The Sea Spinner

Reign of Remnants #2

by Julie Johnson

Blazing with reawakened magic, a young woman challenges the tides of fate in this highly anticipated installment of Julie Johnson’s romantasy series.

Everything changed for Rhya Fleetwood in the battle of Fyremas. Her grief is heavy, her rage volatile. Caeldera lies in ruins. Her friends are dead or wounded. And Pendefyre, their newly crowned king, is shutting her out. The Remnant of Fire needs all his focus for his kingdom, his people, and—perhaps more than anything—his insatiable need for revenge.

When a twist of fate leads Rhya to the last place she expected—the Water Court—the novice wind weaver is forced to confront the limitations of her untrained power as well as her increasingly complicated relationships. For enigmatic King Soren of Llŷr is as different from Penn as sparks are from the sea. The more insight he offers into the maegic that binds them together, the more confused Rhya feels—about her future as a Remnant, about her deepest desires, and about her role in the coming war.

Enemies circle close, ready to strike. And if Rhya isn’t careful, she’ll lose more than just her heart.

She’ll lose her life.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Fae, Adult

544 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

JULIE JOHNSON is the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wind Weaver. When she's not writing, Julie can most often be found sitting on the beach near her home in her native Massachusetts, adding stamps to her passport, drinking too much coffee, and avoiding reality by disappearing between the pages of a book. She published her debut novel on a lark, just before her senior year of college, and she's never looked back. Since, she has published twenty other novels, which have been translated into more than a dozen different languages and appeared on bestseller lists all over the world.

You can connect with Julie on her Instagram (author_julie), in her natural habitat (the bookstore), or in her exclusive reader group (The Johnson Junkies).

For news and updates, be sure to subscribe to Julie's monthly newsletter: juliejohnsonbooks.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Julie Johnson]

Now available for pre-order! Available in bookstores worldwide April 2026.

[jenny reads a lot]

I cannot wait for this one!

| IG | TikTok |

[Cassandra K · Rating 5 out of 5]

My one and only warning before you pick up this book is to clear your schedule, because once you start you won't want to stop! Such an outstanding sequel!

The aftermath of Fyremas has been brutal. Our main female character Rhya is dealing with a lot of pent up sadness and fury. Relationships and friendships are on a fraying string. Each day blends into the next and Rhya is going through it.

Certain events lead her to the very last place she wants to be, but also exactly where she needs to be.

A place to heal, rediscover herself, train with her magic, and tap into what she truly desires.

This was a page turning adventure I won’t soon forget. I am deeply invested in the livelihoods of each and every character. Several revelations and discoveries had me quaking.

The ending may have wrecked me but pain is inevitable on an epic journey such as this. I cannot wait for everyone to experience this story!You can expect:

💕Found family
🌬️Elemental magic
🔺A love triangle
⚔️Non-stop action and adventure
🔮Mystery and discovery
🩷Mental health rep

Thank you deeply to acebookspub and Julie for the opprotunity to ARC read!

[Brooke Kathrene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how a sequel is done!! Going into this book, I was excited to see Rhya's development and watch her find her place in the world, and it definitely delivered. I loved exploring more of Anwyvn and exploring new character relationships as well. Although it took a little while to get going, I hit a point where I couldn't put the book down. And that ending? I'm going to need loads to time to process the pain inflicted...I will be eagerly awaiting book three!

[peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am at a loss for words as I close this book. Book two, you made me fall in love, in more ways than one. I am in shambles at the thought of waiting once again to continue following Rhya’s journey. This, this is how you do a sequel!

This was so much better than I imagined it could be, that much better than the first. I’ve never been more in love with the character development, the found family, the world building, the plot, Rhya, and our MMC.

I can only imagine what Julie Johnson has in store for us next.
Thank you to Penguin Random House & Goodreads for an ARC of this amazing sequel.

[Anna ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so so much to Julie Johnson and Berkley Publishing for the NetGalley ARC! 💖

The Wind Weaver is one of my favorite books of 2025 and The Sea Spinner is one of my most, if not the most, anticipated release of 2026 for me. I went into this with very high expectations and was not disappointed in the slightest.

We kick things off with Rhya reeling from the aftermath of Fyremas, struggling to hold everything together for the sake of Caeldera and Penn. Rhya has grown much since we first met her hanging off the cliffs in the desert, but she still struggles for control of not only her powers, but her wellbeing. This book heavily revolves around Rhya's growth, independence, and what she wants for her future. I already love Rhya as a main character and seeing her growth throughout this book made me love her even more. The world of Anwyvn is as captivating as ever, with new places to explore and more charming characters to meet. I was so happy for Soren to finally have his time to shine and I absolutely adore him (as well as many of the other characters we meet in our journies through Hylios). Rhya, Soren, and crew get put through the absolute ringer in this one and I am now left thoroughly distraught over that freaking ending. I will be unwell until I am able to safely get my hands on book three.

Julie really knocked it out of the park with this one (AGAIN!) and this is very quickly becoming one of my favorite series of all time. When I wasn't able to find time to read, all I could think about is what would happen when I was able to read again... and now that I'm done, all I can think about is WTF is going to happen next! The Sea Spinner is going to stick with me for a long time, and once it finally releases in 2026, I'll read it all over again. And again. And again until book three finally ends my suffering!

[Taylor.Rosellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually have tears from this ending. How can I wait for the final book after that?!? I just have so many questions and my heart is so sad for the characters rn

[Libbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’m going to combust the day this book is released 😭💙

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

**SPOILERS BELOW**





Oh boy I have conflicted feelings on this one (similar to the first book) but I absolutely had a blast reading it.

My biggest gripe with this series is how the author portrays women. Rhya is a fantastic main character but is the only female character with any significant page time. When other female characters are introduced, like Arwen, they are so unlikable and mean to Rhya that you wish the author didn't even try. Having Melite be the one to betray them in the end has zero impact because she spends hardly any time with the other characters.

The romance progressed as I predicted, with Rhya developing feelings for Soren that eclipse any feeling she originally had to Penn. I like this trope as the main female character ends up with someone that values her more and she'll often learn to value herself. This is definitely the case with Rhya and Soren and while I'd like more development I love them together.

The writing is great and I liked the extra world building we got in this book. The ending is absolutely wild and I wonder how the author is going to pull off the next book with Rhya potentially becoming an unreliable narrator.

Rated 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.

[Taylor Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had to take some time between finishing this book and writing this review—and I still don’t think it was enough. After that ending, I’m still spiraling. Without spoiling anything, all I can say is this is the kind of ending that makes your heart ache every time you think about it and leaves you desperately wishing you already had the next book in your hands.

The Sea Spinner, book two in the Reign of Remnants series, picks up shortly after the devastating events of The Wind Weaver. Rhya and the remaining survivors in Caeldera are left picking up the pieces. Grieving and more alone than ever, Rhya soon finds herself at the Water Court, where the Water Remnant, King Soren, offers her something she may not be able to refuse. What follows is a journey through a new city, shifting alliances, dangerous enemies—and a very conflicted heart.

Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I loved returning to Rhya’s world and reconnecting with the remnants. The world-building is rich, the writing beautifully poetic, and the emotional depth hits hard. Watching Rhya navigate her grief while stepping into her power was incredibly satisfying, and the yearning and tension throughout were chef’s kiss. Let’s just say the love triangle drama had me fully invested—and I may have found a new book boyfriend.

And that ending… devastating. My heart still clenches when I think about it. This is a massive cliffhanger, and reviewing this as an ARC feels especially cruel knowing how long the wait for book three will be.

I highly recommend this to romantasy lovers and anyone who enjoys emotional depth, high stakes, and immersive world-building.

✨ Preorder now! The Sea Spinner releases April 28, 2026.

trope tags:
🌊 romantasy • love triangle • yearning • court politics • elemental magic • grief & healing • morally gray characters • epic cliffhanger

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Savana · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. No notes. The Wind Weaver was one of my favorite reads in 2025, and The Sea Spinner was my most highly anticipated release of 2026, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. In my opinion, The Sea Spinner was somehow even better than The Wind Weaver.

This book started off with Rhya following the catastrophe that was Fyremas. She is struggling with her life in Caeldera. Penn is being cagey, Karys won't see or speak to her, her friends are off to defend the border, and she is more alone than ever. After a fight with Penn, a startling trip through the portal accidentally leads her right to Soren's doorstep. She has to quickly decide if she is going to stay in Helios and hone her powers or if she is going to run back to Penn.

