The Ghibli comparisons for this book are incredibly apt. It's charming, whimsical, and visually rich. I think many readers will adore this, and the world has really stayed with me, but I can't rate it higher just because I didn't click with the writing style. I struggled to feel close to or immersed in the characters and their love felt too quick for me, but that's just my preference - I know many other readers will adore this.

Water Moon | Samantha Sotto Yambao
Water Moon follows Hana as she inherits a unique pawnshop where people trade their regrets, but when it's ransacked and her father vanishes, she embarks on a magical journey with a charming stranger to find him and unravel the mysteries of the shop.
I've seriously condensed that description because I don't want to give anything away but I cannot recommend Water Moon enough.
It's beautifully written and pure escapism as you travel Hana’s world through Keishin and his curious mind. I loved all of the whimsical locations and workings of Hana’s world (think a market in the sky or travelling through a puddle) and it's a perfect balance to the heavier and emotional moments of the story.
Water Moon is an incredible standalone fantasy novel, perfect for dipping your toes into the genre or for returning for something totally fresh.
#netgalley #watermoon #samanthasottoyambao

What a magical read just what you need in the cold of a new year - to be transported off to magical world (a bit like a grown up Magic Faraway Tree!)

I am utterly enchanted. Let me just say it: I freaking love Asian magical realism, and Water Moon has stolen a piece of my soul.
I dove into this book knowing absolutely nothing—an impulse guided solely by its mesmerizing cover. (Thank you, NetGalley gods, for bestowing this e-ARC upon me!) Little did I know, I was about to be swept into a story so immersive it would linger in my thoughts like a hauntingly beautiful melody. One reviewer wrote, “Shelf under: books that could become my whole personality,” and truly, that’s the energy I’m bringing here.
If you’re familiar with the ethereal piano piece River Flows in You by Yiruma, you’ll understand what I mean when I say this book feels like that song in novel form: wistful, whimsical, and profoundly moving. Yes, it gives Studio Ghibli vibes—imagine Spirited Away sprinkled with a touch of Alice in Wonderland. But for me, it’s something more intimate, like a cozy fever dream that whispers truths about love, loss, and resilience while enveloping you in warmth.
I didn’t just read Water Moon; I experienced it. It arrived at precisely the right time in my life, as if it knew I needed it. Mourning someone close to me, I found myself in the company of Hana and Keishin, two characters who redefined my understanding of grief and healing. They taught me, in their own delightfully odd ways, that it’s okay to hurt, to hope, and to accept love, even when the world feels unforgiving.
In this world, where destinies are etched on your skin and choices seem predetermined, Water Moon asks the daring question: what if there’s another way? What if we can rewrite the stories we’re told to believe? Through Hana’s tenacity and Keishin’s quiet kindness, I found myself pondering not only their fates but my own.
The world-building in this book is nothing short of magical. In just over 300 pages, Samantha Sotto Yambao crafts a universe bursting with fantastical folklore, strange and delightful creatures, and a spellbinding magic system. And yet, amidst all this wonder, the heart of the story remains deeply human. Every choice, no matter how small, ripples outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully comprehend.
I felt like I traveled alongside Hana and Keishin—through peculiar, dreamlike landscapes in their quest to find her father. Every step of the journey was vivid and emotionally charged, making me laugh, cry, and marvel at the sheer creativity of it all.
The characters, oh, the characters! Protagonists, antagonists, even those who only graced a handful of pages—they all felt alive, their hopes and fears woven seamlessly into the tapestry of the story.
At its core, Water Moon is a celebration of family, friendship, survival, and love. It’s a reminder that even in a world that seems rigid and unyielding, there is always room for magic, for choice, and for hope. This book didn’t just entertain me; it held my hand and walked me through a deeply personal journey.
If this is the first book I read in 2025, how am I ever supposed to top it? Water Moon has already staked its claim as a contender for my favorite read of the year.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for allowing me the privilege of stepping into this world. It’s one I’ll carry with me for a long time.

Beautiful. Every word was a joy to read, and I’m now keen to discover the other books written by this author. The fantastic world-building and Japanese culture makes the story so ingenious, and the characters are perfect. I originally picked it up because of the gorgeous cover, but the story surpassed even its beauty. My book of the year, without doubt.

*** Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ***

Really unusual but so intriguing. There was a dreamlike quality to the book that won’t be for everyone but will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoys magical realism.

