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The Night Market: Don’t miss this brand-new paranormal, vampire, urban fantasy, perfect fall autumn reading for halloween 2026!
Not yet published
Expected 6 Apr 27Perfect for fans of the Threadneedle series, lose yourself in this brand-new paranormal fantasy. Available to pre-order now! Pepper Montgomery is a mortal woman on a desperate quest to save her dying sister. When a trail of cryptic breadcrumbs leads her to the elusive Night Market – a hidden bazaar where the supernatural thrives – she discovers a world of vampires, ancient relics, and dark bargains.
But the Night Market is not just a place of wonder; it's a battleground for power among the vampire families. As Pepper navigates this treacherous underworld, she finds herself entwined with Laik Hewer, a brooding Enforcer cursed with a monstrous secret of his own.
As tensions rise, Pepper must make a choice that could cost her everything. Will she risk it all to save her sister and the man who has become her closest ally?
But the Night Market is not just a place of wonder; it's a battleground for power among the vampire families. As Pepper navigates this treacherous underworld, she finds herself entwined with Laik Hewer, a brooding Enforcer cursed with a monstrous secret of his own.
As tensions rise, Pepper must make a choice that could cost her everything. Will she risk it all to save her sister and the man who has become her closest ally?
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 6, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 30, 2026
I love the dedication -
’To those familiar with
the shape
the sounds
and the smells
of loss
this book is for you’
’To those familiar with
the shape
the sounds
and the smells
of loss
this book is for you’
August 6, 2026
A market, a monster and a family secret she never knew existed….
I was instantly drawn into this story as soon as I started reading, partly because I’m a sucker for a vampire tale, but mainly due to the skilful writing that has the secret vampire world intertwining through the ordinary everyday world. There is just enough of the real world to blur the lines between fact and fantasy.
The characters quickly became close and personal the further you travel into the story. From Pepper, who is trying to save the only family she has left, to Laik, the broody Enforcer with a monster inside trying to take control, to the gang, Swan, Reese and Duncan, always on hand and great in a fight or for some humorous banter, the very curious Quinn, that quickly becomes one of the favourites, and the ever-professional Viola.
This story builds in intensity and combines great imagery, flair and intrigue, and even though it can be fragmented and jumpy at times, and let’s face it, there is a bit of an elephant in the room because I’m not sure how the vampires aren’t instantly aware that Pepper is human, The Night Market is a vampire story with a difference, and an entertaining one at that.
A relaxed narrative that sometimes has you taking a second to know whose point of view you are reading, seems to work perfectly for this storyline, a storyline that doesn’t quite take the path you might think it will.
I was captivated with the book and knowing how it all turns out, I am expecting there to at least be a book two in the future, which I am thoroughly looking forward to so I can see where the events of The Night Market take us all.
Thank you HQ Books for my fabulous ARC to read and review.
Publication date | 1 December 2026
#thenightmarket
#cabyford
#shadowswithin
#hqbooks
#harpercollinsaustralia
I was instantly drawn into this story as soon as I started reading, partly because I’m a sucker for a vampire tale, but mainly due to the skilful writing that has the secret vampire world intertwining through the ordinary everyday world. There is just enough of the real world to blur the lines between fact and fantasy.
The characters quickly became close and personal the further you travel into the story. From Pepper, who is trying to save the only family she has left, to Laik, the broody Enforcer with a monster inside trying to take control, to the gang, Swan, Reese and Duncan, always on hand and great in a fight or for some humorous banter, the very curious Quinn, that quickly becomes one of the favourites, and the ever-professional Viola.
This story builds in intensity and combines great imagery, flair and intrigue, and even though it can be fragmented and jumpy at times, and let’s face it, there is a bit of an elephant in the room because I’m not sure how the vampires aren’t instantly aware that Pepper is human, The Night Market is a vampire story with a difference, and an entertaining one at that.
A relaxed narrative that sometimes has you taking a second to know whose point of view you are reading, seems to work perfectly for this storyline, a storyline that doesn’t quite take the path you might think it will.
