I loved this return to Penny's world. The characters and plot are so cozy and explore such a cute world. I think that I enjoyed Penny's journey more in the first one and in this one I found myself not as interested in her journey. I love all the little lessons in the book and I think the concept is super interesting and different.

I enjoyed this addition to the Dallergut Dream Department Store series. It maintained the coziness and sweet feeling of the first book, and I appreciated the chance to get to know this world, its operations, and its characters better.

This was a sweet *dreamy* way to escape reality for a little bit but the plot was lacking just a bit.
The characters were well represented but all in all, the story didn’t stick with me long after I finished.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for letting me listen to an ALC of The Dallergut Dream-Making District by Miye Lee. While this book has already been published, it was a pleasure to listen to the audio format.

I absolutely loved this sweet expansion of the Dallergut Dream Department Store. It was wonderful to revisit all the characters from book one and take a deeper dive into the dream-making world and Shannon Tyo does an amazing job of voicing a wide range of characters. If you haven’t already picked up the first book, I highly recommend it for lovers of cozy fantasy and/or magical realism, as this has elements of all these styles. If you’ve enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold, it’s a similar type of feel-good story.

While I liked the first one more, I still enjoyed revisiting all the characters and their stories. The narrator did a great job portraying everyone and I would definitely read more from this author in the future. I found myself tearing up at certain spots and treasured my time processing the story, as I listened to it. It has such a comforting vibe. I would recommend it to everyone who loved the first book.

Thank you so much Netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy of the audiobook!

The Dallergut Dream-Making District is a charming, imaginative story that invites listeners into a vibrant world where dreams are crafted and sold. Translated from Korean, the audiobook carries a unique blend of whimsy and quiet reflection that feels both comforting and fresh.

The narrative follows Penny, a newcomer in the bustling dream-making district, as she navigates a workplace filled with quirky characters, mysterious customers, and the art of creating dreams. The episodic nature of the story gives it a fable-like quality—each chapter offering a little insight into human desires, regrets, and hopes.

The narrator delivers a soothing, expressive performance that perfectly suits the gentle, sometimes bittersweet tone of the book. The world-building is vivid without being overwhelming, and while the plot isn't driven by high-stakes drama, its quiet magic and life-affirming messages linger after the final chapter.

If you're looking for an audiobook that blends cozy fantasy with philosophical musings—something to listen to during a slow morning or a peaceful night—The Dallergut Dream-Making District is a lovely choice.

Recommended for fans of: Before the Coffee Gets Cold, The Midnight Library, or Studio Ghibli-like heartwarmers.

Thank you Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for the ARC!

This was a perfect continuation to the Dallergut Dream Department Store. I loved the focus that this book took on the more negative side of dreams, the pain the absence of dreams can cause, and nightmares. I like that we got to meet more of the characters within the world, dreammakers and people who handle complaints, it helped build the lore and system even better. Honestly, this is a perfect before bed book, since the stakes are low but the story is interesting.

☁️This enchanting series is one of the most magical and memorable reading experiences I’ve had all year. From the moment Penny steps into Mr. Dallergut’s extraordinary dream department store for her interview, I was completely transported. Miye Lee has created a world that feels cozy, whimsical, and deeply human all at once.


☁️ In this sequel, Penny has been at the department store for a full year and is now officially an employee! This gives her access to previously unexplored parts of the Dream-Making District. Similarly to the first book, the characters, setting, and message are wonderful and I loved every minute of the audiobook.

☁️The characters are wonderfully developed, quirky, warm, and brimming with personality. The setting is rich with imaginative details that make every chapter a delight to explore. Beneath the charming fantasy lies a poignant reflection on the human condition, delivering heartfelt messages about fear, hope, ambition, and rest.

☁️Sandy Joosun Lee’s translation beautifully captures the essence of the original, preserving both the magic and emotional depth of the story. Shannon Tyo’s narration is pitch-perfect, gentle, immersive, and full of nuance, enhancing the dreamy atmosphere and making this an exceptional audiobook experience.

☁️I can’t recommend this series highly enough for fans of cozy fantasy, magical realism, or anyone in need of a feel-good read with heart and soul. A true comfort read and an instant favorite

Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Author for an eAudio ARC of this work.

The Dallergut Dream-Making District is a lovely follow up fantasy fiction, second in a series with the Dallergut Dream theme. The story, characters and setting build directly from the ending of book one and simply envelope the reader like reverie.

In this book, the author Miye Lee, explores her story further, expanding it with backstories, difficult topics (such as depression, lethargy and disability) and gives a glimpse of the behind the scenes of the dream making district.

Overall, it is a cosy and all-around comforting healing translated fiction book. I hope the wishes in the Translator's Note come true!

