A mortal seer enslaved by a traveling faerie market. A Raven shifter selected in a lottery to save his Caravan tribe. And a future not even the cards could predict . . .
Some children dream of running away to join the Night Market. I did so to escape a nightmare.
Still, being forced into an overheated tent to read fortunes until sunrise has its trials—naturally. But when he visits me, I suffer for entirely different reasons.
Stars above, Rhylen Lonan is the most beautiful faerie I’ve ever known. A Raven shifter with long black hair, dark purple eyes, and magic that stirs my own. Each Night Market, in exchange for a generous slice of cake and a delicious morsel of gossip, I read him three cards. And before the gates open, he breaks my heart with the same question.
“Does my mate love me back?”
Every time, I'm taunted with visions of Rhylen in love . . . with her. His mate. Until tonight’s reading, that is, when Fate takes a sudden dark turn. I see a devastating fire. He will be forced to marry to save his tribe or face banishment. She will be hunted by other fae in a wedding game.
I do not see her face. I never have. Nor do I know her name.
But as Rhylen’s destiny continues to grip my Sight, I start to suspect it's me. That I have always been his forbidden future. And I don’t know what terrifies me most—that I might be his downfall or that he might be mine.
THE NIGHT MARKET is a new adult fae romantasy set in the Bound by Ravens world and perfect for fans - mutual pining - brother's best friend forbidden romance - fated mates - witty banter - courting rituals - touch her and die - grumpy fox familiar - pocket hedgehogs - and magical comfort cake
JESIKAH SUNDIN is a multi-award winning Fae Romantasy, Dystopian Punk Lit, and Historical Fantasy writer, a mom of three nerdlets, a faeriecore and elfpunk geek, tree hugger, nature photographer, and a helpless romantic who married her insta-love high school sweetheart. In addition to her family, she shares her home in Seattle, Washington with a rambunctious husky-chi and a collection of Doc Martens boots. She is addicted to coffee, GIFs, memes, potatoes, cheese, kilts, mossy forests, eyeliner on men, and artsy indie alt rock.
Quede completamente enamorada de este libro, la forma que la autora escribe me encantó. No voy a mentir, algunas veces me perdía completamente porque esta en un dialecto diferente al "inglés común", hay palabras que en mi vida leí y estaba cada dos por tres buscando su significado pero eso no le resto al libro (en lo que a mi respecta).
Creo que la mayoría de nosotras estamos acostumbradas a ver mitología/cultura Irlandesa en libros como algo pasajero, ponen dos palabras de origen irlandés para hacer que suene ~magicooo~ y listo después ni se calientan por entender el contexto y la importancia de esa cultura... SI ESTOY HABLANDO DE LAS SORETAS DE MIERDA DE SARAH J MAAS Y REBECCA YARROS... OJALA NUNCA CONOZCAN PAZ
Si quieren un libro de fantasía donde la mitología y cultura irlandesa sean DE VERDAD parte importante del libro les super encomiendo este libro, el romance me hizo querer arrancarme los pelos y esto lo digo como algo extremadamente positivo!!!! la tensión que había entre los dos.... espectacular, los personajes secundarios me encantaron, la atmósfera en la que te sumerge la autora es hermosa, las descripciones también hermosas, todo es hermoso en este libro!!! algo que me gustaría remarcar es que es uno de los pocos libros que cuando leía las partes donde remarcaban sus "instintos" (una onda macho alfa) o cuando están super horny... no me pareció gringe ni sobrepasado, es mas, iba acorde con la caracterización de los personajes (les juro que tiene sentido si leen en libro ahre) no se como explicarlo, pero me gustó como la autora escribió a los personajes en sí!!! Igual tampoco es que es super horny el libro, yo creo que tiene la mezcla perfecta ente escenas de romance super épico con declaraciones de amor que te hacen decir "CUANDO ME VA A TOCAR A MIIIIIII", escenas con tensión sexual y muchas escenas tiernas y graciosas (entre ellos y sus familiares), aparte de tener un plot aparte fuera del romance, en sin una combinación perfecta en lo que a mi respecta
El libro tiene un romance super super super SUPEEEER hermoso, por fis denle una oportunidad porque creo que vale muchísimo la pena
A mortal seer enslaved by a traveling faerie market. A Raven shifter forced into marriage to save his Caravan tribe. And a future not even the cards could predict . . .
Tropes: * mutual pining * brother's best friend forbidden romance * fated mates * witty banter * courting rituals * touch her and die * familiars
Review:
I’m starting this review by saying that I’m really sad that I didn’t like this book. It was supposed to be so good, every trope in it was telling me I would like it. I was clearly wrong… Also, it seems that I am the only one that didn’t love this book because there is so many 4 and 5 stars, this book is clearly an unpopular opinion for me.