I was captivated with the book and knowing how it all turns out, I am expecting there to at least be a book two in the future, which I am thoroughly looking forward to so I can see where the events of The Night Market take us all.
Thank you HQ Books for my fabulous ARC to read and review.
Publication date | 1 December 2026
#thenightmarket
#cabyford
#shadowswithin
#hqbooks
#harpercollinsaustralia
September 17, 2026
First, i would like to thank NetGalley, HQ, and C. A. Byford for the opportunity to read and review this book early. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
~~~
I originally requested this eARC because the description was interesting, and i really enjoy books with vampires. And this novel did start out well, with Pepper finding the elusive Night Market, on a quest to find a magical item to save her sister. Sadly, i think the beginning was the best part of the book.
When it comes to Pepper, i really don’t think she had any character growth. I was hoping that by the end of the novel, she would come to see that she couldn’t just abandon Laik in favor of her sister, but Pepper stayed consistently selfish, so i didn’t like her character. Also, the point of view continued to change very erratically. It would occur mid page, mid paragraph, or whenever the author felt like, with seemingly no rhyme or reason, and it was very jarring to have no break between those changes.
Now, the vampires: I guess they were present throughout the story, but aside from two or three short scenes, the was not much substance to the vampiric elements i expected. Not much blood sucking, not much fighting—just a little bit of politicking and many threats.
I did like Laik’s character, although i couldn’t tell if the author was trying to set up a subtle romance between him and Pepper or not. There was one brief kiss towards the end of the novel, but these two did also spend the entire book as pretend siblings, so i wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be seen in a romantic way or not.
Overall, i don’t think this book was for me, and i do not plan to continue the series if there will be a next book.
~~~
I originally requested this eARC because the description was interesting, and i really enjoy books with vampires. And this novel did start out well, with Pepper finding the elusive Night Market, on a quest to find a magical item to save her sister. Sadly, i think the beginning was the best part of the book.
When it comes to Pepper, i really don’t think she had any character growth. I was hoping that by the end of the novel, she would come to see that she couldn’t just abandon Laik in favor of her sister, but Pepper stayed consistently selfish, so i didn’t like her character. Also, the point of view continued to change very erratically. It would occur mid page, mid paragraph, or whenever the author felt like, with seemingly no rhyme or reason, and it was very jarring to have no break between those changes.
Now, the vampires: I guess they were present throughout the story, but aside from two or three short scenes, the was not much substance to the vampiric elements i expected. Not much blood sucking, not much fighting—just a little bit of politicking and many threats.
I did like Laik’s character, although i couldn’t tell if the author was trying to set up a subtle romance between him and Pepper or not. There was one brief kiss towards the end of the novel, but these two did also spend the entire book as pretend siblings, so i wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be seen in a romantic way or not.
Overall, i don’t think this book was for me, and i do not plan to continue the series if there will be a next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an urban fantasy book that I really enjoyed. A Night Market that is not accessible or easy to find unless you manage to find specific instructions.
Pepper is desperate to get into the market to find and obtain, by any means necessary, a rose that could help her sister battle a life-threatening illness. This rose is guarded and highly sought after. There is an Enforcer called Laik, and there is something that links them, and it's not necessarily what you think. Did I mention that the Night Market is part of another world, an underword, vampires live, and this is what Pepper has stumbled into.
The story of Pepper and how she wants to help her sister by any means necessary, even if that means straying into the world of vampires, there is something that she has that makes her special, and this is what Laik finds interesting.laik is not your average vampire, he has something extra that can become overbearing.
The story weaves the internal battle Laik has and that of Pepper, and how together they hope to have an outcome that suits them both. There is deception and intrigue that keeps the suspense rolling and the pages turning.
If you are a fan of urban fantasy then this is something that might interest you. I enjoyed it and Iwoudl be happy to recommend it.
Pepper is desperate to get into the market to find and obtain, by any means necessary, a rose that could help her sister battle a life-threatening illness. This rose is guarded and highly sought after. There is an Enforcer called Laik, and there is something that links them, and it's not necessarily what you think. Did I mention that the Night Market is part of another world, an underword, vampires live, and this is what Pepper has stumbled into.
