The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang had a charming premise, but it didn’t fully work for me. The concept of a mystical market where you can exchange your misfortunes for a new life was intriguing, and the magical realism had a whimsical touch. However, the story felt more like lower YA or even middle grade, which made it harder for me to connect with the characters and fully invest in Serin’s journey. The pacing dragged a bit in the middle, and while the overall message about gratitude was sweet, it lacked the depth I was hoping for.

It was a fun, whimsical read, so as long as you go in knowing it skews younger, you should enjoy this one.

"The Rainfall Market" by You Yeong-Gwang is a compelling and whimsical narrative that captivates readers from start to finish. As I delved into its pages, I couldn't shake off the feeling that this book would make a fantastic anime movie. It definitely carries the enchanting and imaginative essence reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, with its array of whimsical characters and vivid storytelling.

Serin, the protagonist, unknowingly encounters various situations that test her character and goodness. Instances like feeding a pregnant cat in the alley and helping an elderly man up after he was bullied subtly illustrate her innate kindness. These moments are not just heartwarming but also reinforce the central lesson of the story: "the grass isn't always greener on the other side." As Serin navigates through her hardships, she learns to appreciate what she has, highlighting the importance of gratitude and self-realization.

One of my favorite moments in the book is when Serin wins the jackpot at the casino, and Gromm comments, "...You, missy, are a lucky young lady." This quote holds a significant foreshadowing that Serin only comes to understand later, making it a pivotal moment in the narrative.
In conclusion, "The Rainfall Market" is an excellent read for young adults, with its child protagonist and valuable life lessons. It's a story that not only entertains but also imparts wisdom, making it a memorable addition to any reader's collection.

Very Grateful to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and You Yeong-Gwang for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The Rainfall Market was a pretty cute story. I liked Serin and found her journey through the Rainfall Market to be a cozier read, with whimsical writing and an adorable kitty sidekick. Serin is helpful to others while trying to find the new life she wants to live.

Even though this isn't a very long book, the middle did slow down quite a bit, and I found myself a bit bored. The ending did pick up and it was quite enjoyable with a kind of final battle, that brought everyone together.

While I didn't connect with the characters or the story as much as I hoped I would, I did enjoy the story overall and am happy I read it.

REVIEW: The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang

If you could switch your life for another one, would you? Fables say you may receive a ticket to the Rainfall Market if needed. During the rainy season, you would bring your ticket to the Market and be allowed to select a new life. You must choose before the rainy season ends; otherwise, you will be stuck in the Rainfall Marketplace forever.

The Rainfall Market was a great mix of whimsical fantasy, comforting and cozy, and a hint of mystery. The world-building was fun, and the story had a unique premise. There was a lot of good imagery, and you could picture yourself in the Rainfall Market. Our main character, Serin, is a younger girl who feels she has nothing. Her sister is lost, she has no friends, and her family barely has enough money to survive. For the most part, she is a sweet and loveable character. The supporting characters in the real world and The Rainfall Market were interesting enough.

The biggest thing that I didn't like about The Rainfall Market is that the middle of the story felt slow and repetitive. Many of the events and tasks Serin had to do to see her possible lives were very similar and mundane. Following the characters she met during this time was hard since nothing made them or the tasks stand out. I also wished the story went deeper into Serin's character and the story itself. It just seemed to scratch the surface.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Rainfall Market. It is a cozy, whimsical, and unique read. If you like Studio Ghibli, this book will give you similar vibes.

Thank you, Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

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This book is a captivating magical realism novel that offers a unique exploration of life's possibilities. The story's premise of a mysterious marketplace where one can potentially exchange a current life for something else is very intriguing and what drew me in.
The novel skillfully blends elements of fantasy and personal discovery, creating a narrative that is both whimsical and cozy. While the magical setting provides an extraordinary backdrop, the core of the story kept me invested - examining themes of choice, transformation, and self-discovery.
The magical cat companion and the time-limited nature of the market added tension and excitement to the story.
A solid 4-star read that promises to leave readers contemplating their own life choices long after turning the final page!

This unique and whimsical story drew me in with its bold and gorgeous cover and kept me reading for the fantastical storyline.

Serin is desperate for a new opportunity and a change in her life, so she is thrilled to get a ticket to the rainfall market, where people can purchase orbs that give them a whole new life. Once in the market, Serin finds herself able to choose between many new lives by helping the characters in the market with various interesting tasks.

The idea of the market is such fun, and I loved that the book included sketches of the various characters in the beginning. The story feels light and airy, and I enjoyed seeing the various lives Serin chose from.

I do believe this should be marketed more as a YA or even middle grade read, as our main character is a teenager who feels quite immature. Perhaps due to this being a translation, a lot of the writing feels very simplistic and lacks emotional depth.

