Would you rewrite your destiny if it meant losing a part of your past?

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.

My mini review:

What a beautiful story. Very atmospheric and a dream like fantasy, with adventure and thought provoking reflections. I loved the world building and the magical elements that propelled the story. Very unique and fairytale like. Just like the cover art, it felt very rose-colored-glasses to me. I really connected with Hana and Kai as they set sail on finding her father. I enjoyed unfolding the mystery. The writing was beautiful and picturesque, and I loved the magical Japan setting.

Title: Water Moon
Author: Samantha Sotto Yambao
Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️