The story of Pepper and how she wants to help her sister by any means necessary, even if that means straying into the world of vampires, there is something that she has that makes her special, and this is what Laik finds interesting.laik is not your average vampire, he has something extra that can become overbearing.
The story weaves the internal battle Laik has and that of Pepper, and how together they hope to have an outcome that suits them both. There is deception and intrigue that keeps the suspense rolling and the pages turning.
If you are a fan of urban fantasy then this is something that might interest you. I enjoyed it and Iwoudl be happy to recommend it.
October 6, 2026
3 stars for me.
It was interesting paranormal fantasy.I liked the world building,it was described well and there's constant bickering,danger and betrayals.There was few things that I'm not fan of,the last fight between enforcer Laik and his opponent,I don't get why he would even atempt to fight someone who best him before.For Families so powerful when betrayed and attacked they hidding instead of fight.I'm in the middle,liked some parts and disliked some,still enjoyable read that keep me reading to find out would Pepper get her sister cure.
Thank you netgalley and HQ for arc,my review is honest and my own.
It was interesting paranormal fantasy.I liked the world building,it was described well and there's constant bickering,danger and betrayals.There was few things that I'm not fan of,the last fight between enforcer Laik and his opponent,I don't get why he would even atempt to fight someone who best him before.For Families so powerful when betrayed and attacked they hidding instead of fight.I'm in the middle,liked some parts and disliked some,still enjoyable read that keep me reading to find out would Pepper get her sister cure.
Thank you netgalley and HQ for arc,my review is honest and my own.
July 13, 2026
It’s quite difficult to rate this book as I’m not able to finish it but I do have quite a bit of feedback.
Firstly, I understand this is an arc, but the formatting was truly awful. It made it very difficult to read. Strange gaps, strange punctuation, POV switches by paragraph with no indication. There was a severe lack of speech tags which at times made it very difficult to follow. I understand not overusing them, but you need an action or something to break up walls of them. Especially if more than two people are present in a room.
It did feel like it hadn’t been edited.
The POV question- I couldn’t tell if this was third, or omni. Some very odd stylistic choices made it hard to follow.
Onto the actual contents. I’m not fan of the name Pepper but that’s personal opinion, but what I am really not a fan of is creating a brother/sister dynamic for what is likely going to be a romantic interest. I would very much like to see that trope left in the 2000s.
The start of the book was good, it did hook me instantly, and the bones of a compelling story are there. But I found I didn’t much care about anyone or anything except the crazy vampire lady - she is great.
The interactions between our fmc and mmc felt a bit wooden and forced at times, dialogue was off.
Unfortunately there was something about this book that felt very off to me in general, I struggled to reach 38% and couldn’t continue.
Firstly, I understand this is an arc, but the formatting was truly awful. It made it very difficult to read. Strange gaps, strange punctuation, POV switches by paragraph with no indication. There was a severe lack of speech tags which at times made it very difficult to follow. I understand not overusing them, but you need an action or something to break up walls of them. Especially if more than two people are present in a room.
It did feel like it hadn’t been edited.
The POV question- I couldn’t tell if this was third, or omni. Some very odd stylistic choices made it hard to follow.
Onto the actual contents. I’m not fan of the name Pepper but that’s personal opinion, but what I am really not a fan of is creating a brother/sister dynamic for what is likely going to be a romantic interest. I would very much like to see that trope left in the 2000s.
The start of the book was good, it did hook me instantly, and the bones of a compelling story are there. But I found I didn’t much care about anyone or anything except the crazy vampire lady - she is great.
The interactions between our fmc and mmc felt a bit wooden and forced at times, dialogue was off.
Unfortunately there was something about this book that felt very off to me in general, I struggled to reach 38% and couldn’t continue.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The idea of a hidden supernatural night market and vampires immediately caught my attention, and I’m so glad I picked this one up. I went in expecting a fairly typical vampire story, but it turned out to be much more interesting than I expected.
