cozy fantasy

Book Review: The Dallergut Dream Department Store

Melinda1 Comment

Imagine walking into a glittering version of a department store, wandering around and taking in the magic of merchandising. Except in The Dallergut Dream Department Store, the only merchandise you’ll see are dreams. Imaginative dreams by the finest dream makers are stocked alongside the discount dreams with slight imperfections or lackluster themes. Among it all is Penny, the newest employee at the famed store. Dallergut himself interviews and hires Penny. As she finds her footing, she realizes that the mystical world of sleep can be carefully orchestrated. The regulars come through and purchase dreams of flying, eating, and otherworldly realms as their payments of wonder and flutter are deposited into the store’s vault. Penny gets to know the regulars and suggests dreams for them with practiced specificity. But not all dreams are pleasant. The market for nightmares is also met in this whimsical, mundane, and fantastical world of sleep.

As Penny discovers the business of dreams, intriguing side characters abound. The quiet plot of this book is by no means flashy, but the the world of dreamy magic pulled me in with this enveloping book. Translated from the original Korean bestseller, if you enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold or Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, you’ll enjoy the world of this magical department store.

Request the print book here, or check out the digital collection.

Happy reading!

-Melinda

Getting Cozy With Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

MeganLeave a comment

Viv is ready to hang up her sword and quit the mercenary life for something quieter-and sweeter. Armed with a legend, an artifact, and a little known Gnomish beverage, Viv sets about opening her coffee shop on a ley line in Thune. Her new venture attracts a motley cast of characters, including a baker, a business-minded succubus, and the head of the local mob.

This book is as comforting as a latte and a warm cinnamon roll on a wintery day. Having spent nearly a decade working in coffee shops myself, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Viv’s shop open and evolve. I savored the pages dedicated to the pure joy of a cinnamon roll. I laughed each time Thandri had to change the chalkboard menu and delighted in meeting their customers. While this does take the better half of the book, it’s not all coffee and sweets. As Viv and her crew learn the ropes of the business, trouble is quietly brewing. But Viv isn’t just building a business-she’s building a community and family who have her back when tragedy strikes.

I cannot stress enough how absolutely charming and delightful this book is. If you enjoy a good slice of life story with quirky characters and happy ending, this one is for you. I recommend taking this book to a local coffee shop to be enjoyed with a latte.

Happy Reading!

Megan