My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for this eARC!

I truly am at a loss for words. This was a beautiful novel and one of my favorite reads this year. The simple concept of the possibility of trading choices and regrets for a life unburdened drew me in. Samantha Sotto Yambao took this simple concept and transformed it into a whimsical, heartfelt, beautiful journey about the consequences of such a choice. The amount of depth that was written into this plot is enough to drown you.

The multiple POVs were done perfectly. The prose is eloquent. The characters were brilliant. I can't think of a single thing that I didn't like about this book.

This is one of those books that as I read, I thought about how it would be amazing to make into a movie or a show (mostly because the magical aspect reminds you of a Miyazaki film). However, no amount of concrete visuals could do this story justice. The author paints such an explicitly vivid illustration of the world through her words and the depth of that beauty, I think, can only reach it's full potential in the mind of the reader.

Absolute gem of a story.

Final Rating: 3.5

First, the writing in this book is gorgeous and it's so whimsical! I do have this issue though with writing like this, although its beautiful it tends to keep the reader at arms length and I never felt like I was really IN this book. You know how sometimes you can tell you're reading a book, and sometimes you're so into it you forget everything going on around you? With this one I definitely felt like I was reading a book rather than existing within the story.

I found the world to be really interesting and I enjoyed exploring it. That said, I found this book to be simultaneously too slow but also we didn't spend enough time in any of the locations for me to feel connected to anything. After a while, things did become a bit repetitive - visit one location then the bad guys show up, run to a new location and repeat. I didn't really care for the romance aspect, and I don't think it really added anything to the book for these two characters to instantly fall in love with each other. I also never really felt like I knew who Hana and Keishin were.

I found the last 1/3 of the book to be the most interesting, as we got more answers to things and everything came to a close, but I don't think my enjoyment of that last bit and the gorgeous writing was enough for me to love this book, sadly. I do think this is going to be a big hit with a lot of people, but for me it was fine.

This deeply emotional novel read like the best of Studio Ghibli films. Yes it was funny and fantastic with a host of unusual creatures in uncanny locations. The portal fantasy style let the main characters hop between scenes constantly. But Water Moon was also deeply concerned with identity and connection. What did it mean to belong to a world, or to the people that inhabited it? Is your life predestined or self-determined? I was hooked by this book and could not put it down. Slightly terrifying but totally dreamy, Water Moon will be living in my brain next to the likes of Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Hana's father has been preparing her for the day when she will take over the family business. They own a pawn shop that trades in mistakes and regrets and it's finally time for Hana to be in charge.
That first morning, she wakes up to find the shop destroyed and her father missing. To top it all off, her first customer come waltzing right in. Hana needs to find her father, help this new person, and keep out of reach of the Shiikuin (the magical, mechanical entities in charge of the realm).

Water Moon is a story I want to read again for first time— it’s damn near perfect. The world is whimsical and unique, the plot is engaging and the characters are like able.

I love this world of magical origami and transportation puddles. There was never a dull moment, and luckily, the story did not go in the direction I initially thought it would.
In hindsight, the ending actually isn't all that surprising but I didn't predict it and it was completely satisfying.

I loved this book so much that I preordered a special edition from Satisfiction book box.


I was given an advanced copy for review, all thoughts are entirely my own. Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for the opportunity.

Name of the publication/blog/outlet where your review will be published/posted: Instagram
Run date for when the review will be posted/published: 12/28/24
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Hana owns a pawnshop in a world not too far from our own. The clients who find themselves suddenly in the pawnshop sell her a regret to release before going back to our world. When an unexpected break-in happens right before a new customer named Kei comes in, she has to make a choice that will lead them both into a winding mystical adventure to uncover family secrets.

This was such an interesting and fresh read! It had vibes of magical realism, Studio Ghibli, and Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. The worlds were Japan-centric with brief mentions of the West, which I really enjoyed. There were twists I didn't expect along the way. The magical elements gave moments of coziness that mixed in with moments of darker mystery. I really enjoyed this read and would recommend to those who love East Asian inspired magical realism books like "Before the Coffee Gets Cold."

“I have found beauty in all manner of broken things. Chairs. Buildings. People… Especially people. They shatter in the most fascinating ways. Every dent, scratch, and crack tells a story. Invisible scars hide the deepest wounds and are the most interesting.”

A book about the choices we make and the regrets we face, Water Moon tells a story that is both whimsical and contemplative. We are taken on a journey where nothing is as it seems and the scientific principles of our world don’t apply.


Some things I loved:

🌊 So much of the book felt like a Ghibli-themed dreamscape, where everything (even moments of danger) seems to take on a fantastical and illusory quality. The descriptions were vivid, and it really drew on the differences of the parallel worlds.

🌙 While whimsical in tone, the book really makes the reader reflect on the nature of choice. So many decisions are taken for granted, and we can see how even some of the tiniest ones can have a huge impact on our lives.

🌊 The world building was so unique, and I know I touched on the dreamlike quality, but the world itself, with all of its customs and rules, was quite interesting on top of that.


Some things I wished:

🌙 Some of the plot points, especially toward the end, happen off page. I wish we’d gotten a bit more of how and why things worked out the way they did.

🌊 There are so many gorgeous places we explore through the book, and some of them, I would have liked to explore a bit more. It felt like, at times, we were rushed out of a scene so quickly that we weren’t able to take it all in. Though… I will say this did add to the illusory feel of the world!

🌙 The relationship felt a bit insta-love-ish. I understood their connection for sure, but the love aspect felt way too quick.


Overall I really enjoyed the book. Though there is definitely some danger and mystery and adventure, the storytelling made it feel more fanciful in tone. I kind of liken it to the vibes of Stardust, with some Ghibli whimsicality sprinkled on top. If you’re a dreamer or lover of quieter tales, this one is for you!

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Random House for the advanced copy!

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.