Mysterious Galaxy

I love this bookstore! It’s new, fresh, filled with beautiful displays of sci-​fi, fantasy, mystery, and horror. Other products and selections also portrays fun, nerdy humor. For example, The Guild Companion Guide, Cracked.com’s De-​text Book, and The Married Kama Sutra.
The staff greets and offer assistance when you drop in. I hope to get on their mailing list next time in case Butcher or Rothfuss ever drops by (and by God they SHOULD). There’s a signed first edition section that I will be keeping a sharp eye on.

This is such a fun bookstore to check out. Great little coffee, wine and food bar and really cool books. Although their selection is a little more on the syfy they ordered me a book I wanted that they don’t carry and it will be delivered to my house. The customer service was great. The girl with the blue hair (sorry didn’t catch her name) was so sweet and helpful. I ended up getting 3 gifts and something for me. I will definitely be here again soon

This is a great bookstore. They’re smaller than Barnes and Noble and more expensive than Amazon (cover price for most books), but if you love science fiction or fantasy (or horror or mystery), this is the place for you. They have a great selection of books, signed first editions, information about upcoming releases, and everything else you would expect from an independent bookstore.
The best part of this store, however, is their events. I’ve never been to the book clubs or discussion groups, but this is where all the authors come when they’re on tour. You can hear both the big names and local writers give talks, get a sneak peak (sneak listen?) of their upcoming work, or have your book signed. Most of this happens in-​store, but they use extra space in the strip mall for big events.
A must-​visit for any genre reader.

Rhonda Byrne book signing today!

Came in looking for a good book but left with nothing. Reason being the store sales guy was chatting up a storm with another customer about how much he hates working and not being able to find a good job. He didn’t ask if I needed help in fact he didn’t even acknowledge me. I looked around the store and stood in there a good 10 – 15 minutes but they just kept talking about how miserable they both are. I didn’t even bother asking what book he recommended since his expertise is in refrigeration. Yea I practically heard his life story, they were that loud. It was my first time here, next time ill do my research online and go in and get out fast! Not a place you want to read, you’ll end up hearing about how he tried to get a job on a farm milking cows.
Pros– they have a wide variety on sci-​fi and mystery.
Place is kept well.

Great Independent bookstore that I hope we support so it can stick around. The staff is super friendly and welcoming. You will find and awesome selection of sci-​fi, fiction and all kind of signed first editions. I think that is what makes this place so neat. You should drop by and make a small purchase.

I absolutely love this bookstore! Its a charming little independent spot. The kind of bookshop that is on the brink of extinction thanks to amazon, electronic book technology, and big companies like Barnes and Noble. Mysterious Galaxy specializes in signed first edition copies of books from big authors like Dan Brown and Khaled Hosseini– perfect if you are a gifter of literature, like I am. They also host several literary events a month where authors come and read excepts from books and do book signings. They have a newsletter with a calendar of events if this type of thing piques your interest.
The store has a really nice selection of new fiction from the New York Times Best sellers list and other popular fiction trending in various genres. They have dedicated a large section of shelves to fantasy fiction which I don’t read, but since I find myself frequently browsing those shelves, I think I’m going to pick up one of those series… Maybe when I’m done with gradschool :-) The employees here are well versed and helpful. They are always readily making suggestions to their customers about what’s good, what’s special, what’s new.
In the front, attached to the book store, there is a little café where you can order coffee, lunch, or if you’re like me, use it as an unofficial office. Its way better than working in the car and less noisy than Starbucks. As of last week, the café is closed which means no more wi-​fi or solo study sessions until another place takes over which is a total bummer. With no café it is even more quiet in there, so I’m worried about the effect it will have on the store :-(
Please visit this bookstore and buy something. If you aren’t in the South Bay, visit the local independent book shop in your town and support that homie.
I love my kindle and my ipad, but there is something so comforting about wandering around a shop where the books are hand selected by a single bookkeeper just for you, just for the love of words. Plus, there is really nothing like cracking open the vanilla scented pages of a brand new book. Right?

I love this place. They have a great selection of science fiction/​fantasy books (I assume the mystery selection is good as well, but since I don’t read mysteries I can’t really judge it), knowledgeable staff that can find or recommend things for you, plus author readings, movie nights, and other events. They get involved with offsite events like book festivals and science fiction/​comic conventions as well. They usually get authors to sign a few extra books to sell later. I’ve bought several signed first editions here.
Mysterious Galaxy has become my first stop for books in the genres they carry, and a must-​visit stop when gift shopping for readers.
Until recently they shared their building with a café, but the café closed up shop last week. The tables are still there, and they’ve kept the wi-​fi on.

