Reviews

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

kvanosdol's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

2.5

This book was not for me, so I feel bad rating it lower. This book is definitely for fantasy lovers which I now know is not me. I applaud the authors story telling but I struggled a lot with the cultural terminology (ie names/nicknames used for characters) as well as jumping through different places is in Hana’s world. I struggled with the lack of reality which I feel made it difficult for me to follow but again, is not to the fault of the author, that’s just something I just am not able to get into apparently which I’m finding out now. I have never read a fantasy before this 

librarian_lona's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book. What can I say besides I would give it all the stars. Beautifully written, poetic, deeply moving and truthful in the ways that we want literary fiction to be but fantastical and moving as well.

lizzy_am's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

mikae's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

operaghost5's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.0

sam48bell's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

laura1980458's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

kristineisreading's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective

5.0

Wow. What a magical, imaginative book. I knew this was going to be my first 5-star read this year before I was halfway done. Reading Water Moon is like having the most whimsical dream of your life. There is so much creativity in this book, I don't even know where to start. The pond and puddle travel? The scroll? The Night Market? The trains? I could go on and on and on. Every page brings a new delight. There is darkness in this story too, and the stakes are continuously dangerously high, but the sense of wonder never goes away. This is masterful world building. Hana and Keishin are interesting characters, don't get me wrong. I was rooting for them every step of the way. But the real magic here is in the setting, and the plot that drags you through it, line by beautiful line. This one will stick with me for a long time, I think. I hope. And if not, I pledge to re-read it, because it is worth not forgetting. 

jennkater's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

avkeenan's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This Japanese style story was whimsical and imaginative, addressing loss, choices, free will, and fears.