I unfortunately DNF’d this due to it being to hard to understand. I found the story confusing and it did not grip me. I still love the authors other work and will continue to read her work.

What the hell just happened!?
I loved this book. The concept very unique and interesting. The world building and pacing are just right. I fell in love with the characters. Didn't see this ending coming and can't wait to read the next installment.

Stars Above the Never Sea has a unique fantasy world, where the sea and the sky have switched places surrounding the island of Asteria. The Caelumnai people have destroyed all but one of the Faeytes, and when the last Faeyte Selene Amaris sails back to her stolen lands with the very people who killed her sisters, what will ensue?

This book is tagged as an enemies to lovers fantasy, but I wouldn’t really agree with that assessment. There is certainly reason for our FMC to have reservations about the MMC, but it doesn’t seem to be a major plot point. I did enjoy the romance regardless, but I don’t think they ever really hated one another.

I also had some pacing issues with the book, where I loved the first half or so, following the backstory and journey back to Asteria, once they made it back, there seemed to be a lot of lallygagging before a pretty startling shift in the story just before the end.

I was kind of nervous to jump into this book because I had never read anything from this author. I am so glad I did though. The story was strong and I gravitated heavily to the magical elements throughout the book. The romance was to die for and the slow burn was executed perfectly. The cover of this book was what initially sparked my interest and I am so glad I picked this book up.

Thank you NetGalley, Evelyn Flood, and the Publisher for allowing me to read this E-ARC.

Stars Above the Never Sea by Evelyn Flood is a romantasy with a double POV, a slow-burn romance, and an intricately built world that pulls you in from the start, this book is a must!

I have to start this by saying that I was TERRIFIED to start this book once I saw who the author was. Out of 175+ books that I've read, I've only genuinely hated 2 - one of which was by Evelyn Flood. That said, I was drawn to the cover of this and signed up immediately on NetGalley after reading the blurb. I didn't even look at who wrote it. Once I got the acceptance email, I was so tempted to just not read it to avoid an experience like what I previously had with the author, but I gave it a shot, and I'm so glad I did.

This story is so unique compared to all other romantasy books I've read, and I found myself unable to put it down. I was thinking about it in between reads and wondering what was going to happen. I love the magic in this story and the faeytes. Everything unraveled so beautifully, and it was such an amazing reading experience!!! Our 2 mains, Selene and Callan, are so cute, and their romance was not overdone or cringy ever. All of the side characters were equally amazing. I loved every second of this story. It was emotionally heavy, and a lot was going on, but there were also times where the main characters kind of ignored some signs where I just wanted to yell at them!

I'm genuinely mad that I have to wait for book 2, because that was one of maybe 3 cliffhangers that actually upset me and made me want to read the next book immediately. I can’t believe how much I loved this book, and I will 100% be buying a physical copy and hyped it TF up!!!

Also, who TF kidnapped her in the beginning? They never even looked into that, and I must know 🤔

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC. This was incredible!

I loved this so much!!
I haven't been reading a lot of romantasy lately because my last few reads have been fallen kind of flat for me but this made me fall back in love with the genre

My favourite thing about the book was the setting - I haven't loved a fanasy world this much in a while. I liked Selene a lot and although I'm usually not the biggest fan of Golden retriever mmcs, Callan was the sweetest and now I love him.

Also the found family vibes in this one were immaculate.

I did like the first two thirds of the book better, simply because I loved the plot on the ship so much. The last third is very action packed though, which I also loved.

Definitely hyped for part two!!

<i> Big thanks to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review. </i>

Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

'Stars above the Never Sea' is the first book of the 'The Last Faeyte' series and is a fantasy adventure with a love story to boot.

The story is narrated through a double POV, with interesting characters and an endearing crew who were the heart and soul of the book.

The fantasy, in addition, was complex and had depth, as well as offering a lot of emotional scenes. However, there were some parts of the whole universe that weren't well explained or were overlapping, but they were few and could easily be overlooked.

The romance, moreover, was enjoyable and it didn't overshadow the fantasy and worldbuilding. Actually, it wasn't the focus of the plot, therefore, the romantic scenes felt more organic and less forced. However, I didn't like the Cal's persistence on the emotional ability of Selene, but I liked how she was putting him back in his place and pointed out her needs, especially since her trauma was so deep and complex that it would have been odd to have her 'healed' too quickly in order to advance the romance.

Also, there were parts in the narration that needed some editing, but this could be my ARC fault and the final print was corrected.