In an age where independent bookstores are becoming fewer and farther between, it’s heartening to find that places like this still exist. It’s quaint and small, with a cozy café attached. It definitely doesn’t belong to the ranks of cavernous commercial bookstores where you can get lost among the shelves trying to find that one elusive author. Mysterious Galaxy is niche, specially curated for fans of sci fi or fantasy, though they’ll carry some titles that aren’t necessarily of either genre as well. They also host an abundance of author signings, which is great for getting up close and personal with your possible literary idols. and which also makes it possible for them to offer signed copies of some great titles.
I just found out that they have a monthly trivia night – great opportunity to flex your encyclopedic knowledge of nerd culture. In their own words, it’s «your chance to use all of the geeky knowledge you have been storing in your head as we attempt to stump you with questions from all things nerdy and wonderful, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, pop culture, video games and movies».
My inner fangirl is dancing in joy over the discovery of Mysterious Galaxy. If they would stock comics and manga as well, I might never leave.

Independent bookstores seem to me to be far and few between these days so I have to give Mysterious Galaxy five stars just on general principle. Although I myself am not a fan per say of the sci-​fi genre I am a fan of reading and a fan of books that are bound and made of paper versus ones in kindle format (not that there is anything wrong with that, call me old school), MG knows what they are doing and are doing it well. There is a seemingly endless variety of sci-​fi books available here, a section for kids, lots of comfy chairs to peruse in, and they even sell wine and beer. Nothing like reading with a buzz! Plus they have their own spacious parking lot so parking spaces are not something heard of once upon a time in a galaxy far far away.

Mysterious Galaxy is an awesome independent bookstore specializing in the fantasy and science fiction genres. It’s true, Barnes and Noble will have books in both those genres that Mysterious Galaxy may not carry and vice versa, but this store has curated a nice selection of quality reading material.
Parking is a breeze thanks to their own large parking lot, and they have their own café up front with plenty of lounge space. The workers are all pretty quirky and their tastes are on display toward the back of the store, via the employee selection section. Prices are what you would expect, I suppose. Some 400-​page novels are 25 bucks, while others are 12 bucks, but they have discounted sections and, thanks to their frequent author meet and greets, many signed first editions as well.
I prefer hard science fiction and sometimes have to weed through a lot of lame space opera rags, but rest assured, anyone can find something perfect for them here.

If you’re a fantasy or sci fi fan, stop buying your books at Barnes and Noble and start going to Mysterious Galaxy. They really go out of their way to support the fandom. They host amazing events and author signings, have a fantastic selection, and everyone there is awesome. I’ve met Patrick Rothfuss, Brent Weeks (x2!), and JIM BUTCHER all at Mysterious Galaxy. If this place didn’t exist, I would never have had the opportunities to meet these authors.
Now they’ve even got a café! And tons of parking. The store itself still has New Store Smell, a clean bathroom, and lots of chairs to sit and read in.

In era of dying indie bookstores, Mysterious Galaxy is a star. Yea, I know puns are low humor, but the truth is it’s a rare and excellent opportunity to shop locally at an independent, friendly, bookstore. Go and buy many books, reading is good for you!
I just saw a couple of poor (1 star) reviews, and I’ve got to say those reviews are ridiculous. The folks that posted the reviews use this forum to spread nasty comments. If you don’t believe me, check out the reviews they have posted, nothing but hostility. Even if they had a bad experience, is it really that bad? Phooey.

Visited Mysterious Galaxy to pick up a book for my teen.
Great YA selection in addition to Mystery, Horror, Sci-​Fi & Fantasy. There is a small, well curated section of Fiction & Non-​Fiction books. Staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Be sure to check the calendar on the store’s website for upcoming author appearances and events.
Catalina Coffee (a Redondo Beach favorite) is a charming addition to the bookstore.
After the loss of Borders, South Bay bibliophiles can rejoice in Mysterious Galaxy.
If you are a fan of YA novels — Mysterious Galaxy is a must-​see.

