What an entirely unique book—from the premise to the world, I was hooked from the first page. Water Moon was mesmerizing and dazzling, and I absolutely agree with the Studio Ghibli connections folks are drawing. I honestly reccomend going in blind, so I’m going to keep this review short: read this book.

Alongside the praises I’m singing, I do have two gripes. I wish the pacing would have been a hair slower—I would have appreciated a bit more descriptions of the incredible world and people we were meeting. I also had a negative taste in my mouth about a reveal at the end but I won’t go into it here to avoid any spoilers.

TYSM to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, I can’t wait for my physical copy to arrive!

This was a very whimsical story that reminded me of a fairy tale or Studio Ghibli movie. I loved the magic in it; the hidden pawnshop and the pond portal and magical tattoos. I enjoyed the themes of choices and regrets, and what people can be willing to sacrifice or do to forget or change the past.

My only complaints are the pov and time jumps early on in the story were a little too prevalent and it was hard to follow it all at times. In some places the dialogue also felt a bit clunky, but i think that might be due to the translation than the story itself.

Overall I found this to be a charming, enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray for the opportunity to read and review Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yamboa. All opinions are my own.

The premise for Water Moon was intriguing to me as something I had not read before and wanted to give a try. A young woman and her father run a pawnshop in an alternate world that handles peoples regrets. Not long after the book begins her father disappears on the same day a handsome stranger finds himself in the pawnshop as a possible customer. The remainder of the book is part romance, part adventure trying to find her father. It is true that you will definitely get the same vibes of "When the Coffee Gets Cold." Unfortunately, for the life of me I could not get involved in this story. As you can see from the reviews, there are lots of 4 and 5 stars, many individuals love this book. Again, unfortunately, I DNFed it at 53%. I found it kind of boring. Even though this book is not for me it will be for many others. Water Moon will be available January 14th at all major book retailers. Happy Readings!

This is definitely the most whimsical book I have ever read. I was very intrigued with the storyline and the writing style and every element felt like it was coming out of a dream. That being said, and while I was down for the ride for a while, the whimsey did get old. It felt like there was nothing concreate to lead the story along and it relied only on the fantastical elements. I felt that same way about the characters, that even though we learn a certain amount of information about them, because they are so rooted in whimsey they do not feel real and therefore are detached and I was unable to connect with them.

I'm super disappointed because I really thought I was going to love this, the endless journey with task after task to complete did just happen to get old. It still is a three star read because I did enjoy it for the most part, and it felt like I was watching a Studio Ghibli film, it was just not something that will stick with me or I will want to return to.

I would still absolutely recommend these to people who are fans of Studio Ghibli and who want a true escapism filled, fantastical and nonsensical novel. Fantasy at it base form, but missing a lot of key elements to really make it super strong.

I left the novel with answers but still feeling unsatisfied. However, this is a novel I would love to explore more of if there was ever a sequel.

Reading Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao felt like stepping into the enchanting world of a Studio Ghibli film—lush with magic, mystery, and heart. The imagery and atmosphere were so vivid that I wanted to immerse myself in a Ghibli marathon just to relive the same whimsical feelings.

The story follows Hana Ishikawa as she takes over her family’s extraordinary pawnshop—a place where people can sell their regrets. Hidden and accessible only to those who truly need it, the pawnshop becomes the setting for a deeply personal and magical adventure. On the day Hana assumes responsibility for the shop, her world turns upside down when it is ransacked, her father vanishes, and Keishin, a physicist, arrives, setting the stage for a thrilling journey to uncover her father's fate.

The worldbuilding in Water Moon is nothing short of breathtaking. I’ve always been captivated by stories set in Japan, and this book elevated that fascination by weaving in an alternate world that felt both familiar and utterly surreal. As the characters frequently note, nothing is quite as it seems, and that sense of wonder permeates every page.

The characters, too, were a highlight. I found myself deeply invested in their journeys and felt a surprising sense of healing through their experiences. This book arrived in my life at just the right moment, sweeping me away when I needed an escape most.

On a personal note, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would sell my own regrets. Even after reading this, I’m tempted—it might just be worth it.

My only minor critique is that some parts, particularly toward the end, felt a bit confusing. The transitions between events, especially during the time jumps, were occasionally hard to follow. However, I suspect this may have more to do with the whimsical, otherworldly nature of the story than any flaw in the writing. My rigid reading style sometimes struggled to keep up with the fluidity of the narrative.

