Starside

by Alex Aster

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 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…

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Adult, Enemies To Lovers, Magic

512 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 24, 2026

Reviews

[Emmy Rosam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trial fatigue has been a real struggle of mine lately but this was thoroughly entertaining. Alex Aster needs to continue writing adult romantasy because this was GOOD. Genuinely love the way the last 30 pages of the book made me feel, a great start to a new series. FUN!!

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Someone please inform the Habsburgs they are no longer the most inbred thing now that this book exists.

This is a DNF (edit: I ended up reading the rest) because even my hate reads have limits. Alex Aster saw Lauren Roberts’ success (in evading a plagiarism lawsuit) and said “bet.”

I’ve truly never read a more poorly written, copy-and-paste book in my entire life. Like, if you’re 13 and have never read anything beyond The Babysitter’s Club before, you might like this. But, if you’ve read even one contemporary YA fantasy-ish book before this, you’ve read this book and I can’t see how you’d enjoy it.

And this is YA—despite Alex Aster stamping an “adult” label on it. I’m sure it has smut in it later (it did and it was baaaad) and they say “fuck” a lot, but if you take out those two things, this is a young YA novel, borderline middle grade.

Nothing in here is original (and don’t give me the “nothing nowadays is original”) people who say that are too chronically online and are simply reading the same tropes over and over and over again. Even things that are inspired by other things are still able to put a twist on it.

This has no twist on ANYTHING. Suzanne Collins (among many authors) needs to sue because the blatant copying in this was insane!

Not to mention we got a “she made a vulgar gesture at him.” Okay, Sarah…

We get the “pretend” make out against a wall scene from The Powerless series. Between these two authors, they’re quite literally copying from each other. The literary incest is rampant.

We get the corset tying scene from Fourth Wing, like almost beat for beat.

We get the two halves of a whole (this time it’s swords, whereas in Harry Potter it’s the two feathers from the same Phoenix for their wands)

We get the fuck in a cave and then the betrayal duel ending scene from Serpent and the Wings of Night.

Aster decided to go a bit farther back and take from George R. R. Martin: our sassy fmc has a dragon and, get this, cannot be burned in a fire. Bet ya never heard that one before, aye. (In writing this I just remembered our fmc is named Aris—Daenerys. Daen-erys. Erys. Aris. I don’t care if you think that’s a stretch; even if it’s unintentional, it just goes to show how unoriginal this all is.)

We got the surly, broody guardian to our orphan character that ends up dying (sorry for the spoiler, but this book sucks so much AND there is zero emotional weight to it, so you’re not missing anything) from Silver Elite—which in itself was a copy-and-paste book!

We’ve got the overarching plot of the “every 50 years there is a competition” from Alex Aster’s OWN books! She got so lazy she plagiarized herself! Quite a feat.

There was some Quicksilver metal magic (ish), some Xaden broody, leans against a wall-ness, the “I’m doing this for my sister and I wear a braid to fight in this competition” Suzanne, get your lawyers on the phone now, some Draco Malfoy school bully character (we’re doing JKR again)…

Romantasy, at this point, is just Charles II of Spain, unable to eat, walk, or reproduce because it has been so inbred that there is ZERO originality to be found.

People…authors… GO OUTSIDE! Talk to new people that aren’t just booktok people reading the same bullshit enemies to lovers books. Read a genre that isn’t the exact one you’re writing about! It doesn’t even have to be non fiction! Read a sci-fi book! Read a horror! Read a love story literary fiction! Read an actual well-written YA fantasy with a MINOR subplot of romance.

You’re all producing inbred romantasy children that have to be spoon fed!

And if you’re the children enjoying it, beyond the 10-mile radius you have blocked yourself within, there are good, action-packed books with yearning and interesting magic systems that aren’t just tropey, elemental garbage written at a 2nd grade level.

I beg you to explore and find them.

Anyways, thanks as always to Edelweiss for being that girl and letting me read an early ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[kimberly ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡. (unhingely editing my old reviews)]

i'm sorry but this reads like a lightlark fanfic au 💀

[Emily Atzenhoefer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sounds like discount Lightlark and Lightlark was already Temu level fantasy.

[rosie (jason todd's version)]

☆彡pre-release: 13th sept, 25

ALEX OH MY GOSH I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. NO WAY THIS IS COMING OUT ON THE DATE OF MY BIRTHDAY NEXT YEAR. IS THIS A SIGN?! 🥹😭💕

[Beth✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care what it's about, if Alex writes it I'm reading it.

[mireya grasso ₊˚ෆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⋆⊹ ⤿ pre-release || ~ releases 03 . 24 . 26

okay alex !! this one's going to be funnn... adult debut, i see you !! somehow, with very little details released so far, i’m already super intrigued…highkey would sell my soul for a sample. the special edition is sooo pretty 🤭

──★ ˙ what we’re expecting 🧷 ̟ !!

✦ details
✨ first person
✨ 500+ pages
✨ magical swords

✦ characters
⚔️ aris + raker ❤️‍🔥

✦ fantasy romance

✦ power claimed instead of inherited

✦ enemies to lovers
→ can’t be alex aster without enemies to lovers 🤭

✦ realm of magic and immortals
every 50 years, the gates between the gods and mortals open, and 50 mortals are allowed to take part in a deadly quest for magic !!

[ishraq.‎ৎ]

Why is this strangely similar to Lightlark….?

[✰ ellie ✰]

Lowkey Miss Aster writes like she’s running out of time!! 4 books in 1 year! 3 in 6 months!!

