Utterly immersive and heartbreakingly intimate — Stars Above the Never Sea delivers found family, aching tension, and a world made of starlight. One of my standout reads of the year.

I LOVED this book. From the first page, Stars Above the Never Sea swept me away. I was completely hooked by the world, the characters, the writing—everything. Evelyn Flood delivers a romantasy that’s bursting with emotional tension, stunning worldbuilding, and characters who linger long after the final page.

Selene is a standout protagonist: guarded, sharp-edged, and quietly broken in a way that feels raw and real. Her reluctant connection with Callan—the grumpy, secretive ship captain—is slow-burn perfection. Their chemistry is frustrating, electric, and so worth the wait.

The found family dynamic is another highlight, reminiscent of Six of Crows, filled with loyalty, grief, humour, and survival. Flood’s world is utterly original—an inky starlit sea, lands lost to magic, and broken people trying to find their place in a fractured world.

What makes this story so powerful, though, is how personal it feels. Beneath the sweeping fantasy elements is a story about loss, love, and what it means to find home again when everything has changed.

And that ENDING? I turned the final page and just sat there, gutted and awed. I genuinely don’t know how I’m supposed to wait until December 2025 for the sequel.

If you love romantasy that’s lyrical, heartfelt, and full of yearning—with found family, hidden magic, and a plot that tears you apart and stitches you back together with starlight—don’t miss this one.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ — Easily one of my favourite reads of the year.

4.5✨ ah this book was amazing!! So so good!! At the very least beginning of the book we follow our fmc Selene Amaris age 16 running and the escaping as her people get wiped out......
10 years later
Selene has been enslaved for 10 years and is finally ready to go home, but just as she's managers to escape one captive she finds herself chained once more held in the cargo of a silent ship heading back to her homeland, Asteria.
Callan Edgeborn our mmc just wanted to keep those he care for safe, his mission is to follows orders and transports desperately needed goods across the Never Sea. After finding Selene tired on his ship unsure why and how she's got there, he's promises to get her home without any harm.
Selene has no patience for a cocky, lazy, irreverent ship captain and Callan has no time to watch over an emotionless, cold female with infuriatingly captivating eyes.
One meeting will change their lives forever.
Wasn't expecting that cliffhanger at all!! Can't wait for the next book 😍

Wow — Stars Above the Never Sea was absolutely amazing! I couldn’t put it down. The writing is so atmospheric and magical, and the world Evelyn Flood created totally swept me away. It had this dreamy, slightly eerie vibe that made everything feel so vivid and emotional.

I loved Selene as a main character — she’s fierce, determined, and so easy to root for. And the slow-burn romance? Perfection. Callan was mysterious in all the right ways, and their connection felt so real and earned. Every time I thought I could stop reading, something new would happen and I'd be completely pulled back in.

It’s one of those books that feels like you're living inside a myth. I was hooked from the first page to the last and honestly didn’t want it to end. If you’re into romantasy with depth, gorgeous writing, and a strong heroine, this is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

Words cannot even describe how much I love this book! I hardly ever say this but it is absolutely flawless. Characters are so well developed and loveable - the tension between the MFC and MMC was almost too much to bear at points! I couldn’t put the book down. The best book I’ve read all year hands down and I can’t wait for the second one.

Se decía que ser amado por un Faeyte estaba más allá de las palabras.

Que cuando les arrancó la capacidad de enamorarse, lloraron una pérdida que ya no podían reconocer.

Y les costó todo.

***

Selene Amaris finalmente se va a casa.

Después de diez años de esclavitud en las tierras rojas de Terrosa, se encuentra encadenada una vez más, con las alas atadas y sostenidas en la carga de un barco silencioso que regresa a su tierra natal, Asteria.

Nadie la está esperando. Su gente fue aniquilada hace diez años antes del Gran Cambio, cuando el aire se convirtió en viento y agua en un solo momento violento, y el mar se convirtió en una interminable luz estelar de tinta.

Pero el latido de su corazón la llama de vuelta, y ella responderá.

Una última vez.

***

Callan Edgeborn tiene un plan.

Sobrevive.