4.5 stars. IDK what my problem was with not reading this ARC earlier!(thank you netgalley for sending it to me). The only reason this book is not 5 stars is because I am a “newer” reader in the fantasy genre and I was a little confused in the beginning and it was mildly confusing learning about the world as it was shown to us and then described in more detail later.
I love the world, it is such an interesting premise and is so different that any fantasy that I have read so far. The FMC has the perfect amount of anger and rage that I want a fantasy FMC to have. Enough to show that she is a BOSS but also not enough to have her making obviously stupid choices.
The MMC took me a little longer to like. I was unsure at first if I was going to vibe with him because I feel like I was letting the FMC’s ideas about him taint my view.
I also did think that the romance kind of jumped to the “love” place very randomly and while there was moments of romance in the book up to the point of reaching their destination, I was not convinced it was enough to get them to that place. Also the ending? Not cool 😂😂

Thank you net galley!

I love so many parts of this book. My biggest reason for it not being a 4 star is the pasing issues. I couldn't get over it as much as I loved the story line.

I loved this book so much! Thank you for letting me read. Definitely going to keep an eye out for more from this author.

Thank you to Net Galley for and eARC. This review is purely my own thoughts on this book.

First and foremost WOW! This book has such an interesting concept and magic system. Our story follows Selene, a faeyte which I read to be either like an angel or a fairy of some kind. She has wings and magic that is unlike anyone else. After a brutal event that she barely survives, Selene find herself 10 years later in a foreign land enslaved. The book thankfully spares us some of those details but it comes back in trauma throughout the book. Selene is strong and headstrong. I absolutely loved her character.

Then she meets Callan, the captain of a ship heading back to her homeland also with his own abilities that is explained as being both a ranking system and with different types of magic such as elemental, manipulation of materials, etc. Each magic has a price needed to use it and the higher the rank and usages, the higher the price. I absolutely loved Callan’s swagger and his crew is loyal, great comic relief, and make the book that much better. I hope they have more time in the next book.

I love the forbidden-esque romantasy vibe. Selene being a faeyte cannot love and her slow descent into love is perfection. Callan knows right away and would move heaven and earth for Selene. He is the very definition of he would burn down the world for her. The ending ends on a major cliffhanger and I was FLOORED! I need the next book ASAP!

Star Rating: 5/5
Spice Rating: 3/5

Oh my goodness where do I even begin?
This was incredible, I devoured it! The level of detail was excellent, gripping and plentiful whilst never feeling drawn out or too much/confusing.

The first chapter alone was brilliant, I was hooked from the start and it just kept getting better and better!

The ENDING?! That cliffhanger!! Evelyn?!
Screaming, crying, throwing up.

I really enjoyed reading this one and couldn’t put it down until I had devoured it.

The reader is thrust into chaos almost immediately and I really felt all the love, loss and heartbreak right alongside Seline. I loved the world building, characters, pacing and writing style overall.

It’s a slow burn, he falls first romantasy with found family that left me eager for the next book. I really enjoyed that we don’t get all the answers laid out for us in the first book and I can’t wait to see where the plot takes us in the future.

🌒 Title: Stars Above the Never Sea
🖋 Author: Evelyn Flood
⭐ Rating: ★★★★
📚 Genre: Romantasy / Fantasy / Adventure
📖 Format: eARC via NetGalley
📅 Finished Read: 29 July 2025

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✦ 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Stars Above the Never Sea follows Selene Amaris, the sole surviving Faeyte after the Caelumnai massacre ten years prior. Enslaved in the Red Lands of Terrosa, she finally finds herself on a ship heading back to her homeland, Asteria, to face a world she no longer knows. Alongside her is Callan Edgeborn, a fearless and irreverent ship captain navigating the treacherous Never Sea – a starlit ocean no one else can traverse. Their journey is one of survival, trust, and the slow-burning spark between two people scarred by their pasts.

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✦ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 & 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭:
The novel explores deep, resonant themes of survival, trauma, and reclaiming agency. Selene’s journey highlights the long-term effects of abuse and slavery, while showing the strength of resilience and the reclamation of self. Her character embodies both the emotional scars of past atrocities and the quiet, steely determination to survive and protect what remains of her world.

The story also addresses grief and loss on a societal scale: the Faeytes’ near-extinction mirrors real-world histories of genocide and the collective mourning that follows. By integrating a complex magic system and an unfamiliar world, the book subtly comments on oppression, power hierarchies, and the necessity of alliances and found family in rebuilding life after trauma.

Romance is treated thoughtfully and slowly, with Callan acting as a balm to Selene’s storm, emphasising emotional intimacy over instant gratification. The dynamic between them reinforces themes of consent, mutual respect, and trust-building in the aftermath of trauma. Forced proximity, hurt/comfort, and shared vulnerability highlight how relationships can be both healing and complicated.

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✦ 𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 & 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠:
The narrative opens in media res with Selene’s captivity, immediately immersing the reader in tension and danger. The first act establishes her traumatic past and the stakes of returning to Asteria, introducing layers of political, magical, and personal conflict.

