Water Moon was a pretty immediate choice when I was trying to decide what book I wanted to start the year with. A book that’s about a young woman who runs a pawnshop where you can trade your regrets, the mysterious disappearance of her father and the young man who stumbles into her shop and ends up helping her figure out what happened? Sign me up!

I’m pleased to say that I ended up really liking this book. While it’s not necessarily a new favorite of all time (and we’ll get to why in a moment), it did hit a specific sweet spot I have since it captures the essence of Japanese anime films that I love (specifically those of Makoto Shinkai and Studio Ghibli). I could so easily see this book translating well to a visual medium - the details woven into this adventure would be incredible to see animated, both the mundanity of the every day and the whimsy of the fantastical bits.

The plot itself appears to be pretty straightforward, but it combines a fantastical whirlwind adventure (that’s whimsical with a hint of underlying darkness, a contrast that really speaks to me these days) with unexpected plot turns that tie up in an interesting way by the end. It’s focused mostly on unraveling the central question and taking readers on a journey, and I was along for the ride.

There are two things that keep this novel from earning a full five stars. The first thing won’t surprise long-time followers of my reviews, but I would have liked more character development. We get a sense of who Hana and Kei (and some other individuals) are, but it wasn’t enough to get me personally invested (and subsequently affected my feelings about events and relationships overall).

The second thing is the writing style. This, I’m aware, is a more personal opinion. It’s not that I disliked it; it’s more simply that I found it a little bit clunky at times. And, while there are definitely plenty of quotes that I ended up tabbing, some of them felt a little disjointed from the narrative.

Water Moon was still, overall, a wonderfully whimsical adventure to begin my reading year with. For readers on the hunt for literature that has an anime vibe to it, this would be a good choice.

(Also, it should be noted that this novel is by a Filipino author, if that’s something you’re keeping tabs on!)

2.5/5I don’t have much to say about this book because I ended up not finishing it. I understand why many people compare it to Studio Ghibli, and I think if it had been marketed as an interconnected short story collection, it would have fared better. For me, the frequent shifts in adventure felt jarring at times. While the book had a melancholic and whimsical atmosphere that was sometimes cozy, it also felt disjointed. I’m sure there will be readers who love this book—especially since I’ve seen beautiful editions of it—but I personally had no desire to finish it. Additionally, the romance felt underdeveloped, with an instant-love dynamic that didn’t hold my interest.

With all of the adventure and magic of Spirited Away, the romance of Howl's Moving Castle, and the heartache of Your Name, Water Moon felt like coming home and traveling to a far away land all at once. Yambao has mastered the art of the suspension of disbelief and delivered a tale of reflection and imagination.

I really enjoyed this fantasy book! It’s a different take on fantasy/magical realism. I loved the setting being in Japan. I enjoyed the characters, I felt they were lovable and easy to follow. The story was interesting and entertaining. The world the author built was really cool and relatable to even real life. It didn’t feel complicated to try and imagine.

***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ebook.

“Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao” is easily the loveliest and most enchanting novel I will read in 2025. Rife with magical realism, a lush atmosphere, and incredibly tender romance, it captured my heart from the very 1st page. I loved it so much that at about 20% I stopped what I was doing, and immediately just bought a copy because I didn’t want to miss anything that made the final cut. The story follows Hana Ishikawa, who has assisted her father in running a magical pawnshop in Tokyo. There is no way to find the store except to enter it while waiting to get ramen, those who enter the store find it because they must give up a choice that led them here. On her 1st day as the new owner, Hana wakes up to find the store ran-sacked and a choice missing from the vault. Keishin appears the same morning, an unusual customer who instead gives Hana the choice of accepting his help.
The way the story unfolds (pun intended) is *chefs kiss* so well done. Nothing is ever as it seems, and that’s true for the world around Hana and Keishin (traveling through puddles, rumors, paper, etc.) and even in turn, who Hana and Keishin really are. I love the balance of magical realism, the mystery (her father set up the store for his own purpose and to protect Hana), and the adventure the two go on to get answers. What stands out most, though, is the tender romance between Hana and Keishin. Their love blooms gently amidst the chaos, and I found myself tearing up by the end. Their relationship is one of the most beautiful and well-crafted I’ve read in a long time. I haven’t stopped thinking about "Water Moon" since finishing it, and I’m certain readers who love magical realism will absolutely devour it. It’s a book that I’ll cherish deeply in my heart for years to come.

The writing is flowy and gorgeous, and I enjoyed the concept of "what if our life was already mapped out for us--and what would that mean for our choices?" Plus, it's SO creative and magical; it was fun to learn about the twists and turns of Hana's world.

