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A Sea of Ships and Souls
Not yet published
Expected 9 Mar 26As the son of two washers, Jace Kit has only dreamed of adventure—until a fabled Sea Sprite washes ashore and turns his world upside down.
The Sea Sprite needs a hero to save the Ocean Queen from a ruthless pirate terrorizing the Remos Ocean. With a legendary trinket and handmade boat to his name, Jace is her only hope—even though he knows the trinket is fake.
With Jace's skilled sailing and the Sea Sprite’s magic, the pair enters a competition to win a ship capable of catching the pirate. The only thing darker than the depths are the Sea Sprite’s secrets, and Jace realizes too late his adventure might cost a price too high to pay.
The Sea Sprite needs a hero to save the Ocean Queen from a ruthless pirate terrorizing the Remos Ocean. With a legendary trinket and handmade boat to his name, Jace is her only hope—even though he knows the trinket is fake.
With Jace's skilled sailing and the Sea Sprite’s magic, the pair enters a competition to win a ship capable of catching the pirate. The only thing darker than the depths are the Sea Sprite’s secrets, and Jace realizes too late his adventure might cost a price too high to pay.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 9, 2026
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4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Sea of Ships and Souls by Jordan S. Keller is a young adult nautical adventure fantasy. I have rated this story a low 4-stars — I liked the experience and may recommend the book to others. The book is mostly suitable for, and is narratively geared towards, younger readers, but it does have a few violent, potentially gory, scenes.
The author artfully used descriptive text to set the scenes and bring life to the setting, which I took special note of because I am not particularly imaginative or visual as a reader. I could easily imagine what it looks like and feels like to be standing on Crescent Isle. This is narratively something I really appreciate, particularly in fantasy novels. I also liked Jace as a character and he felt authentic as a coming-of-age seventeen-year-old boy with a good heart and good character. The descriptive settings and characterizations ultimately sealed my 4-star rating.
This novel had potential for being a 5-star read for me as a whimsical adventure but I do have a few criticisms that did impact my experience enough to not award it. The pacing of the plot was not great — it was 211 pages and the climax, falling action, and resolution happened way too quick for me to feel any real emotions or connection to certain happenings. There were also a few plot devices that came up that I expected would have closure or a use later, but they never did, which was a little disappointing. Finally, particularly towards the beginning of the novel, it did have some sentences that were hard to understand or read, structurally. None of these issues were enough for me to significantly dislike reading the book, but had they been executed better I would’ve had a much better experience and it would’ve been a high 4-star, if not a 5.
A Sea of Ships and Souls by Jordan S. Keller is a young adult nautical adventure fantasy. I have rated this story a low 4-stars — I liked the experience and may recommend the book to others. The book is mostly suitable for, and is narratively geared towards, younger readers, but it does have a few violent, potentially gory, scenes.
The author artfully used descriptive text to set the scenes and bring life to the setting, which I took special note of because I am not particularly imaginative or visual as a reader. I could easily imagine what it looks like and feels like to be standing on Crescent Isle. This is narratively something I really appreciate, particularly in fantasy novels. I also liked Jace as a character and he felt authentic as a coming-of-age seventeen-year-old boy with a good heart and good character. The descriptive settings and characterizations ultimately sealed my 4-star rating.
This novel had potential for being a 5-star read for me as a whimsical adventure but I do have a few criticisms that did impact my experience enough to not award it. The pacing of the plot was not great — it was 211 pages and the climax, falling action, and resolution happened way too quick for me to feel any real emotions or connection to certain happenings. There were also a few plot devices that came up that I expected would have closure or a use later, but they never did, which was a little disappointing. Finally, particularly towards the beginning of the novel, it did have some sentences that were hard to understand or read, structurally. None of these issues were enough for me to significantly dislike reading the book, but had they been executed better I would’ve had a much better experience and it would’ve been a high 4-star, if not a 5.
February 11, 2026
What a sweet story of adventure, and find four what you’re made of.
The MMC, Jace, is a young man who longs for a life of travel out on the sea. He’s not meant to keep his feet on the ground. Enter Sable, a sea sprite who needs his help, and believes he’s the hero she’s looking for.