The Sea Spinner revolves around Rhya's growth, strength, independence, and her future. I loved the found family in book one; however, the found family aspects in book two were as good, if not better. I legitimately could not put this book down, and the cliffhanger at the end of the book had me reeling. I absolutely cannot wait to see where Julie Johnson takes the characters in book 3.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book THANKFULLY didn’t have second book syndrome. I was so caught up I couldn’t stop reading, unless forced. It reminded me of a certain other popular second book, but only in a good way.

Seeing Rhya come into her power was wonderful to watch. She needed someone wholly focused on her, in order for that to happen. Soren was very intriguing to me in the first book and I’m so very happy how things went in this one. He was definitely the right person for this job.

I’m loving all the found family members that take over this series. These characters have so much heart and are so fun to watch. I’m excited to see what happens in the next book.

That being said….

Anyone else having a panic attack over that ending‽‽ God dang it. I’m stressed. My heart stopped a few times. Ugh. I’m over here pacing, trying to talk myself out of freaking out.

I NEED BOOK THREE ASAP.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Valentina Markasović]

SEQUEL WHEN

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

coming soon

[♕ Isa_ Books & Tea _]

I really hope she ends up with Soren! Penn is so annoying and doesn’t know what he really wants

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

This is EVERYTHING I wanted and MORE with a sequel to one of my favorite reads this year! I adored The Wind Weaver, so the fact that this is better... yes.

I loved where the story went. I loved Rhya's story, and how she rediscovers herself, I love the new characters and friendships she forms. It was handled so well and I had so much fun being in her head.

Going into this I was VERY conflicted on who I like more... Penn or Soren... after this book... Soren 100%. Although I do wish nothing but happiness for Penn... maybe Penn can be with someone who is revealed to us a little later on in the book. Fingers crossed!

The tension between Rhya and Soren was immaculate. I loved the development of their relationship, and the things this man says! The lines he has! The banter, top tier. The presence of this man was amazing.

I loved the magic, I loved the epic battles, I felt like I was watching Pirates of the Caribbean. The fights scenes in these books are so cinematic and so easy to follow. I really love reading them and how immersive they feel.

The ending... I cannot talk about it. BRUTAL... jaw on the floor the whole last 10%. I need the next book RIGHT NOW... I don't know how I am going to survive not knowing how this ends for this long. Hopefully I will receive an ARC for the next book so I can consume it as fast as possible when those go out!

Overall, incredible time, I could not stop turning the page. I wanted to savor it, but I physically couldn't stop myself from reading. I don't know what is in these books... but I need that magic in all books cause it's addicting.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the free book, Ace Books!

In the second book of this romantasy series, Rhya, the remnant of wind, is grappling with the major events at the conclusion of the previous book. She feels a sense of guilt and responsibility, and seeks comfort in an unexpected place and with the last person she ever expected. The tides have turned, new enemies and new characters emerge, and love stories begin and end.

The Wind Weaver was one of my most favorite books this past year, and I dropped everything to read it as soon as I was given access to the arc. Author Julie Johnson has teased that this book would emotionally destroy readers, and at first, I didn’t understand, because I was having the best time reading it. However, I reached a certain moment in the book and said to myself through my devastation, “Ohhhh.” She was not lying. So, be prepared to love the book and also be completely destroyed and feral for the next book! I hesitate to say much more for fear of spoilers, but I loved the new characters, the returning characters, and Rhya’s character arc throughout most of this book. This series is truly one of my favorite fantasy series, and I can’t get enough!

Read this if you enjoy:
Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac
Elemental magic
Love triangles
Found family
Action, adventure, love stories, tragedy- all in an epic story

[Ally Zyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and ACE publishing for providing me with an advanced reader copy of The Sea Spinner by Julie Johnson. All thoughts and opinions below are my own.

I fear I regret requesting this ARC because now I have to sit with that ending before most people have even read the book, and before there’s another installment in sight.

I devoured The Sea Spinner just as quickly as The Wind Weaver, in a single day. Julie Johnson pulled emotions out of me that I genuinely wasn’t expecting to feel this early in the series, and that alone speaks volumes. This is a phenomenal sequel. Where some authors struggle with book two, Johnson absolutely thrived. If you haven’t read The Wind Weaver yet, consider this your sign to start now because you’ll want to be fully caught up when The Sea Spinner releases in April.

