Water Moon: A Novel
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • 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.
FEATURES A UNIQUE ORIGAMI JACKET that folds into a boat, joining the characters in an enchanting way. The jacket artwork is also printed directly onto the hardcover case underneath.
“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)
FEATURES A UNIQUE ORIGAMI JACKET that folds into a boat, joining the characters in an enchanting way. The jacket artwork is also printed directly onto the hardcover case underneath.
“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)
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Community Reviews
I am going to be thinking about this book for a very long time. It was whimsical, magical, surprisingly wholesome and had so much depth. I absolutely loved the characters, the storyline, the detailed imagery. The author painted some beautiful pictures with her prose, and I was fully immersed in this enchanting book. If this is on your list, I highly recommend moving it up!
I enjoyed this book. Wonderful world building, interesting characters. Liked the magic versus science perspectives.
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
I had the absolute pleasure of reading Water Moon, and wow—what a stunning, emotional journey. If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli—especially Spirited Away—this book belongs on your shelf. While Kiki’s Delivery Service is my personal favorite, Water Moon captures the ethereal, bittersweet beauty that defines Ghibli’s storytelling. It’s whimsical, magical, and deeply moving.
Narrative Style, Themes and Imagery
The story centers around Kei and Hana. Hana works in a pawn shop located in another realm, where her family’s responsibility is to collect regrets—literally. These regrets, called “choices,” are surrendered by people who no longer wish to carry them. They come in all forms, from pocket change to a bottle of sake, which adds a surreal charm to the worldbuilding.
One of the most striking elements is the narrative structure. The story doesn’t unfold in a straight line. Instead, each chapter ends with a moment that takes your breath away, followed by a flashback—sometimes two weeks, sometimes years earlier—that provides emotional and narrative context. This technique keeps you engaged and fully immersed, as you’re constantly re-evaluating what you know about the characters and their world.
Magical travel is another highlight: characters can leap through puddles, be folded into origami, or float down rivers of joyful memories. Each method of travel is more creative than the last, and all contribute to the enchanting, dreamlike quality of the book.
Thematically, Water Moon explores the nature of regret and the illusion of choice. In a world filled with luminous birds—symbols of life and freedom—Hana is ironically trapped by her destiny. She’s expected to take over the family business and carry the regrets of others, all while lacking agency in her own life.
Character Development
As the story progresses, Kei and Hana’s layers slowly peel away. Their pasts, their pain, and their choices come into sharper focus, culminating in an ending full of twists that are both shocking and deeply satisfying. Every revelation felt earned, and each surprise enhanced the emotional weight of the story.
Hana’s growth is especially compelling. Her lack of agency is a central conflict, yet through her relationship with Kei, she begins to challenge her fate. Kei, in turn, is gentle, loyal, and layered—more than just a love interest, he becomes a mirror for Hana’s own emotional evolution. Their slow-burning connection is tender and protective, building quietly and meaningfully across the narrative.
The atmosphere also plays a key role in shaping the characters. The surreal world they inhabit isn’t just a backdrop—it reflects their internal struggles and deepens their journey. I couldn’t help but imagine a character reminiscent of a darker, more menacing version of No-Face from Spirited Away—a striking visual that lingered long after I put the book down.
Final Thoughts
I can’t overstate how vivid the atmosphere is. The realm, the creatures, the visuals—it all feels tailor-made for animation. This book needs to be adapted into a Studio Ghibli-style film. I’m manifesting it now. It deserves the screen treatment. For now, I’ll keep treasuring my Fairy Loot and Barnes & Noble exclusive editions.
