A young girl called Serin has a dream of having a better life after suffering loss, poverty and discouraging comments regarding her activities that are not generally deemed as 'feminine'. This leads her to follow a rumour about a special place that can provide you with your dream life. After being invited to the Rainfall Market, Serin finds herself on an adventure where she meets incredibly eccentric characters, and is joined by a special little cat called Issha. The characters are fascinating humanoid-creatures, with accentuated features and fun personalities, which are the opposite to the tragic backgrounds of Serin and Issha - though I would have liked more character development. The world building is enchanting - a visual of beauty and dilapidation, with a variety of imposing weather and fantastical buildings, fauna and flora. The writing style is easy and fast paced, and I honestly didn't see the climax coming, though some of the smaller story arcs were predictable, nonetheless enjoyable. The plot was gripping due to a time limit imposed on our protagonist, creating an anxiety as you proceed along the journey with Serin and Issa, especially as it escalates, encouraging you turn another page, and then another, and then another. The relationship between Serin and the colourful characters she meets along the way was done nicely, earning these strangers trust and friendship, especially between Serin and Issha the cat. There was maybe a little hint of a sequel? I would certainly add that to my collection. 

"He can't be reborn until he's received enough love from a human, which he unfortunately seems to have a hard time absorbing because he was so cruelly abandoned in his past life."

Overall Thoughts

Although this is a young adult fantasy, I would also place this proudly in my 'cosy reads' pile for adults. It is a page turner, and becomes thought provoking for young adults but also for those of us who are perhaps in our late 30's onwards, contemplating life decisions and past dreams. It is perfect for that rainy afternoon, cuddled under a blanket with a hot drink, consuming the book in a single sitting. 

I am so grateful to have received the opportunity to read this wonderful advanced copy from Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House (via NetGalley). 

FAVOURITE LINES

"Some things are infinitely more precious than wealth ... I would spend more time with my loved ones."

"She thought she was hopeless. But at some point, she began to feel that she couldn't keep running away. That she had to dig in her heels."

"The truth is, it's never too late to start on your dreams. The present is the best time to launch yourself forward."

BOOK DETAILS

Released: 28 November 2024
Publisher: Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House
Pages: 203
Rating: (4.25 stars)
Genres: Young Adult/Fantasy

It's such a short book yet I struggled to finish it.
I love japanese fiction, I love studio ghibli (this has a touch of it for sure) but I certainly didn't love this book.
It's advertised for adults and yes, young adults, but I feel like it's more for children. I don't know if it's because of the translation, but I don't think it's for adults at all.
I'm really sorry as the premise was nice.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this.

This was a quick and fun read, perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli. I feel like the writing was very simplistic, I'm not sure if something got lost in translation but I could definitely see this more as a kid's book than general fiction, although I did still enjoy it as an adult.
I liked Serin's journey to collect the orbs, although I wish her ideas for a dream life were slightly more varied. The moral of the story is obvious from early on, but it still works.
The characters were all unique and interesting, especially Issha and I enjoyed meeting so many of them. I would have liked some more development on the Dokkaebi, especially the role of the chief.
Overall this is an enjoyable read if you want something fun without much depth.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I think this book would appeal to a younger market. I requested it thinking it would be similar to the likes of the time travelling cafe series or The Dallergut series etc but it just didn't draw me in the same way. The writing style just wasn't for me.

I appreciate the opportunity for early access

An absolutely wonderful novel that inspires hope. I loved the writing and the story here. I cannot wait to have this in my hands.