Water Moon is a beautifully crafted whimsical fantasy that intertwines elements of magic, romance, and self-discovery. The story centers on Hana Ishikawa, who inherits a mystical pawnshop in Tokyo where individuals can trade their deepest regrets. Her journey becomes even more intriguing when she meets Keishin, a physicist whose logical world collides with the enchantment of the pawnshop.
Samantha's writing is both lyrical and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. The novel's setting—a hidden pawnshop masquerading as a ramen restaurant—adds a layer of charm and mystery that captivates from the start. It’s like stepping straight into a Studio Ghibli film! The author's ability to blend whimsical elements, such as riding on rumors and visiting a night market in the clouds, with profound themes of choice and regret, is commendable.
Hana’s character evolves as she navigates the challenges of her new role and the complexities of her relationship with Keishin. Their romance, while a tad brisk, is genuine and adds a sweet layer to the narrative. Their dynamic demonstrates how contrasting worldviews can intersect and influence personal growth.
While the novel's imaginative aspects are enchanting, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven. Certain plot developments unfold rapidly, leaving a desire for more detailed exploration.
Overall, Water Moon is a delightful read that offers a unique blend of fantasy and reality. Fans of Studio Ghibli's whimsical storytelling and cosy fantasises with a touch of romance will find this novel particularly appealing.

this book was a beautiful world building story which reminded me so much of a studio ghibli film. It was dreamy.

Water Moon is a very whimsical magical realism story with in parts beautifully poetic writing and creative worldbuilding. Its exploration of themes of fate and agency was something I wish we had delved into more deeply in place of the romance.

My favourite part of this story was the opening chapters. The idea of a magical pawnshop where people come to trade in their regrets was fascinating. The same goes for the various different places we travel to in the other world.

I wasn’t a big fan of the romance and this is I think where the story lost me. As soon as the love interest is introduced we spent a lot of time on pining over each other in both their perspectives. There was no time taken to build up a relationship between our two characters which left me not invested in one either.
The dialogue felt stiff and repetitive and was used to do a lot of telling and not showing which also impacted my enjoyment of the world.

I think the author had some wonderful ideas which for me were overshadowed by the lack of depth to both the characters and their relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy for review.

I am sure that many readers familiar with Studio Ghibli will recognise some of the tropes of the films when reading this book. I couldn’t help seeing the characters and worlds as animated because of that but that isn’t a criticism as I love anime.

The sensibility of the novel is extremely Japanese and I am fascinated by their view of objects as having their own spirit: tsukumogami.

The love story feels inevitable yet it is given depth by the findings of their journey.

Overall, a fresh and interesting read and a change from the crime fiction I often read.

With thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an arc of this novel.

Oh this book, this had the potential to become a five-star-read, a new favourite even. It is gorgeously told, well-crafted and the world of "Water Moon" is full of incredible, stunning imagery and creativity. It's whimsical and poetic in tone and asks important questions about agency and choice. I really liked Hana, our main protagonist - a young woman about to inherit her father's magical pawn shop before he mysteriously disappears.
I genuinely enjoyed the flowery writing, though I admittedly wasn't as much of a fan of some of the narrative choices the author made (like an overreliance on Super Dramatic Chapter Endings). But still, I didn't mind those much.
I just sadly have to admit it was the completely unnecessary instalovey romance that ruined it a little for me. Kei was an incredibly boring character and as soon as he arrived and it was becoming clear that this would be first and foremost a romance I sighed the deepest sigh. I would have preferred a focus on Hana's story, on her development, her journey towards agency and choice independent of a relationship with a man, because right now he is the major catalyst for her character development. And character development isn't this book's strong suit in general. Add to that an even more unnecessary love triangle and yeah, the story lost me. I kept reading for the potential of it all, for the beautiful and creative world spread out before me, for the mystery, but I wasn't emotionally engaged anymore. Sadly, the romance really worked to the detriment of this book and the actually beautiful story that could have been told.

As such, this turned out to be a disappointment especially because I wanted to love it so much, had high expectations and the first chapters were an incredible setup. 3 stars for the beautiful world and concepts.

Water Moon is a whimsical tale of a pawnshop that exists between two worlds. It doesn't trade in goods, but past regrets, choices that were discarded along the way. Hana's world is truly fantastical, following rules that don't make sense in the real world. Paper cranes come to life, museums showcase the capsules of time, and unbelievable ways to travel. In some ways, it reminds me of a Japanese version of Haroun and the Sea of Stories (Salman Rushdie) - but for adults - plus some of the wonderful literalism from Roar (Cecilia Ahern).

