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Whimsical, magical and dark.
Water Moon is the perfect blend of whimsical writing, magical worlds, and dark vibes. I loved tracking the mystery with Keishin and Hana, experiencing Hana... READ MORE
I can't stop thinking about this book!
Tell me how this book creates the most ridiculous, gorgeous world, so creative that it should be impossible to imagine it, and yet I could see every single... READ MORE
Beautiful, Breathtaking & Brilliant
I picked this up thinking it was a story about a woman who owned a magical pawnshop whose father has mysteriously disappeared prompting her to go on advent... READ MORE
Darker than you'd think, but breathtaking nonetheless
This book pleasantly surprised me but I do think it should've ended a chapter before it's final, a bittersweet ending would've been more poetic in my opini... READ MORE
When Nothing is As It Seems, Anything is Possible
Stepping through the door of a ramen shop in Tokyo, you might just find yourself in very unique pawn shop.
One where instead of an item to trade, it is in... READ MORE
Packed with whimsy and ghibliesque charm
Water Moon is full of such charming worldbuilding! It all unfolded like an animated film, very ghibli-inspired, and full of super creative and beautiful co... READ MORE
What more could you want
Not only is this book so beautiful but it is also so good!! I really enjoyed this and sped through it. It’s such a beautiful, whimsical story. 5 stars is n... READ MORE
Magical
This book it truely special and submerges you into a magical world of a young girl called Hanna.
The adventure draws you in from the very first pages ma... READ MORE
A Masterpiece - My New Favourite
Water Moon is the best book I’ve read all year—maybe even my favourite book ever. It’s utterly charming, warm, and cozy, yet still full of excitement and w... READ MORE
Turn left at your second dream for my book of the year
I fail to put into words how much love I have for this book. I cannot name a single fault with anything. From the writing to the plot to the characters, ab... READ MORE
Complex fantasy filled with suspense and love
This story follows two young people, Hana & Keishin and how the fates have brought them together and into each other's lives.
Keishin perfectly contrasts ... READ MORE
Judge this book by its cover!
Full disclosure: I bought this because it's pretty. I saw it in a shop and I went ‘wow that’s pretty’ and I bought it there and then. Sue me!
Putting as... READ MORE
Water Moon - Samantha Sotto Yambao
This book is so beautifully considered. There is so much metaphor and so much whimsical, magical world building. The world the pawn shop exists in is so wo... READ MORE
Dreamy with a dash of nightmare
You may feel a longing for a bowl of ramen noodles in a little restaurant in the back streets of Tokyo, but if you have regrets or missed chances, you may ... READ MORE
Cozy and magical
A dreamy, atmospheric tale about a Tokyo pawnshop that trades in regrets, Water Moon blends magic, memory, and quiet emotion. Samantha Sotto crafts a lush,... READ MORE
Synopsis
'Would you rewrite your destiny if it meant losing a part of your past?'
On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it.
Most will see only a cosy ramen restaurant. And just the chosen ones – those who are lost – will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets.
Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop's new owner to find it ransacked, the shop’s most precious acquisition stolen and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike other customers. For he offers help, instead of seeking it.
Together, they must journey through a mystical world to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice – through rain puddles, hitching rides on paper cranes, across the bridge between midnight and morning and through a night market in the clouds.
But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own – and risk making a choice she will never be able to take back.
Step into the captivating and romantic fantasy novel that will sweep you away on an unforgettable adventure - perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli, Erin Morgenstern and Before the Coffee Gets Cold.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
- ISBN: 9781804993323
- Number of pages: 400
- Dimensions: 196 x 128 x 27 mm
- Weight: 274g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allBrilliant
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t what I got. Water moon was a bizarre and dreamy reading experience in the most positive of way... READ MORE
3.5 stars
Headlines:
Magical (realism)
Whimsical
Romantic
I enjoyed the foundational setting of the pawn shop in Tokyo. Open the door and is it ramen or is it ... READ MORE
Arc review - this is an incredible read
Wow, just wow! Water Moon caught me completely by surprise. It is downright stunning, and this novel completely swept me away. I was hooked from the very f... READ MORE
Wonderfully whimsical
This book draws you in to a unique fantastical world. Full of whimsy, emotion and twists! Well worth a read, it totally sweeps you away. I loved it ❤️
This fantasy mystery novel is a curiously compelling read that transports you beyond this world. For fans of Studio Ghibli, Starless Sea and Before the Coffee Gets Cold with a touch of Alice in Wonderland and Weathering with You.
