Completely floored. Stars Above the Never Sea is one of those books that is in intriguing from the first page and then you hit that point and the story just hooks you and won’t let go. This is book 1 of Evelyn Flood’s new series The Last Faeyte. Having never read books by this author before I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I am so glad I picked this book up.
So unexpected and new. Beautifully written and heart wrenching in the best ways. Selene is complex and guarded, coming into powers she doesn’t understand and still trying to heal from her trauma. Callan is an incredibly cocky pirate with this hidden depth that once you see you fall in love with. Low spice - which is nice to have the chance to truly appreciate and understand these complex characters - but lots of angst. I cannot wait to see where is series goes.

Read if you love:
💫 Slow burn
💫 He falls first and harder
💫 Last of her kind
💫 Lost family
💫 Found family
💫 Romantasy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars!

Stars Above the Never Sea by Evelyn Flood completely sucked me in with its beautiful writing. It also had a found family that feels so real and heartwarming! 💖 The slow-burn romance between Selene and Callan is pure🔥🔥🔥 — full of yearning, tension, and emotional depth that had me rooting for them every step of the way. Their struggles made their connection feel so authentic and satisfying.

The world-building is rich and complex, with rules and backstory that sometimes made me pause to catch up, but honestly, that only made it feel that much more immersive and intriguing. 🌌 I won’t lie, the start was a bit slow for me and it took a while to get the lingo down, but once it took off, it was an absolute ride—with twists and turns that kept me hooked until the very end! 😱

The ending left me shook, and I’m beyond thankful that book two is coming out this year because I cannot wait to jump back into this amazing world! 📚✨ Stars Above the Never Sea was a surprise gem that I’m so glad I found. One of the best I've read so far this year!

Huge thanks to Evelyn Flood and NetGalley for the advanced eBook! 🙌💫

This is the first book in the fantasy romance series, The Last Faeyte. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for my eArc.

Tropes and themes include:
✨Hook x Tink vibes
✨Shadow mommy
✨Found family
✨He falls first
✨She wears his shirts
✨Winged FMC
✨Mental health rep (anxiety)
✨Angst
✨Vengeful gods
✨Touch her and die
✨Slowburn

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames

The Lovely: This book his home on so many front - a beautiful found family, a tension filled relationship between the main characters and a world and story that sucked me in. The world and backstory are complex but explained in a way that was easy to understand. The main characters have a slow developing relationship that is fraught with their own internal struggles. They are so right for each other but will that be enough?

Also Lovely: That ending shook me. You know it’s rough when the author’s first word after the ending is “sorry.” Part of it I saw coming. But not the very, very end. Like, dang, how are they supposed to come back from that? I’m glad book two is expected to come out yet this year.

Recommendation: I knew of this author from her omegaverse romances (which I’ve liked) so when I saw this fantasy romance pop up, I jumped on it. And I’m so glad I did. If you like an emotionally charged fantasy romanced complete with an epic world and beautiful found family, I think you’d like this book.

DNF @ 67%

I pushed through as far as I did because I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and I feel bad DNFing—especially when, based on other reviews, this seems to be pretty well-received so far—but I think this was just not for me.

I could see the vision and the potential, but I wasn’t able to connect with the story or the characters, and I found that I didn’t care all that much about what happened to them.

The writing skewed more YA in my opinion—which is not a bad thing but not what I reach for these days—and could have benefited from some smoothing out. And I found the world-building and magic system to be underdeveloped.

The characters weren’t especially captivating, and their relationships between one another felt unearned. The FMC was overly trusting given the circumstances, and no one had to really work to gain her friendship/trust. She also wasn’t nearly as curious or inquisitive as you might expect of someone returning to a homeland they haven’t seen or even heard about in years and now know nothing about. She sort of just coasts along, passively receiving information as it's offered to her rather than proactively seeking answers.

The romance was lackluster as well. The MMCs affection for the FMC seemed unfounded, and the progressions of their relationship didn’t feel believable. They had no foundation to build on aside from some light forced proximity. His possessiveness and obsession with her sort of spikes out of nowhere, abruptly jumping from “I want to help you because it’s the right thing to do” to “I will literally kill for you.” There needed to be more chemistry, depth, and meaningful conversations before that leap.

