I would not be surprised if this ends up my favorite book of the year. there’s not a single thing i didn’t love about this. the characters, the story, the feelings it gave me. 10s all around. love love loved this!

This one, unfortunately just did not hold my attention what so ever. Everytime I went to pick it up, I found myself thinking of other things. All that to say, I didn’t end up finishing this one- it may be better suited to someone younger.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Pub for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

US Pub Date: 1/21/25

I probably won’t remember any specifics about it, well perhaps Issha, but I will remember how it made me feel. I felt as if I were curled in my favorite chair with a hot mug reading this book looking out onto a rainy day.

Serin Kim dreams of a different life. A new dream seems within her grasp when she receives an invitation to The Rainfall Market, a magical place open only during the rainy season, where she can choose the new life she’s been wishing for. Along her journey she encounters an eccentric bunch of shopkeepers as she navigates the market in search of her new future.

The Rainfall Market is endearing and whimsical and exactly what my heart needed right now. It served as a reminder that there are kind people out there even if it seems fleeting lately. I know healing fiction isn’t for everyone, but for me it really hits the spot when I need a moment of calm to readjust to the world. Also, don’t sleep on the acknowledgments at the end, because they are very sweet.

This was an interesting read. Serin is a girl about to come an adult without much hope for the future. Her sister has runaway and not come back, her mother is working herself into a shadow of who she was, and Serin feels alone. The Rainfall Market is like an answer to everything she's ever wished for and the day the invitation comes is perhaps the most exciting of her life.

This was a bit of a slower read and there is a bit of repetitiveness as Serin spends time in the Rainfall Market. While I enjoyed it, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it in smaller doses - a chapter at a time. As well, I think this would be more enjoyable in print form - partly because the cover is gorgeous but mostly because there is a guide to the Market at the beginning and it would have been easier to flip back and forth if I had a physical copy of the book.

This was a nice read with an interesting cast of characters and an endearing main character and sidekick. I'm also very glad I read the book knowing as little about the story as possible as it was fun to see how the story played out.

This was such an interesting fantasy! It definitely gave me memories of The Phantom Tollbooth and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Serin, the MC, is such a sad and brave kid! I really felt for her. The fantasy world could have been drawn with more detail for my taste but the adventures of Serin in the Rainfall Market were fast-paced and so varied! I think this would really appeal to middle grade and YA readers but I really enjoyed it as an adult as well! It gives interesting insight into South Korean culture that I appreciated.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

Posted on Goodreads:

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc.

This book is really cute, hopeful and at times funny. It’s set in a magical world full of mystery and magical creatures. Serin, a high school student, bravely sets out on a life changing journey where she discovers what really matters and what she’s capable of. It was a fun read with a great message. I will be looking to read more from this author. Although this book is tagged for YA and adult, I feel it can be enjoyed by readers of middle grade as well.

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!