On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, in Jordan S. Keller’s exciting young adult fantasy A Sea of Ships and Souls, a reluctant teen sailor teams up with a mysterious Sea Sprite to enter a high-stakes race across a mythical ocean, learning that chasing dreams that feel too big may demand a greater price than he ever expected.
Blending high-seas adventure with heartfelt coming-of-age themes, A Sea of Ships and Souls delivers an exciting young adult fantasy that encourages teen readers to pursue big dreams despite humble beginnings. Award-winning author Jordan S. Keller combines pirate lore, mythical magic, and personal growth in a story perfect for fans of ocean adventures, folklore, and tales of unlikely heroes.



A Reluctant Hero and a Mysterious Sea Sprite
Jace Kit, the son of two washers, has spent his life stuck on shore while dreaming of grand adventures on the open sea. His world changes when a mysterious Sea Sprite named Sable washes ashore seeking help. Sable needs a hero to stop a ruthless dread pirate from killing the Ocean Queen and unleashing endless dark storms across the world.
Though Jace is a bit naive and relies on a boyish grin to navigate trouble, he chooses to believe in Sable’s magic. In turn, Sable puts her faith in Jace after discovering his legendary trinket—a supposed marker of heroism. The catch? Jace knows the trinket is fake. Still, with nothing but his sailing skills, a handmade boat, and this lie, he sets sail into the unknown.
High-Stakes Race Across a Mythical Ocean
The story unfolds across the mythical Remos Ocean, where Jace and Sable enter a dangerous competition. Their goal is to win a powerful ship fast enough to catch the pirate terrorizing the seas. Together, Jace’s practical sailing expertise and Sable’s magical abilities form an unlikely but effective partnership.
Yet the ocean depths hold more than just adventure. Sable carries hidden secrets darker than the inky waters themselves. As the journey progresses, Jace discovers that this dream-come-true quest may demand a far greater price than he ever imagined.
The novel mixes swashbuckling thrills with elements of folklore, tarot readings, and mythical sprites, creating a rich, immersive world. Readers will enjoy sea shanties, pirate vibes, and the magic of crafting new friendships along the way.
Themes of Courage, Honesty, and Pursuing Big Dreams
Beyond the action, A Sea of Ships and Souls explores timely messages about growing up. Jace knows what he wants—an adventurous life at sea—but questions whether it’s realistic given his ordinary background. The story gently reminds readers that it’s easy to lose sight of big dreams when life pushes toward safer or more expected paths. Keller emphasizes the importance of continuing to dream and work toward what truly matters, even when it feels impractical.
The book serves as a love letter to classic pirate adventures, the beauty of ocean sunsets, and the excitement of building your own story with new companions. It balances lighthearted fun with deeper reflections on courage, honesty, and deciding who you want to become.
Perfect for Young Adult Readers
Written specifically with ages 12-18 in mind, this bubbly blend of fantasy and folklore offers accessible excitement without sacrificing emotional depth. It appeals to anyone who loves pirates, mythical creatures, high-seas races, and stories that mix magic with real personal growth.
Jordan S. Keller
Jordan S. Keller is a Cincinnati-based author who works as a property manager for college rentals when she isn’t writing. Born in Oklahoma and raised in Kentucky, she spent summers on farms in Wisconsin, where she developed a deep love for storytelling and, incidentally, cheese. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Morehead State University, gaining experience at the campus radio station and as managing editor of the school newspaper—experiences that strengthened her passion for stories and the people who tell them.
Keller’s previous novel, Failing Gravity (released May 2025), earned multiple awards, including Book Fest 2025 Best Cyber Punk, Book Fest 2025 Best Sci-Fi Dystopian, and honors for Best Young Adult Dystopian and Best Cyber Punk from the International Impact Book Awards 2025.A Sea of Ships and Souls was published on March 9, 2026, and is available in paperback. Readers looking for an uplifting yet thrilling escape filled with magic, moral dilemmas, and seafaring excitement will find much to enjoy in Jace and Sable’s journey across the Remos Ocean.
Whether you’re a fan of pirate tales or stories about finding bravery within yourself, this young adult fantasy invites you to set sail and remember the value of holding onto dreams that feel too big.
Find more from Jordan S. Keller now:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4mXT3yu
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3P7PR73
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4tI0Vqz
For more information, please visit www.jordanskellerauthor.com
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