It was wonderful to have one of the first few books I read this year be a five-star!

The world here is so inventive, with the living origami creatures and the Midnight Market and the mythology behind who does what there. Hana's pawnshop and the tea are only the start of things, and then the addition of a human from our world who could express how wondrous things were while doing his best to help Hana? Great choice.

The water pools was means of transportation at first felt a little Narnia-esque, but they weren't leading to or from a way station, and the inventiveness that Hana shows when she tosses a glass of water on the ground and uses that the transport showed that the pools weren't an easy way out of creating something new. I loved her growing sense that her work, her place in her world was not good, and that the flaw was (possibly) fixable. No spoilers, but the ending was just lovely.

if you look up whimsical in the dictionary, it's this book right here.
The writing was so lyrical and well crafted, while still being easy to follow. The plot was dreamlike and whimsical, while still grounded in raw and authentic human emotions.
This was super fast paced and easy to fly through. Filled with tender emotions, adventure, love, grief, and everything in between, I enjoyed this.

In the vein of other recent hits, Water Moon opens with a premise that the world as we know it isn't everything we think it is. There are opportunities to change the world around us, to see something different. In this case, it is a pawnshop that lets visitors sell their regrets to live with no memory of the choice they made. But that is where the comparison to magical realism and "cozy" books end.

Hana is the daughter of the pawnshop owner and her father has retired. The first morning on the job, she wakes up to the pawnshop ransacked and a choice missing from the vault. We are given a sense of dread that something terrible will befall Hana if she does not recover the choice, but she is primarily concerned with finding her father, who is also missing. Joining her in her search is Kei, a human from our world who happened to stumble into the pawnshop. Together they hop (literally, by jumping into water they can teleport to other realms) from location to location in Hana's magical world looking for clues as to what happened to her father.

I wanted to like this book so much. I immediately fell in love with the world, the setting, and the world building. I wanted to live in the world, explore it, and drink it in. The story in essence was one that, if I read this book a decade earlier in my life I would have been absolutely obsessed. The story itself was great and the conclusion of the storyline was rewarding and satisfying. But I feel like the reader I am today wanted a little bit more. I wanted the story to move slower instead of progressing at break-neck speed. I wanted to get to know and become connected with the characters. I feel like the characters were the greatest weakness in the story as I had no emotional connection with them and they fell a little flat.

I guess this was the type of book I wish I felt emotionally wrecked after reading. But I had no emotion whatsoever. If that doesn't bother you, and you like settings and worlds like those of Studio Ghibli films, you will probably devour this book. But for me, personally, I'm still reeling with disappointment that I didn't like this more.

*I would like to thank the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I started this book on December 26th. I put it down and picked it up three times in the month of January. It is now February 1st and I am only 30% of the way in. I have to DNF.

Typically, when I DNF, it is because there is something about the writing/plot/characterization that irritates me to the nth degree. Since all of my ARCs are on the kindle, I metaphorically slam the book closed with gusto and race to Goodreads to one star it. All of my DNFs get a one star…no exceptions. Well, except for this one.

Water Moon gets three stars. The reason being is that there is nothing wrong with this novel. The writing is beautiful. Hana and Keishin are well-rounded characters. The world building feels well thought out. But I just can’t connect with the content. So, I have metaphorically gently closed the cover, and wish a hearty “happy reading” to anyone interested in this novel. I hope this novel is the one for you!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

A stunning book that I couldn’t put down. This was just really done so well. The writing the plot. Everything. I cried within the first chapter but maybe that’s just the grieving girl in me and I felt so connected right off the bat.

I recently finished reading Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao, and I have to say, what a delightful journey it was! This novel weaves a tapestry of emotion, adventure, and a hint of magic that kept me hooked from the very first page. I rarely come across a book that combines such rich storytelling with vibrant characters, and Sotto Yambao has genuinely outdone herself here. I felt an instant connection from the moment I was introduced to the protagonist. Her struggles and triumphs are so relatable; it's almost as if I was experiencing her life alongside her. The way Sotto Yambao fleshes out her characters is simply beautiful; each one feels like a friend by the time you turn the last page. The friendships and relationships in the book are realistic and poignant, adding depth to the overall narrative. One of the standout elements of this book is its stunning setting. The author has an incredible ability to paint a picture with her words. I found myself lost in the rich landscapes and vibrant cultures she describes, feeling like I was traveling alongside the characters. Sotto Yambao's attention to detail makes the world come alive, and I could almost hear the sounds and smell the scents she vividly portrays. Now, let's talk about the plot! Without giving away too much, it's a rollercoaster of emotions. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, the author adds a twist that leaves you gasping. The pacing is spot-on, keeping me engaged and eager to see what would happen next. I found myself sneaking in a few extra reading sessions during my busy day to uncover the next chapter. That said, some parts of the story could have been explored more. Some moments flew by, leaving me wanting more depth and exploration. However, this didn't take away too much from my overall enjoyment. The book still delivered an engaging read that left me feeling fulfilled.

TLDR: Water Moon is a fantastic read that deserves a solid 4-star rating! Samantha Sotto Yambao has crafted a beautiful story that will resonate with anyone who appreciates a blend of magic, emotion, and adventure. If you're looking for a book that takes you on a journey while tugging at your heartstrings, I highly recommend giving this book a shot. Grab a cozy blanket and a cup of tea, and prepare to be swept away into a world you won't want to leave!

You're whole life can be change in the course of seconds. One decision can have a ripple effect that you can't even comprehend. This was a deeply moving read. Develing into the topic of the choices we make (or don't make ) while following along with the main character Hana try to find out what happened to her parents. She is joined by this mysterious stranger that wants nothing more to.help her get to the bottom of what happened to her dad and find him. I did not know what I was getting into when I started this story but there were twists and reveals that kept me on the edge of my seat. The gems of life advice that were dropped and the writing was so elegant. The descriptions had this book playing out like a movie in my head. I just loved everything about the discord on choices and the relationships that were explored. Without giving too much away the ending had me oddly emotional and I would love to read more by this author.

I really enjoyed this fantastical, surreal book. The writing has a dream-like quality that is extremely compelling. Although the timeline back-and-forth in the beginning chapters was a little disorienting, the clues they give to the eventual reveal are worth it. The first read will certainly be different from any subsequent re-reads because of the intricacy of the characters and their motivations. At first, I wasn't convinced by the development of the main characters' relationship, but the payoff at the end is absolutely worth it. I also enjoyed how dialogue-heavy many sections of the book were. I didn't see the huge plot twist coming, and I wasn't sure what kind of ending the story would have until the last chapter, which wrapped everything up beautifully. The story had so many whimsical, magical elements that were delightful to discover. It also has several quotable lines about happiness, regret, and the choices we make in our lives. The message of the story is delivered in an unforgettable, impactful punch, and I know it will stay with me for a long time. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a mind-bending fantasy about how our choices shape our lives.

This book was so intriguing. I thought the plot was unquie and the description of the world felt so immersive and highly detailed. I loved discovering new elements of the world and felt like I could picture each so clearly in my head, which was a fun experience.

While the book was very descriptive, I did not find it overly so or what some might call flowery. In fact, I found the book easy to read. However, while the book kept a good pace with the plot, I found I was never on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next. This lead to the book always being enjoyable, but not one I had trouble putting down.

This book is a fantasy first and foremost with a small romance subplot.

I was disappointed in the ending. There is so much build up to describe the world and the way it works and I found the ending just to say essentially that after some time it could work differently without truly grappling with how.