This book is I think, after reading, more for a Young Adult market. The premise is that once a year a Rainfall Market magically appears and for the duration of the rainy season, if you have been specially invited, you can enter and choose a new life. Sounds good. Serin lives with her mother, their life is hard and Serin has no friends at school. She would dearly love to find a new life and so when she receives a golden ticket to the Rainfall Market she goes. The market has an otherworldly feel to it and while some of the world building is really good, others left me no really seeing the ramshackle shops or the strange artefacts. The market is populated by the Dokkaebi and each 'shopkeeper' gives Serin an orb that contains a new life. She is accompanied on her trek through the market by Issha, a magical cat who, for me, was the best part of the book. I think that this had the potential to be really good but I came away feeling a little disappointed. Serin is young and the new lives that she looks into - how is a teenager expected to make such a choice? Also the lives shown were all negative which confused me a little. Surely the idea was to exchange her sad life for a better one - not one where she was going to be just as unhappy. The Dokkaebi also seem to have ulterior motives for 'helping' humans exchange their lives, but it was not fully explained. At the heart, I believe the idea - with its fantasy setting and it's sometimes peril - that making life-changing decisions is difficult is a good one. I just did not feel that engaged with Serin.

Thank you Netgallery for the opportunity for the arc copy of this book.

This story was warm and cosy fantasy read. I may be the wrong target audience for this book it was very YA.
Simple story telling the language did not translate well in my opinion. I felt something was missing from the storyline.

Thank you, You Yeong-Gwang and Netgalley, for an ARC copy exchange for an honest review.

Cover: pretty and eye-catching!

Plot: follows a young girl who isn't well off want a new life and through a legend seeks a new life. However, the life she wishes for isn't has everyone wishes.

Storyline: I felt the story didn't flow as well as it could. I enjoyed the story and could relate to the meaning behind what the story was telling us. I think there could also be more passionate and more dramatic writing

Would I recommend this book to others? Maybe.

The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang presents an intriguing, magical premise that promises to whisk readers away into a whimsical world full of fantastical elements. Set in the mysterious Rainfall Market, the novel explores the idea of changing your life completely by choosing a new one. The story follows Serin, a lonely young woman who, to her surprise, receives a coveted ticket to the market, granting her the chance to reinvent herself.

Accompanied by a magical cat named Issha, Serin embarks on a journey through mystical shops and otherworldly landscapes to discover her “perfect” life. But as Serin navigates the choices before her, the ticking clock of the market threatens to trap her in its magical realm forever. With a shadow looming over her, Serin must not only decide her future but also confront the secrets of the market itself.

If you could swap your life for a better one, which would you choose?

On the outskirts of Rainbow Town, there is an old, abandoned house. They say that if you send a letter detailing your misfortunes there, you could receive a ticket. If you bring this ticket to the house on the first day of the rainy season, you’ll be granted entrance into the mysterious Rainfall Market—where you can choose to completely change your life.

No one is more surprised than Serin when she receives a ticket. Lonely and with no real prospects for a future, Serin ventures to the market, determined to create a better life for herself.

There, she meets a magical cat companion named Issha and they search through bookstores, perfumeries, and fantastical realms while Serin tries to determine what her perfect life will look like.

The catch? Serin only has one week to find her happiness or be doomed to vanish into the market forever.

And all the while, a shadow follows quietly behind them…

Fantasy
Magical Realism
The premise of The Rainfall Market is undeniably compelling. The concept of a mysterious market where one can trade their life for a new one is filled with potential for deep introspection and magical adventures. The hook – whether Serin can truly change her life or if the market is merely an illusion – keeps the tension throughout much of the book, enticing readers to discover whether Serin can find her true happiness before time runs out.

The world-building in The Rainfall Market is one of its strengths, with the Dokkaebi shopkeepers adding rich layers of personality and intrigue to the market. Each shop Serin and Issha visit has its own charm, contributing to the overall sense of wonder. The fantastical cat companion, Issha, adds a touch of warmth to the story as both a guide and a loyal friend to Serin. Issha’s ability to grow, shrink, and guide Serin through the market makes her feel almost like a symbol of hope or intuition.

However, while the whimsical writing style is charming and evokes a dreamlike atmosphere, it sometimes lacks the depth required to fully immerse the reader. The descriptions of the market and its magical elements can be vague, leaving some scenes feeling underdeveloped. It is clear that the market is supposed to feel otherworldly, but without more concrete imagery, it becomes difficult to visualise the space and the consequences of Serin’s choices. This may partly be due to translation, as some elements of the prose feel simple and, at times, abrupt.