Para mantener a los que le importan a salvo, sigue las órdenes y transporta los bienes que se necesitan desesperadamente a través del Mar de Nunca Jamás, un mar hecho enteramente de luz de las estrellas, donde una caída puede enviar a un hombre cayendo a una noche interminable.

Él es el único con la capacidad de superarlo.

Selene no tiene paciencia para un capitán de barco arrogante, perezoso e irreverente, y Callan no tiene tiempo para vigilar a una mujer fría y sin emociones con ojos exasperantemente cautivadores.

Pero como ambos saben muy bien, solo se necesita un segundo para que el mundo cambie.

Mientras Selene navega por su regreso, Callan se encuentra arriesgando todo para mantenerla a salvo. Y con cada día que pasa, queda claro que Selene ha sido enviada de vuelta a Asteria por una razón.

Una reunión cambiará sus vidas para siempre.


..


La parte final (en donde se revela algo importante) es triste porque si esa persona hubiera dicho la verdad pondrían haber disfrutado de su tiempo juntos.


Gracias NetGalley por el ARC.!

Five stars. I had a feeling something similar to the twist at the end was coming but never in a million years would I have guessed what was going to happen. Oof and what an awful cliffhanger! This was a book full of information. Found family, self-discovery, love, hate, brutality. I want to know more about the gods and their influence, and I hope we get that in book 2.!

The Faytes exist to help others, they don’t love, but they do care. When their island is attacked, Selene is the only survivor. Now, ten years later, she’s returning -whether to save the people now there, or take her revenge - is undecided.

"It should have been today...She should have seen her fate today, should have watched in wonder.."

"Grief touches us all, in one way or another. It would be foolish to believe mine somehow means more than yours, no matter how it occurred."

"As soon as my lips touch his skin, I know I have made a mistake. A grave mistake. One I can't take back."

Imagine living a life of peace and contentment, surrounded by the faces of the ones that guide you and bring you joy. On what is supposed to be the most important day of your life it all gets ripped away from you, in the most horribly traumatic way you could never imagine. Terror, uncertainty and then it all ends... Or does it? Your world turns upside down, and you never imagined it could be like this.

This book had me OBSESSED. I love a good fantasy read, and this one really was entrancing. The first chapter was a bit difficult for me, only because there was so much information to pick up on. I love that Dual POV that the book continues on in afterwards. I didn't expect some of the twists and turns that happened in the book, mainly in the latter. The last few chapters were hard to read, but only because I couldn't see through my tears. The main characters chemistry, the comradery between characters in the book, the emotionally gripping plot points that unfurl within the pages. The ending had me salivating for the next installment! I needed it, like yesterday! Thank you so much to Evelynn Flood for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC for reviewing consideration through NetGalley. My opinions on this amazing peace are strictly my own, and my opinion is that this is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoys a great fantasy with a slow burn romance. Please make sure to check the trigger warnings as there are some things that affect those with certain sensitivities.

Peter Pan meets Anastasia with Fae

Spoiler Free Summary
Magical humans invade the Fae lands destroying and taking the land. It causes a rift between the worlds that only one made can get a crew through. The FMC must find a way to fix the world and defeat Petyr Pan.

Vibes.
I really liked this book! The beginning had me hooked (haha pun intended). It was constantly event and story building until about 70% it completely dies down and then picks up again around the 96% part. I think in-between there the story could have used a little editing. I liked how the magic spoke at the end as to her sisters. It would have been better with more hint dropping rather than just dragging the story on with repeated behavior and similar events. However, like I said before, the ending was great and the story connectors that the author drops are great. Overall, though it was really exciting read.

Free Copy NG

I just finished Stars Above the Never Sea and wow—this book hit me right in the heart. Emotional, gripping, and full of magic, it pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go.

The characters were so well written and real. I felt everything they went through. The fantasy world was stunning but never overshadowed the raw, emotional core of the story. I cried, I smiled, I didn’t want it to end.

My only small wish is that there was a little more at the end, just something extra to stay in that world a bit longer. Still, this was a beautiful, unforgettable read. Highly recommend if you love emotional fantasy that gives you all the feels.

