✨ Stars Above the Never Sea by Evelyn Flood completely swept me away. From the very first chapter, I was hooked—this book is utterly engaging and impossible to put down. Flood’s storytelling is rich and immersive, with characters and a world that stayed with me long after I closed the final page.

The ending left me balanced on a knife’s edge (no spoilers!), and while I’m still recovering from the emotional rollercoaster, I’m equally excited and terrified for what’s to come in the sequel. Evelyn Flood has absolutely destroyed my mind—in the best way possible—and I can’t wait to dive back into this breathtaking world when the next book arrives.

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for granting me ARC access!

I took away a star for each unforgivable act this book committed. 1. opens up with a brutal genocide and the sole survivor living in sex slavery for 10 years. hey! thats not fun. would have preferred literally anything else have happened to her in those 10 years like she couldn't have just been locked up somewhere? idk im very sensitive to human trafficking and the first part of this book almost made me stop altogether. 2. there was too much happening with the magic systems and the mysteries and the gods and fate and I just felt like there were so many plot holes and things that got ignored for sake of thats how the story plays out. the main character basically doesnt try to figure anything out when she makes it back to her home and relies on her random magic to lead her. 3. ended on the biggest bitch of a cliffhanger without even a hint of happiness truly just a horrendous ending. so ultimately very little joy to be found in the book besides the rare moments characters eke out that have the most ominous chekhovs gun lurking in the background.

I think there are interesting parts to this story but if this is the story the author wanted to tell I think the book needed to be longer with more care given to character development, there was some attempt and I found the voices of characters string but there just wasn't much growth besides the romance aspect which I dont love given how recently the main character fled sex slavery! Feels like she should get a minute. idk i think this book has a lot of potential and if other people are able to look past the things that bothered me they would likely enjoy it! wasn't my cup of tea in the end. very vivid imagery and strong author voice, the writing and prose itself weren't a problem i am just not a fan of how the plot shook out.

I think if the sex scene had taken place in the female main characters Pov it would have lended to her agency and development rather than it being from the persepctive of a man who always thought she was beautiful anyways.

That ending was insane!! It’s not even out yet and I need book two immediately. The found family in this was so freaking good. I need to know who put her on that ship in the beginning…the magic system in this seems very unique and I love the faetys storyline.

I feel like a lot of this was very predictable, I knew she was in love with him. Callans a very likable character, I wish there was more depth to him though. I need more. A slow burn is an immediate yes.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

A 5 stars for all the fantasy lovers! Magic, love, betrayal and friendship- this book has it all! I was absolutely obsessed since chaoter one and could not put the books down!

loved every moment of this book! It’s an intense start, seeing everything that Selene goes through and what follows.
She is the epitome of strength and resilience. I adored getting to see her softer sides as the book progressed, seeing how she tentatively forged relationships with those around her

Callan is just top tier! He is funny, charming and just worthy of everything. The way that he approached Selene is beautiful, the definition of if he wanted to he would. He takes on so much guilt and weight of those around him, I loved how kind and human he is throughout the whole book

The plot of this is fantastic. Evelyn has built a really wonderful complex world with a tiered magic system, mystery and strong moral compass. The pirate vibes are immaculate and have me screaming for more.
If you’re a fan of the Ever King series or the Bridge Kingdom series you should definitely check this out 💗

✨ Romantasy series
✨ Pirates/Fae
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Forced proximity

💕 The crew! All of them but especially Leo
💕 The Never sea crossing
💕 The hot springs
💕 The ending 🤯

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌶️

This story is gripping from beginning to end.

Evelyn Flood did a spectacular job detailing this world and the characters in it.

There's so many lessons. Empathy, vengeance, forgiveness, friendships, and love. This story is filled to the brim with emotions.

There is no character untouched by loss and heartbreak. And they do not all cope the same way. I loved all the characters. The main characters, supporting, and even the villains. And I don't mean I like the villains themselves, I just think theyre written perfectly evil to hit their mark.

This is a series I will definitely be following up with. I need to know what happens next.

5 stars! I was completely blown away by this story and its characters. The plot completely rips your heart out and you’re left drifting in a sea of stars. It was magical, compelling and so emotional.

✨Tropes✨
▫️Romantasy 🗡️
▫️Hook x Tinkerbell Vibes 🧚
▫️Found Family 🤍
▫️Shadow Magic 🪄
▫️He falls first and hard ❤️‍🔥
▫️Cursed by her goddess not to love 💔

Callan Edgeborn, our captain with a few too many secrets. He stole my heart and good god that man can keep it. 😍
Selene Amaris, our mythical fayte. She is guarded and so intriguing.

