"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!

thank you net galley, the publisher, and the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

ok omg!? i actually regret asking for an arc of this book because i don’t think i can wait until december to read book two? that cliffhanger my god!!

i all but ate this one up in a matter of two days and it’s been a while since that’s been the case for me, even more so in the romantasy genre!!

i don’t want to say much because i tend to spoil but add this one to your tbr if you enjoy:
• found family dynamics
• banter
• magic!
• he falls first
• slowburn
• dual pov

oh but check trigger warnings!! my girl selene was a strong one my baby!
“i did not expect you.” my throat tightens. “but i was waiting for you.”

I don’t know where to start!! This book is OUTSTANDING. it took me a little to settle into as there’s a few characters introduced quickly but I went with it and this book will remain in my thoughts for months. It’s beautifully written, descriptive without being flowery, and all of the characters are fleshed out and worm into your heart.

I cannot wait to read book 2 and see what happens next. Biggest of thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an arc. I really hope I can get one for book 2 or i don’t know what I’ll do!!

This had a very unique premise which unfolded well throughout the novel. I felt like the pace of the plot struggled after about 40% but overall I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Callan and Selene. I'm excited for the second novel!

5 stars from the first 100 pages, this book is breathtaking, this will be a hit and I need to read the next one - counting down till I can find out what happens to Callan and Selene

𝙄𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮? 𝙄𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚?

ೃ⁀➷ This book is what you call an unexpected gem. I’m so glad I was approved for an ARC—I never expected to be drowned in emotion so deeply.

Setting: A ship sailing through ocean mists

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 βօօҟͲąցʂ 𓍯𓂃

➸ He falls first
➸ Slowburn
➸ Ice queen x golden retriever
➸ Hurt/comfort
➸ Found family
➸ Silver-haired FMC
➸ Shadow magic
➸ Forced proximity
➸ Dual POV

CW: references to sexual assault

𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕀𝕤 𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥: ℕ𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕪 𝔼𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 ᯓ★

To put it simply, this world has Faeytes and Caelumnai (plus us regular humans). Ten years ago, the Caelumnai massacred the Faeytes—and only one survived: Selene.

Now, she’s going back. Home. On a ship full of Caelumnai. Including its captain—Callan.

ೃ⁀➷ 𝕊𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕖 𝔸𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕤: 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝. "𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚."

A woman who watched her sisters, her friends—everyone she knew—get slaughtered. Then she spent the next ten years enduring the worst: sold, abused, objectified.

That pain built her armor: she’s icy, emotionless, blank-eyed and monotone. But inside? Inside she burns—quietly, furiously. She is both soft and steel. She speaks with authority, commands a room, and refuses to let anyone turn her into a pawn. She doesn’t just survive—she owns her survival.

Final Verdict: She has 110% of my respect. No one is doing it like Selene.

ೃ⁀➷ ℂ𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕟 𝔼𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕓𝕠𝕣𝕟: 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙛𝙩. 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙤 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙣𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙧, 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧.

When I say we all need a Callan, I mean it.

He’s the sunshine to her storm, the warmth to her cold, the balm to her scars. He spends his days finding ways to make her smile. He counts her laughs. He studies the stars in her eyes.

"𝙄𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 - 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜?"
"𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙀𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣."
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚." 𝙈𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧. "𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜."

And when the moment comes?

This man CRAWLS for her. In front of an entire nation. Injured. Bound in chains. On his knees, in daylight—he crawls to her.

Final Verdict: Give me nothing. Give me no one. But please, give me Callan.

ೃ⁀➷ 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖: 𝙃𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙢𝙚. 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙢𝙚.

The "slowburn" tag doesn’t begin to cover it. There wasn’t even 0.5% insta-love or lust. No immediate wow she’s hot, no instant soulmates. The affection unfolded slowly, organically. And can I just say? For once, I loved being in the guy’s head. There were no vulgar thoughts—just genuine admiration and quiet yearning.

𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝟜 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤, 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝟝 ᯓ★

The first half was perfection. Enchanting. Addictive. But the second half stumbled. It dragged in places, meandered in others, and only picked itself back up towards the end. That uneven pacing pulled me out of the immersion a few times.

𝕀𝕟 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 ᯓ★

This story was tender and devastating, quiet yet thunderous. A romance, yes - but also a journey of healing, survival, and learning to feel safe again.

Despite the pacing issues in the second half, this book carved out a place in my heart. It reminded me that softness can be powerful, and love—when built patiently—is a force unlike any other.

I didn’t expect to love it this much. But I did. And I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

This was such a good book..kinda gives off Emma and Killian (Captain Hook) vibes from once upon a time. This is a slow burn romance between Selene and Callan. They have such a good dynamic and chemistry. Can’t wait for book 2.