💬 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.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

This book has a truly incredible first line, and it just keeps flying. The concept is absolutely fascinating and explained enough for you to understand the story, but not so much that the magic disappears. I love this kind of story where the magic is so built in that you have no choice but to accept it with minimal explanation.

The characters are a grown up version of the magical and wacky characters from a Studio Ghibli film with the soft, ruminative, magic world of Before the Coffee Gets Cold.

Hana and Keishin take us on a beautiful journey with a delightful, dark, and contemplative cast of supporting characters.

I don't want to spoil too much but I heartily reccomend diving into Water Moon and finding out for yourself.

Five stars.

Water Moon is a beautifully whimsical and emotionally rich fantasy that transports readers into a dreamlike Tokyo, where regrets take the form of caged birds and a hidden pawnshop can alter fate. Hana Ishikawa, raised among these traded regrets, finds herself thrust into a mystery when her father vanishes, leaving behind a ransacked shop and unanswered questions. Alongside the enigmatic Keishin, a scientist with his own ghosts to confront, Hana embarks on a journey that unravels secrets about her past, her family, and the strange forces shaping her world.

Sotto Yambao’s writing is lyrical and immersive, painting vivid, almost ethereal settings that feel straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. The novel balances magic with deep emotional themes—loss, choice, and the weight of regret—creating a story that lingers long after the final page. While the pacing can be slow at times and some elements feel deliberately abstract, the intricate storytelling and heartfelt character dynamics make Water Moon a mesmerizing and deeply rewarding read.

Very Ghibli-esque. The setting is quite whimsical, and it makes you feel like you could just open a door somewhere and find your very own fantasy.

It’s not often I read a book that has me completely uninterested in the plot but completely enamoured with the world in which it takes place. Water Moon is a gentle ride through numerous dream like worlds in pursuit of a missing father and a long lost mother.

Kudos for worldbuilding to Samantha Sotto Yambao; in fact, although certain plot points necessitate darkness (lies, betrayal), Hana and Keishin’s quest excited me mostly for its resemblance to Polly and Diggory’s adventures from the Wood between the Worlds in ‘The Magician’s Nephew’.

Perhaps the fact that my closest comparison is a children’s book qualifies the type of enjoyment I took from ‘Water Moon’ – overall, it was a bit corny. The writing was intimate in style, but it didn’t hold my attention during the central slump, even though it did engage me again towards the end. The love interest, for me, was just too cheesy to be convincing.

Hidden within a ramen restaurant in Tokyo lies a pawnshop that trades in choices and regrets. Hana wakes up on her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owner to find it ransacked, a choice stolen and her father missing. Then, in stumbles a charming stranger offering help rather than seeking it. Together they embark on a magical journey to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice.

The best thing about this book is the imagery and imagination – it really is like stepping into something from Studio Ghibli. It positively overflows with creativity, and I would say that the plot only suffers slightly under the weight of the bizarre and beautiful world building.

The plot is a little bit hectic, jumping from location to location with new, minor characters being introduced in each chapter, but it isn’t too difficult to follow and isn’t overly complicated despite the fast pace and constant scene changes.

Water Moon is a magical adventure with twists and stunning imagery. I appreciated the pure escapism of it.

A very cosy fantasy!

Broken things have a unique kind of beauty, don’t you think?

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao is so cute. It felt like I was in a Studio Ghibli movie. It's easy to get into, and the twisty plot grips you from the beginning.

Imagine walking through the door of a ramen restaurant in Tokyo just to find yourself in an old pawn shop. That's what happens to Keishin when he walks through the door of the ramen restaurant just to find himself in a ransacked pawn shop where he stumbles upon Hana, the owner of the pawn shop. Beware, this is no normal pawn shop. This pawnshop deals in choices. Choices that could change the course of your whole life.

What I love about this book is the distinctive plot and world-building. I have never read any fantasy book that has such a one-of-a-kind plot. Every character was memorable. I loved the adventure that I was taken on.

If you are looking for a cosy fantasy with a good plot and adventure, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!

Water Moon is whimsical and heart wrenching in the most beautiful way!

“She had cradled countless bright, glowing choices and carefully set them inside their cages, but this was the first time she had held anything that felt so free.”; “No matter how close they stood, Hana was always a universe away. Without thinking, he reached out to touch her cheek, his oldest instincts compelling him to know the unknowable.”

This story was incredibly immersive and had such a nostalgic feel to it. I loved being swept away into the other world with Hana and Kei. I adored both characters and loved watching them explore and learn more about one another. Samantha Sotto Yambao has lush prose with wonderfully flawed characters. I honestly can’t praise this highly enough.

What a beautiful book!

This is such a beautiful read and just the type of fantasy I love - not too otherworldly but magical and with lots of heart. Water Moon is beautifully written and easy to get swept away with. I highly recommend this to all!

I adored this! I was kept guessing as to what would happen from page to page, the pacing was great. The characters were amazing and so easy to connect with. The world building was stunning! The plot was solid, super interesting and engaging whilst being simple and profound in it's message. The prose and tone were just really beautiful, I could of stayed in this world exploring a lot lot longer, mesmerising reading experience.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the arc, all thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.