I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm glad I finally got around to reading this! What an incredibly imaginative story, reminiscent (in vibes only) of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea meets Nettle & Bone. The pawn shop was such a cool setting (though the time we spent there was too short!) and Hana's characterization felt very akin to the shop—sterile, dutiful, lonely. I also adored the museum setting and Haruto's craft. Plus, the village of stars was dripping with that magical, Ghibli quality. There were so many small moments that felt special (I *need* a fully developed fairytale-esque story about the ryokan!!) and side characters or functions of the world building that felt unique and purposeful... and yet I still came away slightly disappointed. Like many other reviews, I found the chemistry between Hana and Keishin lacking. I probably would have preferred a more hands-off, slow burn approach to their romance, if at all; for once, this is a couple that might actually have benefited from the "I'm cold and uptight, you're playful and open" archetypes. I also had so. many. questions. concerning the ending. Convenient is the wrong word, but it's pretty close to how I feel. So many things got glossed over in the last couple pages... Anyway, I did have a good time, but I can't help thinking that there are other stories out there with the same fantastical energy that are tighter in plot, higher in stakes, and stronger in characterization. This wasn't bad by any means!! but it wouldn't be my first choice of recommendation.