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!
Buy link
Book 1 of 1: The Inn Side Shop Series
Blurb
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.
Tide Pool Storyworks
Publication date
October 15, 2025
Language
English
Print length
762 pages
Book 1 of 1
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 