This was certainly not lacking in excellent plot twists, but unfortunately in emotional depth which was a pity.
I think the songs that best match the vi... READ MORE
Fantasy tale with philosophical elements - quite good.
In Japan, Hana, who works in an unusual pawnshop, and Kei, a physicist, embark on a quest in a fantasy world full of surprises and revelations. The place... READ MORE
Magical
Water Moon is the story of Hana who along with her father Toshio runs a pawn shop. It's no ordinary pawn shop though, this pawn shop deals in bad choices A... READ MORE
Water Moon
I have absolutely fallen in love with Samantha Sotto Yambao's writing.
This whimsical book feels like an ode to Studio Ghibli works
It has the most beaut... READ MORE
Such a beautiful story
Water Moon is one of those books that as soon as you start reading it’s so hard to put down. This book was so whimsical and I loved how it had Studio Ghibl... READ MORE
Completely enchanting
Water Moon is an ethereal, dreamlike magical realism story set in a backstreet in Tokyo. Here lies a magical pawnshop where the chosen ones – those that fe... READ MORE
Magical and surprising, with a caveat
I am trying to expand my reading horizons and my favourite genre is SFF, I had never read anything from the Philippines, so when I was offered Samantha Sot... READ MORE
Terrifying Whimsy fills this dream like world that I long to return to...
Terrifying whimisy is the theme of Water Moon - a novel that transports you on a whirlwind trip to a mysical and fantastical 'other world'.
I had so much... READ MORE
Wondrous!
you know the subgenre of fiction where a person ends up stumbling upon an unassuming establishment - perhaps a library or a café - at just the right time i... READ MORE
“Time has no borders except those people make.”
Water Moon is a beautifully written, magical, and emotive tale of choices and consequences, ranging from the dreamy to the dark. When Hana inherits her fat... READ MORE
A dream-logic, whimsical adventure
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a read which truly takes you on a journey. Where each turn holds something familiar and yet skewed just e... READ MORE
STUNNINGGGGG WHIMSICAL READ✨
Verified Purchase
Magical adventure to beautiful worlds
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... READ MORE
Wonderfully magical
A wonderfully magical book that would make the perfect Studio Ghibli production. It is dark, mystical, romantic, perilous and amusing sometimes all at once... READ MORE
Beautiful, I am in Love
This book is beautiful, start to finish!
A lovely story an and an amazing surprise of a new author for me. The structure and the journey was so smooth an... READ MORE
A ghibli-esque phenomenon
‘Water Moon’ is a whimsical and immersive ghibli-esque adventure through the choices we make in life, the importance of free will and living for our own ha... READ MORE
Whimsical and charming book
Thank you to Random House UK, Bantam, and NetGalley UK for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely flew through this book, w... READ MORE
An enchanting, Japanese-inspired, dream-like adventure
This novel is utterly enchanting. The author deals very creatively with the Japanese culture that seeps into every corner of the narrative set in Tokyo and... READ MORE
beautiful
this book was a beautiful world building story which reminded me so much of a studio ghibli film. It was dreamy.
Reading this felt like watching a Ghibli animation!
On a backstreet in Tokyo, there’s a pawnshop that can only be found by those who are lost. It’s a place where they can pawn difficult life choices and thei... READ MORE
Magical
What a magical book! I have never read a book like this before and I loved it. The world building was magical and I was emotionally invested in the charact... READ MORE
A wonderful fantasy
If you love the Japanese animated movie Spirited Away this fantasy book with the most amazing world-building is the perfect read.
Toshio and his daughter ... READ MORE
Simply Wonderful!
This book draws you in to a unique fantastical world. Full of whimsy, emotion and twists! I loved it ?
A unique fantasy
The idea of a door opening only to those in need, who have made a choice they regret, is tantalising. What happens to those choices, which are redeemed for... READ MORE
Wonderful
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and publisher.
This was a lovely, beautiful, entertaining novel. It’s so surreal and... READ MORE
Water Moon is a must read for any Japanese fantasy fans
Exquisite. Simply exquisite! 4.5⭐
Water Moon is the perfect example of a well-written Japanese fantasy book. Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli films, Wa... READ MORE
Whimsical and charming book
Thank you to Random House UK, Bantam, and NetGalley UK for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely flew through this book, w... READ MORE
Ethereal and beautiful
As the magical, dream-like Water Moon begins, we meet Hana who is about to take over her father’s pawn shop. But it is not an ordinary pawn shop. Hana’s pa... READ MORE
Dreamy and beautiful
Such a beautiful heartfelt book. People who don't know they want to sell their regrets end up at Hana's father's pawnshop instead of a delicious ramen rest... READ MORE
Whimsically powerful
I stumbled upon Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao recently, and I'm so glad I did! The book's description immediately caught my attention, especially bec... READ MORE
A brilliant read
Water Moon may be one of my favourite reads of 2024. The novel takes the reader on a journey through a strange parallel world which works very differently ... READ MORE
A fantastic start to 2025
This is my first read of 2025 and I am giving it a full five stars.