Fantasy is not a usual genre for me. The title and cover of this book caught my attention. When I am not sure about a book, I read a minimum of 25%. This book had me hooked in a lot less! The authors descriptions made the scenes real, the characters believable and story line mesmerizing.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Wow, Stars Above the Never Sea completely blew me away. The story pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. The world-building is so magical and vivid.

The characters are definitely the heart of this story. They’re flawed but lovable, and their journey felt really genuine. I especially liked how their relationships developed — there was a good balance of tension, friendship, and emotional moments that didn’t feel forced. The mix of adventure and fantasy elements was just right — exciting and imaginative without getting too complicated or heavy.

The pacing was great too — enough action to keep things moving, but with quieter moments that let me connect with the characters more. Overall, it’s a beautifully written book that’s perfect if you want a fantasy story with heart, magic, and adventure all rolled into one.

Honestly, I loved every bit of it and couldn’t put it down. If you’re into heartfelt fantasy with amazing characters, this one’s definitely worth picking up!I’m definitely looking forward to more from Evelyn Flood!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ, ᴛʜɪꜱ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴀ, ᴛʜɪꜱ ꜱᴇᴀ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ, ᴡʜᴀᴛᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴄʜᴏᴏꜱᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʟʟ ɪᴛ… ɪᴛ ꜰᴇᴇʟꜱ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʜᴏᴍᴇ.'

I will always love a fantasy romance, but this was outstanding.

From the get-go, this book had me enthralled, Selene had to flee from her home, the only place she had ever known. But she would go back. Callan Edgeborn a Caelumnai, the people who destroyed her home and the one who would take her home.

You can not help but love every character in this book. Each person has their own story to tell, and they are each different in their own way, including with the maegis they possess.

The ending had me crying, but this needs to be on your TBR
If you want to feel things and go through a whirlwind of emotions, then this is a book you need to read. The plot is outstanding , and the twists the turns had me on edge for what was to come next.

hurry up, Decmber. I need book 2

- SLOW burn
- Found family
- magic
- forced proximity
- he falls first

All of the stars for this romantasy. The world-building was perfection. The characters- LOVE them. The writing- immersive. The story itself is addictive.

I feel like I know these characters. Like I was a part of this story. The banter and found family were giving. The tension and yearning between Callan and Selene was everything.

The plot twists and turns- I never saw them coming.

The cliffhanger ending- wrecked me and I can't wait until book 2 comes out in December.

a big thank you to NetGalley & Evelyn for the chance at an ARC!!!

My mind is blown! I absolutely loved this book!

Selene Amaris is stronger than I ever could be. She went through so much in such a short time compared to how her life was supposed to go. I knew that angst was heading my way but the amount of it was crazy. It was so beautifully written that I nearly cried. I loved how she went from being so emotionally guarded to opening up slowly throughout the journey. I know that it was hard for her to understand that there were nice people in the world and I'm glad that it was Callan and his crew that showed her all people weren't evil.

Callan Edgeborn was a MAN! And I mean that in the way that he was so patient with Selene and how he knew that things weren't the way he thought. I love how complex he was in the way that, in the beginning, he didn't seem to be that strong when it came to the others. However, he was nearly the strongest on the ship. I loved him so much. He is on my favorite MC's list from now on. I loved him and his friends. His crew of friends were so supportive and understanding.

I need the next book like yesterday. It was insane how obsessed I am with it now. I'll be re-reading from now till the second one.

I really enjoyed this book I loved all the characters and the fantasy element the story hooked me from the first sentence

I highly recommend this

5 ⭐️’s all round. WOW, WOW, WOW!! I knew from 10% in that this was going to be one of my favourite reads of the year so far and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

The fact that this is Evelyn’s DEBUT fantasy romance has absolutely blown me away!! It was such a unique story and had everything you could possible want/need without feeling too trope heavy.

The world building was incredible, I almost immediately felt immersed in this world, the story and so connected to the characters. Evelyn’s writing is absolutely beautiful and there was the perfect balance of fantasy and romance throughout.

The slow burn in this was ✨ EVERYTHING ✨
Callan Edgeborn is all the things you could want in an MMC & I loved the FMC Selene too. They’re both incredible and I adored everything about them.

The tension, yearning, character development, plot, pacing…all INCREDIBLE, absolutely no notes. Hands down one of my favourite romantasies I have read in a very long time and I will be thinking about this story for a very long time!

Don’t even get me started on the ending!!! The last 10% of the book had me trying not to sob in the middle of a packed train at 6am - safe to say I need the next book immediately.

“Because I found you again, and every dream that I thought I had shattered beneath the reality of you” 😭😭😭

Run to add to your TBR!

(Check triggers)

Thank you so much to Evelyn & her team for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏽

Stars Above the Never Sea is the first book in a new Romantic Fantasy series with fascinating world building, amazing characters, beautiful romance and so much action and heartbreak I couldn’t put it down, I absolutely loved it!

Selene is the last faeyte, taken from her home after everyone she knew and loved was killed and forced to be a slave. When after 10 years she finally escapes, she finds herself on a ship sailing for her homeland, but everything has changed in the years she was gone and despite the ship’s crew becoming her friends and her being drawn to their leader, Callan, she knows that them taking her to their king might mean being thrown in yet another cage, especially when she discovers her growing magic.

I’ve just finished reading this book when I’m writing this review and I can’t find words to describe how much I loved this heartbreaking and beautiful story. I was hooked from the first chapter and it just kept getting better with each next one, the world building and magic system were truly unique and so interesting, I loved learning about it all and am sure the author has even more surprises for us in the next book. Selene was an amazing main character, my heart was breaking so many times for her and everything she went through, from the death of everyone she ever knew to her life in servitude and to being taken to the king of the people who destroyed her life, but despite all of that she was really strong and never gave up even when she herself thought it would be easier, I absolutely loved her in this book and can’t wait to see her again. Callan was just a perfection and I loved every second I spent reading about him, he was such a green flag and perfect partner for Selene, despite her kind not being able to love he was always so understanding and ‘he fell first’ trope written perfectly, their relationship was a real slow burn but I loved every second of them slowly starting to trust and fall for each other, I loved them both so much, both individually and as a couple and can’t wait to see them again, especially after that ending that still has me in shock. I also loved the found family, all the characters were very fleshed out and so easy to love, I was crying while reading those last few chapters and don’t know how I will forgive the author for that.

Stars Above the Never Sea is an incredible romantasy book that I absolutely loved and recommend to everyone, trust me, you don’t want to miss it. But that ending OMG, I’m still in shock and I need the next book ASAP!

Thank you to the Author for the Arc!

3.25/5⭐
It has ships, pirates or the high seas, I will read it. Also, SHE' s the shadow wilder. I loved it, in a world full of shadow daddies, we finally have a woman with those powers

As much as I love my morally gray men, Callum, the mmc was refreshing, he wasn't broody and dark and mysterious. He was just trying to do his job, help his crew. And the way he loves, omg, it's like every time he opens his mouth, poetry comes out of it. However, as much as I liked him, I felt like the fmc started to trust him wayyy to quickly. And that goes for everyone on the crew. She started caring for them too quickly in my opinion for the situation that she was in. Sometimes the writing left me a little bit confused. The ending was truly something, I thought that by now I would be used to cliffhangers, I was wrong.

A romantasy on the high seas. I liked the magic in this one. The forbidden magic, the chosen one, she's the only one of her kind left alive and she's hunted. Escaped from enslavement, she's also a murderer. She ends up on his ship. Can he come around and see things from her side? If he does, can he protect her from his people who are still out for her blood?

This book pulled me in right away with its unique magical system. It felt so fresh and different, and I loved how it was slowly revealed throughout the story.

There’s a really strong emotional thread running through this story from grief, love, healing and I wasn’t expecting to feel as much as I did. The story kept me guessing with some wild cliffhangers, and just when I thought I had things figured out… nope. That ending completely caught me off guard even when I feel like it shouldn’t but while some cliffhangers were put into place…. Others were revealed and holy heck….

It’s such a unique and promising fantasy debut, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.

Thank you so much for the early copy!