🌙 𝚆𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙼𝙾𝙾𝙽 💫

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A breathtakingly beautiful take on dealing with the frustrations of fate and that not everything is always as it seems. 𝒮𝒶𝓂𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒽𝒶 𝒮𝑜𝓉𝓉𝑜 𝒴𝒶𝓂𝒷𝒶𝑜 | @samanthasottoyambao reminds us how the scars of our past shape our future, and that what doesn’t break you only makes you stronger.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨.”

The atmospheric setting of this story gives me straight 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒐 𝑮𝒉𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒊 vibes. It touches on the choices we make and the consequences that follow; guarded secrets and the weight they carry; knowing your destiny but making every seemingly impossible choice that completely and utterly defies it.

I fell in love with the subtle, warmhearted banter. I fell in love with Hana and Kei, and their sincerity for each other. This story was so memorable for me. Yambao created such a vividly immersive world for me with her addicting lyrical writing. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a feel good, cozy fantasy ✨

Thank you so much @netgalley and @randomhouse publishing for the chance to read this amazing eARC. 🌸

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

4.5 stars

if you’re a fan of the more obscure, whimsically dreamy studio ghibli movies that make you think long after watching, then water moon is the perfect read for you. i loved the unique worldbuilding and emphasis of choices and structure within hana’s world.

i also listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a phenomenal job!

not to mention, my illumicrate edition is absolutely stunning

“Watermoon” is a beautifully enchanting novel that feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film—especially reminiscent of Spirited Away. Samantha Sotto weaves a world filled with magic, wonder, and deep emotion. The mystical elements blend seamlessly with the story, creating a dreamlike yet grounded atmosphere. I love the relationship between the characters—it’s tender, heartfelt, and layered with quiet intensity. The prose is lyrical, painting vivid imagery that lingers in your mind. At just 32% in, I’m already captivated, eager to see where the journey leads. This book is a mesmerizing escape into something truly magical.

This is an unusual fantasy story that involves two young people, each from different but parallel worlds working together to solve a puzzle and find answers against constant pursuit by evil forces. The book is fast-paced and full of action along with elements of the budding romance between the couple. The adventures that this pair encounter are extremely creative and diverse and I enjoyed the author’s ability to describe the details of each of these instances as clues to the mystery were revealed. While the action was abundant (and I know many readers will enjoy this aspect), it was too much for my taste. One of the things I enjoy most about high fantasy is the world-building which I thought was underdone in this story. I wanted more details about Kei’s experience of his world (which I am assuming is the real world) and I definitely needed more information about Hana’s seemingly fantastic and parallel world. I did get some sense of this in the adventures that the couple encountered but the background of most of the settings seemed to be missing. So, overall, for me, there was too much action and not enough pauses for world-building. It seems incongruent to describe fast-paced action as tedious but that’s how this felt to me and I found myself just wanting to reach the book’s conclusion and not enjoying the journey. I would have liked this story to be written as a duology or even a trilogy with better world-building and the romance and action spread out more. I would gladly keep reading and anticipating getting the answers to the puzzle if written in the two or three book format.

This one was a wild ride, full of imagination and magic. From the first line, I knew it was going to be trippy – one of those stories where time and reality are bendable. If you’re into that sort of thing, read on!

Our main character is Hana. We first encounter the pawn shop on her dad’s last day. She will inherit the shop tomorrow, after he retires, and she is a little melancholy about not having a choice in the matter. This first day gives us a view of how the shop works, though, as we see her father make a trade with a middle-aged woman client.

The next day, everything changes. Hana finds the shop a mess, her father missing. But also, he has stolen something from the shop’s vault. And the mythical beings who come to collect these things are only giving Hana a few days to find the missing item, or she will be held responsible for its disappearance. So right away, we learn this is a life and death kind of quest.

In walks Keishin, a scientist who just recently returned to his birth country of Japan. He refuses to leave Hana in obvious distress, even though they’ve just met, and agrees to help her. He has no idea how anything in her magical world works, and is constantly surprised as things that defy logic and science keep happening along the way.

Not to give too much away, but a few examples: puddles can be portals. Other people’s minds can also be a mode of travel. Time can be bent, via origami.

I will say that, while much of the magic of Hana’s world is fun to visualize, there are some elements that border on the horrific. These are near the end, and of course we’re fully invested in the outcome by then… but just a head’s up.

As Hana gets closer to finding her father, she also learns more about her mother, who had died when she was a baby. Keishin also learns some about his own mother, who likewise abandoned him early in life.