From the moment Keishan walked through the door of the pawnshop Hana has recently t... READ MORE
Perfect for fans of magical realism
The story follows Hana, who takes over her father's unusual pawnshop in Tokyo, where people trade their regrets. When her father goes missing, Hana teams u... READ MORE
Entertaining fantasy
Choices! We make so many choices every day. Today I suggest that you make your day a little bit better by choosing to read this fantasy story. Opening a do... READ MORE
Dreamy and magical adventure!
This dreamy story revolves around the adventures of the young owner of a magical pawnshop in Tokyo where clients can pawn their past choices and regrets.
... READ MORE
A Ghibli-esque adventurous romantic fantasy
4.25*
A magical pawnshop that not everyone can find that allows those who need it to rid themselves of regret at choices made. Hana is set to inherit th... READ MORE
This is quite an inventive and fantastical tale!
This is quite an inventive and fantastical tale! Full of magic and romance, and with a touch of healing fiction
The premise of Water Moon, with a pawnsh... READ MORE
Complex, fantasy, fascinating
I don't think I've ever read anything like "Water Moon" by Samantha Sotto Yambao. I was expecting something similar to the Japanese series "Before the Coff... READ MORE
Five stars!
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao is a beautifully enchanting tale that weaves together fantasy and mystery in the heart of Tokyo. At the centre of the s... READ MORE
Amazing and well imagined
I’ve not read a book like this before. The world building is amazing, the author’s imagination is incredible. I was hooked from the first couple of pages. ... READ MORE
Otherworld Fantasy
Hana works in a pawnshop where customers are persuaded to pawn a difficult choice. In Hana's world there are no choices, lives are pre-destined and indeed... READ MORE
Watermoon
This is a fantasy novel and i apologise for not taking better care for reading synopsis i didnt read to end. Although the summary of this makes me think of... READ MORE
Beautiful
Beautifully written. Will never look at rain the same way again, or puddles.
A story about love, fate and choices. We fallow Hana, who has recently take... READ MORE
A bit different
This was not what I was expecting at all to be honest, it’s really different to the usual Japanese translated books I love. It takes you on a wild, bizarre... READ MORE
Whimsical and Beautiful
Magically hidden at the end of a Ramen restaurant queue is a Pawnshop, a place where you can rid yourself of you deepest regrets for a price
Hana is wa... READ MORE
A dreamy read
Would you rewrite your destiny if it meant losing a part of your past?
On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it.
Most w... READ MORE
Fabulous Japanese fantasy
A fantasy with a dream like quality that takes you on a journey of magical world building. Having recently been fortunate to visit Japan and experience the... READ MORE
Three words to describe Water Moon: magical, mystical, and charming!
Three words to describe Water Moon: magical, mystical, and charming! Reading this felt like falling into my favourite Studio Ghibli movie. The world-buildi... READ MORE
Wild and imaginative
The first word that comes to mind after readings this book is creativity. The other world in which the story takes place, an alternative world that shares ... READ MORE
Incredible
From the very first page, I was swept into a world of whimsy, adventure, and romance. Water Moon isn’t just a book—it’s an experience!
Hana’s world brim... READ MORE
Whimsical fantasy set in Tokyo
Publisher ARC copy via Coundon library book club, however my thoughts are my own and unbiased.
well written, whimsical fantasy that takes you on a whist... READ MORE
Japanese fantasy tale
Set in Tokyo this is a cosy romantic fantasy novel about choices made and the regrets we have as a result of those choices. Hana Ishikawa wakes one mornin... READ MORE
A wonderful, magical book
This is an incredible book - it’s like nothing I’ve read before. Maybe that’s because I tend not to read a lot of fantasy books but I was given the opportu... READ MORE
What a Magical World
I thought this is an amazing story of what you see isn't what you get. What I thought would be a story about an ordinary pawnshop is actually a door int... READ MORE
So weird it's wonderful
Whimsical, disorienting, emotional experience. This book is something else, a twisting turning journey that gets very dark as it explores cause and effect ... READ MORE
An adventure I didn’t want to end. Loved it!!