One of the standout features of the story is the use of orbs as a metaphor for “finding your way.” These glowing orbs act as beacons, guiding Serin toward different potential futures. They provide an effective visual representation of the novel’s core theme: the challenge of making life-altering decisions. This ties into the broader message of the book, which critiques the idea that young people should be able to definitively “choose” their path in life at a young age. Serin’s journey emphasises that such choices are complex, and people cannot always foresee the long-term impact of their decisions.

Another strength of the novel lies in its surprising twist regarding the true antagonist. While the story sets up certain expectations, it ultimately subverts them in a way that enhances the plot and forces readers to reconsider the motivations of certain characters. This adds a layer of complexity to an otherwise straightforward narrative.

Yet, despite these high points, the book’s overall impact felt somewhat muted. While it’s clear that the target audience leans toward young adult or perhaps even middle-grade readers, The Rainfall Market doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The whimsical, Ghibli-esque vibes are present, but the story lacks the emotional weight and depth that would truly make it resonate with older readers. The stakes, while present, never feel as high as they should, and Serin’s character, while relatable, serves more as a stand-in for readers than as a fully realized individual with her own distinct personality.

Positives of The Rainfall Market
Imaginative World-Building: The Rainfall Market and its various shops, especially with the Dokkaebi shopkeepers, bring a vibrant touch to the novel.
Magical Companion: Issha, the magical cat, adds charm and warmth to the story, guiding Serin and adding lightness to her journey.
Unique Premise: The concept of a life-changing market and the use of orbs as a metaphor for choices offer intriguing narrative elements.
Interesting Twist: The surprising reveal about the antagonist adds complexity to the plot and keeps the reader engaged.
Negatives of The Rainfall Market
Lack of Depth: The whimsical writing, while charming, can feel too simplistic and vague, leaving some scenes underdeveloped.
Vague Descriptions: The magical setting of the Rainfall Market is not always clearly visualized, making it difficult to fully immerse in the world.
Shallow Protagonist: Serin feels more like a reader stand-in than a deeply developed character with her own distinct motivations and growth.
Limited Appeal for Adult Readers: Despite its potential, the book leans more toward a younger audience and may not fully satisfy adult fantasy readers looking for more nuanced themes and emotional depth.
The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang is an imaginative and whimsical read with a unique premise that sparks curiosity. The magical setting, supported by memorable creatures like the Dokkaebi and the warm companionship of Issha, provides a sense of wonder. However, the novel’s lack of depth and its vague descriptions of the market’s magical elements may leave readers craving more immersive storytelling. Despite some shortcomings, the novel’s core message about the challenges of making life choices at a young age resonates, making it a solid choice for younger readers or those seeking a light, fantastical adventure. If you’re a fan of Ghibli-esque vibes and magical realism, The Rainfall Market offers a brief but charming escape into a world of possibilities.

I absolutely loved this book. I could imagine every vivid detail because it is so well written. Perfect to sink and stay immersed in. Beautiful. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4 stars.
If you love Spirited Away, you’ll love this book! I read this in two sittings, it would have been one but I needed to break away as we were on a road trip. They’re not very long chapters so it reads very fast. Serin is a very lonely girl who doesn’t have friends and is poor, she feels as if she has no future so she takes a gamble for a ticket to the rainfall market and gets an invitation. Themes of friendship, hope and reminders of the important things in life.
This gives me the same feels as Before the coffee gets cold and is very Studio Ghibli-ish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the eARC.

The Rainbow Market is a fun, sweet, and magical adventure. The world created in the book is delightful and fantastical as Serin wanders the Market with her Cat guide, meeting an eclectic group of Dokkaebi, the magical creatures that live in the Market. At times, there is an eerie atmosphere as the reader sees beyond the edges of the central character's perspective and sees the mystery building around her.