There was a little bit too much insta-love for my liking. It's obvious right from the moment that Keishin is introduced that he would fall in love with Hana, for no other reason than he wants to help her like some kind of knight in shining armour and that he is stubborn. And because of Fate. Hana, at least, has a little more complexity - and her some of her strange choices are explained in the book's resolution.

At its core, this tale encourages you to slow down, live in the present and let go of the past.

Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from Transworld Publishers via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Very much enjoyed this story of Hana and her new friend Kristin as they travel through another realm on seemingly hopeless quest to find Hana’s family.
There are some very interesting concept worlds and creatures in this book which is set in Japan, and yet not in Japan. Kristin and Hana travel to another dimension through mystical means.
That was a really mystical and mythical quest, rather like an old-fashioned fairytale.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to have read this ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review

I stumbled upon Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao recently, and I'm so glad I did! The book's description immediately caught my attention, especially because I love diving into contemporary Japanese literature.

The story centres on Hana, who works in her family’s pawnshop tucked away in a quiet alley of Tokyo's Asakusa district. For Hana, the pawnshop isn’t just a job; it’s her “life’s path, her singular purpose, her ikigai.” But this isn't a typical pawnshop—there's a magical twist. When people pawn burdensome choices they can no longer carry in exchange for a “fair price”, they go back into their world a little lighter. Their choices turn into birds and are kept in a cage inside the shop. It’s a beautiful, imaginative concept that really sets the tone for the story.

Sotto Yambao does a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture; I could easily see this story coming to life in a Studio Ghibli film—there's just so much whimsy and magic woven into the narrative.

We soon learn that Hana’s father, Toshio, is about to retire, thrusting her into managing the shop alone. Just as the pressure mounts, he mysteriously disappears during what seems like a burglary, and Hana’s first client, Keishin, arrives. Together, they set off on a quest to find her father, exploring incredible places like the Whispering Temples and the Library of the Lost while encountering fantastic characters like the eerily hounding Shiikuin, who shadow their every move. As they search, Hana has to confront some tough choices, including the dark mystery surrounding her mother’s crime—she was punished for stealing a choice from the pawnshop—and the reasons for her father's disappearance. Plus, there’s this tender love story with Keishin that adds a delightful layer to the plot.

Sotto Yambao crafts a romantic fantasy that draws you in deeper with every page. The more you explore this enchanting world, the more complex the story becomes. My only slight critique is that it felt a bit lengthy in parts, but overall, it’s such a remarkable read. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of Sotto Yambao’s work!

If you are looking for a cosy read that gives you Studio Gibli vibes, this is the book for you.

A hidden world behind the mundane reality, full of magic and wonder, and poetically described. A young pawnbroker brought up in this magical world and a young physicist from the 'real' embark on an adventure to find the pawnbroker's father.

I liked the whimsical nature of the book, it reminded me of The Starless Sea. Yet, I didn't like the insta-love between the two characters. Furthermore, the physicist just took this other world at face value; it doesn't follow the laws of nature, but he doesn't once question it. I would have liked to see a tiny bit of disbelief.

Private feedback for the author, posted only on NetGalley:
I think this story could have benefit from some more explicit hints earlier on. There were a couple places where I thought the character interactions were strange: the spark between Hana and Kei happened too fast, she didn't really put up a fight or get on edge when this pushy stranger insisted on helping her, etc. These scenes made sense after the plot twist, but at the time I wasn't sure whether it was intentional or due to poor writing. The reality is that there are a lot of authors out there who DO rush romance for the sake of advancing the plot or getting to the "spicy bits" and I wasn't sure whether I could trust you as an author. I think dropping some early confirmations would have helped a lot. An eyebrow raise here, a pause there, anything to tell me that yes you are the kind of author who would make subtle subtexts like this, yes this is the kind of book where I should watch out for those, and yes I was on the right track as a reader.

Review posted to GoodReads:
Water Moon is an adult's version of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away crossed with Makoto Shinkai's Your Name. Man accidentally enters the "other world" home to people akin to Japanese spirits, meets woman from the spirit world, goes on an adventure together, and finds something he's always been looking for. It's a story about longing, about human choices, regrets, changing your destiny, and love. Main characters are 21+.

Prose: 10/10
Plot Premise: 10/10
Plot Execution: 7/10
Pacing: 4/10
Characters & Romance: 6/10

Let's start with the thing that impressed me the most: the prose. Samantha Sotto Yambao's prose is some of the most beautiful I've ever read, short of full-on poetry. To quote the beginning of the book:

Time has no borders except those people make. On this particularly cold autumn day, Ishikawa Hana fashioned that border out of the thinnest layer of skin. Eyelids were useful that way. Because as long as she kept her eyelids shut, she could keep the two halves of life apart: the twenty-one years she had lived before she opened her eyes, and all that was going to happen next.

