The first part of this story sets up Hana, who is taking over the pawn shop upon her father's retirement. At 20% in, it felt as though we were only just about to start getting a sense of the main plotline. There was a lot of switching between both POV and timeline. With very short chapters meant I was frequently questioning when and who we were with. I found myself very disconnected from the story, the pawn shop owners, the MMC, and found that I just didn't really care. The language was very flowery and things overall felt very dreamlike, which I don't enjoy. It might work for some people, but its not working for me, DNFing at 20%.

This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

This review contains spoilers

I really wanted to enjoy this book and went into this book expecting to give this a 5/5, but I think I may have gone in with too high of expectations.

What I liked about this book
- The writing, I loved the writing style and I think there are some really incredible quotes throughout this book.
- The structure, I really enjoyed how the book was separated into four parts and that the chapters were really short.
- The idea of the world, where it was very whimsical but also dystopian. I think if you thought about the world too hard there may have been plot holes but I don't mind that in a fantasy book. I feel like the world in this book was meant to have its own rules and not fully make sense, kind of like Alice in Wonderland.

What I didn't like about this book
- The instant love between the two main characters, I personally prefer a slow burn.
- The characters felt rather shallow, I was told about how the characters were changing from who they were more than I was shown that.
- The plot line reveal near the end with Keishin being the choice was a bit confusing to me. What it sounded like was that his mother was pregnant, but originally decided to abort the baby and marry for money instead, and then regretted it and gave that choice up at the beginning of the book. But then when the bird (the choice) escaped Keishin wasn't aborted, but his mom ended up leaving him anyway? And if that's the case I think this book might have a strong anti-abortion message that I don't vibe. I was a bit confused by that part so maybe I'm interpreting it wrong, and really all she regretted was walking out of his life, but if she didn't have an abortion I'm confused as to why the coat hanger line was added since it was clearly about abortion.

I think this could make a good studio ghibli movie, and I didn't hate this book, I just didn't love it either.

Oh, the whimsical journey this takes you on. The story itself is full of wonder and adventure. I mean, taking a ride on a rumor, or jumping into a puddle to reach another world? Magical, indeed! I loved the world building and uniqueness to each new setting. This story is centered around choices and the ability to pawn them, with some twists along the way—I was surprised a couple of times, so that was fun! Overall, I enjoyed this one. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy and magical realism, with an extra dose of whimsy magic!

Thank you, Netgalley and Random House, for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I almost have no words for the beauty of this story. It was ethereal and poetic and poignant and whimsical all in one. This story is one about regrets, and what a life would look like by taking a different path. It's about living with the pain of the choice, but also finding joy in the life you're living, despite the choices you've made along the way.

This book was unlike anything I've ever read before! The imagination of this author is outstanding! Jumping through puddles as a form of travel, the night sky being painted with hopes and dreams every night, traveling through folded paper doors, just to name a few of the whimsical pieces of this tale.

I needed this book to break me out of a reading slump. But I fear all that happened is that I'm falling further into one because I fear I'll never find a book quite like this again! I loved every moment of this book, and strongly suggest anyone who needs a change of pace to grab this one when it comes out!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing House/Ballantine Books/Del Rey for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

I knew this was going to be one of my top reads of the year within the first 10-20%, and I was right! This was such a wonderful read full of magic, whimsy, and Studio Ghibli inspired moments. It was the perfect blend of cozy fantasy and stakes for me.

The way this story was told with both character POVs and their flashbacks, plus side character POVs that gave context and depth to the story worked really well for me. I loved learning about everyone's background this way. It didn't feel info dumpy or difficult in any way.

Hana and Keishin's relationship going from borderline hostility to reluctant allies, friends, and eventually lovers felt natural to me. The "breakup" for lack of a better word made sense within the context of the story, as did the resolution.

The ending and resolution of the book did feel slightly rushed and I'd love to see it fleshed out a bit more (mainly because I'm selfish and just want more time with these characters), but other than that I really loved this book. It didn't feel tropey or forced, the character arcs of everyone (including minor characters like Haruto) felt natural to me, and the actual story and plotline was incredibly well done.

Genuinely this is one of my favorite books of the year and I've already preordered two different copies. This will absolutely be going on my must reread pile, and my favorite cozy fantasy pile. I'm not sure if this is supposed to have a sequel, but if it does I will absolutely be picking it up!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey/Penguin Random House Publishers for this eARC!!

𝟑.𝟕𝟓 / 𝟓 ⭐

everyone and their mom has been comparing this book to a Miyazaki film. While not wrong I personally think it’s more like one of Shinkai’s works. ‘𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒’ especially. there’s an instant connection between our leads as soon as they meet. one you can feel jump off the page. (sorry to the instalove haters. i ate it up tho teehee)

magic is stitched into every scene as we see Hana’s world through Kei’s eyes. every destination they went to I found myself wanting another taste before we had to move on. Very easy to visualise what living in this world may feel like. while whimsical, there’s a strong undercurrent of danger for which we get a big payoff in the end. (the twist made me gasp out loud at 2am!)

my biggest gripe is the final act. i wish we could have seen hana’s journey after what happened. a very big missed opportunity. i was happy with the final end though so not too mad

𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬:
🌊 short chapters
🌊 soulmatesssss
🌊 beautiful atmosphere

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬:
🌙 slow to start
🌙 pov switch in the middle of chapters
🌙 written like a movie more than a book

𝒕𝒍:𝒅𝒓 | read this if you love red string theory, fanciful worlds you’ve always wanted to visit and twists to keep you on your toes!

I didn't quite know what to expect when I picked up Water Moon. The blurb was intriguing and the cover mesmerizing. The novel proved be both things as well. This novel takes you on the most unlikely journey where one must suspend their beliefs and trust the process/enjoy the ride. The storyline gave cozy mystery vibes as I was always on the edge of my seat yet felt an overwhelming sense of calm while reading. I enjoyed the character development and the juxtaposition of the two worlds we encountered. The familial bonds and revelations that are explored in this novel will stay with me long after I have finished. This book was beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Water Moon" is a beautiful read. Many reviews state that it reads like a Studio Ghibli movie and I whole heartedly agree. This is unlike anything I've ever read before.

This novel takes place in an otherworldly pawnshop in Tokyo, Japan where people sell their choices to no longer live with pain or regret. Hana, our FMC, is taking over the pawnshop from her father and on her very first day, her father goes missing and a handsome stranger, Kei, walks in. Kei and Hana then embark on a wild adventure to find Hana's father into her world where nothing and no one is as it seems.

This was a beautifully written piece of literature and I feel honored to have receiving an Advanced Reader Copy from Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. "Water Moon" is definitely a story that will stick with you after completing it and also have you second guessing every choice you make in life because one choice can change the course of the world.

3.5/5 stars

Oh this was delightful - and absolutely nails the Studio Ghibli comparison! I felt transported to this magical dimension, jumping through puddles, traveling on rumors, and visiting the refuge city in the stars! What a fun book to escape in and feel all the feelings.

The story takes place on the backstreets of Tokyo: a magical pawn shop that can only be found by people who intended to eat at a ramen place but entered here to trade their deepest regrets and some life choices that needed to be changed in exchange for something that belongs to them. Regrets turn into birds to be caged in a vault, to be shared with shiikuins, who are wailing, scary people (somewhat supernatural entities) wearing masks.

Hana Ishikawa has been raised in this shop, learning to read people’s emotions, their resentments, and regrets with the help of her master father who reached her lessons by sending her scavenger hunts, leaving clues behind for her to solve the puzzles.

Now her father, Ishikawa Toshio, decides to retire, and this will be Hana's first workday, even though she wakes up with a terrible hangover-induced headache, finding the store intruded upon, everything strewn around, the furniture turned over, and the door that separates her from the outside universe (the real world) open! Her father is nowhere to be seen. It seems like somebody tried to steal something from the store because one of the acquisitions is missing, and her father might have followed behind the thief to catch him.

It had the right mix of whimsy, magic, and darkness. The bad guys were creepy and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was invested in the main plotline that I didn't get bored. The flashbacks were clearly marked so there was no confusion at all when going back and forth.

I loved the different worlds that the MCs explored. Each one felt very creative. There was a lot of wibbly wobbly, timey wimey stuff, with a world that's physically black and white, travels through magical lightning storms, a time bendy museum, etc.

The romance was the one and only thing I disliked. It wasn't necessary at all, imo. The relationship between the two MCs would've worked out a lot better as a deep platonic relationship between two close friends.

I'd definitely recommend this for someone looking for a fantasy read that isn't heavy on the technical worldbuilding or filled with too many confusing characters. As whimsical as it is, it's a pretty straightforward read. I'm very excited to read more from Samantha Sotto Yambao!

Thank you so much Bantam and NetGallery for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book offers a wonderfully cozy and immersive experience, with rich layers of world-building despite its quick pace! It seamlessly blends cozy mystery and fantasy elements, and both are done exceptionally well. The surprises and twists kept me engaged, and the setting is absolutely delightful.

4.5 (Rounded up)
**Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this eARC in exchange for an honest review**

Only the chosen ones — the lost— find this magical pawnshop and are faced with the daunting decision to pawn their deepest regret.

Water Moon shines remarkable with its vivid imagery of a magical world that defy all expectations! It's like the world of Miyazaki and Shinkai collided and created the most beautiful story! The story was fast paced but I quite enjoyed it as it did not take away from the pacing of the book as a whole. I found myself gasping at every twists and turns and I could not press my kindle fast enough for the next page! Love this book so much and can't wait to receive my physical copy that l've pre-ordered months ago!

Hana and her father run a magical pawnshop in which you can sell your biggest regrets, but not everyone can find it as it isn't meant for just anyone. On the morning of her father's retirement, and Hana's first day as the shop owner, she awakens to find the store in shambles and her father missing, along with a recently pawned regret.

When a stranger walks into her shop offering help instead of seeking her services, she is drawn to him and reluctantly accepts his help. The two of them embark on a fantastical journey to locate her father and find the missing regret. There will be dire consequences if the regret is not found and passed on to the higher beings that collect them.

This story is full of unique magic and mystery, written in such a beautiful way that visualization comes easily. I watched this story unfold as though Hayao Miyazaki animated it and placed it directly in my mind. I hope Studio Ghibli gets word of this story and turns it into an incredible film- it is perfect for them! I have no doubt it would be one of the most enchanting animations produced.

In addition to the exciting and imaginative magic, Water Moon also touches on deeper emotional and psychological aspects; Masterfully addressing issues like abandonment, belonging, personal choices, and writing your own destiny in a magnificent way.

This was a fantasy story unlike anything I've ever read. There is some light romance (no spice), mostly focusing on finding one's self and deeper philosophical topics. I was most impressed by the wondrous metaphorical magic that is written so vividly I felt like I could see it.

Thank you so much Samantha and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book!

I really enjoyed the first half of this book and found the whole story atmospheric and immersive, like stepping into a dream world full of fantastical whimsy. But the second half grew tedious and I did not care for romance. I would have preferred it as a friendship.

The story opens with Hana, a girl who loves her father and is dutifully resigned to the fate etched in a map on her skin. She is set to inherit his pawnshop. A pawnshop people stumble upon when waiting in line for the ramen restaurant next door, not even knowing they were looking for it. They come with regrets, and the pawnbroker skillfully manipulates them into giving up a choice they made at a crossroads in their life in exchange for peace of mind. Or so they believe.

In our world, we are plagued by the chaos of choices and the regrets of choices not made; I found the philosophy of this fascinating and relatable. But in Hana's magical world, everyone knows their place and their choices have been robbed from them. They manage to eke out happiness and contentment with their families, always with wistfulness and an ache.

But then Kei stumbles upon Hana's pawnshop, on a day when it has been ransacked and her father is missing and she knows her world will never be what she expects again. They are instantly drawn to each other and fight the attraction until they give in. I didn't even like the love triangle with Hana's intended, Haruto or Haruto himself. He was sort of an interesting character who longed for a girl who treated him with indifference, and he was a workaholic, like everyone in this world. His paper folding to bend time was interesting though. There was lots of betrayal in this book that made the people who sacrificed for those they loved seem ugly.

The writing style was beautiful, lush and evocative. I did love the other world and how whimsical it was. But the story was just too cozy for me. Their dialogue became boring as they spent huge chunks of it philosophizing over choices or narrating events as they happened. I felt like Hana had a lot of lost potential; she was an unlikable character but I was drawn to her predicament, but she was never a very complex character. She was chasing her father around and then she was chasing Kei. In theory they were choosing love but they seemed resigned to their fate, like choosing love and your own path also comes with regrets and sadness.

And Kei. I found the intersection of physics and magical whimsy interesting, and I understood that his motivations for falling in love with Hana's world were tied up in his mommy issues. But for a physicist I expected him to be more skeptical, instead of acting like a religious convert. He also followed Hana around like a puppy without concern for his own safety, which I didn't find romantic. Then at the end he loses Hana, five years pass and he gets married to a woman who clearly cares for him. Then he stumbles upon Hana in a convenience store, who wants to join his world, and he instantly cheats/dumps his wife to run back to her... gross.

Plus the story got boring to me. There were stakes, but nothing really happened other than them bounding from one magical whimsy to another in chase of her father and on the run from magical enforcers.

So I had hoped this book would become my whole personality because I absolutely love Japanese magical realism, but in the end I was bored. Lots of people will love this though, if you love cozy magical realism and don't mind instalove. I thought the story would have been better without romance. The story relied on the romance to drive it forward and the romance never pulled me in.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed the vibes and the world was very creative and had a lot of incredibly neat ideas. Unfortunately I felt the execution of certain parts was off—mainly in how dialogue-heavy most of the book was (often just a back and forth exchange without re-establishing where the characters were or allowing them to react to the information they were exchanging, which left the characters feeling flat) and the romance and the ending both felt rushed and a bit contrived to me. However, this was a very quick read and I did enjoy the unique aspects of the other world.

I think if I were to describe Water Moon in one word, that word would be "frustrating." There was so much about this book that was honestly pretty great: the vibes, the atmosphere, the world, the plot. But unfortunately this was all brought down by one pretty significant aspect that bothered me for the vast majority of the book, and that would be the romance. I just did not like it at all, it was way too much instalove for my taste, and some of the stuff that Keishin was saying to Hana like ten minutes after they met had me rolling my eyes so hard. They grew on me by the ending of the book but unfortunately not enough to rate this higher than three stars.

Water moon is unlike any other book I've ever read. The creative prose of this book was incredible and so immersive. I could clearly picture the world that Yambao had created. The world building and the scenery were the stars of the show. I loved the theme of a person's choices having a ripple affect in our lives and those around us - how these might lead to regrets but they ultimately make us who we are.

I thought the plot was really well done, integrating appropriate flashbacks for more context while moving the story forward. Our story's villains were creepy and believable, and I thought the twists were so well done and I didn't see them coming at all! The only thing that I wasn't 100% sold on was the romance. As a personal preference, I would have liked to have seen them be platonic friends. However, I don't believe everyone will share my sentiment on that!

I highly recommend this to those looking for a fleshed out, whimsical world! I would pay good money for this to turn into a Ghibli movie.

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

BIPOC Fantasy in which a woman who inherits a pawnshop where you can sell your regrets must embark on a magical journey to find her missing father and a precious stolen acquisition.

1/5 stars: This is Sotto Yambao's stand-alone BIPOC Fantasy that features a woman who has just inherited from her father the pawnshop her family's run for generations where you can sell your regrets finds herself embarking on a magical journey through a mystical world to find her father and a precious stolen acquisition—by way of rain puddles, rides on paper cranes, the bridge between midnight and morning, and a night market in the clouds with a charming young physicist. But as they get closer to the truth, she must reveal a secret of her own—and risk making a choice that she will never be able to take back. Written in multiple POVs, Sotto Yambao's writing and character work are nicely done. Sotto Yambao touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check the CWs. Unfortunately, this just wasn't a book for me; leading me to DNF it at 9%.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Oh my gosh where do I start! This is a book that I desperately wish I could pick up for the first time again. Water moon was an enchanting read, with its vibrant world building and magical, it has the feeling of studio Ghibli movie it is heartbreaking and thought provoking. Hana and Kei were very interesting characters to follow and I feel like very perfect for this dream like book. I couldn't recommend it more if you're a fan of fantasy. This is a book that will definitely be on my mind for a while to come.

This book has such a cozy, atmospheric, and immersive world with tons of layers to the world building for such a quick read! It has all the elements of a cozy mystery and a cozy fantasy, and they are executed well. The twists and turns were surprising and satisfying, and the setting of the book is just perfection. I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this for my bookshelf!