The Wizard's Bakery

The Wizard’s Bakery by Gu Byeong-mo is a beautifully imaginative and quietly powerful story about a teenage boy who finds himself at a crossroads. After being blamed for things he didn’t do and feeling invisible in his own home, he stumbles into a strange 24-hour bakery—one that serves more than just bread and cake.

Here, behind the counter is a grumpy wizard baker and his mysterious assistant, and the pastries on offer come with spells: ones that can fix a broken heart, reveal buried secrets, or offer a second chance—but always at a cost. As the boy starts to work there, he’s drawn into a world of magic that challenges how he sees himself, his past, and the choices that shape his future.

Tender, dark, and full of quiet wonder, this is a story about pain, healing, and finding hope in the most unexpected places. A perfect read for anyone who enjoys magical realism with heart, and stories that feel like a fairytale for grown-ups.