A beautifully crafted fantasy with beautiful worldbuilding and a compelling narrative, it is an enjoyable read.
A mysterious pawn shop that appears to predestined clients while they think they are waiting in line for a Ramen restaurant on an obscure ally in Tokyo. The shop is not your typical pawn shop, it trades for regrets. The client is guided to reveal their greatest regret in exchange for a special box of tea. Hana's father is retiring and Hana is taking over the duties of the shop but when she wakes she finds the shop ransacked and her father missing along with a pawned item. As she is reeling with what has happened ,she opens the door to a young man. He sees the mess and notices she is bleeding and offers to help. Once he is in the shop the two begin a bizarre quest to find her father before the proprietors of the shop discover what has happened. What follows is a thrilling suspenseful chase through a magical world.

WOW!!! This was one of the most magical and whimsical stories I’ve ever read!! It reminded me so much of Studio Ghibli movies, which are my ultimate comfort movies. I loved everything about this book. The plot was unique and refreshing, and it was developed extremely well. The author did a great job with the world building, and I often found myself yearning to live in it. There were so many beautiful life lessons weaved into this story, I think I highlighted half of the book!!

I absolutely loved the characters! Hana’s determination and love for her family was something I related to heavily. In her place, I would’ve done the EXACT same thing and went to the ends of the earth to find my parents. And Keishin!!!! Your honor I love him!!! From the very start he knew he wanted to follow Hana anywhere, and I loved him immediately. The romance was subtle and endearing and so, so tender I couldn’t take it!!!

I did not see the plot twist at the end coming AT ALL!! I love when a book can surprise me and with this one, I was SHOOK! It made me want to reread from the beginning to catch subtle foreshadowing, and I think books that can accomplish that deserve ALL the awards!

Infinite stars for this one, I am utterly obsessed and I am BEGGING for an animated movie adaptation!!!! Thank you Del Rey and Netgalley for an ARC of this book!

"Broken things have a unique kind of beauty, don't you think?"
"Some things wear their damage better than others."

Things are NEVER as they seem.

This was an amazing "water jump" [IYKYK] of Japanese literature, filled with gorgeous world building, a heart-breaking story, and some of the best fantasy writing I've read in a long time.

I went into this totally blind [simply because I'm currently in love with anything Japanese, especially in books right now] and I highly recommend this to everyone who wants to read this [and if you love great fantasy and gorgeous stories, you absolutely SHOULD be reading this] - it was wonderful to watch this beautiful world/story unfold in front of me and I cannot imagine experiencing this book any other way.

Absolutely fabulous.

Thank you to NetGalley, Samantha Sotto Yambao, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Del Ray for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This very Studio Ghibli-esque book ended up being more action filled than I expected. In this Willy Wonka world, nothing is at is seems and you will be on an emotional roller coaster as you uncover all the dark secrets. This book got me teary eyed and hit me in the feels in the best ways.

This book gave me major Studio Ghibli vibes . It was beautifully written and took me on an adventure.
My only reasoning for the 4 star rating is that it got stagnant around the 35% mark and I had to switch to an audio book to finish.
I’d love to see this adapted one day into an animated film.

I think this book is not for me. It's a little too whimsical, the MMC is insufferable, and writing style is too flowery.

This story set the scene for a whimsical and dreamy world that explores themes of friendship, grief, purpose, and fate. The authors writing felt immersive in a way that paints a cozy atmosphere. Hana, the FMC, inherits her father’s hidden pawnshop in Tokyo where you can sell your secrets. But, only people who are lost can find their shop. The premise is very unique, and has you anticipating Hana’s journey after her father goes missing.

I actually really loved and connected with the story in the beginning because of the way the author set up the storyline. However as the story progressed and Keishin was introduced, I felt the story took a slower turn. Their adventure together in Hana’s world dragged on as they continued the search for her father. The romance also surprised me because initially I did not know that Hana would have a love interest. It felt a little unnecessary, but I see where their relationship connected to the overall plot in the end.

So overall, I enjoyed the idea that this book was based on and the immersive writing style. The main character, Hana, did frustrate me at times and I did not feel very connected to her. I liked Keishin’s personality better, and found him to be more interesting. The story was still interesting to me though! I just felt myself losing interest when their adventure together really began and wanted the story to tie together quicker.

I would recommend this book to studio ghibli lovers, anyone who likes cozy fantasy, and someone looking for a unique adventure. 💕

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC! ✨

Full disclosure: I DNF’d at 37%

I really wanted to love this. Ultimately though, the story was more adventure based than I expected and the characters (and their instantaneous bond/attraction) fell flat. While the writing was fine, it left me empty when I could tell that it really wanted me to feel something.

I am sure that the correct reader is out there for this as I truly don’t think it’s a bad book. But that reader is not me.

This review is WAY overdue.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC!

I absolutely LOVED Watermoon. It is unlike anything else I’ve read. The writing, the main characters, the visuals, all of it was great.

Hana was so resilient despite everything she went through and I loved getting to see her story unravel and getting to know her and the world she lives in.

This is one of those books that is fun to read, but also makes you reflect on your life and the choices you make.

I will absolutely be picking h up more books from this author and should this ever be turned into a movie, I will be first in line.

Watermoon
is one of those stories that’s told to you in a whisper but echoes loudly in your mind whenever you have a quiet moment. The prose is beautiful from jump, absolutely alluring. It feels like getting swept up by a very calm river, where you think you can emerge whenever you want, but the current runs deep and won’t let you go until it says so. For me, that happened to be the end of the novel; I read it in one sitting.

I appreciated that the story was quick to act on it’s premise. Our protagonist Hana only gets a few pages of explaining the status quo of her world before her father’s disappearance turns it all on its head. She’s an insider to the world of her pawnshop; she knows how things work, and coupling her with the eternal outsider Kei allows her to show off the whimsicality and darkness of it in turn. As a reader, I was given an immediate example of how the pawned regrets look mundane to untrained eyes, but when seen by someone in the know are breathtaking and magical and precious. The reveals of Hana and Kei’s identities were made more poignant by this fact; Hana knew what Kei was from the moment she saw him, but couldn’t recognize the truth of herself until it was pointed out to her.

I enjoyed both Hana and Kei’s perspectives as the story shifted between them both, and not only for the way their respective insider/outsider dynamics shaped the framing of, for example, traveling though puddles or floating on clouds of paper cranes. Each of them offered a very pragmatic yet hopeful perspective on the world and their central goals were always clear and the primary drivers of the plot. Though the search for Hana’s father (and for her mother’s fate) was what made the protagonists move through the story, what I found most appealing was the growth they did individually. While messy, it was satisfying to watch their mirrored emotional arcs of 1. Mommy issues and 2. Feeling at the whim of or abandoned by fate resolve into a complicated equilibrium of “I don’t know if making choices is easy but I still want to try”. Though I didn’t buy their romance at first, by the end of the story I was very much rooting for Hana and Kei’s ability to be happy together. I am a little miffed we didn’t get more clarity on what Hana did in the five years that separated her and Kei, i understand why it was left out. Rebuilding a society after its core tenets are shaken up is fodder for a whole different book, one the author wasn’t telling in this story.

The parts of Watermoon that will stay with me most strongly are the feelings it left me with. I felt sad for the clients of the pawnshop who never get to come back for what they pawned, not only that they can’t see the true value of their regret but that they forget they could come back even for something they consider worthless. I spent quite some time (before learning that a regret was a piece of a soul) thinking about what if anything I would pawn, what burdens I have that are too heavy, and I’ve decided I don’t have any. Heavy as they are they’re mine. Having that instinct rewarded by the narrative was satisfying, as was seeing those choices become something magical and special on their own.

I recommend Watermoon to fans of shows like Midnight Diner, where character internalize takes center stage, lovers of stories they have to work for, that appear quiet until you look at them more closely. It’s a novel made for people who like to feel as though they’ve discovered something special and hold it close to their hearts.

This book was such a whimsical delight. I enjoyed escaping into the pages of this unique story full of magic, coming of age, adventure, and mystery! You must check out— especially if you are a fan of studio ghibli/ Suzume!