What I like:
The setting was perfect, magical and mysterious. The story was good and I enjoyed the characters. I also like the familiars, they were so cute 🥰
What I didn’t like:
The dialogues were so repetitive and juvenile… True mate and mate was over utilized in this book that made it mean nothing… The book was too long for what it was, I’m sorry but it’s true, too many details that weren’t really important. I also felt like nothing was happening and at 70%, a lot of things starts to happen but it feels like informations dumping…
In summary:
I think this book is really not for everybody. I think it was more of a cozy fantasy and a lovey dovey story. Clearly wasn’t my jam but that’s fine! 😊
Friends, this book is everything. Rhylen is the swooniest male Jesikah has wrote yet. He speaks to my teenage emo heart in so many ways. Filena is absolutely hilarious. Add in some forest animals that are always making me laugh and cake infused with happiness (and an extra helping of berries) and you have yourself an amazing story. Highly recommend this book.
➵ “A mortal seer enslaved by a traveling faerie market. A Raven shifter forced into marriage to save his Caravan tribe. And a future not even the cards could predict . . . “
➵ A forbidden romance between a brother’s best friend due to class and status
➵ A ”touch her and you die” romance
⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺⋆
𝑀𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈:
➵ I was more than confused for more than half of the book. This was my first fantasy book and was more excited with the fact that I finally finished it!
➵ I’m not really sure if it’s just the fact that it was Irish dialect, but I felt as if I was having a seizure every time I would read something dealing with “Irish Fantasy.”
➵ There is a happy ending after the trauma that the main female character had to endure.
➵ In a book with sweet, cute, and spicy moments, I usually find myself kicking my feet. Not with this book, I was cringing and wanted to rip my hair out instead of twirling it. Why would they say something and then ruin it by saying ”lass,” or ”pet,” or even ”mate.”
➵ Can someone also give the author a dictionary for better words?! So many unnecessary things were said that made it seem like it’s just DRAGGING!
This was poorly written (if I have to read the phrase True Mate again today, I’m going to rip my hair out) and was overall pointless (this was truly hundreds of pages of repetitive filler), but I didn’t totally hate it and still kind of want to read the follow-up novella. 🤷🏻♀️
This feels like a half-hearted Wattpad story, penned by an overly enthusiastic, hormone-driven teen who likes faeries. Despite my strong resolve to always finish a book, this one tested my patience to its very limits. I literally had to take a week+ long break, when I got half way through.
I know a lot about fae lore, they’re not great beings… especially with mortals. I get it. But this book is just a whole other level. Obsessive emotional abuse thinly veiled as "primal magic instincts" is seen throughout and this toxic dynamic is disturbingly glorified. For example: •“MY NAME IS THE ONLY MALE NAME...” -Rhylen, talking to his WIFE. •“She’s my bonded wife. If you see MY property in the custody of another, you’re first bound to arrest them." -Rhylen, talking about his wife to some random character. You see the theme? Despite his character preaching how wrong it is for other tribes to use women as property, he speaks about his own wife like that. But it’s okay because it’s just “primal magic” and he will love her forever. No.
The story does have a few redeeming qualities, particularly the imaginative elements involving Fae, Faeries, and other magical beings. But these aspects are overshadowed by the overwhelming focus on Rhylen and Filena's unhealthy relationship and incessant sexual tendencies towards each other. Im not one to yuck someone’s yum but… “bury myself deep inside her and climax from wing play” made me want to vomit.
This book might appeal to a very specific audience but for anyone looking for a well-crafted fantasy with mature characters and relationships, this is not it. I found myself counting the pages until it was over, relieved it was finally over.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Night Market Author: Jesikah Sundin Bound By Ravens #2
I feel like this series is not talked about enough! This is currently a trilogy (I’m not sure if more are coming?) of interconnected standalones in the same world. I read, and enjoyed the first book, Bound By Ravens, a month or two ago but this one was SO much better! This is a cozy romantasy set in an Irish-inspired fae world. It follows Filena, a mortal seer enslaved by a traveling faerie market, and Rhylen, a Raven shifter forced into marriage to save his Caravan tribe. With elements like fated mates, forbidden romance, witty banter, and magical familiars, this book packs a serious punch. It hit all of my favorite things. Also.. she can see his mate.. but she can’t see her face? 🤭. I loved these two characters so much. If you want a good romantasy but don’t want to commit fully to a long series please give this a chance.
Jesikah Sundin is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite cozy romance authors. I fell in love with her writing style after reading Bound by Ravens and absolutely could not wait to read more so I applied and was lucky enough to receive an ARC for the Night Market.
Set in the same universe as Bound by Ravens, the Night Market tells the story of Filena and Ryhlen. I was hooked and rooting for them from the very first chapter where he comes into her tent in the night market and asks her the same three questions he asks her before opening night every single night market in exchange for happiness infused cake with berries. I honestly have never wanted a couple to be together so badly. This forbidden romance took me on a wild ride where I absolutely could not put the book down. Ryhlen Lonan is seriously romantic partner goals and I will absolutely not stop recommending this book to everyone.