Usually, the first chapter of an author's book is the most well-written while the rest fades off quicky after. I'm happy to report that Yambao's writing does not follow that trend: it is beautifully written all the way through.

The plot premise is also beautifully structured. The ending felt well-setup and deserved, and the plot twist was incredible and satisfying. The best books are the ones written with the destination in mind, and Water Moon is a beautiful example of this. The one critique I have here is that I wish the author had left us a few more breadcrumbs along the way. There were a handful of things in the story that seemed strange, but I wasn't able to determine whether it was intentional or simply poor writing at the time. Though most of my questions have been resolved after finishing the story, there are a still a few hanging ones, so I feel like it's a mix of both. A couple hints from the author would have helped greatly - an extra pause from a character here, a raised eyebrow there, or a refusal to look someone in the eyes to confirm to the reader that they are correct to think this scene is strange. But overall, the author still did a wonderful job and delivered an ending that felt well-thought out and appropriate.

Pacing is the only part of this book I thought was a negative. There's a good 12-ish traveling scenes in the middle 50% of the book that could've been condensed down to 6 to 8. I got the sense that these scenes existed half because the author was excited to show off her worldbuilding and half because she wanted to develop the romance between the main characters (more on that later), but the problem was that there was very little plot advancement throughout. These scenes amounted to: go to new place, find a new clue leading to another place, rinse and repeat for TWELVE locations. The stakes didn't change, they didn't find out anything new about the missing father's motive, didn't learn anything new about what happened 21 years ago that started all of this, there were no hints dropped that we should be increasingly suspicious of anyone or anything. Just pages and pages of world dumping and a slowly progressing romance that wasn't really enough to sustain it for that long. The pieces only come together in a rush for the last 10% the book, but it felt like a struggle to get that far.

Finally, the romance. It was alright. Not the worst I've read (ACOTAR) and not the best (Six of Crows), but it was acceptable. The interactions between characters mostly felt natural. For the scenes that weren't quite natural, I still don't know whether some were intentional or simply due to poor writing. I'm inclined to believe it was a mix of both -- if the reader can't tell, it's partially on the author to make it clearer. For example, upon Hana and Kei's first meeting, I could tell that both were acting strange. Hana made a show of pushing Kei away without ever actually putting her foot down about it. Kei was being too pushy with helping someone who gave the impression that she was uncomfortable with his presence. The spark between them happened too fast given one person should still be terrified that her father is dead. Speaking of the potentially dead father, he is forgotten about for several pages due to the sudden arrival of the hot new stranger Kei. The former I now understand was intentional. Hana wanted him to stay, but at the time it just felt like poor character writing. I think the scene could've benefit from hints from the author that Hana was indeed acting strange, not only to guide the reader on which way to think, but to also establish author-reader trust early on: yes, I am that kind of author who writes subtle subtext, yes you can trust your instincts that something strange will happen at some moments in this story, some I may confirm, but some I may not.

All in all, this is a 4/5 story for me but the kind that has cleanly put Samantha Sotto Yambao on my author radar. I look forward to reading her future works.

Some customers hoping to attend a ramen restaurant in Tokyo find themselves in a pawnshop which trades in regrets. This is what happens to Keishan, a physicist and he finds Hana who has just discover her father is missing. What follows is a magical, mystery tour of a world way beyond anything a physicist could imagine or accept.

Leave your world behind and settle in with these two characters for the ride of your imagination.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

What a beautiful tale. Water Moon evoked anime style imaginations while I read it. I could really see it as a anime film! I bonded with the main character Hana and felt her emotions as she journeyed through her world to find answers. I also loved Keishan as he brought a fresh scientific element to the story.

I'm fussy with my fantasy reads and this book hit the mark for me. Fantasy, but with a depth of emotion and human relationships that meant I invested in the storyline.

I loved everything about this novel; the vivid descriptions of Hana's world, and how it made "our world" seem just as crazy; the engaging characterisation of the two protagonists and the three love stories wrapped within the book.It reminded me in a positive way of the Watchmaker of Filigree street, not that it was like it, rather that the Japanese setting and the world building was just as adept. Wow.

Such a fun magical whimsical read. When this book releases I highly recommend. The setting and pacing was also perfect