In Between Darkness: The Starcrossed Saga Book 1

by MJ Castleton

600 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2025

Reviews

[Joscelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me back into the fantasy genre. I absolutely loved it. The plot is 10/10. I’ve been recommending it to all my book girlies and they have all loved it as well. Definitely give this one a chance. The second book is out now - The Darkness Between Us - and it just keeps getting better and better. I’ve seen reviews about the writing and I noticed the author made adjustments the second time I read it. I’m telling you get past the first couple chapters and you will not be able to put this down. The first couple chapters are a build up explaining how things work so some people may think it’s too much or a slow start but it’s necessary. I stayed up until like 3am the first time I read it because I just had to finish it. I’m so impressed that this is her first book and can’t wait to see what else she has up her sleeve

[RomantasyMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl, for your debut novel, you absolutely delivered — and gave us just the right amount of crumbs to leave me desperate for more. As an avid romantasy reader, I was so impressed by how beautifully crafted the world was while still telling such a unique and captivating story.

In Between Darkness perfectly captures Asha’s journey of discovering who she is and learning to fully embrace her power and identity. Ryder, River, and Nalas’ stories were woven into the world so seamlessly, with each character adding depth, emotion, and intrigue to the overall plot.

I read this within 24 hours and immediately opened book two because there was no way I could stop there. Such a strong debut, and I can already tell this series is going to consume me.

[Gaby Vromans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The story pulled me in right away, and I couldn’t put it down.

I’m already excited for the adventures Asha and Ryder are going to face together—there’s so much potential there, and I’m fully invested.

And River being his twin… I did not see that coming. Such a surprising twist, and now I’m even more curious to see how everything will unfold from here.
I seriously can’t wait for the next book

[bookishcatreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished In Between Darkness by MJ Castleton — wow. The world and the story completely pulled me in. This book has been in my mind long after I've finished reading. The plot moves at the perfect pace, balancing tension, mystery, and emotion in a way that kept me hooked from the very first page. I'm so excited for book 2!

[Kiara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise is good: a world separated by the time of people’s birth and the Gods of each time (day and night) gifting them with a power when they’re young adults. However, despite being intended for adult readers based on the bit of spice, the writing has a juvenile feel to it, which takes away from what could be a really cool story.

[Olivia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! The magic system is so new and different to other fantasy series and it’s so fun and easy to follow. It’s giving Fourth Wing x Harry Potter vibes. Absolutely gagged towards the end, gimme book 2

[Kyra Thomson]

I really wanted to like this but I was struggling, maybe I'm just in a fantasy slump, maybe I'll try again one day.

[a garza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book initially caught my attention because the plot reminded me of an Anime called Vampire Knight with the whole day and night school. I gave it a whirl and finished it in one day. The plot was unique enough that it kept me engaged the entire book and I can’t wait for another installment. As an avid reader I sometimes get annoyed when an author uses the same phrase over and over which was the case for this book. “kissed his teeth” or something like that… I read it more than twice and that was enough for me. Other than my own annoyances over that, the book was overall 4/5. Plot a solid 5/5, romance 5/5 writing 4/5 I will still recommend this book for book club.