4.09 AVERAGE

adventurous lighthearted slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I wanted to like this book but honestly, I couldn't get past the terrible editing. I started making highlights every time the wrong homonym was used (rack vs wrack, haul vs hull, etc) and finally gave up around 65% and tossed on assistive reader to finish the book audibly. 
The story wants to be an adult fantasy pirate romp, but we spend 75% of the book fiddle farting around waiting for Rowenya to
solve that damn first step of the puzzle.
The language is modern, with current idioms and phrasing, and Rowenya speaks like a teen instead of the 30-something that she is. 
I really wish the author had scratched the spice, marketed this for YA, and dropped the ages of her characters by about 15 years. It felt like a YA adventure novel. 
TL;DR: a good proofreader could have saved this story.

izziepeasy's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 22%

It's good, I'm just not in the correct mood for it right now and I've been sick a lot, so my brain doesn't retain any information. I'll read it again when I'm feeling better and I'm in the mood for it. 
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ARC Reader Review

Loved this book!!! Pirates of the Caribbean is one of my favorite movies and this has all those vibes.

Grayson and Rowenya have all the tension, the banter and heat that I’m looking for in a good fantasy romance. 

This was the first full pirate themed fantasy book I’ve read and I am hooked and am anxiously awaiting the fate of our duo in Book 2.
adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Of the Stars and Sea by Brianna Remus is an exciting romantasy that weaves adventure, magic, and romance on the high seas. The story follows Rowenya Stone, a resourceful pirate captain burdened by her father’s debts, who plans to steal a legendary artifact tied to ancient gods. Her plan is disrupted when Grayson Tyde, a powerful pirate lord, captures her and forces her into a reluctant partnership.

Together, they embark on a dangerous journey filled with secrets, betrayal, and mythical challenges. The chemistry between Rowenya and Grayson sizzles with sharp banter and slow-burning attraction, making their evolving relationship a highlight of the book.

Remus’s vivid world-building and fast-paced plot make this a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance and fantasy adventure alike. It’s a captivating start to a promising series!


adventurous dark emotional inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated

I was very intrigued by a book marketed as Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Mummy so picking this book up was an instant yes for me!

I will say it started off super strong, but then lost me. I feel like the timeline seemed a little hard to follow which led to me personally feeling like the romance seemed a little sudden (which for me wasn't great). I loved the aspect of pirates and the hunt for the treasure and I feel like Grayson and Rowenya have the making of a really good romantasy couple, I just felt the storyline lacked something to bring it all together. I can most definitely see the intention, it just didn't quite hit for me.

Brianna does do a great job of visually depicting her story though and that for one was very refreshing! I definitely wouldn't say no to picking up book 2 once it comes out just to see where the story goes.

This was a very solid 3 star read for me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Brianna Remus for the ARC.

This was my first pirate romantasy, and I absolutely loved it! The plot, the lore, the setting up of the relationships/rivalries, was excellent. And the relationship and tension between the FMC and the MMC - chefs kiss. I loved a morally gray MMC, and a strong kick ass FMC - one that doesn't lose that when they 'get the guy!'

The cliffhanger ended though - the only downside of starting an unfinished series and receiving an ARC - too long to wait for the next one!!
adventurous mysterious

ARC review ❤️

I loved how this book started! The world with vampires, pirates, and corrupt kings?? So good. 

Grayson felt to me like one of my other favorite "book boyfriends" if he was a pirate and not fae. I liked their connection, but I got a little bored in the middle with the continued denial on her part. 

The treasure hunt felt like it took 75% of the book to get to the first clue, but that's kind of inevitable when you have to build the entire world in that same time. 

There are so many tidbits about other parts of the story that are left unanswered. I am a little disappointed with how this one ended without closing any storyline, but I am looking forward to at least some of the questions being answered in the next one. I would also love to spend more time with Rowenya's crew! They are always just right there, but never close enough to be a part of the story. 

I was impressed with this pirate themed romantasy and I can't wait to see what happens next. 
adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

 Brianna delivers a lush romantasy in Of the Stars and Sea that swept me away from the very first chapter. With rich prose and unforgettable characters, it reads like the best kind of pirate film: full of heart, high stakes, and an aching romance.

The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, with so much tension, leading to some steamy moments. The worldbuilding is so compelling: filled with magick, political tension, and ancient forces at play. I especially loved the lore of the world with the gods and goddesses of the Heavens, and I am hoping we learn more about them in future books. With swashbuckling pirate duels and treasure hunts, this story balances romance with thrilling action.

Brianna took care to include emotional depth into Grayson and Rowenya’s journey—grief, healing, and longing all pulse through the pages. Some scenes broke my heart, while others had me giggling and kicking my feet.

If you’re looking for your next emotionally rich romantasy, this is it!