Thank you to Ace Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up.

This is a simple fable about being grateful for what you have rather than focused on what you don't. I didn't hate this, and I think it is well-written (I thought the translation was GREAT), but it also isn't really my thing. I'm glad to have read a book in translation, but next time I think I'll be more deliberate about something more specifically appealing to me. (I will say that can confirm there's a cute cat [best part of the book], which is what made me pick up the book.)

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

This story was had a lot of charm. The world of the market and the quest of Serin to begin a new life were intriguing. The life Serin leads is one of hardship, and the Rainfall Market offers hope for achieving dreams if she follows the rules. This short read did struggle to keep my interest at times. Because it is a translated book, that may explain the bit of disconnect. Overall an imaginative story with a positive message. Thank you to Berkley for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang is a charming tale that explores the themes of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and the realization that happiness can often be achieved through a simple shift in perspective.

The writing is easy to follow and very straightforward, likely a choice of the translation. However, this makes the story sometimes feel repetitive and unemotional. I found that I didn't really feel like I was immersed in the story, but instead seeing it from a far distance. It has Ghibli vibes - the descriptions are detailed and build the world well, but I didn't feel much impact at the end. It felt obvious to me what Kim Serin was missing, based on her description of her life, so all the other distractions and detours felt pointless.

I did like the little twist at the end, as it added some action, but the motivation wasn't clear enough for me to fully feel invested either way.

Maybe if this was sold as an MG or early YA story, this would've tempered expectations in terms of depth. As a whole, this was a miss for me.

TW: violence; mentions death of a parent, animal abuse

Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2.5/5
World Building: 3.5/5
Writing: 3/5
Pacing: 2/5
Overall: 2.5/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Ace via Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

I had some rough patches while reading the book, I forgot that the FMC was a young girl who didn’t have much experience in life. You can clearly see it while reading and it made it difficult for me at times but the story was very whimsical. The idea of being granted a wish, something that would grant any desire you want. Pretty great but after coming on to each obstacle the lesson was pretty simple which was to try to enjoy what you have even though it may not seem like much. There was a point in the story which I felt was a bit weird but coincided with what was going on at the time, though I would have liked to have a bit more focus on the plot. It was a fun diversion, a unique story with a magical world.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, I received a ARC for an honest review !

"It was finally here. The rainy season, and with it the answer to her prayers: the Rainfall Market."

The Rainfall Market is a charming and whimsical read that had me from the moment I saw the cover.

The story follows Serin when she finally receives a ticket to enter the elusive Rainfall Market with the chance to swap her life for a new one. But if she can't find her dream life in just one week, she'll be trapped in the market forever. The concept is relatively straightforward but it really allows for a sweet and transporting story about appreciating the small things in life.

This one definitely has some Studio Ghibli vibes that I think will be perfect for fans of Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.

I think The Rainfall Market does come across as a little younger but I would maybe recommend it as an accessible entry into the recent trend of translated Magical Realism Fantasy for those also interested in books like Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and DallerGut Dream Department Store by Mi-Ye Lee.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the ARC in exchange for an honest review

The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang [ Berkley Publishing #NetGalley #gifted ]

I really enjoyed the premise of The Rainfall Market - a ticket that can change your life if you visit on the first day of the rainy season. There is something so romantic and melodramatic of a world in which the dokkaebi have the power to exchange parts of human experience and provide one with alternatives of their lives. I really liked the magic and fantastical elements of this story - while feeling like the humanity of Serin as she tries to figure out what kind of life would provide her with the happiness she seeks.

Serin is thrilled when she receives an invite to the Rainfall Market. Word around town is you can bring your misfortunes and leave with a completely new life. She can’t wait to get to the market and find a new world for herself. Upon arrival she meets a cat who will help her along the way. She has until the rainy season ends to figure out what changes she wants to make.

This was such a great magical realism book! I did see some reviews that felt the book was a bit more young adult than they expected. I will say I agreed with that take, but for me it didn’t change how I felt about the book. I do think part of it could have been the translation as well. I definitely didn’t expect the turn this one took, but I truly enjoyed every second of this one!

Thank you to @berkleypub for my gifted copy of this book!

You Yeong-Gwang's "The Rainfall Market" is a delightful foray into the realm of magical realism that leaves readers with a warm glow and plenty to contemplate. This enchanting tale follows Serin, a young girl grappling with isolation and hardship, as she stumbles upon a mystical marketplace that promises to fulfill her deepest desires.