Ultimately I just wasn’t invested in these characters and their journey. I do think this book will find its audience, but unfortunately it’s not me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Evelyn Flood for providing me with a copy of this book for review consideration.

Stars Above the Never Sea is a dreamy, emotional twist on a classic story. Evelyn Flood takes us back to Neverland, but this time with a fresh perspective that feels both magical and deeply personal. The writing is poetic without being over the top, and the characters have real heart. It’s one of those books that makes you think about growing up, holding on, and letting go, all at once. A lovely, thoughtful read that lingers after the last page.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the twist on the Fates and what they can do. While there’s magic and a love story (obviously, it’s romantasy) there were different concepts compared to what I’ve previously read. Such as, how the magic of the Caelumnai works and the consequences of using it.

I loved the chemistry between Callan and Selene and how they started out disliking each other. This is what a true enemies to lovers story should be. And he definitely had the ‘I’ll burn the world down’ factor too.

I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2 and where we go after that cliffhanger!

OMG!! 😭 This is a must-read! I could tell from the start that this book was going to be 5 stars. I was fully engaged in every sentence (which is rare because I have ADHD) from beginning to end.

I was immediately intrigued. I actually took a day off working because I wanted to keep reading 🤭. Definitely my favorite book I’ve read so far this year 100%. I purchased the physical copy before I even finished. 😬 I HAD TO HAVE IT

Stars Above The Never Sea was action-packed, emotional, and romantic. I found it to be the perfect blend of fantasy and romance. It was very easy to get emotionally attached to all of the characters in this book. Selene is very bold and straightforward. After meeting Callan and his friends, she starts to find a new side of herself she didn’t think possible. Callan is such a sweetie but protective when it comes to Selene. And I mean these two YEARN for each other. This story was just so tragic but beautiful at the same time.

Also, THAT ENDING!? This will be replaying in my head until I can read the next one. 🥲

Spice: 1/5
Tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Found Family
- Fate/Gods
- Powers
- a little bit of Politics
- very strong and powerful FMC
- flirty and protective golden retriever MMC

Thank you to Net Galley and Evelyn Flood for the ARC! My opinions are my own.

Evelyn, I'm obsessed. Selene and Callan are such a dreamy pairing and the rest of the cast are fantastic! I absolutely adored this Hook and Tinkerbell inspired fantasy. I can't say too much as it ends on a cliffhanger and isn't done yet, but prepare to have your tissues close.

Thanks so much for an advance copy I can't wait for book two!

I loved this book! It was such a refreshing read. Selene’s backstory was tragic, yet incredibly unique. And the book started off with such a great jump start that I was immediately hooked.

If you’re looking for tension, yearning, trauma, found family, a dash of spice but in the best way, you’ll find it here.

The Faeytes were massacred. Selene was the only survivor and she has suffered for 10 years, waiting to return to her homeland, to her sisters. One day that chance comes and she takes it. Takes her own life back into her own hands and boards a ship, not knowing she’s about to embark on the most epic journey that will change her whole life. She will meet Callan, a man who she may just be destined for. They will journey across the Never Sea to try and fix the damage that was caused by the men who destroyed her home on that fateful day ten years ago.

Cannot wait for book 2 because this one ends on the most devastating cliff hanger

5 stars
Spice Level: 1 (Mild – Tension-filled, slow-burn)

"Stars Above the Never Sea" by Evelyn Flood is a beautifully written romantasy that immediately drew me in with its rich worldbuilding and emotional depth. With nods to Hook and Tinkerbell, this story weaves together elements of found family, ancient magic, heartbreak, and vengeance into a gripping and immersive read.

Serene is a standout protagonist — strong, vulnerable, and easy to root for. Her journey of self-discovery, as she learns she’s the last of her kind and must navigate her shadow magic without guidance, is powerful and poignant. The author does a fantastic job showing her growth and internal struggles.

The chemistry between Serene and Callan is palpable. Their slow-burn connection is filled with emotional tension and sweet moments that had me fully invested in their relationship. I especially appreciated how their bond developed organically amidst the darker threads of the plot.

The story ends on a major cliffhanger, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the sequel. I highly recommend this to fans of romantasy who love strong female leads, emotional stakes, magical intrigue, and a touch of longing romance.

3.5 ⭐

This was a very cute romance fantasy read. Not too much world building although I personally would’ve preferred a little more. Overall I did enjoy this for a nice, light fantasy read!

