A review by thebookbaron
Stars Above the Never Sea by Evelyn Flood

medium-paced

4.0

This book is an immersive fantasy with gritty sea merchants and just enough magic to keep you enchanted. The blend of fantasy and nautical adventure gave me Fable meets Grishaverse vibes, while still feeling unique and wholly it's own. I loved how the worldbuilding unfolded naturally through storytelling and dialogue—it felt like I was discovering the setting alongside the heroine, which worked beautifully with the seafaring atmosphere.
 

Selene and Callan are older protagonists, which I appreciated, though their tone and behavior occasionally leaned more toward a new adult feel. Their romance is a steady slow burn—not overly dramatic or swoony, but believable and earned. What stood out even more to me was the found family and casual queer rep, which gave the story real heart. While I wished for a deeper exploration of Selene’s trauma and a slightly stronger emotional spark between the leads, the emotional payoff and action at the end pulled me right back in. Despite a few slow stretches in the middle, this was a compelling, atmospheric read—and I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes next.