The introduction of new characters was handled so seamlessly. I became deeply attached to them without losing any love for the characters we already know, and that balance is not easy to pull off. The pacing was flawless: never dragging, never rushed, and I was fully engaged from start to finish.

What truly stood out to me, though, was Rhya. We get to see an entirely different side of her in this book. One that felt raw, complex, and deeply earned. Watching her growth unfold was one of my favorite parts of the story.

And now… the devastation. I am not okay. I don’t know how I’m expected to function normally after finishing this book. I cannot wait for the rest of the world to read Sea Spinner so I can finally scream about it with people who understand the emotions I was left with.

[HereThereBeBookDragons | Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me such strong ACOTAR/ACOMAF vibes in the best way. Not in terms of a similar plot or anything, just purely vibes, but the vibes are strong and I love it.

What a thrilling continuation of this series! First off, I spent the entire back half of The Wind Weaver utterly convinced of a theory I had for book 2, and I’m proud to say that I totally nailed it and my theories have been fully vindicated in The Sea Spinner.

Rhya is evolving into a truly excellent FMC, and really starts to come into her own in this one. I enjoyed getting to see more of her maegic and more of the world - and I’m also already planning multiple cosplays using the fashions of Hylios. Those navy flight uniforms are calling to me….

The romance in this one had me alternately swooning, kicking my feet, and fanning myself. There’s banter, support, spice, and a few of my favorite micro tropes thrown in for good measure.

Absolutely loved this one, flew through it in about 24 hours even with holiday and work commitments, my only regret is now I have to figure out what to fo with myself until book 3. Reread this immediately, I guess.

Rating: 5/5
Spice level: 1.5/5

Tropes:
- Fae
- Chosen One
- Love triangle
- Elemental magic
- ACOTAR vibes
- Found family
- Touch her and die
- Mind speaking
- Prophecy

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy, and special thank you to Julie Johnson for personally shepherding the ARC to me!

[Abigail Books Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this book ever since that shocking ending in book one, and somehow it didn’t just live up to my expectations—it completely surpassed them. I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved this sequel. The already messy love triangle? Somehow even messier, and I am absolutely here for it.

The world-building continues to expand in the best way possible, feeling endless and immersive. We’re introduced to so many new characters, yet I found myself loving every single one of them, especially as new friendships begin to bloom. The secrets never stop coming, and just when you think you have a handle on things, something else is revealed. So much happens that I constantly found myself saying, oh my goodness. I was living for every chapter.

And that ending—what was that?! I need the next book immediately.

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

are freaking kiddinggg me with that ending!!! I refuse to think about how long I will have to wait for book 3 because that was diabolical Julie!!! I enjoyed the wind weaver and had fun with it, but this sequel was significantly better. I really loved the setting change in this one, and I'm so happy with the direction she took with the romance plot! As much as I hate the way this ended for some characters, I think it perfectly sets up book 3 and I have a feeling it will be my fav in the series!

[Aimee McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Berkley and NetGalley for the digital ARC of The Sea Spinner! I’m still processing everything. This was such an amazing way to start off 2026. The Sea Spinner was really dedicated to our FMC coming into her power, finding her place, and leaning how to love herself. I love Soren, mercurial sarcasm included, and how he interacts with and supports Rhya throughout the book. And that ending!!!! I was shooketh! Have the tissues on standby everyone!!!! I can’t wait to buy a physical copy! I also can’t wait to read book 3. I need it immediately!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series, but I think this one is even better! Rhya is actually growing in her power and control, and finding out who really loves her. I will leave it at that and not spoil anything. The book ends on a really painful cliffhanger as well, and that almost made me knock it back a star, but I still loved the emotional growth in this book so much, and I’m dying to know what happens next!

[Missy Ronan]

Im SEATED

[Amanda Cradduck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m unwell. This was incredible. Gut wrenching. Wow

[cherrybalmm ✮]

IF NETGALLEY APPROVES ME FOR THIS ARC, ILL LITERALLY DO ANYTHING

#TEAMSOREN

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I regret getting the ARC of this because now I have to wait longer for the next one 😭

[Designsk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work