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jmaej's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Abortion
ms_morri's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book is a Miyazaki film wrapped in ink and paper. Its world feels a lot like you're traveling through one of his films. I did enjoy this book, though not as much as I hoped. I think the story just plodded at times and it sort of slowed the reading flow. I will say that many of the mysteries in the books were refreshingly a surprise and I think had the pacing been better I'd have rated it higher. However, if you're looking for a cozy book with the feel of Spirited Away, I'd recommend this book to you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Violence
turidt's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Grief, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
afrenette's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, and Grief
Minor: Abortion
bookishmrsnelson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It took a while for me to get into the story. The style was strange to me, and it was hard to connect with the characters at first. By the end, it was worth it. The narrative was beautifully woven overall, and I finished the book with tears.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy
clothildev's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sooooo many twists and turns, you never know where you're going to end up this was a wild ride
Amazing imagination from the writer!
Amazing imagination from the writer!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, and Abandonment
annayahp's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book felt like a ghibli film/fever dream! The imagery was beautiful, and jumping around to different areas was fascinating. Definitely more vibes than plot, and some confusing choices throughout, but overall a fun time! Feel like I’ll like this more on a re-read now I understand the world better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Torture, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
talag's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Water Moon had so much promise, with a beautifully crafted world and a whimsical, almost Ghibli-like atmosphere that pulled me in. The concep - trading regrets in a mystical pawn shop - was intriguing, but the story meandered too much in the middle, losing sight of its core premise before finding its way back near the end.
The biggest drawback for me was the forced romance between Hana and Kei. Their lack of chemistry disrupted the book’s enchanting mood, making their relationship feel unnecessary rather than organic. It took me out of the story enough that I had to dock a whole point.
Despite these flaws, the novel still held a certain charm. The visuals it evoked and the magic in its setting kept me engaged, even when the plot lost its way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Grief
quirky_turtl3's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
almostqualified's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Abortion