Overall, Water Moon is a stunning, twist-filled journey that will leave you enchanted. I loved every moment, and I only wish there had been more exploration of the “in-between” spaces during the final chapters. Highly recommended for anyone who loves magical realism, heartwarming tales, and stories that transport you to another world.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for allowing me to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review~

NOTE: Retail reviews will be published on publication date~

I DNF’d this one. It was a really cute concept but I just found myself so detached from the characters. It jumped around so much I felt like we were only in a place for a page or two. Also, Kei’s willingness to go with the flow just made no sense to me. Could be a great book for someone else just not for me!

I received an eARC of this book for review from Del Rey via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me. I really like the premise of a hidden pawn shop were regrets can be left behind. The style was just to dreamlike for me. It's listed as fantasy, but it reads like magical realism and that genre usually doesn't work for me. This isn't an exception. If non-linear stories following secretive characters into undefined worlds work for you, give this one a try.

DNF @41%

This was such a delightful read. The magical realism and world building was spectacular and I read each page with enjoyment. Amazingly written and can’t wait to read more from this author
Thank you to NetGalley and​ Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine​-Del Rey​ for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

3.75 ⭐️
In some ways Water Moon does remind me of a Studio Ghibli movie specifically in the world creation and building the absurdity of everything that yet still makes sense. However, it does not read with the same vivid colors like a Studio Ghibli movie because so much was told through dialogue rather than showed. I wouldn’t consider the characters Hana and Kei flat as much as I just didn’t really connect with them. I really enjoyed watching the two of them as they try to find and figure what happened to Hana’s father. I do almost wished their relationship was kept platonic, as sometime felt like the romantic aspect was thrown in last minute. There were many really good thoughtful quotes all throughout the book. If you enjoy reading whimsical japanese translated literature like “before the coffee gets cold”, “days at the morisaki bookshop”, etc you will likely enjoy this book as there’s many elements that reminded me of those.

The writing and the depth of this world, the other side of the coin that we are whisked into is enchanting in its beauty. Each description of Hana’s world is whimsical and totally unique. One problem I had was how quick we are moved from location to location, we never get to learn more about each spot. While the two main characters seem to fall fast, it makes sense when you get to the end of the book. Very very original and whimsical!

Lovely in the bittersweet way a lot of translated fiction from Japan seems to be (though to be clear, this was originally written in English).

The picaresque nature of the plot was interesting to read — it was one fantastical, dreamlike sequence after another — but I felt the story focused on the plot at the expense of the characters. I didn’t feel the emotional resonance from or between Hana and Keishin that I would have liked. That emotional connection and depth is necessary for the characters’ end-of-book sacrifices to pack the punch the author intends; without it, the climax falls flat.

A very light and whimsical read, I loved everything in this book. Really my only complaint is the romance, I thought it was completely unnecessary and would’ve worked better as a platonic relationship.

Thank you NetGalley!

3.5. Starting off by saying that the overall vibe of this book is incredible. Saying it’s like reading a studio Ghibli film is pretty on point. I definitely think the atmosphere is one of the best things the book has to offer. The setting is definitely unique and I loved reading descriptions of each new place and just overall learning about this other world.

We get some dialogue/prose that is 5 star worthy, absolutely beautiful, but then we’ll get hit with something on the next page that just…swings and misses. That part was a little confusing for me honestly.

The characters are where things really fell apart for me. Hana and Keishin instantaneously have this insane, strong bond that just doesn’t seem realistic at all. Despite the entire book following their journey to find Hana’s parents and watching their relationship develop throughout, there just wasn’t good chemistry between them. It almost feels like the book was originally written without a romance plot line and it was forced in after the fact. Beyond that, all the characters came off as very bland. We are constantly told they have this depth to them and I do think there is an honest attempt at providing that depth, but it just doesn’t hit. The book is really trying to be character-centric, so this is a really big miss for me.

Overall, I don’t think it sucked and think if you like Studio Ghibli and/or romantasy it’s worth giving a shot. I’m just disappointed I didn’t have as positive an experience as other reviews.

DNF at 60%. Oh my gosh, this hurts me. I have never dnf'd an ARC and I always go into ARC's optimistic and with the hope I'll like them. This book gripped me in the beginning but the incredibly fast pace kept me from being able to truly immerse myself into the story. By 60% I was so bored I couldn't even force myself to pick it back up and finish. Water Moon definitely has strong Studio Ghibli vibes, and while I adore that franchise, this book just didn't work for me. The insta love didn't help either. If you enjoy The Night Circus or The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, I bet you'll love Water Moon. I, however don't like those types of books and had I know or seen other people compare it those titles, I never would have picked it tbh.

