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!

What a beautiful book! I absolutely loved this! The world building was skilful, the characters came to life and the question of what would you change to make your life "perfect" played in my head of days after
Perfect book for the changing seasons and a good afternoon of escaping into a new world.

I enjoyed the magical realism and descriptions on the story but overall found the book to be lacking depth and to be a bit boring. Interesting plot but just a great execution.

Definitely should be marketed as YA fiction.

Thanks: Received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

2.5/5

I wish I had read this earlier, it truly is a delight of a book. It is cosy and comforting, your perfect Autumn and Winter read. Just need a blanket and a hot chocolate.

Story was very warming and felt like a hug. I love this book a lot. Would defo recommend if you are looking for a comfort read

This is a very sweet and whimsical read, Serin goes to The Rainfall Market in search of a new life and on the journey finds out more about herself and what’s really important to her in life. I enjoyed this one and read it very quickly, read if you enjoy cosy, magical and mysterious books.

A sweeter, cozier version of The Midnight Library.

I really enjoyed the whimsical feel of this book. The Rainfall Market is a fantasy setting that you could easily get lost in. It reminded me a lot of The Midnight Library, in that, the main character is desperate to find ‘the perfect life’ but learns lessons about herself along the way. It was a very light-hearted and easy read. It’s the type of book you’d want to read with a cup of tea before bed.

I do believe that there were moments where the story ran away from itself and there were a few plotholes, not ones that I’ll linger on but ones that are definitely noticeable. I do also think that this particular criticism could be attributed to the fact that some of the story’s nuances could have been lost in translation, so take this note with a grain of salt. It was a bit simplistic and the characters felt a bit 2 dimensional. I think it shouldn’t be marketed as an Adult Fantasy novel though. I don’t think it possesses the depth and substance that would make it successful in the Adult Fantasy genre.

However, this is a perfect novel for those looking to fall deep within a fun, Ghibili-esque, fantasy world without it being too high stakes. This would be so much better if it was marketed as a middle grade or YA. Younger audiences would eat this up.

I definitely agree with the reviews that compare this to Studio Ghibli - it is super atmospheric and is a great fall read. It reads pretty quickly which, in my opinion, is both a good and a bad thing! I felt like I flew through it, I didn’t feel bored and I enjoyed our MC. But I felt like certain things could have been expanded upon or fleshed out further. Nonetheless I had a good time reading it, and the cover is gorgeous so I think I may grab a copy for my shelves!

If you are a cosy mystery fan, this is a must read!

I loved the writing style, the world building and the characters.

I read this in one sitting because it drew me in and kept me turning the pages.

Really enjoyable and I'd highly recommend to my friends and followers.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the Publishers for letting me read this before publication.

The rainfall market was the sweetest! It gave me the same feeling I get when I listen to rain day antiques on headspace before sleep- it’s cozy, relaxing and magical ! It’s not giving adult fantasy but more middle grade, which is fine, but I think that’s mostly down to editing issues and translation. Still, I enjoyed the tone and the setting of the book and following Serin on her journey.

This fantasy story has a Ghibli-ish combination of magic, cosiness, and whimsy that has become popular recently. I loved the premise and looked forward to exploring the idea of what makes a happy and fulfilling life through this magical world.

I loved the market and the mystery around Serin's ticket. I also loved the thief subplot and found the characters Serin met along the way to be good fun.

Despite loving the end message and concept though, Serin came over as a little flat. All of the issues she wrote about received no further thought when she began searching for a perfect life, until almost the end. There was a lot of focus on her future job instead of the more immediate problems she was facing (her recent embarrassment in taekwondo, being teased, the pending eviction, her missing sister, poverty, etc.). There was no proper explanation for the thief’s motivation either. Serin’s mother didn't seem to be concerned about their situation or that her youngest daughter was missing (of course she may have been holding it inside, but we simply didn't get to explore it).

The quiet, yet poetic simplicity that people have come to associate with this type of book needs to come with a subtle, philosophical depth to feel like it's for adults. This felt more similar to a traditional fairytale in style, so lessons were more direct than I would expect in a book aimed at adults. There was more energy and touches of humour one might expect of middle grade towards the end, which made me wonder which audience would be the best fit.

I felt the ending, which was lovely, would have been great if we got to find out what happened with Serin's living arrangements and where her sister actually went and why.

I got through this quickly though, enjoyed the ending, and I adored Issha. It’s a charming enough evening read. If I had a cat, they would be getting a big cuddle after reading this.

It’s a short and sweet book which reminds me of a Studio Ghibli story. I think some of the story is lost in translation because it’s certain parts come across a bit simplistic. But still heartwarming

The Rainfall Market gave me exactly what I was looking for - cosy atmosphere, a whimsical setting, and a protagonist I adored. This is the perfect book to read whilst cosying up to the fire this autumn. One of my favourite books of all time is Howl's Moving Castle, and The Rainfall Market delivers similar vibes. I've been trying to read more translated fiction this year, and The Rainfall Market was the perfect addition to that list. I loved this so much I've already rushed out to preorder a copy. I would heartily recommend this to fans of Studio Ghibli, cosy fantasy, or lovers of translated fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for granting me an e-ARC in exchanged for an honest review!

Thankyou to Netgalley for allowing me an early access of this book!

This was the perfect balance of fantasy and cosy. It was written in a whimsical yet entrancing manner and I found it kept me engaged throughout. It's a simple cute cozy book and I can definitely see the Ghibli-esque vibes

Unfortunately this book wasn’t what I expected, I really wanted to love it, I felt it was more YA than adult's fiction. Some bits I liked of the story but it didn’t capture me, I really struggled to follow the plot.

I enjoyed the story, but, it all seemed a little superficial. For me it needed more on the Dokkaebi and their background. Why are they there & running the rainfall market. Serin herself also seemed a bit one- dimensional, I like to understand more about the character flaws and all. As we headed through the story it felt a little like being bashed over the with the moral (be happy with what you have).

This book was adorable! It's such a warm hug of a book. I loved the characters that the main character Serin meets along her journey through the Rainfall Market, especially Isha the cat. It felt like such a magical place and I wish I could visit it too!

I loved the idea of this and was looking forward to settling down to a cosy read, Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. Whilst the idea was great, I never felt like I got to know the characters well enough - maybe not enough background, maybe to do with the translation. I'm not sure, but it wasn't for me.