatural cafe, that will be lovely and relaxing, and oh my goodness yes but also oh my goodness no….. this book is so much more than that, it’s drama, depth, emotion, found family and friends, comedy, and evil villains that you will love to hate. I kicked my feet, screamed, yelled, cried, scream again and read so many quotes and paragraphs out to my husband.
A sweet grumpy/sunshine romance, supernatural cafe regulars and lattes, a door to the afterlife in the basement next to the milk fridge, and menacing tooth fairy’s with a love of toffee apples.
My favourite book of the year vibes are really tingling - Honestly put on your TBR now. This is the first book in a series, and I’m so happy for book 2.
April 26, 2026
It’s been a while since I’ve picked up any YA fiction but I loved this book! Cozy, small- town vibes, a romance sub- plot that you root for and plenty of feel- good moments. The fantasy elements are woven nicely into the real world setting and are original and compelling but easy to follow. The plot is pacy, there’s some twists and turns that you don’t expect, it doesn’t get boring / taper off in the middle and ends with a lovely neat conclusion with an epilogue that allows nicely for a sequel. I finished the novel in a day and was surprised at how invested I was! The writing is genuinely good- definitely tailored for a younger adult audience but still makes a great easy read for the adults and has you smiling along :)
I will be recommending this to friends when it comes out and will absolutely pick up the sequel!
I will be recommending this to friends when it comes out and will absolutely pick up the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book absolutely grabbed me from the start. It has been a long time since I devoured a book so voraciously. I completed in 3 sittings and it was the first thing I reached for this morning. I just had to know how the story ended.
The characters were so loveable, I was absolutely rooting for them. I recognised them in my family and friends, which made the book feel really relatable. The romance plot line was nostalgic and beautifully written, it was slow burn but in the most exciting way. The setting felt like a warm hug, from a simpler time. The author filled the world with colour and the world building was immersive. The plot twists kept me absolutely hooked, I just didn't see them coming.
I finished the book so uplifted and not at all in the destination I expected. I cannot recommend enough and I can't wait to see what comes next.
The characters were so loveable, I was absolutely rooting for them. I recognised them in my family and friends, which made the book feel really relatable. The romance plot line was nostalgic and beautifully written, it was slow burn but in the most exciting way. The setting felt like a warm hug, from a simpler time. The author filled the world with colour and the world building was immersive. The plot twists kept me absolutely hooked, I just didn't see them coming.
I finished the book so uplifted and not at all in the destination I expected. I cannot recommend enough and I can't wait to see what comes next.
April 16, 2026
Okaaaay so this was excellent. Far more depth and plot than I bargained for with a YA fantasy romance and I am here for it!
It had just enough cosy and just enough action to keep me 100% hooked from chapter 1.
The backstory of the four horsemen of the apocalypse and the concept of them now having offspring who are realising that they will need to deal with their own powers, alongside their general teenage angst AND cosy cafe management was completely engaging, and I adored these characters (especially Pal, more Pal in the sequel please 🤍).
This book is not even released yet and I’m already eagerly anticipating the sequel! So good 🙌🏼
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It had just enough cosy and just enough action to keep me 100% hooked from chapter 1.
The backstory of the four horsemen of the apocalypse and the concept of them now having offspring who are realising that they will need to deal with their own powers, alongside their general teenage angst AND cosy cafe management was completely engaging, and I adored these characters (especially Pal, more Pal in the sequel please 🤍).
This book is not even released yet and I’m already eagerly anticipating the sequel! So good 🙌🏼
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the advanced reading copy of this book 🫶🏻
I went into this one completely blind and wasn’t sure at first if I’d be the target audience, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it pulled me in.
This was such an engaging YA fantasy with far more depth and plot than I expected. It balances cosy, warm moments with action and adventure perfectly, making it hard to put down. I loved the idea of the Horsemen now having children who are beginning to understand and face their own powers, all while dealing with everyday teenage struggles, identity, trust, and stepping outside their comfort zones.
Witty and imaginative, and the pacing kept me reading! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I went into this one completely blind and wasn’t sure at first if I’d be the target audience, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it pulled me in.
This was such an engaging YA fantasy with far more depth and plot than I expected. It balances cosy, warm moments with action and adventure perfectly, making it hard to put down. I loved the idea of the Horsemen now having children who are beginning to understand and face their own powers, all while dealing with everyday teenage struggles, identity, trust, and stepping outside their comfort zones.
Witty and imaginative, and the pacing kept me reading! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 25, 2026
A story following the offspring of the retired four horsemen. It has a cozy feel to it as the story is set in a café. The plot involves saving the world, yet it didn’t feel high-stakes. It’s a very enjoyable read. Just enough amount of thrill, coziness, and mystery. There is also a romance subplot which I am a bit of a fan of. The element of mystery is also a nice touch to the story. The only thing I didn’t like about this is the main character. Being in her mind is not fun especially when she’s swooning at the most inappropriate time. Even how stubborn she is that she’s not “this” or “that” is frustrating after the halfway point of the book.
