Water Moon: A Novel By Samantha Sotto Yambao Book Review
Have you ever wished you could step through a door and enter a world where regrets, choices, and memories become something you can actually touch? That’s exactly the kind of magical, whimsical experience you get with Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao.
This novel is a soft fantasy that blends the cozy, dreamlike vibes of Japanese storytelling with a richly imaginative fantasy world. At its heart, it’s about Hana Ishikawa, who wakes up on her first day running her father’s pawn shop to find it trashed and her dad missing. But this isn’t just any pawn shop, it’s a gateway to a mysterious, magical realm where choices carry incredible weight. Alongside her is Keishin, a charming stranger trying to reclaim lost memories, and together they go on a journey through enchanted landscapes filled with paper-lantern wishes, origami secrets, and night markets floating in the clouds. The tone is gentle yet layered, with moments of real tension and danger as they race against time and shadowy forces called the Shiikuin.
What really makes Water Moon stand out is its lush world-building and the way it feels like you’re wandering through a Studio Ghibli film. Imagine spirited adventures mixed with whimsy but underlined by questions about free will, regret, and family loyalty. The characters, especially Hana and Keishin, are wonderfully complex, even if Hana sometimes feels a bit resigned and Keishin’s scientific curiosity brings a nice balance. Their developing relationship might feel a little rushed for some, with instant attraction instead of a slow burn, but the emotional depth of their journey keeps you hooked. Plus, the plot has some surprising twists you won’t see coming.
Readers really seem to love how beautifully written this book is, poetic, visual, and filled with quiet moments that hit you right in the feels. Many praise how it blends magical realism with fantasy, mixing whimsy and darker themes like loss and sacrifice in a way that’s thought-provoking without being overwhelming. On the flip side, some found parts of the world-building a bit much or the ending a little abrupt, wishing for more explanation or a slower build to the romance. So if you like your fantasy tighter or prefer a fast-paced plot, this might not be your favorite. But if you’re into immersive, atmospheric stories that stick with you like a beautifully haunting dream, you’ll probably love it.
Personally, I think Water Moon is perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, imaginative fantasies with a strong emotional core, especially if you’re a fan of stories like The Starless Sea, Before the Coffee Gets Cold, or anything with those gentle, mystical, slightly melancholic vibes. It’s a story that invites you to slow down and get lost in its unique world, even if some parts feel more like a walk through a fairy tale than a sprint to the finish.
So, if you’re looking for a magical adventure that’s soft, bittersweet, and full of heart, Water Moon is definitely worth picking up. Let me know what you thought if you’ve read it too!