What if you could trade your deepest regret for peace—with just a sip of tea? The Beginning of Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao begins with this intriguing premise and unfolds into a beautifully imagined fantasy about memory, identity, and the quiet weight of our choices.

When Hana inherits her father’s hidden pawnshop—disguised as a ramen restaurant—she also inherits its secrets. The shop offers customers a chance to give up their regrets in exchange for something life-altering. But on Hana’s first day, a regret is stolen, her father vanishes, and the rules begin to unravel. She’s unexpectedly joined by Kei, a stranger who offers help rather than seeking it, and together they set off on a journey across surreal, magical landscapes.

The book truly shines in its worldbuilding. Yambao crafts a universe that’s whimsical, immersive, and emotionally resonant. The story explores how even the smallest decisions shape us, and asks whether we can ever truly let go of the past. The themes are compelling and the pacing picks up dramatically after the first hundred pages.

However, the novel takes time to find its voice—the prose initially feels a bit stiff and the tone slightly uneven. The shift into romance, while subtle and not overpowering, may not appeal to all readers, and the alternating moods (from cozy to dark) can occasionally feel jarring.

Still, this is a thoughtful and imaginative fantasy that offers both escapism and reflection. If you enjoy character-driven stories with philosophical undercurrents, The Beginning of Water Moon is worth the journey—especially for those willing to be patient through its slower start.

This is a beautifully written story where things are not always what they seem. It enchanted me from the outset as the journey began with Hana into a magical world full of action, fantasy and danger that she has to navigate in her search for her missing father. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last! It’s unique, whimsical and, for me, reminiscent of a Ghibli story - of which I am a massive fan!

Thank you to NetGalley, Samantha Sotto Yambao and Random House Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to love this book, but story is not gripping enough. It keeps slipping through my fingers I can't focus on it and in the end it fell flat to me.

The premise is very nice, but the execution could be better written. I see the potential and understand why people are loving this book. And the cover!!!!

What I love the most is the world building. It gave a fresh air for the fantasy genre (I still don't think it gave the Ghibli vibes, but it's sure nice). I'm all for jumping through the puddles and travelling through rumors 👌🏾👌🏾

I don't like the couples, and the love triangle (Hana, Naruto, and Kei)~ it lacked chemistry. I'd prefer for them to be just adventure buddy, and building the romance along the way 👌🏾

Overall, it you love a cozy romance fantasy with quotable writings and unique magic system give it a go!!!

Thankyou Transworld publisher and netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for honest review.

Studio Ghibli as a book is right. I fell in love with this story pretty much right away. The world presented was unique, bizarre, enchanting and terrifying all at once. The atmosphere was set up expertly and I loved how much we travelled around this beguiling world. I really enjoyed the messages of the book and exploring the concept of free will. The writing was beautiful with many highlight-worthy sections (sometimes it felt a little bit self-indulgent, like why is everyone monologuing about the meaning of life, but then hey it's just that type of story.)

I enjoyed the relationship between Kei and Hana. I felt invested in their story, wanted them desperately to find happiness and felt they were drawn together by forces greater than them. But... it was hella rushed. We just jump straight in, no questions asked. I think the initial set-up could've used maybe a couple of extra chapters to really fill out the reasons Kei would join on this adventure. I see why for some people this doesn't work, but to me, it felt like a fairytale and those often have a dream-like, unrealistic vibe to them.

Would definitely pick up another book from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

*ACTUAL RATING: 4.5 STARS*

----------- WHAT I ENJOYED ------------
- When I first read the synopsis of this book, I was really drawn in by the concept as it sounded very unique. And, after finishing it, I have to say that this book was unlike anything I have ever read before. This story is a mystical adventure that questions the reality of choices, regrets and fate. Whenever I dived back into this book, the dream-like quality of the story completely swept me away, making me leave reality behind.

- The "dream world" where this book takes place really made the story feel so surreal. It is a world that is parallel to our own, but is completely different: it is a place where you can pawn away your regrets; where paper cranes hold the seconds of history that could have changed fate; a place where you can ride a song to your desired destination. There was so much to learn about this world, and it was honestly an absolute delight to discover its secrets alongside our characters. The different settings within this world were so ridiculously imaginative and creative - honestly, it is the first book that I can definitely describe as wholly and completely unique.

- The plot of this book is also really fun as I had no idea what would be coming next. It is genuinely wild from start to finish! We see our main characters, Hana and Keishin, try to solve the mystery of Hana's father's disappearance, whilst also trying to escape the notice of the guardians of this world. It is twisty and exciting, especially as it is unclear who can actually be trusted. I was so stressed reading parts of this book because it never felt like our characters were truly safe.

- Speaking of our characters, they were *messy*. They were both completely flawed, a bit lost, definitely morally grey, but so very human. Both of our characters are living with their bad choices and regrets, and they are both just searching for their place in the world together. They are interesting and intelligent characters, and they were a pleasure to follow throughout this story.

- Not only did this book have an engaging plot, realistic characters, and a beautifully crafted setting, it also had a wonderfully captivating writing style. I knew from the first line that the writing style would be one of my favourite aspects of this book. It is lyrical, while still feeling effortless and not overdone. And I think this worked perfectly in conveying the dreamy quality of this book. For example, the way the characters speak to each other doesn't quite feel like something you would hear in our world (which I understand might not work for everyone), but I thought that it really helped to sell the idea that people from the "other" world are exactly that: other. It was little details like this within the writing that helped to tie all of the elements of this book together, and it made for such a lovely reading experience.

------- WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME -------
- As this is a very plot-focused story, which is heavy in twists and metaphors, the characters were not the main focus of this story. And while this is definitely not a bad thing, it did mean that I didn't feel as strong of an emotional attachment to the characters as I would have liked. I cared about them - I was invested in their journey and I loved seeing them grow together. However, I just didn't feel that deep, emotional connection to them that would have made this book an all-time favourite.

--------- OVERALL THOUGHTS ---------
This book was an absolute joy to read from start to finish! I loved the whimsical setting and the plot that I could never guess, and I loved following our characters. However, I just needed a little bit more of a connection to the characters to have given this a full 5 stars! I would still absolutely recommend Water Moon if you are looking for an adventure through a surreal fantasy world, especially if you are a fan of movies like Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away!

Thank you again to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for sending me an arc copy in exchange for an honest review!

A whimsical cosy almost Ghibliesque fantasy that uses the premise of a magical pawn shop for your regrets in life choices, and follows the perspective of Hana who has just taken over her family business, which is hidden within the dimensions of a ramen shop, her first customer Keishin is dragged along on a magical journey across dimensions to find out where her father has gone and where the stolen choice has gone off to with a real twist in the tale at the end.

I really enjoyed the fantastical escapism of it all and would recommend to anyone looking for a cosy quirky read that sits within the magical realism genre.

Thank you netgalley and random house uk for the e-ARC.

A whimsical magical realism novel dealing with deep themes of identity, choices and the ripple effect decisions have in our life trajectory.

Hana is the daughter of the owner of a magical pawnshop in which people can leave behind their most painful choice, never to be plagued by it again. When her father goes missing and a kind-hearted person (Keinshin) shows up at the pawnshop mysteriously, the adventures and fun story begin.

This was an enjoyable novel which provides a balance of light-hearted, heavy themes and mystery. I like novels which tackle choices, life paths and things which could have been, and I enjoyed the way this was done.

Please note, this is a closed-door romance with no spice, which I think was incredibly appropriate.

That said, some issues I had was pacing (slow paced), the insta-love between the two main characters without really having earned it at that stage, and the sheer amount of magical-realism that got added to the novel. I could provide examples but without going into depth, it felt very much as though the creative things the author thought of were primary, and their function to the story was secondary.

I can really see what has drawn people in to this novel, and I think if you want a whimsical but serious reflection on life decisions and regret in a very fantastical way, this is the one for you.

<i>I was provided with a complementary copy of this novel by Random House UK (Transworld Publishers) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily</i>

This was a pleasant read. It had a lot going on, fantasy, time travel and more that it did get confusing in parts.

Solid 8/10 for me. I felt as though the concept was very fascinating and I loved the attention to detail, but there were certain moments wherein I felt as though the presentation did not embody enough of the tension that’s inherent in anticipation and uncertainty. Unlike my usual reading style (quick, unable to resist the temptation of reaching the resolution), I did my best to move slowly so as to absorb the beautiful details that encompass this work. I’ll need to sit for a little bit more time with this one, for everything to fully sink in, but it was quite the wonderful reading experience.

I really enjoyed this. It’s a little outside of my usual reads - more spirited away fantasy than fourth wing fantasy. Still I read this so quickly.

The whimsy, the romance, the family bonds, the mystery. Every plot line was perfectly crafted, no words wasted. I highly recommend this book.

"Happiness does not exist in a place. It lives in every breath we take. You need to choose to take it in, over and over again."

Somewhere in Tokyo is a pawnshop like no other. Inside, customers can sell their biggest regrets in exchange for peace. They leave feeling better. But what happens to these regrets?

Hana inherits her father's magical pawnshop. But on her first morning as the new owner, she finds it has been burgled – her father is missing as is one of the shop's priceless regrets or artifacts. If she cannot find what's been taken, the dark and threatening creatures who collect these regrets, will come for her.

On the same day, a young physicist, Keishin, stumbles into the ransacked shop. Instead of looking to pawn a regret, he offers to help Hana find her father and the missing artifact. Together, by jumping through a rain puddle, they enter a world of dreams, one full of mysticism and magic where nothing is as it seems, but consequences are real. There's a market in the clouds, a bridge between midnight and morning, and a tattooist whose body art foretells your fate.

As they rush against time to find answers, Keishin and Hana draw closer to each other. But Hana knows, it cannot be, because her fate has already been written, and she carries a secret that could destroy Keishin.

What a delightful, gentle and magically surreal book, quite unlike other fantasies I've read. The world-building and magic systems are wholly original and inventive, and reading this book felt like walking through a dream. The dynamic between Hana and Keishin kept me glued to my Kindle – their relationship changes slowly through the book, even though it's obvious from the start that they may fall in love.

I feel like the author could have made the tension more acute and vivid. The stakes were high but I didn't always feel like I was on the edge of my seat when the two main characters were in danger. I wanted to feel their fear, their anger and their heartbreak more deeply.

However, I was still charmed by these characters and by this story of courage, love and hope. I'd love to read more from this author.

Some other quotes I loved:

"Books do not find value when they are written. They find value when they are read."

"Life is about finding joy in the space between where you came from and where you are going."

"Where are we? What is this place?"
"A story. You read them in your world. We walk inside them."

It wasn't for me, but maybe it was for you.

When I read the synopsis, I thought: This book is going to be amazing. A magical endeavor in Tokyo where you can leave your regrets, with a world full of fantastic details… It sounded like something out of a Ghibli movie, and that had me excited.

But, although I loved the idea, the story didn't quite hook me. I feel like there were too many magical elements thrown in without much connection, as if the author had wanted to include all her ideas without tying them well to the plot. The relationship between the protagonists also left me a little meh, because it went by too fast and I couldn't believe that deep bond they wanted to sell me.

Even so, I wouldn't say it's a bad book. The setting is beautiful and there are super creative moments. I think if you enjoy more ethereal stories, without a very defined structure and with a lot of visual charm, this could be your type of reading. It didn't work for me, but I'm sure it will find its ideal reader.

Thanks to Random House UK for the ARC I read on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

📖 In a hidden Tokyo pawnshop, people trade their deepest regrets for peace, but only those in need can find it. When Hana’s father, Toshio, vanishes on the day she’s set to take over the shop, she discovers it vandalized and a priceless item stolen. With Keishin, a physicist drawn into the chaos, Hana sets off on a journey beyond the shop’s walls to uncover secrets and explore themes of fate, choice, and redemption.

✨ This book was pure magic. From the moment I started reading, I was transported into a dreamlike world where time bends, magic lingers in every detail, and every page feels like an adventure. The combination of Japanese culture, mythology, and fantasy was completely immersive, and I felt like I could see the world unfolding right in front of me.
The writing is stunning—lyrical and deeply emotional. The plot is intricate and filled with poignant life lessons, but it’s not without whimsy. I loved how the themes of destiny + free-will to rewriting one’s fate were woven so beautifully into the story.
It was as heartfelt as it was magical. Im in love with the hardback copy 😍

☁️Magical realism
☁️Found family
☁️Fate vs. free will
☁️Forbidden love
☁️Redemption arc
☁️Slow-burn partnership

"Only people who still had dreams required a good imagination."

"'I'm sorry.'
'For what?'
'For not making you as happy as you make me.'
'You do make me happy, Toshio.'
'Just not enough.'"

Water Moon had its very cutesy, fantastical and thought-provoking moments, but it wasn't enough for me... I guess, that I came to the realization that this is really for fantasy lovers who love to visit words completely different to ours and don't want romance, yearning, sadness,... to dwell too long. I did not feel enough; I did not feel the connections or the chemistry to really feel the need to continue reading.

"I found myself walking around Tokyo at dawn hoping that I would run into her and finally be able to ask her why she didn't love me enough to stay."

It was a nice way to escape into a completely different world, with different rules and freaking puddles, paper cranes, songs and rumors as means of travel, like whaaaat?

"Love is something that people are taught to want. But all we really need is to not be alone when we come home and to have someone to wave goodbye to us at the door when we leave."

I loved the fantastical aspects and how it all came together as time passed, but like the perfect meal without any seasoning, Water Moon just did not make me grave anything. But one thing that will stick: the privilege, worship and reminder of choices!

"The worst thing about choices is [...] having to live with them."

This might be perfect for fantasy (not romantasy) lovers, and maybe it was my mood, the expectations or whatever, but something was missing to make me feel. And that's what I need in my type of books. But thanks to all the ramen talk, I will never get over my addiction.

ʚ⁎◡⁕⊹◠ɞ 2.5 stars rounded up ʚ⁎◡⁕⊹◠ɞ

"Just because things have been done a certain way doesn't mean that's how they should always be. And if I fail, so what? That just means I'm eliminating a wrong turn and getting closer to the right one."

"Dying while I remember you is better than living a day without knowing your name."

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House UK, and Samantha Sotto Yambao for the arc! Water Moon is already out and available to read!

I had to DNF this one unfortunately - there is too much bouncing back and forth too early on, and I could never fully connect to the characters or the plot. The premise is really interesting though, I have no doubts that some will love it; but it wasn't for me.

DNF'd around 50% mark.

This book is beautiful, the setting is stunning and I see why people compare it to a ghibli film. But for me the story just wasnt there. I didnt connect to the characters and I wasnt feeling the romance.
I think this book could be really popular and many readers will love it but it just wasnt right for at this time.

💬 My Bookish Thoughts
From the very first page, I was swept into a world of whimsy, adventure, and romance. Water Moon isn’t just a book—it’s an experience!

Hana’s world brims with delightful differences from ours, and I was captivated by each new discovery—I don’t want to spoil a single thing so I'm not going to mention any of them! The world-building is breathtaking, painted with such vivid beauty that I felt completely immersed in its magic.

Big thanks to @netgalley, @penguinrandomhouse, @transworld, and @samanthasottoyambao for the gifted digital copy in exchange for my honest review. 🙏🏼

4.5


Some books feel like a dream you don’t want to wake up from—Water moon is one of them. It’s beautifully written, whimsical yet deeply emotional, filled with stunning imagery and lines that hit straight to the heart. I listened to the audiobook, completely entranced, but this is a book I have to reread in physical form just so I can annotate and tab all the passages that stayed with me.

At its core, Water moon is a story about choices, regrets, and the memories we carry. Hana Ishikawa inherits her father’s mysterious pawnshop in Tokyo, a place where people trade their deepest regrets. But when she wakes to find the shop ransacked, a precious item stolen, and her father missing, she’s pulled into a journey that feels part fairytale, part philosophical reflection. Along the way, she meets Keishin, a physicist drawn into her world, and together they navigate portals hidden in rain puddles and explore night markets in the clouds. It’s magical realism at its best—poetic, immersive, and full of meaning.

So many lines in this book made me stop and reflect. “Books do not find value when they are written. They find value when they are read. Every book here is both worthless and priceless at the same time. It depends on who you ask.” That quote alone made me pause. It perfectly captures the idea that stories live not in the writing, but in the hearts of those who read them.

Beyond its dreamlike beauty, Water moon carries a quiet but powerful emotional weight. It’s a book about finding happiness not in a place, but in the simple act of living. “Happiness does not exist in a place. It lives in every breath we take. You need to choose to take it in, over and over again.” The story lingers on themes of regret and letting go, and one line in particular hit me hard: “Yesterday has no door.” A simple sentence, yet it holds so much truth.

The atmosphere is breathtaking—fluid and dreamlike, yet layered with deep emotion. The whimsical elements make it feel light, but there’s an undercurrent of melancholy that makes it surprisingly impactful. It’s the kind of book that gently wraps itself around you, then sneaks up on you with its depth.

While the writing is stunning, there were moments when the whimsical aspects slightly overshadowed the character depth, which is the only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me. But honestly? It’s a book I know I’ll return to, because there’s so much here to unpack.

This was my first time reading Samantha Sotto Yambao, but it won’t be my last.

I received this book as an ARC fro Netgalley. The Author is new to me. The book is my second magical realism / fntasy sci fi book of recent days
Set in an alternative Japan where regrets are traded to create souls for babies and rules are enforced by metallic creatures.
The main characters are Hana and Keishin.

I am not blown away by this book some of it felt protracted and challenged my ability to believe it's narrative line. However there is a lot packed into other parts.

I wouldn't discount reading more by this author

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for the arc!

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Ghibli's 'The Boy and the Heron' meets Erin Morgenstern's 'The Starless Sea' in this fantasy adventure that is as emotionally compelling as it is whimsical and delightful. Right from the first page, I couldn't stop thinking about how stunning an animated film this would make.

I'll get my only critique out of the way first. A fast pace doesn't work for a book like this. The Starless Sea is a slow, meandering book that lets the reader linger in one place and lets the magic sink in. Water Moon, on the other hand, involves a lot of jumping from place to place and doesn't let the reader appreciate the stunning imagery. Because of that, it felt like a core ingredient was missing from a recipe that was otherwise perfect.

The romance was what I was scared about the most. I've seen reviewers being disappointed by it, but honestly, it wasn't that bad. Most popular romantasy books are so much worse in this regard because of the insta lust. There were some moments from Hana and Keishin's interactions that really stood out to me. Of course, the highlight of the book is the worldbuilding. Yes, it's not well explained and doesn't make a whole lot of sense but it doesn't have to. It reminded me of The Boy and the Heron (my second favorite Ghibli film). SSY knows how to tantalize the reader with exquisite visuals, penned down in gorgeous prose. I cant help but admire her creativity. It's been a long time since I was caught off-guard by a plot twist, and this was the book that did it. I loved reading about aspects of Japanese culture that I really adore.

I think that in order to fully immerse yourself in this book and enjoy it, you have to accept that it's an all vibes no plot kind of book. Fortunately for me, my top three favourite books of all time are exactly that. If these kind of books don't work for your, this won't either. I'm sure Water Moon will find an adoring audience in fans of Ghibli films!