Reviews

Trip Galey's A Market of Dreams and Destiny is a fantasy fable that feels like a Neil Gaiman novelization of a Studio Ghibli film. Brimming with imagination, visually stunning, and deliciously written, readers are invited on an enchanting adventure through London's underside, filled with cunning characters, fascinating magic, and plenty of twists.

While I was infinitely enraptured by the likeable cast of characters and Galey's gift for clever problem solving, my appreciation for Dreams and Destiny extends beyond the adventurous narrative. Like the namesake Untermarkt (a goblin market below Covent Garden as strongly characterized as any creature with dialogue), much of the story's heft lies beneath the surface. This is as much a novel about worker's welfare and the horrors of capitalism, as it is about romance and perseverance. Galey's impeccable diction never failed to invoke my empathy, no matter the emotion, be it fear or excitement or love.

In my opinion, the most successful fantasies are those with worlds that feel lived-in. Dreams and Destiny excels in this regard. Offering up a landscape replete with nooks and crannies begging to be explored. Galey does not disappoint when filling these alcoves with remarkable details that would be the prized display in other novels written by less imaginative hands.

In many a Ghibli film, the protagonist enters the magical world through a portal. By the end, they use that same portal to exit back into the real world having lived through change and with a sense of nostalgia. Upon reaching the epilogue of A Market of Dreams and Destiny, I experienced a similar tug on my heartstrings. There is something so entrancing about these pages that I felt a sort of bereavement turning the last page.

I can think of no greater compliment for a book than to leave satisfied but sentimental.

emilyrpf's review

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

the_real_al_cal's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What can I say that could possibly do justice to this book?

I was hooked from page one, which doesn't usually happen for me these days.
The writing is like something out of a Neil Gaiman book (meant in the most respectful and complimentary way possible).
The writing, particularly the worldbuilding, is some of the most creative I've read in a long time.
I couldn't predict any of the twists and turns in the story and found myself excitedly kicking my feet during the final conflict.
The main character is actually clever! His choices always felt sensible, and there was a real sense of what could be lost if he failed.
The love story is wonderfully beautiful and poignant. It really explores what love is and how it forms connections between people.

I could honestly go on forever. This book is so refreshingly clever, fun, and beautifully written. I genuinely cannot wait to see what adventures Trip Galey comes up with next.

eggbeater's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

The world building in this book was phenomenal. It was on par with Neil Gaiman. Certain parts dragged on a little bit, but I was heavily invested in the characters' outcomes.

gavreads's review against another edition

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5.0

This tale of blossoming 🌈 love between two bound servants - one contracted to a merchant of the Goblin market - the other to a workhouse - was twisty, clever and tricksy in the best possible ways. Trip Galey must have taken a trip to Magical Circle to learn how to do so many sleight of hand tricks. 5 🌟

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