“Broken things have a unique kind of beauty, don’t you think?”― Samantha Sotto Yambao, Water Moon

There are some books you can read passively, and others that demand your full attention—where missing even a single line can disrupt the entire experience. Water Moon is firmly in the latter category. It’s an active, immersive read that requires you to stay present.

The story follows Hana, a new pawnshop owner, and Kei, one of her clients, as they search for Hana’s missing father. But this is not a journey through our world. Hana’s pawnshop deals not in objects, but in choices, and the path they take leads them through a dreamlike landscape of night markets, paper houses, and shifting realities. Like Kei, I often found myself full of questions—questions Hana rarely answered beyond reminding us that “nothing is as it seems.”

The narrative is immediately engaging, pulling the reader in from the start. While the story is rooted in Japanese culture, I don’t think unfamiliarity would detract from the experience. In fact, there were moments when I found myself less concerned with the central plot and more captivated by the worlds the author created. To call them “imaginative” feels insufficient—they were transportive. Through the writing alone, you could vividly see and hear everything.

This is a book I feel compelled to revisit. It’s filled with thoughtful reflections on life—lines like “nothing travels faster than a rumor” and “life is about enjoying the waiting period” linger long after reading. The philosophical tone and journey-driven narrative felt reminiscent of The Alchemist.

One of the more interesting dynamics is the contrast between Hana and Kei. Hana belongs to this magical world, while Kei approaches everything from a scientific perspective. Their tension adds depth as Kei tries to understand and prove this reality, while Hana insists it only exists in connection with his world—through the pawnshop and the choices people make.

My main critique lies in the romance. While the idea of Hana and Kei finding a sense of home in each other is compelling, the execution felt uneven. Kei’s emotional arc made sense, and his longing was clear. However, Hana’s feelings didn’t feel as fully developed. Her connection to Kei seemed less convincing, making their eventual relationship feel somewhat rushed. After such a carefully crafted and immersive journey, the resolution—particularly the final line—felt a bit cliché and underwhelming, like it belonged in a more conventional romance.

Overall, I’d give Water Moon a solid 4 stars. It’s a beautifully written, imaginative, and thought-provoking read—one that lingers, even if it doesn’t fully stick the landing.