A review by bookishwelshie
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

3.5

'Life is about finding joy in the space between where you came from and where you are going.'

Water Moon is partly cozy, whimsical, and magical; and also, at times, heartbreaking. This is where the comparisons to Studio Ghibli are coming from. It isn’t a perfect comparison, but it has the charm and heart. The writing is quite simplistic (it has been translated from

Japanese to English), and it can easily be read in one sitting. 

There are moments where this magical story takes a darker turn. The characters’ reality can bend, and that’s where the excitement lies.
The world building and premise do outweigh the actual execution of this story, and the main characters are hard to relate to at times. I’m really torn on what to rate this. 

Hana is set to take over her Father’s business upon his retirement; a mysterious and mystical pawnshop. This same days she discovers the shop in ruin, and her Father missing. Enter, Keishin, a man who has just arrived in Tokyo to try and uncover some childhood memories. Only those who feel lost will find the pawnshop, most will only see a ramen restaurant. So, Keishin must be lost within himself, yet he offers Hana help. 

What secrets is Hana hiding? Where could her Father be? 

The dark and mysterious Shiikuin beings are on their way to collect the deepest regrets of people within 3 days… 

Read with the Cozy Seasons book club ❄️🌧️🌲 🫶🖤