It took me a little while to settle into the writing, but once I found my rhythm with it, I really enjoyed the story. I loved the way the supernatural world is hidden within the ordinary one, and the Night Market itself was such an intriguing setting. The world-building slowly reveals more and more, which kept me curious about what was going to happen next. I also liked the way the story builds rather than throwing everything at you straight away, although the pace does pick up quite a bit towards the end.
The characters were a big part of why this worked for me. Pepper has a lot going on beneath the surface, and I really liked seeing how far she was willing to go to save her sister. Laik was much more mysterious, and I enjoyed gradually finding out more about him. Their chemistry was probably one of my favourite things about the book. The banter between them worked really well and made their relationship fun to read. And Quinn! I absolutely loved her. She brought just the right amount of fun to the story.
The writing created a really atmospheric world, and I could easily picture the Night Market and all the strange things happening there. There were plenty of twists and moments that I didn't see coming, and I found myself becoming more invested in the characters as the story went on.
This wasn't quite the vampire story I was expecting. The hidden world and the whole idea of the Night Market made it feel much more original and intriguing.
Recommended for:
Readers who enjoy vampires, paranormal fantasy, hidden supernatural worlds, romance, banter and plenty of twists.
Content warnings:
Violence, blood, death, grief, illness, threats and darker supernatural themes.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It took me a little while to settle into the writing, but once I found my rhythm with it, I really enjoyed the story. I loved the way the supernatural world is hidden within the ordinary one, and the Night Market itself was such an intriguing setting. The world-building slowly reveals more and more, which kept me curious about what was going to happen next. I also liked the way the story builds rather than throwing everything at you straight away, although the pace does pick up quite a bit towards the end.
The characters were a big part of why this worked for me. Pepper has a lot going on beneath the surface, and I really liked seeing how far she was willing to go to save her sister. Laik was much more mysterious, and I enjoyed gradually finding out more about him. Their chemistry was probably one of my favourite things about the book. The banter between them worked really well and made their relationship fun to read. And Quinn! I absolutely loved her. She brought just the right amount of fun to the story.
The writing created a really atmospheric world, and I could easily picture the Night Market and all the strange things happening there. There were plenty of twists and moments that I didn't see coming, and I found myself becoming more invested in the characters as the story went on.
This wasn't quite the vampire story I was expecting. The hidden world and the whole idea of the Night Market made it feel much more original and intriguing.
Recommended for:
Readers who enjoy vampires, paranormal fantasy, hidden supernatural worlds, romance, banter and plenty of twists.
Content warnings:
Violence, blood, death, grief, illness, threats and darker supernatural themes.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Read
September 23, 2026Thank you Harlequin books Australia as part of the HQInsiders program for the gifted ARC of The Night Market by C. A. Byford. This review can also be found on my bookstagram.
I'm not going to lie the concept of a supernatural market hidden within our world, is what had me intrigued about this book. Especially as I love the way urban fantasy balances both the real with the mythical.
I found this to be one of those books that takes a different approach to fantasy and vampires. Particularly with it's focus, been taken off lore and myth development. As compared to other vampire books, I read there was not much exploration of the lore around them. However it still held that magical vibe, that continues to draw me into fantasy.
However I did like the way this was more a character driven read. Especially as a lot of this book and it's plot and dynamics, are moved forward by the characters and thier relationships. I particularly liked how it was more than just romantic dynamics, as I loved seeing family dynamics been explored as well.
The writing throughout also allowed for visual elements to be explored, especially as it was descriptive at times and at other times it was more simplistic. Creating for me as a reader a chance to read, a different kind of writing style within the genre. However once I settled into this read I found I enjoyed it, especially with the prespective shifts throughout the narrative.
My favourite aspects of this was the glimpses as a reader that were had into the market, as for me that was my favourite part of the book. It's also the reason why I hope to see more within this world, as I think that there is so much more that can still be explored.
I'm also curious as to see if this is a standalone or if there is going to be a sequel, as I personally found there is room for more to be explored and devloped.
Overall this was a different kind of urban fantasy read, that I'd recommend adding to your TBR. If your into character driven narratives instead, of heavy world buliding for your fantasy fix.