[Logan]

the fact that mother is just pumping out these books 😍 my goodness alex you be spoiling us 🤗🤗🤗

also... the plot? I'M SAT. gimme the freaking book 🙌

[Taylor Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive read the first 100 pages of this 2 days prior to announcement (I was at the news release “birthday party”) and OMGGGG I love it so far!!!

[Rosie]

Isla and Grim will return in Avengers: Doomsday

[samantha]

im… intrigued I personally never loved her writing but maybe this will change my mind?

update: the art officially HAS convinced me to read this book bc its so pretty

[L · Rating 1 out of 5]

The synopsis reads like an inbreeding program between ToG and Lightlark tbh.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Jasmine Lexa]

Did I put this on my want to read because an illustrator I love made an illustration for it? Yep, proud of it.

[vacuity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do I have this already preordered on Barnes and Noble & Waterstones? ✅

Did I just finish the first 100 pages? ✅✅

Why did it take me so long to finish the 100 pages? Well, I was afraid of this exact feeling that I have right now. And that feeling is of longing and desperation for the whole book now 🫠

If you’re on the fence about this book, I’d say give it a shot! It’s fast paced, has a fun “magic” system involving swords, interesting set of characters, and has a blending of worlds setting to it ✨

In an alternate universe of Lightlark, I’d like to think that Aris reminds me of a young Oro, and Harlan is a Grim without Isla in his world. Teehee 🤭 I very much look forward to Aris and Harlan’s shenanigans!

So while I curl up and hibernate, waiting for Starside to release, just a huge thank you to Alex and her publishing and marketing team for allowing me to attend the reveal party and for the 100 page sample!! 🥹❤️

[Janna Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the first six chapters of the book. The magic system is unique, utilizing a ranking system based on metals that also appears to channel magic. However, the character motivations and the trial game setting feel quite familiar. The main character is likable, making her easy to root for, but the identity of the primary love interest is quite predictable. Additionally, the story seems to set up multiple villains, including those within the game, the king, and their gods. It will be interesting to see where the story leads.

[Rose G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s to hoping there’s no love triangle.

To anyone who says this sounds like Lightlark—did we read the same description? The only similarity is the every 50 years, and that just seems like the setup? This is a quest with magical swords in a world divided… nothing like Lightlark at all. For all we know, this could be a spin-off.

As a huge Lightlark fan, I hope this is similar, but to me it couldn’t sound more different.

AUTOMATIC BUY. BEING AN ALEX ASTER MEANS BEING FED REGULARLY

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have CHILLS — this book was absolutely PHENOMENAL!! Alex was BORN to write adult romantasy and this is EASILY the best book she’s ever written.

The array of emotions I experienced during this journey was unbelievable. From beginning to end, Aris’ story had me locked in. The trials were unique, the true enemies-to-lovers romance was done perfectly, and the plot twists had my jaw on the floor.

If I’m honest, I’m ready for an IMMEDIATE reread (& book two) — 6 stars, no notes.

[Phoebe Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Alex Aster writes it, I buy it. The care and passion she puts into her books is clear. Now we know why she’s been writing 7 days a week at 6am. The fact she’s been writing this one for years makes me really excited.

I would say get some rest Alex Aster, but you are FEEDING us, and I’m hungry for every bite.

[Catalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE IDEA OF A QUEST IS SO COOL. We haven’t had many quests in romantasy (that I know of). Good, because I’m tiring of trials

My predictions:
-this will be nothing like Lightlark, and the 50 years for the gates thing is just a minor detail
-Aris will be a badass and more likable character than Isla
-Raker will be my next book boyfriend

[Risa]

So...

In Starside, the gates open every 50 years. Similar to how Lightlark appears every 100 years.

In Starside, the mortals have to fight each other for magic. Just like the rulers in Lightlark have to fight each other (and can win more powers).

In Starside, the location names sound juvenile. Just like the location names in Lightlark sound juvenile.

There's also the splitting of realms (which I won't go into detail about because spoilers).

And most shockingly, in Starside, Aris calls her love interest "Demon" (as shown in the first excerpt Aster posted on her instagram). Just like Isla calls Grim "Demon" in the Lightlark Saga.

(Not to mention the official character art for this book also depicts Aris as looking very similar to Isla.)


This book just seems to be Lightlark For Adults. Way too many similarities.

[Allison Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend was one of the people who got the first 100 pages and in their words “this is the next big romantasy series.” The last book she said this about was fourth wing.

So…. I AM SO FLIPPING EXCITED FOR THIS.

[Emily Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever just known from looking at the cover that this book is going to ruin you in the best way possible??

The magical swords and magical quest in the description got me.

Ordered all of the special editions since last time I didn’t and they sold out!

[Kate Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the ones who read the first 100 pages and LET ME TELL YOU.

YOU ARE NOT READY. I HAVE REREAD IT 3 TIMES. IF THE REST OF THE BOOK IS ANYTHING LIKE THE BEGINNING, THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BOOK OF THE YEAR

[Sm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because some idiot gave it 1 star without it even being published..

[Kelly Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAGICAL SWORDS? DEADLY QUEST? DRAGONS?? ENEMIES TO LOVERS??!

I’m sat. I bought my signed edition and March 2026 can’t come soon enough.

[Carolina Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOMEONE WHO READ THE FIRST 100 PAGES SAID IT MADE THEM FEEL LIKE READING FOURTH WING FOR THE FIRST TIME BUT BETTER.

Consider me sat

[Desig · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good one