But all in all, I would recommend. Maybe you’ll like the main character more than I did. However, I am not sure if I’ll be reading the next book.
But all in all, I would recommend. Maybe you’ll like the main character more than I did. However, I am not sure if I’ll be reading the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A quick, easy YA fantasy read. This cosy mystery combines the real-world with the biblical, mythological Four Horsemen and their offspring. Lydie - the protagonist - is a likeable 17 year-old who just craves normality and the space to help run her beloved family café. But, youth never runs smoothly, and Lydie has to navigate new relationships, confront her birthright and accept her destiny if she is going to be able to save the day (and get the guy!). The writing is accessible, the plot easy to follow, and the characters enjoyable to read. This is book 1 of a YA duology and I would definitely read the next. My only complaint is the resolution in this seemed to happen so quickly (the final 15% of the book) and there could have been more tension or suspense built.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cafe at the End of the World follows Lydie, a 17 year old girl who works in a quaint cafe in Pont on Wye. A small town in England. She is a seemingly normal girl until it is revealed that she is the daughter of Death. Lydie is adamant that she wants a normal life and actively avoids anything to do with the "Natural" world until a mysterious boy walks into the cafe and turns her life upside-down.
It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once it got going it was an enjoyable, easy read filled with cosy magic and sweet teenage crushes. I found the book to be very repetitive about the fact that her dad is death and the word "feck" was used far too many times, but overall a good read.
It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once it got going it was an enjoyable, easy read filled with cosy magic and sweet teenage crushes. I found the book to be very repetitive about the fact that her dad is death and the word "feck" was used far too many times, but overall a good read.
May 5, 2026
I was surprised how much I liked this book, being YA I was a bit concerned going into it, but I really liked the characters and the storyline.
Although it’s a dark ish theme it’s really quite a lighthearted easy read with well developed characters who you will be rooting for.
Some small elements were a bit on the young side for me, but being YA I wouldn’t lose any stars for that.
A fun enjoyable quick read and I reckon I’ll read next book in the series too
Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy. All views are entirely my own.
Although it’s a dark ish theme it’s really quite a lighthearted easy read with well developed characters who you will be rooting for.
Some small elements were a bit on the young side for me, but being YA I wouldn’t lose any stars for that.
A fun enjoyable quick read and I reckon I’ll read next book in the series too
Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy. All views are entirely my own.
May 14, 2026
This is a cosy YA fantasy about the children of the four riders of the apocalypse. I’ve never read a book like this and I was impressed with how the author balanced some heavy subjects in a lighthearted way!
I liked the premise of the story, it was slow in parts however the last 30% of the book really picked up and I was interested to see what would happen. One bit even made me well up which I was not expecting as I had found the story so lighthearted but it definitely touched me.
The flow of the book improved as it went on - it was an easy read, and a fun concept!
2.5 stars
I liked the premise of the story, it was slow in parts however the last 30% of the book really picked up and I was interested to see what would happen. One bit even made me well up which I was not expecting as I had found the story so lighthearted but it definitely touched me.
The flow of the book improved as it went on - it was an easy read, and a fun concept!
2.5 stars
May 16, 2026
Top tier cozy YA fantasy! The Cafe at the End of the World is delightful. It's cute and warm. It's got a perfect mystery, questing, and some jokes!
"Which knight was always jumping out at the others?" -Sir Prise
The story is about the teen children of the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse. (What a fun idea!) The FMC is the daughter of Death, who is retired (and by doing so forced the other 3 horsemen to retire). The Death family runs the Snug, a cafe in their little small town. The Pandemic family also lives in town, the daughter is FMC's bestie.
The teens manage to all gather by various methods and the find out some of the horsemen aren't happy with their forced retirement. They go on a mission to stop their parents from "riding" again which would bring on the end of the world. I loved the scheming and quests. The romance was perfectly sprinkled in and very sweet.
For how high stakes the premise is, it's a very low stakes story. In the best way. I was enthralled, spellbound and perfectly cozy throughout. It just all works!
"Which knight was always jumping out at the others?" -Sir Prise
The story is about the teen children of the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse. (What a fun idea!) The FMC is the daughter of Death, who is retired (and by doing so forced the other 3 horsemen to retire). The Death family runs the Snug, a cafe in their little small town. The Pandemic family also lives in town, the daughter is FMC's bestie.
The teens manage to all gather by various methods and the find out some of the horsemen aren't happy with their forced retirement. They go on a mission to stop their parents from "riding" again which would bring on the end of the world. I loved the scheming and quests. The romance was perfectly sprinkled in and very sweet.