Mysterious Galaxy is a treasure in the South Bay. Great bookstores are so rare these days and this one specializes in my favorites: young adult, fantasy, mystery and science fiction.
I don’t live closer to this bookstore, unfortunately, so I’ve only visited during events. They host a lot of book launch parties and author Q&A and signing. It’s a great space for a small gathering for enthusiastic readers and fans.
They have a great selection of books for fiction readers.
The staff are great and now there is a nice café attached to the bookstore for readers and writers to hang out, drink tea and write or read!
Highly recommended spot for South Bay readers.

I love how the only low scores are 1 stars written by obvious troll accounts with an axe to grind.
There’s really nothing negative that could be said about Mysterious Galaxy.
It has a professional set-​up like a Borders (oh the schadenfreude) or Barnes & Noble, but it’s fully independent. And who says independents should all just be old furniture and used books (not that there’s EVER anything wrong with that)?
Not only is it nice and far removed from the smell of dust mites, with its own attached coffee shop and everything, it specializes in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Ah, yes, the good stuff.
Finally no displays based around the latest «life changing,» flavor of the month, NY Times bestselling piece of crap, no self-​help section (unless you’re looking for tips in dealing with your zombie problem), no Oprah stickers, none of that. Free at last!
If there’s lady porn it involves steam-​powered dragons or flaming airships or a giant squid capturing the half-​man half-​feline overlord and the virginal princess who must save him, wielding her vorpal blade, and later that night as he’s licking his wounds, they settle their previous power struggle in bed over a pile of catnip, unleashing his barbed … uh…
… you know, maybe I should stop listening to Jonathan Coulton while writing these reviews.
Anyway, I’m sure there’s enough supernatural erotica to go around, whether you prefer your vampires sparkly or your damsels perpetually in distress.
I found a lot of interesting reads here, and I love their recommendations with arrows pointing to familiar books saying, «If you liked this, then try this.» indicating similar stories or narratives. For instance, if you loved «A Game of Thrones,» you might like «The Dragon’s Path» by Daniel Abraham.
Anyway, if you’re a bibliophile looking to dig into genre fiction, consider giving this little guy some business.

Small bookstore in the shadow of the South Bay Galleria. (Fun fact: it used to be a Mac repair shop. I took my first generation iMac there several times.)
Sci-​Fi, mystery, fantasy can be found here. They hold a lot of author signings and readings here, and they have tons of signed books! Snagged a signed copy of Gaiman’s American Gods for a birthday present to myself.
Save your receipts, they have a reward program once you hit $ 200. SUpport your local indie bookstores!

Love this place. The employees are so nice and they specialize in signed-​first editions.
I originally heard about the San Diego store from one of my favorite authors and heard that she was doing a signing there. Now that there’s one in Redondo Beach (and much closer, mind you) I’m able to go to that one more often.

If you love books, you MUST check out this place. They have tons of signed first editions from big name authors as well as new ones. They have frequent book signings as well. Michael Connelly was coming the night I went, and I was disappointed to find out that John Sandford had already been there and I missed him. I bought a signed first copy of his latest novel anyway.
I’d guess it’s 70% mystery, scifi, horror and teen novels. There was a small nonfiction section I saw as well. They have many of the new bestsellers and a large section of new writers. You can tell the staff are true book lovers and they get really excited about the books and the writers – I loved it. No magazine section, no café, and only two seats in the whole store. But the place feels like home. In case of zombie, vampire or alien apocalypse, they probably have the books one would need to survive, so I would definitely come here first, take the books I needed and hole up in a coffee shop.
They have a lot of events at the store, and it seems like a great place for book lovers to congregate. It is a MUST check out if you love reading. Check out their website for events and details:
. I think they also sell google ebooks on their website too. They have a loyalty program where after the first $ 200, you get 10% off all your purchases until the store closes or an apocalypse occurs.

YES! A bookstore! An honest to goodness bookstore. I almost didn’t believe it when I saw it. Not only that, its an amazing bookstore with the most helpful people I’ve ever come across. I love that they cater to a certain genre so you don’t end up drowning in a sea of titles you may or may not be interested in. I was on the hunt for a good fantasy series so that I could relive my David Eddings years minus the lack of social life and 10pm curfew. The woman who helped me suggested a great series AND all of the books were signed by the author. I bet you can’t get your Kindle signed by the author… :)
This place is home to many book signing events. I missed the True Blood author a few weeks ago, but I’m hoping to catch an event during my next trip home. If you’re looking for a good book to curl up with this is the place for you! Check it out.