Young adult fantasy readers are used to certain formulas: a chosen hero, a sweeping quest, and often an inevitable romance. But award-winning author Jordan S. Keller is charting a different course with her latest novel, A Sea of Ships and Souls, a high-seas adventure that swaps predictable tropes for friendship, determination, and a hero who isn’t convinced he’s special at all.
Released in March 2026, the novel follows Jace Kit, a teenager who dreams of sailing the open ocean but has spent his life stranded on shore. His ordinary world is upended when Sable, a mysterious Sea Sprite, arrives with an extraordinary request: help stop a dreaded pirate from murdering the ocean queen and plunging the world into chaos.
There’s just one problem. Sable believes Jace is a legendary hero destined to save the seas. Jace knows the truth: the magical trinket that supposedly marks him as the chosen one is a fake.
Instead of relying on destiny, magical powers, or a grand romance, Keller builds her story around perseverance and self-belief. Jace is not fearless, powerful, or particularly prepared for the challenges ahead. What he does have is determination, optimism, and the willingness to keep moving forward despite overwhelming odds.
Keller says the character reflects her own experiences with rejection and self-doubt.
“I think it’s important for young people to know that no matter how big your dream is—and no matter how small you may feel—it’s always worth chasing what you want,” Keller said.
The novel combines pirate lore, magical sea creatures, folklore, tarot-inspired elements, and coming-of-age themes into a story aimed at readers ages 12 to 18. Fans of swashbuckling adventures and fantasy quests will find plenty of action, but the book’s emotional core lies in Jace’s struggle to believe in himself.
Another element helping the novel stand out in the crowded YA marketplace is its focus on friendship rather than romance. While many fantasy adventures center on romantic relationships, A Sea of Ships and Souls highlights trust, loyalty, and teamwork between its characters.
Keller describes the book as a tribute to her love of pirate stories, ocean sunsets, and the excitement of embarking on a grand adventure with friends.
For young readers looking for an uplifting fantasy about courage, dreams, and finding strength in unexpected places, A Sea of Ships and Souls offers a refreshing reminder that heroes don’t have to be perfect to change the world.