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The Night Market
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?
- GenresFantasy
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 6, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 9, 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 8, 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
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.
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 time 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 time 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 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.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews