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!

This was enjoyable and whimsical. It took me a while to get into the book. But afterthat it was delightful. at times it felt like a Studio Ghibli movie. I did not feel a deep connection to the characters (in the sense that I was not rooting for them for success or anything) and i found the chemistry lacking. Those who enjoy whimsical tales will enjoy the magic in these stories

Rating: 2.5/5, ok
Thank you, Samantha Sotto Yambao Random House UK and Transworld Publishers, for the digital copy via NetGalley.

Japanese magical realism has gained increasing attention in recent years, thanks to excellent translations. Samantha Sotto Yambao's debut, Water Moon, embraces this style with a whimsical, Ghibli-esque atmosphere. However, despite its charm and well-execution, the book didn’t stand out to me.

Hana's family has owned a pawnshop for generations. However, this is no ordinary pawnshop—it’s a place where people can pawn their deepest regrets, sealed over a warm cup of tea. To reach the pawnshop, you must go through the ramen shop door, but only a select few can find their way through. When Keishii returns to Japan, he decides to eat at the ramen shop. Meanwhile, it’s Hana’s first day as the owner of the pawnshop, following her father’s retirement. Upon waking, she finds the shop ransacked and her father missing. It’s then that she encounters Keishii, standing in the middle of the chaos. Together, they embark on a magical journey to uncover her father’s whereabouts.

Yambao's prose is whimsical, leaning heavily on dialogue. The story's pacing is somewhat inconsistent, with a lull around the midpoint. While the narrative offers some satisfying action, a few moments feel too easy and convenient. Nonetheless, the book presents great ideas and imagery, with interesting concepts woven throughout. In my opinion, the relationship between Keishi and Hana feels childish for two adults; perhaps they would have worked better as friends or simply as a customer. The characters are too one-dimensional and could have benefited from a more nuanced portrayal. The plot had the potential to serve as a powerful vehicle for deeper character study but instead felt like a series of filler sub-quests.

Overall, Water Moon is a charming and cosy read that embraces the whimsy of a Ghibli-esque story. With its imaginative premise and dreamy atmosphere, it offers a gentle escape into a world of magic and folklore. While the pacing can be uneven, the book’s warmth and creativity make it an enjoyable experience. Readers looking for a light, comforting fantasy will likely appreciate its charm, though those seeking a deeper story might choose to look elsewhere.

Three words to describe Water Moon: magical, mystical, and charming! Reading this felt like falling into my favourite Studio Ghibli movie. The world-building in Water Moon is absolutely breathtaking – ever-evolving and twisting a dreamlike world full of enchanting imagery and fantastic richness. Samantha Sotto Yambao's writing weaves this captivating world from mesmerizing descriptions and lyrical prose paired with an enticing plot full of action, wonder, and whimsy that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page.

A beautiful concept lies at the heart of this story, questioning the power of choice, fate, and purpose in our lives. I loved that the characters' arcs challenged them to process complex emotional states of grief, loss, and trauma and how it changed the two main characters, Hana and Kei. Both represent opposite states of looking at existence – one of choice and one of fated destiny. Hana's purpose and destiny are inked into her skin. Kei was a scientist who was born to question and explore and was full of limitless possibilities. Their magical adventure brings them through the joys and pains of life and sows the seeds of a sweet, fragile love found within the breath of a dream.

Perfect for readers who love cozy magical realism, beautiful imagery, and an incredible emotive journey of self-discovery and healing. If you love books by Stephanie Garber, Elizabeth Lim, and Sue Lynn Tan and Studio Ghibli anime movies, I can't tell you how much you are going to love getting swept away into Water Moon.

Thank you so much to Bantam Books and Samatha Sotto Yambao for approving my Netgalley request for a digital eARC of Water Moon. I adored this adventure. I would love for @StudioGhibli to apply their magic touch to bring Water Moon to life as a movie.

I gave Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao two stars because, unfortunately, it didn’t captivate me at all. I found the pacing incredibly slow, and by the time I was about a third of the way through, I just couldn't keep going. The premise had a lot of potential — a mystical pawnshop in Tokyo where people can "pawn" their regrets and life choices — but the execution felt underwhelming and uninteresting.

The story felt more like a meandering journey than an engaging plot, with slow-moving action and an almost dreamlike quality that never quite hooked me. Hana’s quest to find her missing father and uncover the stolen life choice was meant to be mysterious and magical, but I just couldn’t connect with the characters or the world-building. The mystical elements, like hitching rides on paper cranes and traveling through the bridge between midnight and morning, had promise but didn't feel fully developed or compelling enough to hold my attention.

Overall, Water Moon didn’t grab me in the way I had hoped. The slow pacing and lack of emotional engagement made it hard to stay invested, and I found myself wishing the story had more excitement or depth. If you're looking for a slow-burn magical journey, this might appeal to you, but for me, it just wasn’t the right fit.

I did not finish this book. This book finished me.

The plot twist at 96% had me screaming and I almost hurled my kindle into the wall. At 96%!!!

This book was pure magic, a beautiful beautiful story. The plot, the prose, the ending - ✔️.✔️.✔️. So many emotions and plot twists, I could barely put this book down. It completely blew me away. And I absolutely loved Samantha Sotto Yambao's writing style. I haven't read any of her other works but will most definitely check them out now.

I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book but what a journey, so whimsical so unique, I want to read more like this.