I do want to give credit to the stunning cover. I truly wish I enjoyed this book so I could buy a physical copy to display on my shelves.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for a copy of this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I am never sure what people mean when they describe a book as cozy. I do not think this is quite cozy but there are moments that it has that are very cozy, helping increase my understanding of the term.

On Hana's first day in charge of the pawnshop for choices, she meets a strange man. Rather than needing her help, he offers to help. Her father is missing and the shop has been ransacked. As they journey through her magical world, the reader is transported into new ideas and locales that bend our way of thinking.

Samantha Sotto Yambao creates a delicate and intricate world through the pawnshop. A world that I just want to revisit. The chemistry between the characters is interesting but makes sense by the end of the book.

This novel is entirely different from what I expected but I loved it and will wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic and fantastical read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

This book felt like watching a Studio Ghibli movie, in all the best ways possible. Just enough whimsy but not so much that you lose track of what you're reading.

A mind-bending adventure that has you questioning the decisions you've made and whether you still carry any regret of choices you've made, one way or the other.

I read this book in two days and I couldn't put it down. The pacing is phenomenal and keeps you hooked.

Wow, this book has been one of my favorites this year. The best part of the story, in my opinion, is the setting. The author takes us through multiple locations that feel both enchanting and immersive. I was captivated by how beautifully the world is painted, creating a whimsical, cozy, and magical atmosphere that made every scene come alive. I’m grateful to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book.


This review will be posted on Goodreads on December 23, 2024

This was sooooo close to 4 stars for me! I told a friend that this book felt like the author wrote down all her dreams for like a year and put them in a book ... in the best way. It was dreamy and creative and fantastic. The pure amount of originality and creativity in this book blew my mind. It felt like falling into a dream. The only reason it didn't make it to 5 stars is because I felt a little confused by some of the explanations/plot points, so would have appreciated a bit more easy-to-follow explanation of why things are the way they are. But overall, this is an incredible reading experience.

**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.**

DNF @ 37%

Samantha Sotto Yambao presents Water Moon, a dreamlike fantasy inspired by Japanese tradition and culture. Readers follow Hana as she takes over the magical pawnshop that her father has run, purchasing people's life regrets and choices. When her father is mysteriously missing, Hana encounters a charming stranger who offers help finding him.

Full disclosure. I knew there was a potential that this would not be my thing. I also knew that this was an upcoming choice for Illumicrate and Owlcrate. I have studied and enjoyed Japanese cultural traditions and have enjoyed Japanese translated works, but understand that there is more of a tendency toward slower plot development. This was the weakness of this book for me.

The writing in this book is beautiful. Fans of The Night Circus or The Starless Sea or Piranesi will be right at home. Even Strange the Dreamer or Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Unfortunately, I actively dislike this writing style. I pushed through with the other listed books because I had access to the audiobook (or because the short story format allowed for the text to be broken up neatly). As I only have the ebook for Water Moon, I caught myself constantly avoiding picking it up again. As such, I'm going to cut my losses here.

To be clear, I would absolutely recommend this book to people who like the dreamy, lyrical writing style. Wishing the most success for the author and for this book to find its audience.

This was such a delightful read! It transported me back to watching Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland as a kid. I've seen many comparisons to Studio Ghibli, which I can't speak to directly, but they seem pretty spot on! I absolutely loved this book!!

We follow Hana, who has just taken over her father's pawn shop. The twist... their customers are people from our world who stumble upon the shop looking for ramen and end up pawning a choice they made in life. On her first official day after her father retires, she wakes up to find the pawn shop broken into, her father missing, and a choice stolen from the vault. In walks Keishin, a physicist, who comes into the shop looking for ramen.

This story was beautifully written, and I was fully immersed in Hana and Keishin's journey to find her father. It asks the reader to suspend disbelief right from the start regarding the magical pawn shop, and I was completely sold. The mix of Hana's magical world and Keishin's scientific perspective was incredibly engaging. I'm not usually a fan of contemporary elements in fantasy and typically steer clear of cozy stories, but there was a clear purpose behind every step of their magical adventure, and it worked so well for me.

Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey, for providing an early copy in exchange for this honest review.