Most of the story is a fun adventure through a magical world, with Serin finding herself in funny circumstances on her quest. I often found myself laughing at the unexpected situations Serin participated in, from clumsy hairdressers to mischievous trees. I found the setting of the story to feel unique and fun. The heart of the story comes from Serin searching for what she believes will improve her life and the connections she makes along the way. While the themes were pretty simple, I felt they were handled well and were filled with emotion.

This is a beautiful and charming story that was a delight to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of The Rainfall Market before publication on Nov 28.

WOW!! What a story, very original! I loved every page. I didn't want to put it down but I had to sleep. It's a lovely story of a young Korean girl called Kim Serin who wanted a better life and applied to the Mysterious Rainfall Market where you can obtain a new life if your application is accepted.

Serin receives a golden ticket and goes through trials and tribulations at the Rainfall Market to find the orb with the life she wants only to find out she had the life she already wanted anyway!

Thanks You Yeong-Gwang for writing such a fantastic book!

Firstly thank you to Netgalley for my e-arc of this book 💙

This is a very cute and cosy fantasy novel heavily featuring a magical cat who assists Serin on her journey to find a better life. Dissatisfied about where her life is heading, Serin ventures to the market in Rainbow Town to try and create a better future for herself.

With likeness to Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Legends and Lattes and even Stranger Things, The Rainfall Market is a very cute and cosy fantasy read but it didn't wow me by any means - hence my average rating. Although I didn't find myself with the constant urge to pick this up, the writing style meant I flew through it and had a good time overall.

If you're looking for a cosy fantasy novel that's more about vibes than huge levels of substance - this would be perfect, but don't expect it to wow you.

A cute little novel with interesting imagery and ideas, it was a written in a very simplistic style that I think might be a lacklustre translation style, but overall a very easy, sweet read.

I think the comparisons to Studio Ghibli is spot on, with the quirky cast of side characters and focus on visuals it would make an excellent film or anime. The story gave Midnight Library vibes, which could be good or bad depending on the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an advanced copy of the book

The book it marketed as young adult - for me I would recommend 8-12 year old based on the story and the underlying meaning behind the book - one thing can not buy total happiness but a combination is the world and as long as you have love and support around anything is possible

I enjoyed it as it was an easy read for me without to much over thinking, time seemed to run away in the story but when you are chasing your dreams it can be easily done

I love the fact that the magical world of the rainfall market and the inhabitants take things from humans to fuel their world
It was also interesting to see that the orbs the main character was seeing was the sad stories that others had pawned in in hope that it would be their happy ending

I hope this book does well as I do believe it has the power to but just needs to be marketed at the right people

This one is a really sweet story with such vibrant imagery. Very reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli movie. I really enjoyed the sense of magic the author was able to create through their writing. You almost feel as if you are there with our main character Serin, experiencing what she is seeing around her. However, I do feel the plot was a little repetitive as the story went on.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

Whilst the premise is good, I truly believe the translation of this book is seriously letting it down. There is no emotion in any of the writing. There is no change in the length or style of the sentences either which leads the entire book to fall just a bit flat.

The plot itself lends itself more to a video game rather than a book. This would make a wonderful indie short game based around fetch quests - because that’s essentially what this book it. It’s 6 or 7 fetch quests and then a boss battle at the end. But none of it is exciting. None of it is profound.

I didn’t end the book actively disliking it - but rather I ended it feeling such sadness for You Yeong-Gwang that their book has been so clearly butchered by the translator.

I hope that the book has the opportunity for a second translation before release for general publishing. There is promise here, but very poor execution

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy. I really loved the book and its characters. I can see that the author spent a long time on worldbuilding and forming 3 dimensional characters. This was already on my wish-list for the year, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I loved the read and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!

This one gave me Ghibli vibes! I could picture it with a vibe similar to Spirited Away.

This magical realism style of books is really easy to read. I don't think this should be marketed as adult fiction, it reads more like a middle-grade or young adult. It doesn't have the depth expected and there were also a few plotholes here and there. I don't if that has something to do with the editing or the translation or just the story in itself.

I enjoyed the concept for this one, though. Overall, it was a good read!