I really wanted to like this book, I think up until about the 50-60% mark I did really like it. Then it just went off the rails and everything moved so fast I’m not sure I really understand what happened. The characters and world building was interesting but for a 70+ year old sorceress Ilyse acts a lot like a child.

This book was so much fun to read and I have been looking for fantasy books that aren’t so heavy and intense 24/7.A sorceress is forced to serve the king falls in love with his right hand man - and he falls for her. It is light and lovely with captivating writing that is easy to visualize. The pace of the chapters is always a big deal for me and long drawn out chapters make me so bored but this book was amazing because it was fast paced but didn’t feel rushed - perfect length of chapters!

I read this in a few days so not so engulfed in it but it was still a very enjoyable read!

Illyse has all the qualities of other MC’s that I absolutely love. Somewhat problematic and unhinged but strong and knows what she wants and leads with her heart. The only thing I didn’t understand is the connection between the starlit sea. Maybe I missed it but it was unclear for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an eARC copy of this novel for free in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book. I didn't love it. I found it was a quick read with an engaging lead couple. But I was frustrated that there was little background or context provided for things like why sorceresses were hated or the outlawing of relations between humans and 'monsters'. The relationship between Illyse and Garit was pretty much an insta-love. There was no build-up, no tension and very little will they or won't they (hint: they did lol).

I think the premise of this novel was great - had all the makings of forbidden love/enemies to lovers mixed with an interesting mystery side plot involving the murdered men. It just needed a lot more meat - world building, character development, plotting, etc.

2.5 rounded up to 3 stars for me. .

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a beautiful world with great fantasy elements. I liked the concept of sorceresses and their rarity.

Beneath the Starlit Sea is a beautifully written fantasy with a forbidden romance between a Sorceress and a human. Illyse and Garit are incredible characters and their love story is beautiful. Fantasy and Romance are my two favourite genres so this book was perfect for me!

If I could describe this book with one word, it would be lovely.

This is everything I could ask for in a fantasy-romance novel. Light fantasy with an sweet romance. I really liked reading from Illyse's point of view and enjoyed her as a main character.

Illyse is far away from a perfect main character. She makes mistakes, incredibly impulsive with her emotions but that's what I loved from her. She knew what she wanted and wasn't going to shy away from it. She wears her heart on her sleeve, for better or for worse.

My number one compliment with this book is for sure the writing. It was simply beautiful. Just as beautiful as this cover. Bea's prose is magical and absolutely transports you.

Such a nice, short read if you're in a slump and need a light read.

I loved this book it was a super fun read. I read it in one sitting I couldn't put it down I loved the writing the characters and honestly everything about it it was amazing

Beneath the starlit sea is about Illyse and Garit who are ‘hired’ by the king to investigate and find the source of the numerous deaths of men in the kingdom. Along the journey, they fell in love with each other but there is a law that banned the reunion of a monster aka Illyse, a sorceress and a man (Garit obvs).

My favourite character is definitely Analesia. I have no valid reason for it other than that I think her name is pretty. She sounds kind when she is helping Illyse even though they are not close or know each other really well.

The flow of the story is really good. It is fast but it didn't feel rushed. I like descriptive writing so this book is totally up to my ally. The author manages to capture and describe every little thing in the world so prettily. Honestly, if you told me that the Kingdom of Sjokanten exists, I believe you. The world feels so real to me and I feel how frustrated and vulnerable Illyse is in the world that sees her as a monster. Although Garit and Illyse fell in love pretty early (not at the first sight though), their love didn't make me cringe... so that is a compliment :)))))

I do read this in one sitting, so that already tells you something about how amazing this book and world are. Well, I do wish that Garit actually take the eyes though…. Nobody could be as selfless as him. Oh and, I still don't understand the connection between the book and its title... what starlit sea means actually?

All in all, if you like We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal, you might like Beneath the Starlit Sea although these two are actually different in their own colours, they still have a similar vibe. Powerful and badass woman, the world is in her hands. I rated it 4.25/5