This book literally had me gripped from the very very beginning!! It's a fantasy romance which leans on a hook x Tinkerbell retelling vibe. The world building is absolutely spot on! You have the faeytes who are magic welding, winged race of which our FMC Selene is one. Then there's the Caelumnai who are also a magic welding race of which you can be one of three types, and our MMC Callan falls into this bunch. This story follows the aftermath of a huge catastrophic event, which sends part of the world into a treacherous place. The side characters are all absolutely fantastic, the dynamics between the main group are so fun! I just have no notes, stunning from start to finish, although Evelyn that ending I was absolutely not prepared for 😭 and I should definitely not have finished it in my car before work this morning... Literally cannot wait for book number 2 and I cannot recommend this enough!!!

I really enjoyed this story, it was pretty unique and nothing I have personally read before.
The magic system is quite complex, it took me a while to get my head around it and even still it is a bit hazy but personally it didn't take away from the story for me.
I must say I do feel that this Installment of the series focused alot of the romance side over plot (im not mad about it)
Callan - the devotion this man has for Selene, sheesh.

Selene- her story hit, what she has went through and still going through.

I loved the side characters, the found family aspect was great and the contrast of what Selene thought they would be (evil, sadistic, monsters) but seeing the kindness they showed her.

Parts of story was a bit choppy and didn't flow thay I had to reread but again it didn't take away from my enjoyment of reading. The cliffy had me on edge and I look forward to book 2.

This was only an okay read for me, there was nothing really wrong with it - it’s well written romantasy, with adventure, some tension and plot twists. It’s definitely the kind of book that has you hooked, flipping through pages to find out what happens next.

There’s a LOT of world building, and it is a unique world, though the magic system took some effort to get my head around (that might be a me problem though!)

I think the slow burn romance was maybe not slow enough for me, unfortunately, but I know some readers will love it and find that it’s the right amount of build.

Like I said, a well written book but the plot and setting weren’t quite my cup of tea.

3.5 ⭐️

I was really excited for this book. I had heard so many great things. It wasnt what I expected at all.

Although the characters were loveable I found the story quite slow and lackluster, in some places I was bored willing for some kind of action or drama.

The magic system confused me, so I wished there was more explanation and clarity and not bushed over so quickly.

I felt some of the book didn't flow well and felt like bits were missing. There was one chapter that was only 2 pages and could have been missed or added to the previous chapter.

I feel the ending was disappointing.

Overall the book was good, with some memorable amazing aspects, Selene jumping after Leo, the laughter and stories and the deep friendships.

Oh buddy this is a solid start to a new romantasy series!!!
This has slow burn, found family, magic, and a cliffhanger!
The FMC has complex trauma from her past.
The MMC is what I want in a romantasy MMC. A little bit cocky but lovable.

The world building is very unique and easy to picture!

I do plan to continue with this series!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

This one absolutely hit different. Selene’s story ripped me in- enslaved for ten years, winged and broken, then forced back into a homeland she doesn’t recognise. Callan’s world? A dangerous sea made of starlight and all the feels-of-survival meets found family. This book tore me wide open.

Found family chemistry? Chef’s kiss. Slow-burn romance? Um, yes. Magic, loss, rebellion, and a cast that feels like people I’d want on my side if the world ended. Just when I thought I was safe, the ending pulled the rug- straight into a cliffhanger that had me cursing in public. 😭

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Evelyn Flood for the ARC- I’m already obsessed and ready for book two. If you’re craving emotionally resonant fantasy with ❤, this is it.

*I'm going to avoid spoilers, but let it be known that I don't want to!*

Stars Above the Never Sea is a dual POV/narration from our FMC Selene and our MMC (and new book boyfriend) Callan. Evelyn herself very accurately describes this as Black Cat X Golden Retriever style relationship! Its defo a fantasy/romantasy book with one of the coolest magic systems I've read about so far and is described so well that I found I understood the basics from the get go and then it was easy to learn as more and more came out about it.
There are vengeful gods with a fantastically explained backstory which have you rooting for one, and furiously cursing the other (I really wont say more on that).

Our FMC Selene isn't your straight forward badass. She has complex trauma from her past, she is strong and well spoken but has moments of despair, anger and self reflection. All in all, I loved her and her backstory. I was on her side from the beginning.
MMC Callan is everything you want in the main man. He's cocky in a cute way, but is the secret hero. I really don't want to say more than that, you really need to experience him for yourself!