I'm not going to lie the concept of a supernatural market hidden within our world, is what had me intrigued about this book. Especially as I love the way urban fantasy balances both the real with the mythical.
I found this to be one of those books that takes a different approach to fantasy and vampires. Particularly with it's focus, been taken off lore and myth development. As compared to other vampire books, I read there was not much exploration of the lore around them. However it still held that magical vibe, that continues to draw me into fantasy.
However I did like the way this was more a character driven read. Especially as a lot of this book and it's plot and dynamics, are moved forward by the characters and thier relationships. I particularly liked how it was more than just romantic dynamics, as I loved seeing family dynamics been explored as well.
The writing throughout also allowed for visual elements to be explored, especially as it was descriptive at times and at other times it was more simplistic. Creating for me as a reader a chance to read, a different kind of writing style within the genre. However once I settled into this read I found I enjoyed it, especially with the prespective shifts throughout the narrative.
My favourite aspects of this was the glimpses as a reader that were had into the market, as for me that was my favourite part of the book. It's also the reason why I hope to see more within this world, as I think that there is so much more that can still be explored.
I'm also curious as to see if this is a standalone or if there is going to be a sequel, as I personally found there is room for more to be explored and devloped.
Overall this was a different kind of urban fantasy read, that I'd recommend adding to your TBR. If your into character driven narratives instead, of heavy world buliding for your fantasy fix.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a fascinating and atmospheric novel which will draw you in and keep you reading. There is some great imagery, and wonderful turns of phrase, as well as an interesting story. I felt the world building was a little weak, and created minor problems for the story. However, it’s a novel you’ll find very hard to put down.
The narrative style is an offhand, casual sort of style that’s very distinctive. It’s further enhanced by some really original imagery and great descriptions. I very much enjoyed the writing itself.
Story wise, this style can feel a little fragmented at times, but I found it worked well enough for me. A certain amount is inferred rather than spelt out, and there are some jumps in the action, but generally this felt more like keeping things moving than missing important scenes. It wasn’t hard to follow.
The world building is the weakest part of this novel, and because it’s not fully realised, it causes some plot problems. Many readers will wonder, for example, why no vampire appears to notice that Pepper is human. It feels as though some important things have not been worked through by the author and so can’t be conveyed to the reader.
There are some other minor bumps. For instance, late in the novel, a character discusses offence caused around an arranged marriage. It made little sense; if anything preceded it, I totally missed it, and the passage simply doesn’t stand alone. I’m not sure if this is a failure of writing, of worldbuilding, or (to be fair) my reading.
The novel leaves room for a sequel, and most who read this will be happy to see that. I keep thinking of words like “hypnotic” and “mesmerising” for this novel – it’s unusual and effective. Fantasy readers will enjoy this, particularly those who revel in good imagery and unique narrative tones.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The concept of vampires, bargains, ancient relics and a hidden supernatural bazaar instantly caught my attention and I'm so glad I applied for this ARC because I really enjoyed it!
I did struggle initially to get into the writing style but once I did I couldn't put it down! C.A. Byford has created a wonderfully immersive world that is dark yet whimsical. The story moves at a steady pace however it does speed up towards the end of the book. Filled with complex characters, atmospheric writing and plot twists galore. This would make an amazing TV show!
I adored both of the main characters and my heart absolutely broke for them both for very different reasons. Their connection felt genuine and real, and I'm intrigued as to where the pair will end up.
Pepper is quite a complex character and has a lot of emotional depth; this is shown throughout the story. Her dedication to saving her sister leads to a horrific moral dilemma and having to deal with the fallout that comes from her choices.
Laik is broody, mysterious and is also a complex character; it's not until you discover his backstory do you realise the extent of his complexities.
I loved Quinn, she was one of the highlights of this book for me! I'm really hoping we get to know a lot more about her in the next book. She made me laugh quite a few times with her antics.
Another highlight was Leroux Tower. The entire place fascinated me, especially the individual floors belonging to the heirs.
