Water Moon

A Novel

De: Samantha Sotto Yambao

Narrado por: Cindy Kay

A woman inherits a pawnshop where you can sell your regrets, and then embarks on a magical quest when a charming young physicist wanders into the shop, in this dreamlike fantasy novel.

“Race through a lush world of pure wonder and romance—kites made of wishes that become stars, origami that holds time in its folds, and a night market in the clouds—in this lovely, cozy fantasy reminiscent of Erin Morgenstern's The Starless Sea.”—Booklist (starred review)

On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it. Most will see a cozy ramen restaurant. And only the chosen ones—those who are lost—will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets.

Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owner to find it ransacked, the shop’s most precious acquisition stolen, and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike its other customers, for he offers help instead of seeking it.

Together, they must journey through a mystical world to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice—by way of rain puddles, rides on paper cranes, the bridge between midnight and morning, and a night market in the clouds.

But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own—and risk making a choice that she will never be able to take back.

“Highly recommended . . . Readers who have been swept up in the cozy charm of Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee will fall hard for the mix of magical realism, fantasy mystery, and star-crossed romance.”—Library Journal (starred review)

©2024 Samantha Sotto Yambao (P)2024 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“This new, soft fantasy is the perfect companion to a fuzzy blanket and a comfortable chair: enter a delightful (but still dangerous) world of paper-lantern wishes and origami secrets.”—Book Riot

“Sotto Yambao’s inventive setting pushes the limits of common fantasy tropes, and her thought-provoking exploration of regret, choice, and free will resonates. This whimsical tale will have readers riveted.”—Publishers Weekly

“A spellbinding journey into a magical Ghibliesque world where regrets and memories can be bartered, where appearances are not what they seem, and where dreams, free will, and destiny are pitted against fate . . . Endlessly inventive, this haunting and enchanting tale is not to be missed.”—A. Y. Chao, author of Shanghai Immortal

Relationship centered with mythical beings.

Smooth listen full of messages heard by the keen ear. Intrigued by the voice and fluid read.

solid listen

the uniqueness of the story line and world building was good. glad it was a bookclub pick

Folding time and the gift of Choice

I am new to reading fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed this book though towards the end it seemed to be rushed but somehow still dragged along. The themes that run through the book were thought-provoking while also being relatable.

One of the best books I've ever read!

From the very beginning to the very end, this story captured my heart and still won't let it go. It's best if you go in knowing as little as possible. Then you can experience the magic of this book for yourself.

Beautiful prose, immersive fantasy

While it wasn't terribly exciting, the fantasy had a feverdream quality I enjoyed. The mysterious plot kept me engaged as did the subtle personality and illusive motivations of Hanna. I found it as Imaginative, delicate and bittersweet as a small batch perfume.

The steady calming voice

Loved the book and its imagery . I felt so deeply each emotion. The narrator is perfect

Great world building annoying storytelling

I loved the authors imagination for the world she built but pretty sure she just copied and pasted the same formula for each of the subplots in the rising action. Definitely a great story if you don’t care too much about good writing.

Thoughtful meets Creative

The imagination that went into this book is amazing! My visualization of the story definitely developed in my mind as Miyazaki style characters.

The narrator is a little monotone. But I think the characters like Hanna's father are meant to be that way. I do feel like there could have been a little more excitement to her tone though at some points.

I think I would have given this 5 stars if it was just an adventure-mystery book.

Great magical story

This book and characters take you through a magical journey. I do wish they spent more time on some characters’ storyline but overall it was a great book. I quite enjoyed it.

Really interesting concept

I just wish the story telling/world building had been given a little more attention. Overall it was a good Saturday read.