This novel is a poignant exploration of choice and self-discovery. Yeong-Gwang masterfully portrays Serin's indecisiveness when faced with the opportunity to transform her life, using it as a catalyst for a deeper journey. As Serin navigates the magical market, encountering an array of fantastical characters including a shape-shifting cat, readers are treated to a narrative that is both whimsical and profound.

The author's deft touch in blending the magical with the mundane creates a cozy fantasy atmosphere that is utterly captivating. Each encounter in the market serves as a mirror, reflecting different facets of Serin's hopes, fears, and potential, inviting readers to ponder their own choices and desires.

"The Rainfall Market" is more than just a flight of fancy; it's a thoughtful meditation on the complexities of want and need, the value of human connection, and the unexpected paths that lead to personal growth. Yeong-Gwang's storytelling is imbued with a gentle wisdom that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Thank you, Ace and NetGalley, for my free books for review.

The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang is a spellbinding tale of self-discovery wrapped in a fantastical adventure. The story follows Serin, a lonely young woman granted the chance to reshape her life, as she explores the enchanting and mysterious Rainfall Market with her magical cat companion, Issha. The market's whimsical shops and shadowy undertones create a richly imaginative setting that balances wonder and suspense. Serin’s journey to define happiness feels both intimate and universal, resonating deeply with anyone who has questioned their place in the world. With its lush prose and poignant themes, this novel captivates from start to finish, leaving readers pondering their own dreams and choices.

I loved this! Imagine if you had the opportunity to change your life's direction, ensuring that you were going to be successful... happy... in a relationship... Now imagine that you had the ability to see how those wishes turned out. Yes, it's essentially the plot of every genii wish tale ever.

But! The world that You creates here, from the Wonka-esque Golden Ticket to the characters (that cat? I want an Issha!) to the collection of the wishes, even the walking trees - it's all both familiar and new at the same time. The outcome is fairly obvious by halfway through the book, but who cares? It's the charm of the Market and Serin's search that makes this book work.

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley

Serin is a lonely person who struggles with her own failures and all seems hopeless. But when she hears about a mysterious Rainfall Market that deals with people's misfortunes, Serin ventures to the market determined to create a better life for herself.

With enchanting magic and a pinch of meta fiction, Yeong-Gwang examines people's endless attempts to find the perfect life/happier future. The characters (specially Dokkaebi) are quirky and they provide an intriguing dynamic that makes this a quick and fun read. The story allows one to wander through people's curiosity, often capturing moments of greed that feel realistic. Some questions don't have easy answers and several scenes invite one to meditate on life - about starting on one's dreams and finding one's own happiness.

This book feels like a lingering taste of warmth, or even more, a beacon of hope into the darkness. While it succeeds at leaving one with a buoyant mood, I think this novel falls short of depth and emotional resonance, both in character development and plot's intention. The simplistic yet charming prose often feels YA and it might work for those seeking a light and adventurous read with Ghibli vibes. The ending, though, feels rewarding and moving.

If you could have a better life, how would you choose? THE RAINFALL MARKET (tr. Slin Jung) is a healing novel that can be the 'rainbow' for some readers, just the ray of sunshine that one needs.

okay first things first, we have to acknowledge how absolutely beautiful this cover is. Covers like that sell books, even books that will never bee read! but unfortunately the cover is hands down the best part about this book. It was not horrible by any means, it was still absolutely readable and kept me engaged for most of it, it was just the authorial voice and tone felt very young.

It's as if the author was going for cozy sweet vibes and instead wrote something juvenile and basic, when those things are not one and the same, it would have served the author to focus on certain aspects of "cozy" rather than just simplifying it's language in an attempt to cozify. I think this would be better suited to a slightly younger audience, but it was not all together awful. Two stars for the fun bits, but not much more than that.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of The Rainfall Market.

As a fan of translated fiction, I was immediately drawn to this book. The title, premise, and especially the beautiful cover are what compelled me to request the ARC.

The concept of the Rainfall Market—a mysterious place where you can rewrite your life—is fascinating, and Issha, the magical cat, quickly became my favorite character. However, while the premise was unique, the story as a whole fell flat for me. The writing felt plain, the emotional impact wasn’t as strong as I’d hoped, and the storyline leaned juvenile, with Serin’s choices often feeling shallow.

Toward the end, Issha’s death, rebirth, and ultimate reincarnation were bittersweet but didn’t land the way I’d hoped—largely because I’m not a fan of stories involving animal deaths, even if the animal comes back in another form. The ending itself, while technically a happy one, lacked the depth and resonance I wanted.

I believe the point of this story was for Serin to realize she already has what she needs in life, and while the moral is meaningful, its delivery was a bit dry.

This was a 2.5 to 2.75-star read for me, but I’m rounding up to 3 stars because I likes the premise, but loved the title/cover, and Issha, who carried the story for me.