I can't wait to step back into this world and will certainly be reading the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and C.A. Byford for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I did struggle initially to get into the writing style but once I did I couldn't put it down! C.A. Byford has created a wonderfully immersive world that is dark yet whimsical. The story moves at a steady pace however it does speed up towards the end of the book. Filled with complex characters, atmospheric writing and plot twists galore. This would make an amazing TV show!
I adored both of the main characters and my heart absolutely broke for them both for very different reasons. Their connection felt genuine and real, and I'm intrigued as to where the pair will end up.
Pepper is quite a complex character and has a lot of emotional depth; this is shown throughout the story. Her dedication to saving her sister leads to a horrific moral dilemma and having to deal with the fallout that comes from her choices.
Laik is broody, mysterious and is also a complex character; it's not until you discover his backstory do you realise the extent of his complexities.
I loved Quinn, she was one of the highlights of this book for me! I'm really hoping we get to know a lot more about her in the next book. She made me laugh quite a few times with her antics.
Another highlight was Leroux Tower. The entire place fascinated me, especially the individual floors belonging to the heirs.
I can't wait to step back into this world and will certainly be reading the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and C.A. Byford for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From the very first page, the opening of The Night Market hooked me straight away so I was instantly invested. It has a really fun plot that strikes a perfect, delicate balance… it is wonderfully dark yet maintains a fun, fast paced energy. The story is packed with so many unexpected twists and turns that I found myself constantly guessing what would happen next. I’m a fan of vampire fiction and I really appreciated this fresh, unique take on the lore.
The character development is another major highlight of the book. I am a sucker for a good slow-burn romance and the romantic dynamic between P and L completely delivered. Watching their journey unfold was really satisfying. It also helps that Laik is my type of broody MMC! By the time I reached the end, I was completely invested.
If I have one critique, it is that the frequent POV switches did occasionally confuse me, disrupting the flow of the narrative from time to time because it wasn't always clear. Also the text had a few minor editing needs. However, because I read an advanced reader copy, I fully expect that many of these formatting and pacing issues have been polished up in the final publication.
Overall a really fun book!
The character development is another major highlight of the book. I am a sucker for a good slow-burn romance and the romantic dynamic between P and L completely delivered. Watching their journey unfold was really satisfying. It also helps that Laik is my type of broody MMC! By the time I reached the end, I was completely invested.
If I have one critique, it is that the frequent POV switches did occasionally confuse me, disrupting the flow of the narrative from time to time because it wasn't always clear. Also the text had a few minor editing needs. However, because I read an advanced reader copy, I fully expect that many of these formatting and pacing issues have been polished up in the final publication.
Overall a really fun book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved the concept of this book; it's a fresh take on vampires with an old money/mob family vibe but with a supernatural twist. The plot really pulled me in.
Pepper and Laik are both complex, real characters individually, but I never quite felt a connection between them. Between the fake brother-sister dynamic and the painfully slow burn, I honestly couldn't tell if they're even meant to be a romantic interest going forward.
I enjoyed the way C. A. Byford didn't play it safe with the characters' decisions (no spoilers, but I appreciated it). That being said, a few world-building elements left me confused, like how none of the vampires could tell Pepper was human. Some side characters' actions also didn't quite line up with their established personalities. Nothing major, but enough small mismatches throughout that prevented it from being a 5-star for me.
The pacing was great for most of the book, but the ending felt rushed with too much happening at once. I also wanted more depth on the feud with Horus.
All that said, I'll 100% be picking up the rest of the series and I'm really looking forward to seeing Pepper and Laik's relationship develop.
Pepper and Laik are both complex, real characters individually, but I never quite felt a connection between them. Between the fake brother-sister dynamic and the painfully slow burn, I honestly couldn't tell if they're even meant to be a romantic interest going forward.
I enjoyed the way C. A. Byford didn't play it safe with the characters' decisions (no spoilers, but I appreciated it). That being said, a few world-building elements left me confused, like how none of the vampires could tell Pepper was human. Some side characters' actions also didn't quite line up with their established personalities. Nothing major, but enough small mismatches throughout that prevented it from being a 5-star for me.
The pacing was great for most of the book, but the ending felt rushed with too much happening at once. I also wanted more depth on the feud with Horus.
