Book Synopsis:
On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it.
Most will see only a cosy ramen restaurant. And just 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 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 – through rain puddles, hitching rides on paper cranes, across the bridge between midnight and morning and through 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 she will never be able to take back.
Step into the captivating and romantic fantasy novel that will sweep you away on an unforgettable adventure – perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli, Erin Morgenstern and Before the Coffee Gets Cold!
Out 16th January 2025
My Review:
Moon Water is a beautifully imagined, absorbing fantasy read which is unlike anything I’ve read before.
Firstly the author has created an incredibly creative world which I loved exploring alongside the characters. The different areas of the world were so vividly described at times that I felt like I was actually there experiencing it alongside the characters. There are some truly wonderful parts to this world that were just a joy to read about include the singing forest, a beautiful temple and an area where the odd socks go which I though was just brilliant. As in all good fantasy books there is a darker side to the world which is gradually revealed as the book continues. This kept me on edge while I read as I didn’t really know what dangers would appear next.
The story follows Hana and Keishin as they try to find Hana’s parents. The reader experiences the magical parallel world as they search for clues through some fantastic areas while using some incredible methods of transport. It was very enjoyable following them on their journey, finding out more about them and watching the two of them grow closer. The shiikuim who pursue them must be the most terrifying villain I have come across for a while, mainly because they were so unpredictable and kept appearing with little warning. Their actions help provide some of the darker parts of the story and could be a little hard to read in places as their actions could be quite cruel.
Overall as you can probably tell I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending it to everyone. I flew through the book unable to put it down as I was just so absorbed in the story and couldn’t wait to see what other fantastic sights the characters would visit on their journey. There were lots of twists that kept me guessing including a few at the end which made me actually gasp out loud, much to the amusement of my kids. It’s a book I have continued thinking about long after reading and wish it was part of a sequel as I’d love to visit the world again.
Huge thanks to Izzie Ghaffari-Parker Bantam books for sending me a copy of this book. If you are after a truly immersive, magical, unique read I highly recommend this one.
About The Author:
Samantha Sotto Yambao is a professional daydreamer, aspiring time traveller, and speculative fiction writer based in Manila. She is the author of Before Ever After, Love and Gravity, A Dream of Trees, and The Beginning of Always. Water Moon is her latest novel and UK debut.
Over The Rainbow Blog 
I love that cover, so beautiful!
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