For how high stakes the premise is, it's a very low stakes story. In the best way. I was enthralled, spellbound and perfectly cozy throughout. It just all works!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter. This is a young adults cosy fantasy with a mix of doom.
Lydie is navigating a lot of changes in her life and it is hard to not want to know what is happening next.
The Snug was beautifully described and I can imagine myself sitting in there surrounded by pillows and a hot chocolate with marshmallows. Already looking forward to book two (this is me manifesting book two despite book one not being released yet)
Lydie is navigating a lot of changes in her life and it is hard to not want to know what is happening next.
The Snug was beautifully described and I can imagine myself sitting in there surrounded by pillows and a hot chocolate with marshmallows. Already looking forward to book two (this is me manifesting book two despite book one not being released yet)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received the arc on Netgalley.
This book is surprisingly good. I had no expectations of this one, but I had a really good time. I need more Pal in the next book. Also, cannot wait for book 2, and book 1 isn't even out.
This book is surprisingly good. I had no expectations of this one, but I had a really good time. I need more Pal in the next book. Also, cannot wait for book 2, and book 1 isn't even out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The cafe at the end of the world is a YA, small town coming of age story following Lydie, the 17 year old daughter of Death, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse as she and the other offspring attempt to discover who they can trust when War decides that she'd like to ride again.
A little teenage growth, some romantic subplot sprinkled in and a new way to look at the regulars at your local small town cafe.
A fun, imaginative and impactful read that you'll have a great time with.
A little teenage growth, some romantic subplot sprinkled in and a new way to look at the regulars at your local small town cafe.
A fun, imaginative and impactful read that you'll have a great time with.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Read this in one sitting. Brilliant story with witty dialogue, a lovable heroine, the cosiest setting and a talking horse. What more could you ask for? An absolute must-read.
Read
April 23, 2026Will need to wait for my cbi review
April 28, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing and Helen Comerford for providing an eARC.
The Cafe at the End of the World was a read outside my typical choices. I found the storyline interesting and enjoyed the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the cozy cafe setting and vibes. This was a quick and easy read, perfect for those looking YA readers looking for light romance & fantasy vibes.
The Cafe at the End of the World was a read outside my typical choices. I found the storyline interesting and enjoyed the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the cozy cafe setting and vibes. This was a quick and easy read, perfect for those looking YA readers looking for light romance & fantasy vibes.
May 8, 2026
Thank you to Netgally and Bloomsbury Publishing for the advanced reading copy of this book!
As per usual lately, I went in completely blind to this book. My first thought was that I was not the target audience. The main character is 17 - but then we come to find out that she is the daughter of a rider of the 4 horsemen. Even though she really just works at a cafe and likes to feel safe and cozy. Then a new guy comes to town and raises lots of suspicions and big feelings.
This is a coming of age book, as our main character navigates what it means to be who she is while going out of her comfort zone to make big decisions. And learning who she can trust in the process. The background is a sort of retirement community of supernaturals - “Naturals” - which was a pleasant surprise as I didn’t realize that was going to be part of the book. Although this was my first time reading about the 4 horsemen in fiction - it was interesting.
It read quickly once I wrapped my brain around some of the editing (I know that’s a work in progress at this point) and some of the younger generation verbiage (I guess I’m old now). Overall I enjoyed the story and the adventure!
As per usual lately, I went in completely blind to this book. My first thought was that I was not the target audience. The main character is 17 - but then we come to find out that she is the daughter of a rider of the 4 horsemen. Even though she really just works at a cafe and likes to feel safe and cozy. Then a new guy comes to town and raises lots of suspicions and big feelings.
This is a coming of age book, as our main character navigates what it means to be who she is while going out of her comfort zone to make big decisions. And learning who she can trust in the process. The background is a sort of retirement community of supernaturals - “Naturals” - which was a pleasant surprise as I didn’t realize that was going to be part of the book. Although this was my first time reading about the 4 horsemen in fiction - it was interesting.
It read quickly once I wrapped my brain around some of the editing (I know that’s a work in progress at this point) and some of the younger generation verbiage (I guess I’m old now). Overall I enjoyed the story and the adventure!
May 17, 2026
Cozy, reflective YA that stands for what is right. The offsprings of The Riders Death, War, Greed and Pandemic try to save the World by stopping their retired parents from taking up the mantel again.
A group of teens conquer their fears and find their true selves. I loved reading this, such a cute and cozy story.
☕️ Found Family
💫 YA fantasy romance
☕️ Cozy
💫 Paranormal fantasy
A group of teens conquer their fears and find their true selves. I loved reading this, such a cute and cozy story.
☕️ Found Family
💫 YA fantasy romance
☕️ Cozy
💫 Paranormal fantasy
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews