~🄱🅁🄴🄰🄺🄳🄾🅆🄽~

➢ Writing: ★ ★ ★ ★ ✰
➢ World-building/Setting: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
➢ Creativity: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
➢ Atmosphere: ★ ★ ★ ★ ✰.5
➢ Plot: ★ ★ ★ ★ ✰
➢ Characters: ★ ★ ★ ✰ ✰
➢ Romance: ★ ★ ✰ ✰ ✰.75
➢ Pacing: ★ ★ ★ ✰ ✰

••••••

The concept of this book is so creative and whimsical, it kind of reminded me of a Studio Ghibli film when I read the description. It was definitely one of my most anticipated releases, and the release date is so far away so I am glad I got to read the arc of this.

One of the places this book shined the most was with the world building. There were so many creative aspects to it that were unlike anything I had ever read before; birds made of people’s regret, traveling through puddles, smoke that can carry prayers, tattoos that are maps of your life, pearls that can hold memories, time that can be bought and sold, moments folded into origami, and those were just some of my favorite elements. The writing style was another highlight, it really helped work to create the whimsical atmosphere throughout the story.

Even though I wound up enjoying this story, I did feel like it got off to a somewhat rocky start. The first five or so chapters go back and forth between the present day and the night before, which just felt pointless to me and made it hard to get invested initially since we were being thrown around so much. I would have much preferred to read the beginning in a linear timeline, starting with the day her father retired and his last customer followed by that night when him and Hana were celebrating then into the next morning as I feel like it would have made a much smoother read. Also there is a flashback after that in Kei’s perspective in which we get a flashback inside of a flashback, and rather than making a whole new section completely I think it would have read clearer to just have him recall that moment as all these flashbacks started to make things feel unnecessarily messy.

Another thing I felt could use some polishing was the relationship development between the main characters. There are so many excellent opportunities to establish a stronger connection between the two, but the moments would always be cut too short. Some of my favorite parts were when Hana and Kei would hide in memories, and I wished those interactions would have been extended some so I could have been more invested in their romance. The pacing of the book was very fast, and even though I enjoyed that, it sometimes felt like we were so busy moving from location to location we didn’t get to establish as much of a connection to the characters as we could have.

From that point on however things definitely began to pick up and I could definitely see this making an amazing animated film because it read just like one. Like I said before, the world building is so imaginative that once we got to see some of it come into play the story became much stronger. I also really enjoyed the twists that came into play in the last half, I didn’t see them coming and they added an extra layer to the story.

••••••

Overall, even though this story had some minor shortcomings, mostly in the beginning, that kept it from reaching its full potential, I still found myself wanting to pick it back up each time I took a break. I feel like with a bit of polishing and extended interactions between the main characters this book could have been absolutely perfect, and regardless of the small issues I had I would still recommend people to pick up this book because it was still a very whimsical read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!


~🄾🅅🄴🅁🄰🄻🄻 🅁🄰🅃🄸🄽🄶: ★ ★ ★ ✰ ✰.75~

I did not like this! If it wasn't an ARC I would have DNF'd it, but alas.

The concept seemed charming to me, very whimsical magical realism: a mysterious pawnshop that trades in life choices, a missing father, and an otherworldly journey to find him. But it was so poorly executed, in my opinion.

WHAT I LIKED: I liked Haruto's storyline. He was interesting to me, and I wish he was involved in the narrative more. I liked the idea of a pawnshop that takes regrets, that can only be reached by people who have regrets.

THE REST OF IT: The characters had absolutely no charm, I was not attached to either of them, and they did absolutely nothing to endear me to them. I was hoping that the romance element would be a supplement to the ethereal and magical setting, but it wasn't. It was instalove, and it felt like the only thing either character ever talked about.

Their dialogue was painful to read, written in a way that made it feel like all the conversations were just the first draft, like it was never sifted through and edited down to be more readable and natural.

The magical world was also a disappointment to me. I'd seen some reviews (after receiving my eARC) that call the world here "Ghibli-esque". This is always a red flag for me, because in my personal life experience (NOT UNIVERSAL) I have learned that people who flippantly make this comparison between "Studio Ghibli" and other vaguely magical realism properties have no idea what they're actually talking about. They don't know what film, specifically, to draw comparison with, and they don't know what those films are about besides charming, highly gif-able hand drawn 2-D animation.

Studio Ghibli has made many films, which span many different themes, tones, and art styles. One thing that is consistent, though, is they are tight films. Very concise-- and they have to be. Every scene, every shot, every cut, and every line of dialogue, needs to justify itself to earn its place in the film. Because the amount of time and labor required for all of these tiny elements is insanely high! People can lose sight of that because of the existence of those famous "nothing" shots, where nothing seems to be happening. But those are a deliberate and important choice as well, and the filmmakers are acutely aware of the seconds and minutes of storytelling they are using in these calm, "empty" shots, and thus must make the most out of their action and dialogue scenes.

It didn't feel like the scenes and locations in this book were being used to their full effect. It truly felt like the author had all these sentimental & unique ideas for a rich magical world, but never really justified their existence in this narrative. The way all these magical things work was explained, clearly, so clearly it sort of felt like getting hit over the head, but that's not necessarily a good thing. So many words were spent explaining to us, the audience, how this delicate magical ecosystem works, all the while our main characters are paper thin and their motivations entirely one note. It was unbalanced and it worked against the story, in my opinion.

AND, I was ESPECIALLY mad when I was reading the book, and the male love interest literally REFERENCES Ghibli in his internal monologue! Well, obviously people are going to draw similarities between these two works, because the author drew a bold, red, Sharpie marker line between them! That's just a personal thing, combined with the weird fact that referencing pop culture wasn't a consistent element of the character's thoughts and speech, this was sort of a one off reference. But still, this review is about my personal experience, so I'm mentioning it 👍.

Well, that's my overall impression after having read this book. The twists were not twisty to me, some of them straight up seemed like stuff we all already knew, but the writing made it seem like it was being revealed to us, the audience, as well as the characters.

Of course, this could be the perfect book for you, I don't know. Different strokes. If you love this, I'm happy for you. But do look up some true facts about the Titanic, please. For me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Water Moon will be published January 14, 2025.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao is an evocative and immersive read that has revitalized my passion for reading, especially after a prolonged slump induced by new depression medication. This book is a delectable journey that transports readers through a beautifully crafted narrative, leaving them wanting more.

Samantha Sotto Yambaos' writing is a treasure trove of vivid descriptions and memorable quotes. The prose scratches an intellectual itch, with passages that demand to be highlighted and revisited. It's rare to find a book where nearly every page offers a line worth savoring, but Water Moon accomplishes this with ease. The emotional depth conveyed through the writing is profound, making the reader feel a spectrum of emotions throughout the story.

The character development in Water Moon is particularly noteworthy. The characters are crafted with a realism that makes them relatable and engaging. They are flawed yet endearing, and their journeys are compelling. This realism in character portrayal is one of the book's strongest aspects, creating a connection between the reader and the narrative.

However, my only critique—and it is a testament to how much I enjoyed the book—is that it could have been longer. At times, the narrative feels rushed, and I found myself yearning for more details and prolonged descriptions. Some segments could have benefited from additional depth, perhaps even warranting a sequel to fully explore the rich world Samantha Sotto Yambao has created. The plot is well-paced, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and craving more.

In conclusion, Water Moon is a remarkable book that I highly recommend. It’s a testament to Samantha Sotto Yambaos' talent that I now feel compelled to explore all of her other works. Despite the occasional rushed section, the book is a triumph of character development, plot progression, and evocative writing. If you're looking for a read that will captivate your mind and emotions, Water Moon is an excellent choice.

Wow, this book was so unique and beautiful and mesmerizing! I absolutely enjoyed the heck out of it. It was unlike anything I’ve read and I felt transported to a magical world. I really enjoyed the romance aspect as well. It was so soft and lovely. And what a beautiful cover! Would love to get my hands on a physical copy of this one.

I stopped after chapter 2 (6%). I personally found the writing itself a bit stilted, but it’s personal preference. This feels like a 3-4 stars for the target audience. I really like the concept.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC.

This book has everything- wonderful world building, cozy vibes, magic that helps people, lovable characters, and let's talk about that cover which is stunning. I love that this is set in a pawn shop because those are where things are examined and evaluated to see what their value and compared between two parties until they can agree one what the price is. It also brings you through everyone and as a reader you get to learn about the characters through the memories they bring to the pawnshop. This books gives the same feeling as watching a Studio Ghibli film. This book touches upon the parts of life that we should hold onto and the people we should keep close to us. It is a book that you feel good when reading and when it ends you want to start over so that you can go back to these characters and go back on the journey with them.

Teleporting through ponds, reviewing memories through pearls, traveling on rumors, and sailing on a song, Water Moon is a gorgeously written Alice in Wonderland-type fever dream of a book that takes you on an adventure of a lifetime. The metaphors and imagery are incredible and I loved the sprinkle of romance. While this book is intended for readers with strong imaginations, it is also very easy to read. It was a quick read for me and I enjoyed every bit!

The pacing was very quick, so it kept me engaged but I definitely think there could have been a bit more details to keep me within the scene. I felt like I was frequently pulled out of a scene and thrown into another, but I believe this might be because of the type of story-telling. It is meant to be time-jumpy and quick, so this is just preference.

While the most different sort of fantasy I’ve ever read, I thoroughly enjoyed reading something different. It felt like something out of a storybook or maybe an anime movie? I loved the uniqueness of it, despite it not being my usual cup of tea.

This was a really beatiful book. So well written and the characters were a delight. This is a cosy read with a whimsical feel. Loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

In my mind's eye, this played out like a Miyazaki movie - all soft colors, unexpected surprises, and whimsy details, even when things get tense or dangerous. Hell, I feel like I even had a soundtrack going in my head as I reas.

The blurb sets up the story well, but doesn't do the experience of reasing this book justice. The cover of the book, however, starts to give a reader a sense of the whimsy contained in its pages. The world building of Hana's realm is exquisite and so visually interesting. Surreal, whimsy, and charming, even when things get dark and menacing. There is a dream like quality to Hana's world that playfully tugs on your sense of wonder.

Yambao does a great job of raising the stakes of Hana's story, too. The relationship building is well done, if a little quick in places, and all the steps the characters make to arrive at the final "choice" make sense even as you're left shocked by some big "reveals." The neat little package of loose threads coming together in the story's resolution is very well done, too. I knocked a star off because one piece of that resolution - a pretty big one concerning who one of the characters is - felt to me like it needed more explaining, but the story sweeps you along and you understand enough to still be caught up in the rush to the end.

Excited to have read this and very much looking forward to more from this author.

#netgalley


Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of Water Moon. This book was amazing in quite a few ways. Though I've read so much fantasy and speculative fiction, this brought out new ideas and characters. There is a origami artist that can fold time, memories held in pearls, payment made in time and memories, choices that turn into birds after they're pawned and the ability to travel by rumor etc. The book is a wonderful trip. The ending is good and it is a great read overall.

The issues I had with it was pacing in some places. I had to push through some places to get to the next interesting part. The style was very similar to other translated works I've ready by Japanese authors, but this seemed significantly more wordy. The two combined made it a sometimes tedious read.

Gorgeous, lush writing. Hana is an intelligent character, and the poignancy of the entire storyline will stay with you. The book has a certain texture, whimsical and dreamy, that pulls you in and leaves you breathless.

Water Moon is a quietly beautiful story. The textures are layered with a dreamlike quality, and the imagery is at once, riveting and soothing.

The story is one of love and human connection, and the lengths we go to save our family and keep those we love saved. In Water Moon, love is the heart of it all. And this story has heart.

If you read nothing else, read Water Moon.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao is a fantasy novel that takes you on a journey through magical worlds that defy all expectations. The journey begins at the pawnshop where you are able to trade your regrets for peace of mind. Hana takes over the pawnshop from her father and on that first day, he goes missing. She sets out to find her father and learn the truth about her mother with the help of Keishin, a man who finds himself in an adventure of epic proportions.

This book is perfect for fantasy readers, it checks all the boxes for heroes and villains, love and loss, and all the magical details to make you want to go on an adventure. “Happiness does not exist in a place. It lives in every breath we take. You need to choose to take it in, over and over again.” It’s a beautiful story in every way, I fell in love with the lyrical writing and the worlds where nothing is as it seems. It’s also an epic love story that develops slowly and then furiously, it will leave you breathless until the end.

Thank you Random House Publishing Ballantine and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This is the most beautiful story I have read! I forgot I was reading and not immersed into the different universes. This is a story I will reread again and again.

GORGEOUS COVER! Water Moon takes you on a magical, softly romantic adventure as it follows Hana and Keishin's journey to solve the mystery of Hana's missing father. It deals with themes of fate and choices, if it is possible to make a real choice in the world if your fate has been planned out for you since birth. It deals with the illusion of reality, if things are truly as they seem when stepping into a world that lives by rules you don't understand. This book is filled with mysteries to unravel, and you will not be able to put it down until you have discovered everything it has to offer.

5/5 ⭐

This is for all of the adults who watched Spirited Away as a kid and have been looking for something that brings the same sense of magic and wonder into their lives.

If you're looking for a world where...
🌕 you can travel through puddles (and sometimes by rumors)
🌕 smoke can carry prayers
🌕 pearls can hold memories
🌕 pieces of time can be folded into origami
🌕 life maps can be tattooed on your skin
and so much more, then <i>Water Moon</i> is the book for you.

"I'm beginning to think that nothing will ever make sense again."
"Things don't have to make sense for them to be real."

This story starts in the backstreets of Tokyo, in a magical pawnshop hidden behind a door to a ramen restaurant that only opens for people with a choice they regret. On the day Hana Ishikawa takes over as the pawnshop's new owner, her entire life crashes down around her. With the help of a charming stranger who happens to stumble upon the pawnshop in the midst of Hana's panic, Hana and Keishin delve deep into the wonders of Hana's home--the Other World--to find her missing father and restore things to the way they were. But things do not go as planned and, when secrets are revealed, Hana and Keishin are forced to make impossible choices they will never be able to take back.