All that said, I'll 100% be picking up the rest of the series and I'm really looking forward to seeing Pepper and Laik's relationship develop.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am a sucker for vampire books and this sounded like my kind of read with the blend of vampires and urban fantasy.
It starts off really well and I was drawn in to this world. The writing flowed well and I was intrigued to meet more characters.
But then it fell a bit flat for me, as the story went on I was hoping for a bit more from it. I think my biggest issue was Pepper, I just couldn't bring myself to like her, she was selfish which made me side eyed her, but there was no character growth for her.
I liked Laik, he was definitely a more interesting character. I know it was mentioned the book was a slow burn romance but I wasn't really feeling any chemistry between them, especially whilst there's a sibling dynamic!
I feel like the story had a good premise, but for me the lack if connection to the character and growth put a bit of a dampener on the execution of the story.
Thank you HQ stories for the copy for my honest review 🫶🏻
It starts off really well and I was drawn in to this world. The writing flowed well and I was intrigued to meet more characters.
But then it fell a bit flat for me, as the story went on I was hoping for a bit more from it. I think my biggest issue was Pepper, I just couldn't bring myself to like her, she was selfish which made me side eyed her, but there was no character growth for her.
I liked Laik, he was definitely a more interesting character. I know it was mentioned the book was a slow burn romance but I wasn't really feeling any chemistry between them, especially whilst there's a sibling dynamic!
I feel like the story had a good premise, but for me the lack if connection to the character and growth put a bit of a dampener on the execution of the story.
Thank you HQ stories for the copy for my honest review 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you HQ and NetGalley for the ARC.
This had an intriguing premise and the initial set up was mysterious and set the scene well.
The initial time jump after the first chapter did throw me off, but in a way that made me compelled to continue.
However, the POVs were very erratic. I often had to reread paragraphs to comprehend who was saying what.
The pretend sister/brother dynamic the MCs had going on was really weird. Just make them fake date if you want them to have romantic tension - let’s not bring a familial relationship into things 😬
The vampiric aspect was a bit blah (with the exception of the female heir who I ADORED). They were so watered down it felt kind of pointless to even label them as vampires. There was a throwaway line of them not being the mafia - they felt more like gangsters than anything else.
DNFed at 28%
This had an intriguing premise and the initial set up was mysterious and set the scene well.
The initial time jump after the first chapter did throw me off, but in a way that made me compelled to continue.
However, the POVs were very erratic. I often had to reread paragraphs to comprehend who was saying what.
The pretend sister/brother dynamic the MCs had going on was really weird. Just make them fake date if you want them to have romantic tension - let’s not bring a familial relationship into things 😬
The vampiric aspect was a bit blah (with the exception of the female heir who I ADORED). They were so watered down it felt kind of pointless to even label them as vampires. There was a throwaway line of them not being the mafia - they felt more like gangsters than anything else.
DNFed at 28%
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3/5 stars ⭐️
Arc review HQ
The structure and function of this book was very intriguing and interesting.
Fantasy; Vampires have their own separate living, space and a human who has now come into the mix for a mission to save her dying sister.
I thought the structure to the vampires and back story and especially Laiks foundation was different and interesting to read and learn about.
Very interesting learning with the character and exploring this different world while trying to pretend and to get what you want.
I was definitely left with lots of feelings and thoughts and want there to be more.
Arc review HQ
The structure and function of this book was very intriguing and interesting.
Fantasy; Vampires have their own separate living, space and a human who has now come into the mix for a mission to save her dying sister.
I thought the structure to the vampires and back story and especially Laiks foundation was different and interesting to read and learn about.
Very interesting learning with the character and exploring this different world while trying to pretend and to get what you want.
I was definitely left with lots of feelings and thoughts and want there to be more.