Reading Water Moon felt like entering a dream I didn’t want to leave. Hours slipped by effortlessly as I lost myself in its gentle rhythm, stunning imagery, and emotional resonance. It’s a magical, masterful story—one I’ll carry with me for a long time.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
If Spirited Away ever left you spellbound, Water Moon will sweep you into a dreamlike world of magic, regret, and breathtaking beauty you won’t want to leave.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading Water Moon, and wow—what a stunning, emotional journey. If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli—especially Spirited Away—this book belongs on your shelf. While Kiki’s Delivery Service is my personal favorite, Water Moon captures the ethereal, bittersweet beauty that defines Ghibli’s storytelling. It’s whimsical, magical, and deeply moving.
Narrative Style, Themes and Imagery
The story centers around Kei and Hana. Hana works in a pawn shop located in another realm, where her family’s responsibility is to collect regrets—literally. These regrets, called “choices,” are surrendered by people who no longer wish to carry them. They come in all forms, from pocket change to a bottle of sake, which adds a surreal charm to the worldbuilding.
One of the most striking elements is the narrative structure. The story doesn’t unfold in a straight line. Instead, each chapter ends with a moment that takes your breath away, followed by a flashback—sometimes two weeks, sometimes years earlier—that provides emotional and narrative context. This technique keeps you engaged and fully immersed, as you’re constantly re-evaluating what you know about the characters and their world.
Magical travel is another highlight: characters can leap through puddles, be folded into origami, or float down rivers of joyful memories. Each method of travel is more creative than the last, and all contribute to the enchanting, dreamlike quality of the book.
Thematically, Water Moon explores the nature of regret and the illusion of choice. In a world filled with luminous birds—symbols of life and freedom—Hana is ironically trapped by her destiny. She’s expected to take over the family business and carry the regrets of others, all while lacking agency in her own life.
Character Development
As the story progresses, Kei and Hana’s layers slowly peel away. Their pasts, their pain, and their choices come into sharper focus, culminating in an ending full of twists that are both shocking and deeply satisfying. Every revelation felt earned, and each surprise enhanced the emotional weight of the story.
Hana’s growth is especially compelling. Her lack of agency is a central conflict, yet through her relationship with Kei, she begins to challenge her fate. Kei, in turn, is gentle, loyal, and layered—more than just a love interest, he becomes a mirror for Hana’s own emotional evolution. Their slow-burning connection is tender and protective, building quietly and meaningfully across the narrative.
The atmosphere also plays a key role in shaping the characters. The surreal world they inhabit isn’t just a backdrop—it reflects their internal struggles and deepens their journey. I couldn’t help but imagine a character reminiscent of a darker, more menacing version of No-Face from Spirited Away—a striking visual that lingered long after I put the book down.
Final Thoughts
I can’t overstate how vivid the atmosphere is. The realm, the creatures, the visuals—it all feels tailor-made for animation. This book needs to be adapted into a Studio Ghibli-style film. I’m manifesting it now. It deserves the screen treatment. For now, I’ll keep treasuring my Fairy Loot and Barnes & Noble exclusive editions.
Reading Water Moon felt like entering a dream I didn’t want to leave. Hours slipped by effortlessly as I lost myself in its gentle rhythm, stunning imagery, and emotional resonance. It’s a magical, masterful story—one I’ll carry with me for a long time.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
I received this DRC from NetGalley.
I enjoyed this one. I think the author did a good job in introducing us to this world and incorporating a lot of creative ideas. In particular, I liked the mode of transportation that was used towards the end of the book. The book is pretty fast paced, since the characters are on the run the whole time, which keeps it an entertaining and quick read. There are also several reveals that occur. I felt like one of the big ones was kind of brushed off too quickly. But I still overall appreciated how many things were explained.
I enjoyed this one. I think the author did a good job in introducing us to this world and incorporating a lot of creative ideas. In particular, I liked the mode of transportation that was used towards the end of the book. The book is pretty fast paced, since the characters are on the run the whole time, which keeps it an entertaining and quick read. There are also several reveals that occur. I felt like one of the big ones was kind of brushed off too quickly. But I still overall appreciated how many things were explained.
This was an amazingly gorgeous book definitely gave off Studio Ghibli Vibes and kept me entertained the whole way through.
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