I love how the author brought the story to life through vivid descriptions and imagery, and characters you care about. Jace is kind, thoughtful, and determined. It’s clear he still has a lot of growing up to do-which makes him a relatable teenager. Sable is spunky and caring, but gives off a vibe of secrecy. You find out why later in the book. I also loved Jace’s mom, who’s fiery and takes no nonsense from anyone.
The story itself is very much a pirate adventure, full of pirates, villains, camaraderie, and magic. It tests Jace’s mettle, and forces him to face the dark evil plaguing the Remos Ocean. Will he and Sable be able to succeed in their task, or will the enemies win the day?
I liked this story, even if it’s a YA book. However, I will say that it felt a bit unpolished in its structure and flow, particularly at the beginning of the story. It wasn’t enough to be a hindrance to my enjoyment, but it was noticeable. I also did feel like there was some resolutions that felt rushed to keep the story going. That being said, this book still lands in the 4 star category, and would be enjoyable for younger children.
Thank you BookSirens for my arc. My opinion is my own.
The MMC, Jace, is a young man who longs for a life of travel out on the sea. He’s not meant to keep his feet on the ground. Enter Sable, a sea sprite who needs his help, and believes he’s the hero she’s looking for.
I love how the author brought the story to life through vivid descriptions and imagery, and characters you care about. Jace is kind, thoughtful, and determined. It’s clear he still has a lot of growing up to do-which makes him a relatable teenager. Sable is spunky and caring, but gives off a vibe of secrecy. You find out why later in the book. I also loved Jace’s mom, who’s fiery and takes no nonsense from anyone.
The story itself is very much a pirate adventure, full of pirates, villains, camaraderie, and magic. It tests Jace’s mettle, and forces him to face the dark evil plaguing the Remos Ocean. Will he and Sable be able to succeed in their task, or will the enemies win the day?
I liked this story, even if it’s a YA book. However, I will say that it felt a bit unpolished in its structure and flow, particularly at the beginning of the story. It wasn’t enough to be a hindrance to my enjoyment, but it was noticeable. I also did feel like there was some resolutions that felt rushed to keep the story going. That being said, this book still lands in the 4 star category, and would be enjoyable for younger children.
Thank you BookSirens for my arc. My opinion is my own.
Review of advance copy
eARC Book Review, spoiler free- firstly thank you for @booksirens for sending me this eARC for an honest review.
This is a true, nautical young adult book, perfect for lovers of Pirates of the Caribbean,
The story revolves around Jace, a 17yo boy who is longing for adventures and a life on the sea, ready to leave his idyllic island life behind in his day sailor.
Enter Sable, our FMC, who offers him the adventure of a lifetime, saving the Ocean Queen's life from the dread Pirate. But before they can do that, Jace needs to get a bigger ship to survive the harrows of sea storm and battle.
So together they enter a competition trying to win the prize, that can help them on their adventure.
The author did a fantastic job describing the idyllic island life, and everything that comes with it, sounds, colours, weather conditions.
Our MMC's character was genuine and kind hearted, who was still facing the struggles of an average 17yo boy.
There were some plot twists that I didn't see coming, and made for an interesting read.
I did find the pacing a bit off, hence the 4 stars.
About 65% of the book was slowly building up to the battle with the dread Pirate. Then bam the battle was over in 5minutes.
I kind of wanted it to go on a little longer and not end abruptly.
I still enjoyed the story and would recommend it to a younger audience.
This is a true, nautical young adult book, perfect for lovers of Pirates of the Caribbean,
The story revolves around Jace, a 17yo boy who is longing for adventures and a life on the sea, ready to leave his idyllic island life behind in his day sailor.
Enter Sable, our FMC, who offers him the adventure of a lifetime, saving the Ocean Queen's life from the dread Pirate. But before they can do that, Jace needs to get a bigger ship to survive the harrows of sea storm and battle.
So together they enter a competition trying to win the prize, that can help them on their adventure.
The author did a fantastic job describing the idyllic island life, and everything that comes with it, sounds, colours, weather conditions.
Our MMC's character was genuine and kind hearted, who was still facing the struggles of an average 17yo boy.
There were some plot twists that I didn't see coming, and made for an interesting read.
I did find the pacing a bit off, hence the 4 stars.
About 65% of the book was slowly building up to the battle with the dread Pirate. Then bam the battle was over in 5minutes.
I kind of wanted it to go on a little longer and not end abruptly.
I still enjoyed the story and would recommend it to a younger audience.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews