Water Moon takes readers on a fever-dream journey through a magical world fueled by the regrets, hopes, and memories of the human world.

The story centers on Hana Ishikawa, a young woman whose life has revolved around her family's extraordinary legacy—a mystical pawnshop where people can trade their regrets. However, on her very first morning as the shop’s caretaker, Hana’s world is upended. Her father has vanished, the pawnshop is in ruins, and a stolen regret threatens to unravel everything.

Determined to uncover the truth, Hana embarks on a quest for answers, but she’s not alone. A mysterious stranger, a human who inadvertently stumbles into her world, refuses to leave until they help her—even if her mission seems impossible. Together, they navigate the surreal and magical landscape in a search for redemption, closure, and perhaps something neither of them expected.

3.5 stars: I struggled to connect with Hana and Keishin and their one-dimensional romance. I understand using Keishin as the focus of world-building as the outsider, but I feel the book would have been just as magical without the romance subplot. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book’s imaginative setting and unique exploration of regrets and memories. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in Asian-influenced magical realism such as Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Dallergut Dream Department Store.

Hana is inheriting a pawn shop where you can sell your regrets. Kei is a physicist who wanders into the shop. Together, they go on an adventure filled with magic. They travel through puddles, ride paper cranes, and walk the bridge between midnight and morning.
The world building in this book is phenomenal. The whole time i was reading this, I was wishing it could be a Ghibli show (not a movie because it needs more than 2 hours to capture every detail and piece of their journey).
I dont want to give anything away, but i wrote down words that stood out while i was reading.. Magic, dreams, promises, regrets, lies, choices, uncertainty, fate, hope, grief, ikigai, love
I cant wait to reread this book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine/Del Rey for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.

Publication day is January 14th!

Water Moon is the story of Hana. Her first day as the new owner of a pawnshop where people pawn their life choices and regrets isn't going as expected. When Keishin stumbles into the shop, he offers to help, and they journey through a mysterious world hidden just beneath the surface to unravel the secrets of her family’s past.

At its heart, this book is about courage, self-discovery, the importance of choice, the journey through grief and healing, and the ties that bind us to the people and places we call home.

I absolutely loved the magical world-building in this book. The way Samantha Sotto Yambao described the different places Hana and Kei traveled to make the world feel alive—like I could truly step into it myself. Every page felt cozy and fantastical. There was just enough mystery to keep me turning the page to find out what was going to happen next!

I’m not typically a huge fantasy reader, especially when I have to read them physically with my eyeballs, but Water Moon completely drew me in, and I couldn’t stop reading. The characters, the plot, and the atmosphere were all so captivating that I found myself turning page after page late into the night as I was falling asleep.

I do have one gripe, and I almost deducted a star because the incorrect Titanic fact really upset me. There were so many HISTORACALLY ACCURATE facts that had to do with small choices that changed the course of history that could have been used, but instead she used a made up one. Not cool. But in the grand scheme of things, the magic and heart of this story far outweighed that small hiccup, so I chose to look past it.

This book was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025, and it did not disappoint. If you’re looking for a cozy yet fantastical escape with vivid world-building and a story that will keep you enthralled, I highly recommend Water Moon.

An amiable fantasy with good world building and a character in Hana who you will care about. This is very much about choices but it's not dark, not at all. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of Japanese novels.

The story starts, when Hana, a daughter of a pawn shop owner from her retiring father, but on her first day, her father goes missing. Then the shop is visited by a stranger called Keishin, who offers to help her look for her dad. However, he doesn't know what he is getting into as this adventure leads them to an unfamiliar world, which is completely different from what Kei is used to.

When I read about this concept, I was immediately drawn to it as it sounded so dreamy and charming. It didn't disappoint me at all, because I was immediately thrown into action, just like Keishin and started my own travel through Hana's world. There are many different creatures, that we encounter, a lot of them menacing, like The Shiikuin, which keep following our protagonists as they search for Hana's father. But that doesn't hinder anything and it's easy to enjoy the dreamy atmosphere created by the author, because, in my opinion, her descriptions of places and how everything works is the best part of this book. It makes you feel like a child, that just entered a new world with rules, that often don't make sense, but the thing is... they don't have to make sense. At least I didn't have time to question anything, because I was just so captivated by everything that happened, all the new things that appeared and especially all the secrets that were slowly uncovered as Hana and Kei, with their each step, found out more and more about what actually happened that morning at the pawn shop. And more than twenty years ago, when Hana's mother died.

I really liked the writing style as well, the descriptions were my favourite part of this book. I think the author did it really, really well and made it easy to be completely immersed in the world she created. I don't know how I feel about the romantic aspect of the story as it felt a bit like insta love, but in the end it didn't bother me that much.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

Such a great book! Never read anything like this. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it but it had me sucked in by 10 pages in! Love the concept and truly had me questioning my life and where I have ended up and what would happen if I ever walked in here.

I am experiencing so many emotions after finishing Water Moon. I finished this in two sittings, and I am in shambles from the last 40%. Wow, I love Samantha’s writing!

Water Moon is a cozy, whimsical romantasy delving deep into human nature and the power of choices. What if you could “pawn away” your biggest regret, and alter the trajectory of your life? It’s a notion that intrigues many people, and the way the author explores the consequences of rewriting life is mesmerizing. The worldbuilding was lush and beautiful. The way the two main characters ponder the complexity of regrets was lyrical and emotional, impacting me thoroughly.

I didn’t expect to cry, but I did — three times, I think. I’m tearing up as I write this review, actually. This is a book I can see myself coming back to to reflect. Each character was so complex, and their roles were important to the plot. One character, in particular, I’m hurting over — they deserved the world!

An absolutely stunning debut! Thank you Del Rey for my e-ARC.

4.5

I initially had a bit of a hard time getting into this novel, but I'm so glad I stuck with it because I ended up loving it! The prose is so beautiful I kept highlighting lines, the world feels so unique, and the plot had me feeling a full range of emotions. It is cozy at times, terrifying and heart-wrenching in others. My eyes were watering at the bittersweet ending and I have a feeling this is a story I will revisit.

It is hard to sum this plot up and I think it is best to go in not knowing too much. Hana inherits a magical pawnshop from her father, but with it comes secrets and dangers that she wasn't expecting. Soon, she's on a journey through time and space with an unexpected friend in hopes of discovering the truth of her past.

This story won't be for everyone but if you like thoughtful books full of other worlds and unexplained magic like "The Starless Sea," I think this will be a treat for you! It truly feels like something fresh in the fantasy genre, and I read a ton of fantasy!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC.

Water Moon was a beautifully written book that includes a very thoughtful, almost dream-like world. I really enjoyed the characters journey throughout the book. The idea of choices and what ifs made this book really thought-provoking. I adored the light fantasy aspect of the world that was created and will definitely be recommending this book to others!

4.5 - What a BEAUTIFUL story!! I haven't read a fantasy/magical realism book this unique in such a long time!! The concept of a magical pawnshop was just so cool and I loved everything about this wonderful story.

Hana inherits her father's magical pawnshop in Tokyo, where people go to let go of their regrets. The pawnshop provides a place for those who are lost and need to get rid of their deepest regrets a place to make new choices and become free. When Hana's father disappears and a stranger appears at her doors, she must embark on a journey through her magical, whimsical world to find her father and figure out what happened to her mother, who was allegedly killed when Hana was young. Hana has to team up with Kei, sharing their darkest secrets with each other and navigating parts of each others world.

This is a book of discovery, finding your purpose, the choices we make, and the fate that we choose versus the fate that has been determined for us. Hana goes on a l0ng journey, trying to figure out what happened to her family and the many secrets that they hid from her over the years. Her world is tipped upside down by Kei, a stranger from the outside world, who also seems lost in his own way. The two must navigate the feelings they have for each other, while figuring out if they could even be together in this magical world. The setting of this book was my favorite part, as the concept of a magical world where you can travel through time, and everything exists almost upside down, all obtainable through a magical pawnshop in Tokyo, was so cool. I loved the idea of making the choice to give up regrets, and the path that leads you down. The writing was very whimsical, and made me feel like I was out of this world reading this book. I already expect that this will be one of the best fantasy books of 2025! Thank you to Del Rey for the free book!!

Beautifully written and wonderfully captivating!

This book has such rich and lyrical writing and I spent half my time highlighting pieces that just struck me to my core. There’s action and adventure for sure but also really intricately woven messages of love and sacrifice and learning who you are when things get hard.

The 2 main characters Hana and Keishin really wowed me. They were I interesting and managed to not annoy me a single time for 384 pages which let me tell you, is a feat in itself. They communicated and were vulnerable with each other and developed as a couple and as individuals. I couldn’t help but fall in love with them both and root for them whole heartedly.

This was just such a unique world and magic system with really cool characters. I’m blown away that this is a debut. I can’t wait to see what else this author writes. And I can’t wait for the rest of the world to get to experience this book too.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Random House Publishing, Del Rey and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 🥰🥰🥰

Water Moon ARC Review ☁️
3.75 ⭐️

I was intrigued by the gorgeous cover and the Studio Ghibli premise 💖 The world building was the best part of this book ✨ Whimsical and imaginative, I was charmed by the different magical scenery: a pawnshop where people sell a choice made at a pivotal moment in their life that they deeply regretted, with their regrets stored away as caged birds, traveling by jumping into puddles, waking up from dreams by crossing a bridge into morning, riding paper cranes, releasing kites in the sky every night to become stars, and more.

I wanted to love this book to pieces and everything seemed to align on paper but sadly, the story didn’t live up to my expectations. While there are so many enchanting thoughtful moments that made me ponder and reflect, there isn’t enough time spent in one place to savor each moment before Hana and Keishin spirit away to the next. After a while, the whimsy wore off a bit for me since it starts to read as “so this happened and then this happened and then this and this and this…” Would’ve loved to have spent more time in one place to give the world more depth. The ideas themselves were utterly whimsical and creative. Very Ghibli-esque in this aspect that deserved more time to fully appreciate ✨

My other biggest qualm was the lack of chemistry between the two main characters and wooden dialogue. I usually want a romance subplot, but tbh this would’ve been better off without it. Hana and Keishin had ZERO chemistry and I had zero interest in rooting for their instalove or caring for their individual characters really. I’m assuming they’re speaking in keigo (formal polite Japanese) but I don’t think the stiff dialogue translated very well for their romance. There’s a fade-to-black spice scene that came out of nowhere, due to the fact that I had no idea the relationship was supposed to have progressed to that point?? Hana and Keishin would’ve been better off as platonic friends helping each other than forcing a romance for the plot. A bit more telling than showing and still v confused at the ending, but stuck through for the whimsy dream-like vibes 🌧️

I received an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book is the definition of whimsical and magical.

We read about Hana, who inherits her fathers pawnshop where people come to pawn off their regrets. Her father ends up missing and the pawnshop ransacked. In comes Kei, a stranger from another realm who wants to help her. And so, the adventure begins. It was fun! The writing was lyrical and so beautiful. The story in itself is creative and raw, filled with so much emotion. As someone who regrets many things it does put into perspective how we live with our regrets and choices. Having a choice is a privilege and isn't it beautiful to live a life with choices?

This was an absolutely fantastic read. I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone and everyone. The cover art, designed by Regina Flath and illustrated by Haylee Morice, beautifully encapsulates the vibes. I was engrossed, enchanted and swept away by this story from the beginning. I fell in love with the characters, was invested in their plight, and cried multiple times during the last 30%.

No small detail was left unsettled at the end. While perhaps everything may not have wrapped up the way I personally wanted, I was not left with unanswered questions. I hope to see more from these worlds in the future (yes WORLDS) because I am captivated.

There is something here for everyone. There is mystery, fantasy, worldbuilding, romance (which I would describe as the fade-to-black variety), and it is so magical, whimsical, and heartbreaking. I made so many highlights in my e-reader. I will purchase a physical copy immediately upon release so I can tab EVERYTHING I loved so very much. This releases January 14, 2025 and you will not want to miss this one.

I had not previously read any of Samantha Sotto Yambao's work, but will proceed with consuming everything Yambao has written.

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey and Random House Publishing Group for an advanced reader e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Water Moon is a story about choices and what they can mean. It is also a story about not having choices. What I really liked about this book was that the set up felt original but at the same time somewhat familiar.

We follow two characters Hana and Keishin. In a hide-away alley in Tokyo there is a pawnshop, most people will open the door to a ramen restaurant, but a few will find the pawnshop when they open the door to the ramen restaurant. Hana and her family have been the owners of the pawnshop for generations. The day that Keishin walks through the door is the first day that Hana is the owner and she is standing in the destruction of the shop. Keishin unlike the majority of the customers offers to help instead of wanting help to get rid of a choice that haunts them.

From this start we get the character relationships as Keishin and Hana search for her missing father. The search takes them through Hana's world avoiding danger, finding kindness, and learning what it means to have a choice. I love stories that are character driven but also have action and Water Moon was this for me.

I highly recommend Water Moon for anyone who loves alternative reality, adventure, fantasy based on cultural myths, or just fantasy.

Thank you for NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This novel is the perfect read if you’re in the mood to get cozy under a blanket and sit by a warm fire. I really enjoyed the whimsical nature of the book.

The writing was great and really did invoke that Studio Ghibli imagery.

I don’t know if they were written this way on purpose but I had a hard time connecting with the main characters. I know that Keishin is supposed to be an outsider to the world but he felt a little too disconnected from it all. Hana’s stoic nature felt similar. I did still enjoy reading their journey and it was wonderful to be a part of their adventures.

Unfortunately, the plot kind of fell flat in the end. Most of their adventures felt like one cozy whimsical setting followed by another, then the plot suddenly had to be resolved. Overall I enjoyed my time with this book, but the pacing just felt a bit off to me.

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is difficult for me to rate. After finishing, I’m left being very glad I had the chance to read this and looking at the book as a positive overall, but the experience of reading it felt a little sluggish.

