A review by talag
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

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.


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