There is a little romance in this one, naturally. Family strife, secrets, and action are more prevalent, though. It would be ideal for those who are into mystery, multiverses, or magical realism. It could also appeal to fans of all things Japanese. The writing is very colorful and descriptive.

Water Moon was a beautifully atmospheric read that perfectly blended mystery and emotion. The writing was lyrical and immersive, pulling me into the story’s quiet tension and haunting beauty. The characters felt deeply real, and the setting was so vividly described that I could almost hear the water lapping at the shore. If you enjoy slow-burning, introspective stories with a touch of the eerie, this one is worth picking up.

Water Moon is a stunning narrative that has a bit of everything one could ever want. There's romance, fantasy, humor, mythology, a ramen shop, timeliness that interweave, characters that go on self discovering journeys. I think this is a great read for anyone, and everyone would be able to relate to it on some level

Very Japanese inspired Alice in Wonderland. although this is magical realism and fantasy, it is a slow adventure. Definitely go in and take a deep breath and relax. There is no rushing this story. I do wish there was more but cannot pinpoint how or where. Perhaps as a graphic novel or Manga. The cover is gorgeous. Thank You Netgalley and Samantha Sotto Yambao for the electronic ARC of this book. I did wait for the Audio to become available. Although I do not entirely recommend the audio over just reading the story. I feel like I could have enjoyed more if I read the book a bit more than the audio. I could not imagine the scenes in the story entirely and think it would be more fun as a graphic novel series.

I recently read this book and I have to say, it was a delightful surprise! The story follows Hana, who inherits a mysterious pawnshop in Tokyo where people can sell their regrets. When her father goes missing and a precious item is stolen, Hana teams up with a charming physicist named Kei to embark on a magical journey through a mystical world.
What I loved most about this book was its whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. The concept of a pawnshop for regrets is so unique and thought-provoking. It made me reflect on my own choices and the things I might regret. The journey Hana and Kei take is filled with beautiful imagery, from rain puddles that transport them to other realms to paper cranes that carry them through the sky.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their interactions are both heartwarming and humorous. The blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure kept me hooked from start to finish. It's a story that reminds you to take hold of your life and your choices, and it does so in a gentle and magical way.
Overall, "Water Moon" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy with a touch of magic and a lot of heart. I highly recommend it!

Water Moon is a delightful foray into magical realism. It is abundantly creative and manages to say a lot with fewer words than many in the genre. While the romance didn't completely sweep me away, it was heartfelt and satisfying.

Thank you Samantha Sotto Yambao, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley for my advanced review copy. My opinions are my own.

Plot - 4
Writing and Editing - 4
Character Development - 4
Personal Bias - 4
Final Score - 4

Overall, I enjoyed Water Moon. The setting and imaginative world were definitely the best part and I was actually caught off guard by the twist at the end. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it though!

The beginning seemed really disjointed to me and the instant connection between them seemed unearned and a little strange, but I guess that gets explained at the end.

Mixed feelings on the characters and the writing, but loved the imagination in the world building and setting and definitely get the Ghibili comparison.

Thank you for the arc NetGalley and Del Rey!

What a cozy love story, with such Studio Ghibili vibes. The writing and story were so beautifully written.

This was not really the book I expected. The synopsis (and the gorgeous cover art) sold me on a cozy fantasy featuring a pawnshop that trades regrets. In practice, however, the pawnshop is mostly background info and not the setting of the book, the fantasy is quest-based with darker edges than suits the cozy genre, and the plot is almost entirely consumed by a cheesy romance let down by measly character development.

There is an awful lot of pontificating about fate vs. free will and the meaning of choice in our lives, and yet it doesn't feel like a work that is strong on literary themes... more like one that's trying to be.

The book is full of excellent imagery and original, imaginative worldbuilding. The non-romance elements of the plot take interesting, unpredictable twists and turns. I can't quite put my finger on what gave me this impression - maybe a gentle precision to the tone of the prose - but my reading experience often felt like watching an anime.

I'm sure this book will appeal to many readers. But I do feel it was not appropriately marketed.

CW: I wouldn't normally issue content warnings for the low levels of violence and sex in this book, but since it could easily be mistaken for a cozy genre book, I want to give a heads up that there is one very brief mostly-PG-13 sex scene and several descriptions of cutting open wounds and drawing blood. There is also a brief allusion to abortion.

If you love anything and everything that has even a slight vibe of studio ghibli. You will LOVE this like I did!
I did not pick it up for a while because I am stupid and did not realize what I was in possession of. Now I need the physical copy of this so I can reread it very soon. It was whimsical and very wholesome. I love Japanese Lit I read it pretty frequently. I will be reading anything Yambao writes in the future.