The book’s strength lies in its intricate world-building: the Never Sea, the cultures of Faeytes and Caelumnai, and the shadow magic system create a sense of wonder and danger. While some readers may find the sheer volume of names, places, and magical mechanics initially overwhelming, it contributes to the depth and uniqueness of the setting.

Pacing is uneven at times. The first half grips with intensity, emotional weight, and clever tension-building, particularly in the slow-burning romance. The latter half slows, with sections that meander or focus on introspection and minor plot threads before picking up momentum toward a high-stakes climax. Despite this, the narrative retains emotional resonance and the stakes remain compelling, culminating in a finale that is both satisfying and provocative.

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✦ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
- Selene Amaris – Icy, resilient, and fiercely independent, Selene is a survivor moulded by loss and trauma. Her depth comes from her quiet fury, her strategic mind, and the slow softening of her armour in the presence of those she learns to trust.
- Callan Edgeborn – The golden-hearted, daring ship captain whose charm, loyalty, and persistence complement Selene’s icy intensity. His gradual emotional vulnerability reinforces the authenticity of their slowburn romance.
- Leo & Supporting Crew – The found family elements enrich the story, giving Selene allies who provide levity, loyalty, and additional stakes in her journey.


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✦ 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Stars Above the Never Sea is a darkly enchanting, emotionally layered story of survival, healing, and the tentative reclamation of love and agency after trauma. While its pacing wavers in the middle, the novel shines through its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and slow-burning romance that avoids clichés while still delivering satisfying emotional payoff.

Selene’s resilience and Callan’s unwavering devotion elevate the story beyond a typical fantasy romance into a meditation on trauma, trust, and the power of connection. Fans of Romantasy, slowburn relationships, and complex fantasy worlds will find themselves absorbed, even if the magic system and world require careful attention.

This is a story that stays with you: tender, devastating, and ultimately empowering, leaving readers eager for the next instalment.

(Cross-posted to Goodreads and Fable and StoryGraph.)

I thought Stars Above the Never Sea was an enjoyable read overall. The world Evelyn Flood created was intriguing, with a dreamy, whimsical quality that pulled me in. While it didn’t completely blow me away, the pacing and atmosphere kept me curious enough to see how everything unfolded. It’s the kind of story that leaves you feeling like you’ve spent a few hours in a far-off, magical place, even if it didn’t hit every emotional note for me.

I enjoyed reading this but was missing a bit more world building, some parts I didn’t understand what was going on. The overall story was great and the ending was great. I will be reading book I need to know what happens next!

3.5 stars, I really enjoyed the world building, the enemies to lovers and the he falls first some of my favourite tropes! I felt the slow burn was a bit rushed and that the girl was supposed to be a ice queen but easily trusted everyone.

Stars Above The Never Sea is a beautifully written tale that blends whimsy with melancholy, set against a backdrop of starlit oceans and forgotten magic. Evelyn Flood’s descriptions are beautiful and poetic, and the emotional undercurrents of the story are hauntingly dark.

This is the story if you’ve ever yearned for a Hook & Tinkerbell love story.

This follows the story of Selene a Fayte who escapes her land after an invasion, finding herself sold into slavery she escapes again onto a ship. Callan is the grumpy captain of the ship that can sail across the Never Seas, and it seems he has been searching for Selene.

The world building is excellent with a celestial atmosphere that adds a dreamlike quality. The story starts slow but picks up pace once on board the ship. There are elements of found family, slow burn romantic tension and a rollercoaster of plot twists.

I devoured this book in one exhilarating sitting! The unique worldbuilding completely absorbed me from the very first page. Just a heads-up, there are some sensitive topics that could trigger readers, but trust me—there’s so much to love here. The male main character (MMC) is an absolute gem; he’s that charming, golden retriever type who falls head over heels first and has a protective streak that screams “touch her and face the consequences.”

On the other hand, the female main character (FMC) is the last of the faeryte kind, embarking on a journey back to her homeland where she once witnessed the heartbreaking slaughter of her people. Now, she finds that everything has been turned upside down. Having escaped before she could complete her Ascension, she’s still grappling with her magic. The shadow magic she wields seems to be uniquely hers, and that adds an intriguing layer to her character.

I absolutely adore the found family dynamic that unfolds in the story, although there are a few unanswered questions regarding how she initially fits in with them. I’m crossing my fingers that the next book will address these issues and not leave me disappointed!

The story wraps up with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, and thankfully, the second book is set to release later this year, meaning I won’t have to endure a long wait to see what happens next! If you’re a fan of the Fantasy Romance genre, this book is a must-read! Just remember to check the trigger warnings first!