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!