“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.”
This is one of those won... READ MORE
Sublime
It's difficult to condense my love for this book, Hana and Kei into a readable sized review, but I will try.
As main characters, they are brilliant, and... READ MORE
Beautiful book
This is the story of a pawn shop that is disguised as a ramen restaurant and only the chosen ones will find the pawn shop where they can trade their regret... READ MORE
Loved it!!
As the dawn breaks on Hana Ishikawa's inaugural day as the owner of the pawnshop, she awakens to chaos. The establishment has been plundered, its most priz... READ MORE
Lush Adventure
What a beautiful tale. Water Moon evoked anime style imaginations while I read it. I could really see it as a anime film! I bonded with the main character ... READ MORE
Fantastically whimsical book
Thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouse UK for a copy of the eARC in exchange for a review. All the opinions are my own and I wasn’t paid to write this.
We ... READ MORE
wow wow wow
words can’t describe how absolutely incredible this book is. its truly beautiful.
Choose this one
Choices! We make so many choices every day. Today I suggest that you make your day a little bit better by choosing to read this fantasy story. Opening a do... READ MORE
no notes - perfection
this book is a masterpiece. i have no notes… its a beautiful, whimsical fantasy with a lot of philosophical thinking.
this is hard for me, its one of tho... READ MORE
Unique, whimsical and a joy to read.
I could easily have read this in one sitting it was so compelling but decided to savour it and read it in two!
Other reviews have mentioned Studio Ghibli ... READ MORE
A Whimsical Ghibli Tale
When going into a Ramen shop in Tokyo, physist Kei instead finds himself in a ransacked pawn shop.
Hana spent the night before celebrating her fathers r... READ MORE
book damaged
its the 3rd book in a row I received damaged.... corners and dustjacket bent-damaged as waterstones put it in toooo small envelopes
One for the dreamers
Every so often, a book comes along that feels like stepping into a warm embrace—soft, soothing, yet infused with an undercurrent of magic that tingles at t... READ MORE
What a start to 2025 reading
I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book having been told studio ghibli vibes and not much else. Yes it does kind of give that, but maybe not as brigh... READ MORE
Utterly dreamy and sublime read
From the very first page, 'Water Moon' cast a spell on me. The idea of a pawnshop where you can trade away your regrets for peace of mind is utterly captiv... READ MORE
Reading a dream....
Watermoon started with a promising, mysterious vibe — a pawnshop, a disappearance, and a world that bends around intention. I really wanted to love it. But... READ MORE
it's your choice to read or not read this book
Absolutely loved the journey this book took me on. The ups and downs and the magic and life lessons all about making choices ... Would recommend. Especiall... READ MORE
Very imaginative, dreamlike
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
This is an extremely imaginative book brimming with ideas and things to think a... READ MORE
Loved it
Water Moon is a precious read, it’s beautiful and reads like a fever dream. I loved how cozy and mystical it is. Definitely has those Studio Ghibli vibes a... READ MORE
Yambao’s imagination and writing talent are boundless. One of my favourite books of the year.
This is one of the most original and engrossing fantasies I have read. Every journey Hana takes leads you deeper into the mystery of her life and the seemi... READ MORE
Amazing book
Screaming at all the twists at the end. 4.5 stars
- Romance
- Magical
- Otherworld
- Whimsical
- Violence
- Mystery
- 3rd person
This book is s... READ MORE
Dreamlike, enchanting, and beautifully written!
Samantha Sotto Yambao’s Water Moon is a spellbinding blend of magic and reality, set in a Tokyo pawnshop where people can sell their regrets. The writing i... READ MORE
Magic
Hidden within a ramen restaurant in Tokyo lies a pawnshop that trades in choices and regrets. Hana wakes up on her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owne... READ MORE
An absolutely beautifully written story
Water Moon is one of those books that as soon as you start reading it’s so hard to put down. This book was so whimsical and I loved how it had Studio Ghibl... READ MORE
Mystical journey
This book was sold to me by the cover alone.
It takes you from the back streets of Tokyo, to a world that’s completely awe inspiring, mind blowing and fa... READ MORE
Phenomenal
Reading this book felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a rainy day, with lo-fi music drifting through the air. The writing has such a poetic dreaml... READ MORE
Totally unexpected!
It’s not the easiest thing buying a new book without any recommendations, it could go horribly wrong. Water Moon is one of the best books I have read in a ... READ MORE