The Dallergut Dream-Making District is a short and sweet expansion on the world of The Dallergut Dream Department Store. The entire ensemble cast returns as the reader gets a deeper look into the back-office work of the dream-selling business. I liked the way this novella continued to give emotional insight in parallel with customers' dreams, and how these were spliced in during relevant parts of the plot. I was a bit confused by the disciples and Atlas, but ultimately just went with it while reading. Nick and Maxim's business venture was similarly confusing, but I liked the return of our charismatic Santa Claus and the reclusive nightmare maker. I particularly enjoyed more information on the Noctillicas - the nightgown touting lions. Asam is a lovely character, and their absurdity is always fun. This novel feels a bit like other surreal works, where you have to just accept what's happening and enjoy the vibes. With that mind frame, it's a fun and quick read. The narrator is particularly talented, and I really enjoyed this novella on audio.

Such a cozy and wonderful way to walk back into the world of Dallergut and the Dream making realm. I loved the first one and found this one to be even better with a richer storyline and even more nuance to the worldbuilding.

I do find the summary to be a bit interesting as it makes the story sound as though there is a dark underbelly that needs to be solved or rooted out. However, I didn't think much of this story was dark or secret. In the Dream-Making District, Penny learns there is a complaints department for those who's dreams do not live up to what they hope or if the world of dreaming becomes too much for them to bear. For some dream sellers, they are more focused on selling dreams and getting new customers, but for Penny and even Dallergut, himself, they are concerned with bringing back those who used to be regulars in their dream store but something changed either in their lives or in their dreams to make dreaming less pleasant.

I like that Penny takes the task to heart to try and help dreamers find their way back to the dream department store and to find dreams that they need. There is something so comforting about her level of care for those who seem to wander as though lost. We see a deeper level of emotion being processed through dreams and I love the way the author weaves them into the fabric of the dreams it tries to present. I hope we get to continue entering this dream world. And I do wonder where these dreamworkers go when they go to sleep each night? Do they get to bring dreams home and try them out?

This second book in the Dallergut Dream Making department store series delivered the same feel-good, lighthearted and cozy vibes but I was wanting just a tiny bit more heft from the story. The audio narration was good and fans of this genre of stories are sure to be happy with the newest book. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

The sequel to The Dallergut Dream Department Store does not disappoint! At once cozy, reflective, and humorous, this novel expanded upon the delightful universe of our dreamscapes and reinforced the message that kindness and empathy can change lives - even when we are asleep. Exactly the book that I needed to read at this moment!

If you enjoyed the first installment in this series, you’re definitely going to love the second one. It’s cozy, warm, and just an all-around snuggly read. I’m really into these comforting, healing translated fiction books.

4.5 💫 - 💭💖🫧🤍💤🥠☁️

I enjoyed this book even more than the first!

Jumping right back into the thick of the store & dream world was both nostalgic and felt fresh as we learned new ways in which dreams are shared, created and sold. Reading about Penny and how her relationships have developed (as well as her skills!) was so entertaining and heartwarming.

In addition to being a wonderful sequel, hearing Shannon Tyo come back to narrate it was such a joy! She's a master at bringing life to the words on paper.

I'm sad to leave this story, characters & world behind... but I'm sure I'll visit again in my dreams!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book early and share my honest review. All reviews will be posted to my socials (Netgalley, Goodreads, Fable, IG).

The Dallergut Dream-Making District
by Miye Lee
Narrated by Shannon Tyo

Shannon Tyo's dreamy and youthful narration is the perfect choice as the voice of the Dallergut duology.
In The Dallergut Dream-Making District Miye Lee expands upon the whimsical universe built in The Dallergut Dream Department Store by exploring the impact of memories and lethargy on dreaming. One year into working for the department store, Penny navigates new work responsibilities while attempting to invite every customer past-and-present to Dallergut's Mega Pajama Festival.

The Dallergut series is suitable for all ages.

I loved this book just as much as the first book; I find the plot and characters so interesting and unique. This was the end of the duology, but I hope the author writes more in this universe. The translator's note mirrored my thoughts at the end. The narrator's voice was very soothing, which was perfect for a dream plot novel.

*Provided an ALC (advance listening copy) audiobook from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

I love this series! The dream-making district and the stories about it are so interesting! I loved getting back into this world and seeing how much Penny has grown in the last year in her role at the Dallergut Department Store. To be honest, I wished this was a little longer and we could have explored the characters a bit more. Looking forward to the next book!

I really enjoyed learning more about this world. I felt more connected to this story than the first book. It was nice to get a deeper look into the world and the characters. I really love that Penny has grown in her job and that her manager shows trust in her and sees her potential. It is nice to learn about the other characters and their pasts, families, and connections. It felt like there were a lot of smaller stories grouped in to make this boom more impactful. It felt like this book had more clear plot points and end goals.

I was happy to read more about the dreammakers, the floor managers and all the other side characters. I will hope that this isn't the end of this glimpse into the dream world. I look forward to more books by this author, translator, and narrator.

Like slipping into a dream woven from stardust and empathy, this second book is a tender triumph. Dallergut’s world, rich with whimsy and quiet insight, continues to explore the beauty and complexity of the human experience. It lingers in the heart long after the final page—like all the best dreams do.