Callan and Selene stole the show, they felt well developed and emotionally complex, I was so invested in their journey. The chemistry between them? Electric, tender and magical. Everything I want in a romance.

The world is completely breathtaking and the way its written sweeps you off your feet. I was immersed in this book from the first page till the very end. What a journey.

This is truly an epic romantasy story that lingers with you long after you’ve finished it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Evelyn for the ARC.

This was such a fantastic story. Familiar yet entirely new, there are so many challenges presented to our characters that are so relatable and heartbreaking.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this🫶🏼

When I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, it felt pretty similar to a few other things I have read and I didn’t have very high hopes. It does get off to a slow start, there are some pacing issues and throughout the book the writing was confusing at some points when there was a lot going on.

HOWEVER

Once we got to about 35/40% I could not put this down! You have a silver haired FMC with shadow magic who has been through the absolute WORST and takes her rage out on those who deserve it, and then we have the fiercely loyal, protective, golden retriever MMC. This duo is EVERYTHING, the slow burn, the tension, I just ate it up. I love how protective they both become over each other and how Callan has just tried to make Selene feel safe since the day he met her.

I also loved the found family aspect of this book, found family is one of my all time FAVOURITE tropes and the side characters in this book are just great, they’re loveable, funny, protective of those that they class as family. The magic system is also really intriguing and I really like how we don’t get all of the information straight away and that we learn more about this throughout. There is also a few things that I think might be foreshadowing for the next book and a few things that I think I may have worked out that I am SO excited for!

The ending was absolutely wild, I literally screamed and I cannot believe I need to wait until December to find out what happens next. This book was probably about 3.5 stars and the ending alone put it up to 4 stars so if that isn’t reason enough to read it then I don’t know what is!

Stars Above the Never Sea had moments that really drew me in. I enjoyed the banter, the sea-focused setting, and the refreshing take on the MMC. He stood out from the usual romantasy leads in a good way, and the nautical backdrop added a nice layer of atmosphere.

The initial attraction between the characters didn’t quite land for me, but it did grow into something more believable over time. The MMC had a lot of genuinely lovely qualities that made him feel well-rounded and endearing.

Pacing was a bit uneven. It starts strong, lulls for a good stretch, then picks up again. The story leans heavily on character development, and thankfully, the characters are well written enough to carry it through.

A solid read with some standout elements. Perfect for fans of Nightweaver who enjoy character-driven romantasy with a maritime twist.

Thank you for the e-arc.

Stars Above the Never Sea follows the story of Selene Amaris, a lost Faeyte and her return to her homeland of Asteria. The story takes place ten long years after the Great Shift which left her as the sole remaining Faeyte alive. She travels alongside Callan Edgeborn and his crew to get back home, and once there it becomes clear she is there for a reason.

The magic system in this book especially interested me – the different forms and levels was fascinating. The fact we are never quite sure what type of magic either Selene or Callan wields is intriguing and I can’t wait to find out more!

I had some trouble imagining the Never Sea at first, but once I did things became a lot clearer – and a lot more worrying! The way the story is woven together from the two different viewpoints also engaged me – I liked seeing the two different perspectives on what was happening. The way the characters intertwine is fascinating, and it really does feel like fate that the last Faeyte finds her way back to Asteria the way she does. I can’t say too much as I don’t want to give plotlines away!

I really enjoyed this book, but I did feel like something was slightly missing for me. The romance didn’t feel authentic at first, more like a case of proximity creating attraction rather than genuine desire. I felt like Callan falls in love with his idea of Selene rather than who she is as a person – it all feels very fast on his part.

The cliffhanger ending was very intense, and while I may not have absolutely loved this book, I will absolutely be picking up the next one as I genuinely think this story is going to get better and better!

Stars Above the Never Sea by Evelyn Flood is such a good story. I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a second. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can.

This really picked up after about 30-40% and I just needed more. That ending might have ripped me apart. Maybe I’m just oblivious to things but I really didn’t expect the ending at all. I loved that I felt a connection with all of the side characters along with the main characters because that doesn’t alway happen for me. This was such a well written story and I can’t wait for the next book after that cliffhanger.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The emotional turmoil this put me through, the gut wrenching ending.
If you’ve ever wanted a story for Hook & Tinkerbell to fall in love, this is the most perfect, heartfelt love story. Pirates, faeries, gods, a complex magic system, and an awful cliff hanger all wrapped up with a nice little bow!

Absolutely loved it! 5 stars I cannot wait for the second book. Thank you so much for the privilege of reading this!!

