Water Moon

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.<BR><BR>“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)<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>“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)

Embark on a magical journey in this cosy and inspiring fantasy from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Water Moon - perfect for fans of Spirited Away, Dallergut Dream Department Store and The Starless Sea.Raya is a lost soul, going through the motions of life without a dream of her own.One night, on her subway ride home, Raya's thoughts wander too far. She wakes on the Elsewhere Express, a magical train that offers its passengers a sense of purpose, peace, and belonging. The train's endless journey is a chance for Raya to reimagine her life - but only if she finds her compartment before time runs out.On board, Raya meets a charming, handsome artist named Q and together they race to find their place on the train, through a boarding car carpeted in meadow grass and along a dining carriage where passengers picnic on lilypads.But a mysterious stowaway has boarded with them, and with it a dark, malignant magic that threatens to destroy the train and everything in it. The closer Raya comes to uncovering the stowaway's identity, the nearer she draws to the ultimate question: what is her life's true purpose - and might Q be connected to it?Praise for Samantha Sotto Yambao'Full of adventure and marvellous creativity, Water Moon surprises and delights with every turn of the page' -- Megan Bannen, bestselling author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy'A spell-binding journey into a magical Ghibli-esque world. Endlessly inventive, this haunting and enchanting tale is not to be missed.' --A.Y. Chao, author of Shanghai Immortal'Water Moon is unlike anything I've ever read, full of wonders and terrors...a haunting, half-remembered dream of a book.' --Gareth Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Doors'An engaging, dreamy fantasy with an atmosphere reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli production' -- Guardian'Water Moon is a dreamy, ethereal fantasy, set in a fascinating faerie tale world with appropriately dark corners. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki will love this one.' --Olivia Atwater, author of Half a Soul'Whimsical, poignant, thought-provoking, and wildly adventurous, Water Moon will bend your imagination in the very best of ways.' --Mikki Brammer, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover'A unique and beautiful fantasy novel' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'A whimsical and immersive [Studio] Ghibli-esque adventure' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'Every leg of the journey unfolded with its own distinct charm' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'The world building [is] so exquisite' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿

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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>“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)<BR><BR>A LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR <BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>“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)

The instant Sunday Times bestseller!<BR>Shortlisted for the 2025 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize<BR><BR>'Full of adventure and marvellous creativity, Water Moon surprises and delights with every turn of the page' -- Megan Bannen, bestselling author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy<BR><BR>Would you rewrite your destiny if it meant losing a part of your past?<BR><BR>On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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!<BR><BR>*<BR><BR>'A spell-binding journey into a magical Ghibli-esque world. Endlessly inventive, this haunting and enchanting tale is not to be missed.' --A.Y. Chao, author of Shanghai Immortal <BR><BR>'Water Moon is unlike anything I've ever read, full of wonders and terrors...a haunting, half-remembered dream of a book.' --Gareth Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Doors<BR><BR>'An engaging, dreamy fantasy with an atmosphere reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli production' -- Guardian<BR><BR>'Water Moon is a dreamy, ethereal fantasy, set in a fascinating faerie tale world with appropriately dark corners. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki will love this one.' --Olivia Atwater, author of Half a Soul<BR><BR>'Whimsical, poignant, thought-provoking, and wildly adventurous, Water Moon will bend your imagination in the very best of ways.' --Mikki Brammer, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover <BR><BR><BR>Readers are enchanted by Water Moon!<BR><BR>'A unique and beautiful fantasy novel'<BR>'A whimsical and immersive [Studio] Ghibli-esque adventure'<BR>'Every leg of the journey unfolded with its own distinct charm'<BR>'The world building [is] so exquisite'<BR><BR><BR><BR>Instant Sunday Times bestseller, January 2024

***THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!***Embark on a magical journey in this uplifting and inspiring fantasy from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Water Moon - perfect for fans of Spirited Away, Dallergut Dream Department Store and The Starless Sea.DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL LIMITED EDITION HARDBACK, featuring gorgeous illustrated endpapers with a scene you can colour in!'This book had me sobbing on the beach. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.' -Sydney J. Shields, author of The Honey Witch🚂 ¿Raya is a lost soul, going through the motions of life without a dream of her own.One night, on her subway ride home, Raya's thoughts wander too far. She wakes on the Elsewhere Express, a magical train that offers its passengers a sense of purpose, peace, and belonging. The journey is a chance for Raya to reimagine her life - but only if she finds her compartment before time runs out.Once aboard, Raya meets an intriguing artist named Q and together they race to find their place on the train, through a boarding car carpeted in meadow grass and along a dining carriage where passengers picnic on lilypads.But a mysterious stowaway has boarded with them, and with it a dark, malignant magic that threatens to destroy the train. The closer Raya comes to uncovering the stowaway's identity, the nearer she draws to the ultimate question:What is her life's true purpose - and is it a destination the Elsewhere Express can take her to?🚂 ¿Praise for The Elsewhere Express!'The Elsewhere Express will carry you to the stars.' -Molly O'Neill, author of Greenteeth'Wondrous and wonderful' -Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Spell Shop'The Elsewhere Express reads like a Ghibli movie . . . Its musical prose, vast imagination, and exploratory storytelling will spirit you away.' -Charlie N. Holmberg, author of The Paper Magician''I am dazzled by Samantha Sotto Yambao's extraordinarily beautiful imagination.' -India Holton, author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels'I didn't want to leave the elsewhere express after devouring it in 24 hours!' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'Finishing The Elsewhere Express forced me to experience all five stages of grief and I could not be happier. I will absolutely continue to look forward to anything Yambao writes!' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'The Elsewhere Express was a 5 ¿ daydream full of feeling. It tickled my imagination and made me think. What a beautiful book 💜' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'I could read this book over and over again and undoubtedly will.' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿

Eine junge Frau, die vom Weg abgekommen ist, und ein Zug voller Wunder, in dem sich Magie und Schicksal begegnen ...Raya hat sich immer gewünscht, Songwriterin zu werden - doch seit dem Tod ihres Bruders hat sie sich von ihrem Traum verabschiedet. Bis sie sich eines Tages im Elsewhere Express wiederfindet, einem Zug für verlorene Seelen. Seite an Seite mit dem geheimnisvollen Künstler Q taucht sie ein in einen Kosmos voller Magie und schillernder Wunder. Doch wohin führt die Reise? Zurück zu ihrem wahren Lebenstraum? Als sich ein Fremder an Bord schleicht, dessen dunkle Macht den Zug zerstören könnte, muss Raya über sich hinauswachsen ...Wenn Sie den Zauber der Studio-Ghibli-Filme lieben, lesen Sie auch 'Water Moon' von Bestsellerautorin Samantha Sotto Yambao.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • When you lose your way in life, the Elsewhere Express just might find you. Step on board the train that may take you to your life’s purpose in this wistful, Ghibli-esque fantasy from the bestselling author of Water Moon.<BR><BR>This hardcover edition includes:<BR>• Interactive endpapers with a scene you can color in<BR>• A full-color illustrated book case beneath the jacket<BR><BR>“A delicately layered dream of a book that glimmers with the promise of hope after grief, The Elsewhere Express will carry you to the stars.”—Molly O’Neill, author of Greenteeth<BR><BR>You can’t buy a ticket for the Elsewhere Express. Appearing only to those whose lives are adrift, it’s a magical train seeming to carry very rare and special cargo: a sense of purpose, peace, and belonging.<BR><BR>Raya is one of those lost souls. She had dreamed of being a songwriter, but when her brother died, she gave up on her dream and started living his instead.<BR><BR>One day on the subway, as her thoughts wander, she’s swept off to the Elsewhere Express. There she meets Q, an intriguing artist who, like her, has lost his place in the world.<BR><BR>Together they find a train full of wonders, from a boarding car that’s also a meadow to a dining car where passengers can picnic on lily pads to a bar where jellyfish and whales swim through pink clouds.<BR><BR>Over the course of their long, strange night on the train, they also discover that it harbors secrets—and danger: A mysterious stranger has stowed away and brought with him a dark, malignant magic that threatens to destroy the train.<BR><BR>But in investigating the stowaway's identity, Raya also finds herself drawing closer to the ultimate question: What is her life's true purpose—and is it a destination the Elsewhere Express can take her to?<BR><BR>★ “A stunning, visual fever dream of a story akin to both the game Spiritfarer and Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea—a character-driven tale wrapped in a sparklingly creative spectacle of a world that inhabits a Studio Ghibli–like chaos even as it comes with a well-organized passenger rulebook.”—Booklist (starred review)

Before the Coffee Gets Cold meets Studio Ghibli in this captivating Sunday Times bestselling romantic fantasy novel that will sweep you away on an unforgettable, magical adventure.*A Good Housekeeping Good Books Winter Collection reader favourite!*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 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.Would you rewrite your destiny if it meant losing a part of your past?Praise for Water Moon!'Full of adventure and marvellous creativity, Water Moon surprises and delights with every turn of the page' -- Megan Bannen, bestselling author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy'A spell-binding journey into a magical Ghibli-esque world. Endlessly inventive, this haunting and enchanting tale is not to be missed.' --A.Y. Chao, author of Shanghai Immortal'A unique and beautiful fantasy novel' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'Water Moon is unlike anything I've ever read, full of wonders and terrors...a haunting, half-remembered dream of a book.' --Gareth Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Doors'A whimsical and immersive [Studio] Ghibli-esque adventure' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'Water Moon is a dreamy, ethereal fantasy, set in a fascinating faerie tale world with appropriately dark corners. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki will love this one.' --Olivia Atwater, author of Half a Soul'Every leg of the journey unfolded with its own distinct charm' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿'Whimsical, poignant, thought-provoking, and wildly adventurous, Water Moon will bend your imagination in the very best of ways.' --Mikki Brammer, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover'The world building [is] so exquisite' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿**This edition contains an early preview of Samantha's next novel, The Elsewhere Express - coming soon and available to pre-order now!**WATERSTONES Science Fiction & Fantasy Book of the Month - NOVEMBER 2025