Water Moon takes you on a magical, softly romantic adventure as it follows Hana and Keishin's journey to solve the mystery of Hana's missing father. It deals with themes of fate and choices, if it is possible to make a real choice in the world if your fate has been planned out for you since birth. It deals with the illusion of reality, if things are truly as they seem when stepping into a world that lives by rules you don't understand. This book is filled with mysteries to unravel, and you will not be able to put it down until you have discovered everything it has to offer.

While there are so many things I loved about this book (especially the detailed world building and lore), I think that the romance between Hana and Keishin was my favorite. It was the most beautiful mix of forbidden romance and fated soulmates, while remaining light and whimsical as they traveled through an equally whimsical and fairytale-like world.

"Because when I wake up, you'll be gone. I know that you're just a dream. The only thing worse than losing you is losing you over and over again."

Kei, I get you, because that's how I feel after finishing this book. I already wish I could experience this story for the first time again. I highly recommend this book. It is a light and smooth read, perfect for a reading slump or in-between a series that you want a break from.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

This is honestly such a MAGICAL story. And I cannot press that word enough... if you love magic, this is the book for you!

There are so many creative and adventurous magical elements to the story, that it felt action packed the whole time.

With that being said, I felt like the book was quickly paced with the characters and the romance felt a litte insta love to me. I prefer my books to be character driven, so when I feel like I didn't have time to connect with the characters, it automatically lowers the rating for me.

However, the writing was so fun and fantastical that I felt engaged in the plot the whole time. I would definitely recommend this if you love adventure and fairytale like magic :)

4.5 stars! This was a cool book that I really did not expect ANY turn that happened here. The world was so creative and different, which is refreshing from the "different worlds" other books give us. This book was about duty, fate, family and how decisions--big or small-- can change your life.

Hana was such an interesting character, because she is written like a normal, almost plan woman in her perspective, knowing her life and her world is anything but normal. We get to see just how special and unique she is through Keishin's point of view, who comes from a "regular" modern day world. He is able to see and appreciate the small things about Hana, and challenge her in ways she never thought could happen. While a big premise of the story is how Hana's life is (literally) mapped out for her, Keishin does a great job of being the comforting sidekick along for the ride when Hana needs to go out on a big adventure, and Keishin helps challenge Hana about making decisions and the traps/freedoms that go along with them.

THE ENDING was not what I expected. At all. Holy moly I must say, that last twist about the decision and how it relates to Keishin really got me, and got me good.

This was a fun read, so thank you, NetGally for the ARC. I really liked this book and cannot wait to see what changes were made to enhance the story once it is published!!! 4.5 stars!!!

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

This is one of those books you wish you could jump into and visit! There were so many moments I wish I was there to experience with the characters it just felt so immersive! I loved the characters and their storylines and truly was rooting for them throughout the book rather than just reading to see where they would go. There is a lot of world building in the beginning which felt like a slow build up, which I am usually not a huge fan of, but it was 100% worth the wait to reach some of my favorite scenes. The writing was well done, though it did feel like the chapters ended abruptly and moved on, which wasn't a bad thing just something I picked up on towards the end of the book.

Water Moon is a mystical fantasy standalone that follows Hana and Kei as they traverse through a magical realm in hopes of finding Hana's father. It gives very similar vibes to "Spirited Away" and "The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea".

Hana has inherited her father's magical pawn shop, where people pawn regrets/choices in exchange for tea. On her very first day as the new owner, she wakes up to find that her father has disappeared along with one of the choices. When Kei walks in and offers to help her solve the mystery of where her father went, they are soon whisked off to the magical world where Hana comes from. The story follows these 2 through many magical and mysterious adventures, such as traveling on a rumor, shopping at a night market on the clouds, and folding back time itself.

What I loved most was how interesting Hana's world was. Each part of the adventure was so unique, and I enjoyed waiting to see what the next magical experience would be. It was a fast paced read, one part of the adventure smoothly flowing straight into the next, and I was able to complete the book in 2 sittings/just around 24 hours.

Something that detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book was that the characters fell in love with each other instantly. There was no character development, they were just automatically attracted to each other and even said so a few times. So if you are not one for the instalove trope, this might not be your book. I also was confused about the choices and how they affected the real world. Did events change in the real world for the choice that was released? I was a bit unsure due to how it was explained. The other thing I disliked was where the book went towards the end. It got suddenly much darker, and the ending felt really rushed and disjointed. I still enjoyed the overall ending, but wanted to know a bit more about what Hana had been up to.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's a fast paced standalone fantasy, perfect for adults who want a bit of a lighter read that's quite unique. I'd give it 3.5/5 stars.

Thank you so much to netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I liked this more but I couldn't connect to the story or characters. Everything felt at arm's length but the concept was really cool! Thank you Del Rey for the arc.