Selene Amaris was forced to run from her home and became enslaved in Terrosa for ten years. Now, as the last surviving Faeyte, she returns to Asteria, trapped on a ship captained by the cocky, mysterious Callan. Adelene is determined to make it back home, one last time, and Callan wants to keep all the people he cares about safe. First, they need to navigate the endless sea of starlight, and their complicated feelings for one another. She was never supposed to fall in love, and their love will tear the heavens apart.

Stars Above the Never Sea is pirate romantasy perfection, with beautiful, rich, and emotional writing. The magic system is very unique, and the characters have so much heart and emotional complexity that it’s impossible to not feel for every single one of them, Told from Selene and Callan’s perspective, this story is one of grief and love, of healing and finding yourself with others. The friendships and found family aspect really pulled me into the story, adding so much depth and care. Each character had me enthralled, wanting to know more about each of them. My favorite thing about this book has to be the communication between Selene and Callan. They were always open with each other and expressive of their emotions, and I felt their individual secrets or pieces of character lore were revealed at the perfect times, in beautiful ways. Miscommunication trope? Don’t know her. The chemistry between the two of them was electric, I could feel it jumping off the page. Soft touches here and there, lingering looks, and witty banter. I seriously loved this book, and the plot twist ending has left me reeling, desperate for the sequel.

“𝑰𝒇 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.”

Just know I am a total slut for a pirate romantasy, and Stars Above the Never Sea surpassed all my expectations. This book was beautifully crafted, with rich imagery (a sea made of starlight, anyone???) and a unique magic system, this was a stunning tale of both grief and reclamation, love and loss, and finding yourself through the people you meet along the way.

With a band of misfits and a delicious slow-burn to boot, I was wholly captivated by this book.

Selene Amaris is the last remaining Faeyte, who after spending ten years enslaved finds herself bound below deck of a cargo ship heading to her homeland. The ship is manned by loveable rogue Callan Edgeborn, a cocky and arrogant yet golden retriever mountain of a man, who finds that stowaway may hold the key to fixing everything — including him.

An unexpected gem of a story with an agonising plot twist but oh so much heart, I’m super excited to see where Flood takes the rest of this series. Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for sharing this advance copy with me!

This was such a fun and captivating world to dive into. I am currently riding a ship and pirate train. So, this book was right up my alley. The world building was done very well, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The betrayal at the end has set the storyline up nicely for the next book. I can’t wait to see where it takes us!

🖤banter
🖤magic ship
🖤he falls first
🖤slowburn
🖤dual pov
🖤Winged FMC

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/22ad6e8e-71c3-490d-9326-73811e66b8f7
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222751872


ARC Review: Stars Above the Never Sea by Evelyn Flood
💜💜💜💜 | 🌶️🌶️ Mild

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This one took a little time to find its stride—it wasn’t an instant grab for me, but I was intrigued enough by the premise to keep going. Around the 100-page mark, the story really picks up, and from there, I was fully invested.

We follow Selene, the last faeyte, who’s enslaved in a faraway land after her home, Asteria, is invaded. She crosses paths with Callan, our MMC, who helps her begin the journey home. The world of maegis (aka magic) 🪄 is rich and imaginative, slowly revealing itself in a way that adds depth to the plot.

What stood out most to me was the banter. The dialogue between Selene, Callan, and the crew—Rio, Esme, Merrick, Sol, Matthias, and Leo—is witty, warm, and full of personality. Their interactions brought a real spark to the page.

The ending twist? Totally unexpected—in the best way. There’s definite chemistry between Selene and Callan, and Selene’s journey into her power has me excited for what’s coming next. (Book 2 is teased for December 2025!)

I’m giving this book 4💜 because while it started a bit slow, it’s a rewarding read once it gets going. If you enjoy immersive fantasy worlds, strong character dynamics, and slow-burn tension with a big payoff, you’ll want to add this one to your TBR.

#StarsAboveTheNeverSea #EvelynFloodAuthor #NetGalley

Stars Above the Never Sea is a poignant, lyrical novel that offers a haunting and beautiful reimagining of the Peter Pan mythos, told through the lens of grief, sisterhood, and the slow unraveling of childhood stories.

Evelyn Flood’s writing is atmospheric and emotionally rich, weaving together past and present with grace. The main character’s journey—from a girl caught in a moment of loss to a woman forced to face what really happened—is moving and powerful. The themes of memory, trauma, and letting go are handled with subtlety and care, all within a world that feels both familiar and quietly strange.

This isn’t an action-packed retelling, but one that leans into mood and emotion. Readers looking for fast-paced fantasy may need to adjust expectations—but those who love character-driven stories with magic that lingers just at the edges will find something truly special here.

A standout for fans of fairytales with depth, prose with weight, and stories that ask what it really means to come home.