From Alex Aster, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Lightlark series, comes her first adult romantasy. Enter the world of Starside, where swords wield magic and power is not inherited...but claimed.
Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals—the descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside is where mortals fight for scraps of that magic.
Every fifty years, the gates between them open, and fifty challengers are allowed to journey across Starside on a deadly quest to access a pool of magic that can heal, grant wealth, or extend life. Everyone has their reasons for entering, but Aris has only one: vengeance. As a child, a goddess set fire to her village, killing her family. Aris isn’t after the gods’ magic—she’s going to kill them.
First, she must survive the Culling, the king’s deadly competition to choose his fifty challengers. An orphaned blacksmith’s apprentice, Aris doesn’t have the superior weapons of the heirs from the Great Houses. But the greatest swords—ones that contain power—are not inherited or bought, they are claimed, by both sides. And when Aris claims a great sword, it makes her not just a real competitor—but a target.
Getting past the gates is only the beginning. Starside is deadlier than it seems. If the ancient creatures, magic-wielding beasts, and bloodthirsty immortals weren’t dangerous enough, a new peril has even immortals fearing what rises from the ground at night. With a blade most would kill to claim, Aris can’t trust anyone. Especially not Harlan Raker, the merciless and mysterious king’s guard who betrayed her years ago—and who may now be the key to her survival.
But Aris is hiding a secret tied to her family’s death. And when it’s revealed, not even the gods will be able to stop what’s coming…
The series
Few fantasy worlds draw such a sharp line between hope and privilege as Starside, where a single crossing can separate ordinary mortals from the realm of immortals. Every fifty years the gates between these worlds open, offering a handful of desperate challengers the chance to pursue unimaginable power. What begins as a dangerous contest soon grows into something far more intricate, unfolding through ancient rivalries, forgotten legends, and the lingering influence of gods whose choices continue to shape every corner of the realm.
Read full series description
At the center of the journey is Aris, a young blacksmith's apprentice whose determination is fueled not by dreams of glory but by a deeply personal need for revenge. As she ventures beyond the familiar into lands filled with enchanted forests, mythical creatures, and legendary weapons, she discovers that survival demands more than courage alone. Hidden truths, uneasy alliances, and a past she cannot escape steadily transform her from an overlooked outsider into someone capable of changing the balance between worlds. Alongside her stands Harlan Raker, a formidable warrior whose complicated history with Aris adds emotional tension to a story where trust can be as dangerous as any blade.
Rather than relying on inherited magic, the series builds its fantasy around power that must be claimed and earned. Magical swords, perilous trials, and ancient forces create a setting where every victory carries consequences, while the contrast between the harsh mortal realm and the dazzling yet treacherous land of immortals gives the story a vivid sense of scale. Fast-paced adventure blends naturally with slow-burning romance, mystery, and epic world-building, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand.
With its mix of enemies-to-lovers chemistry, deadly competitions, immersive mythology, and emotionally driven character arcs, Alex Aster crafts a romantasy series that embraces high stakes without losing sight of its characters. The combination of relentless adventure, layered relationships, and a richly imagined magical world makes this an appealing choice for readers who enjoy epic fantasy, powerful heroines, ancient legends, and stories where destiny is forged through sacrifice rather than inherited by birth.
Be the first reviewer
Sign in and write the first reader review.