Güzel ve cozy bir fantastik okumak isteyenler eklesin 🐦⬛
Ailesinin istismarından abisiyle birlikte küçük yaşta kaçan ve gece pazarına satılan, pazarda falcılık yapan Filena (21) ile Kuzgun Shifter Rhlyan Lonan (23) ‘ ın karmaşık kaderlerinin garip hikayesi.
Rhylan her gece pazarı açılışında Filena’ yı ziyaret edip üç soru sorar ve olaylar gelişir. Doğaları sebebi ile shifter & insan birlikteliği yasaktır ve cezası ağırdır. Araya düşmanlar girer, bazı savaşlar verilir, minnoş yan karakterler eklenir..
Filena, kardeşi Cian, Rhylan ve kız kardeşi Glenna arasındaki dostluğu çok sevdim, Filena'nın tipik uyuz, dikkat çekmeye çalışan kadın karakterlerden ziyade sakin ama aynı zamanda sert bir karakter olarak tasvir edilmesine de bayıldım.. Zor bir geçmişi olduğu belli olsa da, dünyadaki güzelliği görebiliyor. Rhylan ise her şeyin gayet farkında olan duyarlı bir karakter, risklerin farkında ve ona göre kartlarını oynuyor. Ve yaptığı ateş dansı ❤️🔥🔥 İşte sahalarda görmek istediğimiz hareketler 👏🏻
Giriş, gelişme ve sonuç.. 🤌🏻
Yaratılan dünya çekici, diğer kitaplardan karakterleri görmek güzel. Aşırı hızlı okuttu. Bazı yerleri cringe olsa da yoklukta iyi gitti. 🫠 Bence tek de okunur.
This was such a lovely, light read! I'm in love with Rhylen 🫶🏽 and the forest animals - they made me so happy! Such a lovely story - SO MUCH happened in those final 100 pages, my goodness!
Highly recommend for anyone who wants a funny, witty, light-hearted romantasy!
This is an adult fae romantasy and if you love forbidden romance, fated mates, touch her and die, seers, raven shifter fae and animal familiars this is the book for you.
Rhylen is strong, possessive, protective of his family MMC who has a softer side and I spent the entire time reading this swooning over him as much as Filena did.
Filena is clever, witty, has a good heart with a bit of wickedness to her.
This was my first read of Jesikah’s and I absolutely loved this book. It was well written and every page had me wanting to read more. The book is full of witty banter, tricks and bets, courting rituals, greed and betrayal, laugher and love. It was a longer book but I still didn’t want it to end. Definitely a 5 ⭐️
Ok, so I thought the book was GOOD, I just don't think it's GREAT. I feel like if I had a better understanding of the world from her previous books, I probably would've enjoyed it more, so that's on me. Some of the dialogue was a little repetitive - I get it, they're TRUE MATES. There's a small section of the story where there are so many things happening; *SPOILER* I had a bit of a hard time following the scenes leading up to the Wild Hunt and how all the different parties involved thought they owned Filena. Also I'm still confused about Bryok knowing about Filena's heritage. But overall, it was a cute story with a HEA.
❤️ Cute little animal sidekicks. Forbidden love. ✨
🙅🏻♀️ The world/lore/dialect were too much for me… really hard to digest! I felt like I was reading a bunch of gibberish. And the plot??? We don’t know her. 💅🏻 Rough read, glad it’s over.
Honestly I like the premise of this book however it just felt like it fell short of what it could have been. Over all not a bad story just wasn’t a hit for me.
I think that The Night Market had a strong start, but lost itself a little towards the end as it fell into the conventional stereotypes of broody/toxic men that are so common to romantasy. Not a bad read by any standards, though. I found this book randomly through the recommended for you section on kindle and it offered an easy romantasy palette cleanser. I was very partial to how well-researched the mythology felt, the childhood friends to lovers (rather than insta-love so common to fated mates), and the kind relationships between both male and female characters. I'll forever think about Rhylen telling Filena he would barter and bargain 100 times just to give her a dress she liked because they have no money.
Sooooo good! And such a cute and cozy read. I felt well immersed in the story, setting, and characters. My only criticism is that I personally felt like the plot dragged on for 100 extra pages that didn’t need to be there. Also that many kids - by 28?? Girl…
This book felt like stepping into a dream soaked in stardust. The setting gave me some Caraval vibes, a setting filled magic and wonder where mortals and, in this case, fae mix in a place full of fortune-telling, enchantments, and just the right amount of danger.