Review of advance copy
Pepper Montgomery is desperate to save her sister and follows some instructions to enter the Night Market, where there (supposedly) will find the Eternal Rose, a relic that can heal. Pepper finds the item but is caught by Enforcer Laik, who works for the Cavendish family. Instead of exposing Pepper, he makes her work for the Cavenishe's as he also needs the Eternal Rose. There is the struggle between them and the Ode vampire families as well as Laik and Horus. Pepper find out a fact about the Eternal Rose, that puts her in a difficult position Interesting characters, amazing plot. I received this book to review and cannot wait for the next installment
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a romantasy like no other and I was absorbed in Pepper's world. The Night Market trends are a brilliant fantasy that had me astounding the awesomeness. The chapters build the suspense perfectly. I fell in love with the enemies to lovers type and I would love if the author turned this into a series. You won't be able to get enough of The Night Market.
Review of advance copy
A paranormal fantasy with mortals, a hidden bazaar and blood hungry vampires lurk.
Pepper just wants to save her dying sister but she steps into the unknown supernatural world and places herself in danger.
She befriends Laik and is drawn to him - but in time uncovers a family secret that ultimately leads her to make a tough decision on whose life to save.
Pepper just wants to save her dying sister but she steps into the unknown supernatural world and places herself in danger.
She befriends Laik and is drawn to him - but in time uncovers a family secret that ultimately leads her to make a tough decision on whose life to save.
August 10, 2026
I've read a lot of vampire novels that spend so much time on the worldbuilding and the mechanics of how vampires work and why they haven't been discovered that they often forget to include a story. This one was pretty much the opposite. I don't really know what these vampires can do, much about vampire history or biology and the interaction between the vampire and normal worlds is vague as heck. But the characters, motivations and plotlines are GREAT. I hope there are many sequels to this book where we can learn a little more and maybe fill in some of the blanks (like why the vampires didn't eat the main character, do they know she's human, why did they think she was the sister of another vampire,...)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Night Market By C.A Byford
Release Date: 8th October 2026
3.75 ⭐️
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🩸Urban Fantasy
✨️Vampires
🩸Hidden Supernatural worlds
✨️Banter
The Night Market isn't something you go into thinking the title tells you it all. No you had: monsters, vampires, folklore and plot twists and you only really entered the night Market twice throughout the entirety of the book.
For me personally the first 50% of this book lacked something, and the POVs were confusing at times. However the last half of this was something else! It really picked up and flowed so well I couldn't put it down. I didn't care much for the MFC personally I thought the things she said and done were selfish, and by the sounds of it she was like that growing up. The MMC and all the other characters were the ones I enjoyed when they came into the scenes, they were the definition of a found family and made for some enjoyment within the story.
Overall, I would recommend this book to others I think its a unique take on vampires and the natural world that honestly I think some people would enjoy.
Thank you to HQ publishing for gifting me this e-arc in exchange for my honest review
Release Date: 8th October 2026
3.75 ⭐️
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🩸Urban Fantasy
✨️Vampires
🩸Hidden Supernatural worlds
✨️Banter
The Night Market isn't something you go into thinking the title tells you it all. No you had: monsters, vampires, folklore and plot twists and you only really entered the night Market twice throughout the entirety of the book.
For me personally the first 50% of this book lacked something, and the POVs were confusing at times. However the last half of this was something else! It really picked up and flowed so well I couldn't put it down. I didn't care much for the MFC personally I thought the things she said and done were selfish, and by the sounds of it she was like that growing up. The MMC and all the other characters were the ones I enjoyed when they came into the scenes, they were the definition of a found family and made for some enjoyment within the story.
Overall, I would recommend this book to others I think its a unique take on vampires and the natural world that honestly I think some people would enjoy.
Thank you to HQ publishing for gifting me this e-arc in exchange for my honest review
August 8, 2026
The Night Market is a fast, fun fantasy set in a hidden bazaar ruled by vampire families and guarded by powerful Enforcers. Pepper Montgomery, a mortal desperate to save her dying sister, infiltrates this dangerous world to steal the Eternal Rose. She’s not always easy to like, but her determination drives the story. Laik Hewer, an Enforcer with a monstrous curse and a troubled past, becomes her unlikely ally. With old enemies, dark secrets, and a few twists from Pepper herself, this ends up being an enjoyable, atmospheric read. I was captivated by this read and would be interested in reading the next book.
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