A normal complaint for me is when books move around too quickly and this definitely is the case here. There are so many wonderful areas our characters find themselves in and I would have really enjoyed spending more time in these places. A museum with flying paper cranes and bamboo fields? A personal idea of heaven created by a ghost couple? A village responsible for creating the night sky? A night market in the sky? Love the whimsy but these are just a few of the places we visit so hardly any time is spend here besides the initial descriptions of the place.

I liked the sort of mystery being solved, I liked the romance aspect, I loved the whimsy and the end result but feel that the whole middle suffered from the constant movement.

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Water Moon was my first jump into Japanese fiction, and I was held in wonder as this beautiful experience of a book unfolded before my eyes. There is a pawnshop secreted away on a Tokyo side street that specializes in the buying and selling of otherworldly, invaluable merchandise: incapacitating regrets that haunt the living. Existing in a liminal space between one moment and another, the shop can only be found by those who are lost. Toshio, the pawnshop’s owner, has been a devoted sentinel, ready to offer a helping hand to beseeching customers for decades, providing comfort and relief to those afflicted, unfortunate souls who walk through his doors with weighty regrets to sell. Now it’s his daughter’s time to shoulder the burden. Ishikawa Hana is scheduled to inherit the pawnshop from her aging father, but within hours of her father’s official last day, Hana discovers he’s gone missing, the pawnshop has been vandalized, and something irreplaceable has been stolen. The reader gets swept away on Hana’s truly extraordinary journey, along with an unexpected travel companion named Keishin, a young physicist who is not the usual customer at her shop. Hana and Keishin will defy the natural laws of science and shatter what they both thought they knew about their worlds while trying to piece together Toshio’s mysterious disappearance. Their choices bring them closer together and closer to the truth, which can only result in a cataclysmic rift in the precisely drawn lines of predetermined fate. Both Hana and Kei will come face to face with a Water Moon---something so tantalizing their souls ache for it, but it’s always just outside of their reach. They both will have choices to make, secrets to guard, and a Water Moon to catch. If finding each other means possibly losing pieces of themselves along the way, Hana and Keishin must decide if a future together is just too costly.

A tale of self-determination and of grief and healing, Water Moon is a contemporary fantasy novel with a comfy-cozy dose of warm fuzzies: lessons are learned, fate is frustrated, and friendships and destinies are precariously balanced on the edge of the world as we know it! I loved how there are numerous poignant lessons lovingly woven into the plot. I felt particularly moved by Hana’s resiliency as a main character despite the tremendous emotional burden she’s shouldering, and I frequently admired the deftness she demonstrates when navigating such a fantastically unpredictable and unforgiving world. I was really rooting for her and Keishin, even with the odds stacked steeply against them, and I was all too happy to ride out the tidal wave made from the tectonic shift in fates they were creating by choosing each other again and again. This delightful story made me contemplate how each individual decision we make every day, no matter how small, leads to the next, generating an inexorable ripple effect from the choices both made and unmade. Talk about existential crisis! I highly recommend this book! Picking up this book will be like waking up inside an enchanting fever dream suffused in soul-rending emotional revelations, heartwarming familial devotion, and compounding fateful decisions. Very succinctly, this book is an exquisite work of art crafted from the inspirational magic of the human experience, highlighting how just a singular person with a singular choice can have astronomical transformative power.

Thank you so much Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine/Del Rey for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. I will be posting this review on my Goodreads and Instagram accounts.

Regret hurts, but would you trade it for a cup of tea?

"Water Moon" follows a magical pawnshop owner and her client as they journey through her world to find her missing father.

The descriptions were incredibly vivid and inventive. The marketplace on clowds, a museum filled with moving oragami, and tattoos that tell your life's story and become visible in the the rain are all fantastical and work to build out the world as the reader and the physicist come to experience it. The reveal in the third act was well done, when I re-read this I know it will be a different experience for the better.

Hana and Keishin are really good foils for each other, just them existing with each other has them confronting their own patterns of thought. Their connection is instant but that doesn't mean there is no tenderness or sweet moments. I thought with Kei being a physicist would play more into the plot but I'm not mad it doesn't. I think Hana's life and world are more comprehensible and interesting than theoretical science.

Water Moon is a beautiful story that takes you to a Ghibli-esque world and immerses you in an adventurous mystery. The book follows Hana as she is set to open her family’s pawnshop for the first time after her father has retired the day before. However, the opening goes awry when she discovers that her father is missing along with a prized item. She and her first customer, Keishin, go on a whirlwind adventure to find her father and recover the lost item before it’s too late. Soto Yambao’s writing is illustrious while keeping the reader on their toes throughout the book. Overall, I loved the first 95% of the book but felt that the ending was a bit rushed.