The banter between characters was quick and witty, making every interaction a delight. I especially loved the Irish influence—the names and the speech patterns added such a lyrical and magical texture to the world. And oh, the pining between Rhylen and Filena? Heart aching and beautiful. Forbidden love done right, wrapped up with a found family vibe and a cast of lovable familiar animals. Shoutout to George the Raccoon for stealing everyone’s clothes.
It’s romantic, whimsical, and full of heart. A spellbinding story I didn’t want to end.
Overall this was a pretty good story and the characters relationship was just so pure and sweet. It did have some great quotes but not all of the writing was great. I did feel like the writing was repetitive as well as the narrative at times. It often came back to similar phrases and perspectives over and over again. I also had a hard time with some of the character development. Unfortunately the MMC bad boy possessiveness was a a little tiring and so was his POV. The FMC was very likable and I especially adored her familiars but I felt she lacked the strength she was so clearly supposed to possess and kept alluding to the entire novel. The damsel and distress narrative was a bit cliche. The world building was very cozy and the side characters were fun. Overall it was a solid read but could have used more developing.
I'M FREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE
I can't even put into words the way I absolutely HATED reading this book. The concept was interesting, hence why I decided to read it, but horribly executed. Cheesy, repetitive, possessive not in a hot way but in a weird way, boring, lacking depth, etc, etc. The whole book felt like just a bunch of words put together that ended up saying nothing, the author just wanted to reach a word count. I don't have much else to say other than there's not a single soul in this world who could convince me that the people who rated this horrible book with 5 stars weren't clearly bribed, 'cause I don't see anyone truly enjoying this thing.
I wanted to dnf at 25% but I pushed through with my life 'cause I wasn't going to let this garbage defeat me and possibly give me a reading slump.
I admit, this is one of those books that you really have to be in the mood for. It is written with a heavy romantic slant, not so much the storytelling, but the character interaction. There is pining, true love/mates, I'll love you until the stars fall from the sky kind of interaction between the characters. It's a decent length, so if that doesn't sound appealing, this is not the book for you. Normally, it is not the type of book I gravitate to, but it was the right book at the right time for me.
AMAZING.👏🏻 INCREDIBLE. 👏🏻 Forbidden romance. Fae and human. The Buttons and ribbons 😭 (IYKYK) Childhood Friends to Lovers. Caravan fae. Found Family. Protective hero 🔥Where is my wife 🤌🏻🔥🔥 Highly recommend. Jesikah's writing is so beautiful. Amazing world building. The details are spot on. 👌🏼 There is a HEA but your heart will get trampled a bit on the way there 😂. She's always good mend it back together though. 🥺🥰
The narrators are INCREDIBLE 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 The best duet narration. 🤌🏻
It was a lovely, imaginative book, just on the long side. Instead of 500 pages, I think the author could’ve condensed it way down to 300 pages.
Also, the Irish names, nicknames, and cadence of speaking was at times tough. Whether an eyeball read or audiobook, it isn’t an easy language for an American. 😂
Some sage advice from the author: ‘Lower your eyes for no one.’ Turn your pain and disappointments into something of beauty and joy for others.
Fave line: ‘…had the attention span of a drunken butterfly and the maturity of a nap-deprived toddling bairn who had eaten a dozen sugar cookies and [drank] an entire kettle of coffee’.
I'm rounding up from 2.5. I couldn't care less and the only thing that kept me going is the audio was at least interesting to listen to but the story was wordy and boring.
I REALLY REALLY wanted to love this since I adored Bound by Ravens, but I felt like some of the story was extremely repetitive. It felt extremely long and unnecessary as some things didn’t really add to the story. Parts also felt like nothing was going on and then the last 20-30% of the book picked up so fast that I couldn’t follow as it got very info-dumpy. I really had to force myself to finish this book. :(
The first part of the book was really cute, I loved that he knew she was his and the cute card reading scenes. But idk, he was super possessive for someone that didn’t like the idea of her belonging to someone… Regardless, I still love him and I’m glad that he fought so hard for her. The epilogue was also very cute!
The Night Market set in the same world as Bound by Ravens and I would suggest reading Bound by Ravens first otherwise, some things happening here will spoil the story for Bound by Ravens.
The pacing is a little slow but I really enjoy the magical and lively atmosphere of the night market, I also enjoy following the forbidden love story between Filena and Rhylen. Their love story wasn’t easy, the class difference and also the elder who keep coming between them but thank goodness Fate is on their side. I absolutely adore how Rhylen doted on Filena with the ribbons and delicious desserts!
I love the secondary characters here like Glenna and Cian with their bantering and sassy comments for each other who really liven up the story. I can’t wait to read the novella coming up this spring about their story!
Overall, I enjoy reading this book especially that epilogue. I think I see someone I recognized from Bound by Ravens! I’m hoping there will be a book about them later!
If you enjoy reading cozy fantasy stories with fated mates, found family, forbidden love, brother’s best friend and adorable familiars then I think this one will suit you!
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!