The magic system and world building are really cool, and the plot and stakes were engaging, but I just couldn't bring myself to truly care about any of the characters. The runaway princess took up a lot of pages for a dead end, I wanted way more early development for Silvestra, and some of the offhand world building made it feel like I missed the intro class for Fae History. At least I didn't have to deal with a miscommunication trope and Owain fully trusted Deri like he was supposed to. It was a sweet romance, but there's just so much else happening and none of it felt like it got the attention and development it deserved.

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.)

I’ll be honest, I’ve gotten to the point where I generally see “faery” in a book synopsis and promptly move on. The description of this one caught my eye, though, and I was immediately intrigued. The blurb touts elements similar to those in Neverwhere and The Night Circus, both of which are absolute favorites of mine.

I tend to be a fan of books with multiple facets of London, and the underground magical market in this one lived up to my every hope! Simultaneously whimsical and enticingly dark, almost any kind of magical bargain can be struck at the Untermarkt. The characters, though they are young, are indentured and have to act beyond their years, both above ground and below, to keep their wits about them and survive. That being said, there are plenty of teenage shenanigans that take place, especially in the relationship between two of the main characters.

There was a bit of insta-love, which I’m not really a fan of. That being said, the relationship in the book is delightful and also isn’t what solely carries the plot. Instead, the story hinges mostly upon characters’ fights for freedom and the deals they make to warrant that independence. The bargaining and sharp-witted thinking throughout the book keeps the characters and readers constantly on their toes. Plus, there are magical heisty vibes to the plot, along with various schemes, hijinks, and strategic plans.

The pacing felt mostly even, though the end felt a bit rushed, but overall it didn’t really impact my enjoyment of the book. This is definitely one I can see myself reading again a few years down the line, when I want a fun and magical world to visit!

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Titan Books for this advanced readers copy!