I absolutely adored this magical book following two indentured young men as they try to find clever ways to circumnavigate their magically fueled contracts of indenture. Between the shady Untermarkt where supernatural beings buy and sell things like luck, dreams, and destiny, the delightful characters, the bells, LGBTQIA+ rep, the twisty plot, and vivid descriptions, I don’t know what I loved most! This might be my top 2024 book. 

Trip Galey’s writing is beautiful and magical. There’s something unique and whimsical about it. He crafts sentences that have all the playfulness of a poem or song. Reading his text is fun even if the language is difficult or has fantasy terms woven in. I was genuinely just having fun reading his beautiful sentences. 
I did miss some world-building. I still had many questions about how the magic of the world worked when I finished the book. Ultimately, I think this book is about Deri and Owain's love story and the gaps in my understanding of the world didn't affect my understanding of their feelings.

A fantastic read in a fantastical world where Victorian London is entwined with Faerie treaties as part of the historic split from Rome and alliance with druidry. But it's still Victorian England — with its powerful few exploiting the downtrodden many, now with magically binding contracts. Enter Deri, a roguishly clever human assistant in the goblin market that lies beneath the city. It is an absolute joy to watch him barter and negotiate through a series of ever more treacherous high-stakes deals in an effort to secure his destiny, save his life, and free the sweet indentured workshop boy he loves. Everything has a price in this world. Will Deri give up his very heart's desire to achieve the destiny he's been chasing? 

Come buy! Come buy! And see what lies in this pealing tale where all's for sale and love comes dear
twixt hope and fear within the goblin market! 

(Get the audiobook for the 5-star experience. Narrator Will Watt is exceptional.)

Not enjoying it, not sure why. I usually love queer historical romantasy.