The world building is particularly interesting and detailed. I found Evelyn had set the scene so well, that when previous places were reference, I could picture them vividly as I had originally done the first time. The stars and the sea are incredibly well explained.

The storyline itself was phenomenal. I was so drawn in from beginning to end and I couldn't put it down. When I did have to, I constantly thought about it and couldn't wait to pick it up. I normally have a couple of books on the go at the same time, alternating between them (currently have another Kindle book, one of the Throne of Glass books and an audio started) but none of them got a look in whilst I was reading this book. I was genuinely engrossed in the story. Evelyn's story telling is so intriguing, I loved her vibe and her well written characters. The found family was one of my favourite aspects and I genuinely fell in love with that group. Each one of them had different personalities and I fell for them for different reasons. The FMC/MMC relationship is obviously the main one but the friends have such important supporting roles, you get to know them - they aren't just vague characters thrown in for filler - you really are drawn into them too. I would, right now, pick up a book about any of them and read it front to back. They are just as important as the main two.

Spice level is great. Its not saturated in it. Its adult but not crazy over the top. If you're not into that kind of thing, its easily skim read and doesn't take away from the story but it is well written and non-cringe that I think anyone not into that kind of thing will be fine.

There are some themes in here that may not be for everyone so please check any trigger warnings before you dive in (mild self harm is one of them). I will say that they are done tastefully.

My summary - this book will stay with me for a long time. It will be a comfort reread. It will be a book that I recommend, send and gift to people, it will be the one that I buy for people because I cant bear the thought of lending them the paperback I am about to buy. The second one is due in December and it will 100000% be my Christmas read. I can't wait.

Evelyn, this is a masterpiece, I am in love with everything about this book and I am so grateful for the opportunity to read it. So many thanks for you and Netgalley for letting me read and review this ARC. I cannot wait for the emotional damage in the next one!

“One Faeyte will tear the heavens apart for a love that was never supposed to exist”

Where to begin? This book hurt me. It grabbed my wrist, twisted it behind my back, and began pulling out my heart strings.

I was so lucky to be approved to read the arc for this book, and I immediately fell in love with our MC’s Selene and Callan. Selene, who has endured unimaginable loss and suffering, who still finds herself helping others even though the world gives her absolutely nothing in return. Captain Callan who is not all that he seems under his cocky and self-assured exterior, and who finds himself being drawn to a woman he wishes to protect and risk himself for, even though his people took everything she held dear.

The book begins with Selene finding herself chained and her wings bound (yes, she has wings!) being held captive in a cargo ship, on its way back to her homeland after she’s been enslaved for the past 10 years in the land of Terrosa. Selene’s people are wiped out, and no one is waiting for her back in Asteria. What was once the sea is now endless inky starlight that she must travel across to find vengeance or hope.

Not only are we served a helping of fantasy romance, vengeful gods, magic, angst, and yearning in this story…but we also find ourselves being given the most amazing found family along with it! You will meet a group of people who bounce off each other with the best banter and love.

I honestly couldn’t get enough of this book, but I do issue a warning. Even though there is pain dripped throughout, which is a given with these kinds of stories, the ending will knock you down and leave without even so much as a good therapist recommendation.

If you’re looking for your next fantasy romance, with an FMC and MMC you will fall in love with, I suggest you check this one out!

Thank you for the arc of this book. It's been an amazing read, and I can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to Net Galley and Evelyn Flood for an ARC of this book.

This book ended up surprising me so much and I DEVOURED it in one sitting. The world, the magic system and the characters were all just chefs kiss!
It had such a good balance between plot and romance so one wasn’t overshadowed by the other but both got plenty of page time.

The world building and plot was unique enough to keep me invested right till the end with a few surprises thrown in that I really didn’t expect. Along with a really great dynamic of side characters I’m interested to see where we go with book 2 and hope to see some of the other characters also get some more page time and get fleshed out a little more.

Yes this book is mainly a romantasy but I actually found myself really enjoying the found family aspect of this book which I felt like was done really well. Watching Selene learn love of all kinds throughout the pages was really heart warming.

‘…because faeytes did not love.’

If you’re going to read then mind the cliff cause wow she’s a big one.