The Darkness Between Us: The Starcrossed Saga Book 2

by MJ Castleton

Things are not as they seem in Palidonia...



When the fabric of Asha’s world begins to unravel, the madness spreading through the land becomes impossible to ignore—especially as it begins to claim the one person she cannot afford to lose.



Ryder’s eyes flare with a warning he never speaks, and the cure that might save him could be the very thing that dooms them all.



Desperate, Asha ventures into lands no sane person would enter, chasing a cure whispered about like a fairytale.



As Palidonia teeters on the edge of collapse, Asha must decide how far she is willing to go.



Can she save Ryder without destroying what remains of her world, or will everything she loves burn to the ground?

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2026

Reviews

[Georgina Stokoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What started as a passing Insta post has turned in to a bit of an obsession. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love the known of a lot of romantasy tropes, it's very comforting, but M.J. has managed to include all of my fave tropes and turn it on its head in to something fresh. And that ending! OMG!!! I'm gagged!

What is also really lovely is that you also see her confidence as a writer grow with each book, I can't wait to see what's next for her but more importantly I can't wait to find out how the story ends!

[Pippa Skala · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending was diabolical, so excited for the next one. I have to wait so long. 😭

[Cally Bedworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second instalment even more than the first! The magical aspect was really intriguing and the cliff hanger had me wanting more! Can't wait to read the next one.

[Jazlynn Mulligan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m genuinely disgusted at that ending. I hate that. “I think…I think I love you.” BITCH WHAT. Nah. That’s some fucking bullshit. But im so fucking invested in this plot. Honestly, if the plot wasn’t so good I would have DNF’d this book SO quick because of how it’s written. There were WAY too many times when scenes would completely change with no warning. One minute, they’re sitting down. Suddenly they’re across the room. Or one minute they’re in the Hallows and then all the sudden they’re at Sun Sovereign on the elion lift??? Tf?? Unfortunately, I’m still going to read the next book, because ain’t no fucking way there isn’t another book. But I REALLY hope the writing at least improves with this next one.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

MJ has done it again. Somehow this series just keeps getting better—more adventure, more intensity, almost something gripping on every single page. Once I start her books, I’m completely consumed; putting them down is simply not an option.
And that ending… I was crying, spiralling, and absolutely wrecked, trying to piece together what on earth book three could possibly look like 😭😅
I already know it’s going to be a masterpiece, just like the first two. This might honestly be my favourite romantasy series yet—and that’s saying a lot 😍
September cannot come fast enough.

[Samantha Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being hooked on the first book.
Reading this on launch day.

Her love for Ryder and his love for her is next level. They trials to save him and then the world is a lot for one person who is still coming to terms with their own self worth.

Once she can do one she certainly knows she can be the other. With Ryders own twin being confirmed in River - the love of both men - where will it end.

“It was always you… It’s always going to be you.”

Extra POVs - made my heart ache so much. Emotional rollercoaster of a book.

[Cayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series just keeps getting better. I could not put it down, and the only reason I stopped reading was because I looked at the clock at 2 a.m. and remembered I had work in a couple of hours.
The story deepens, the pacing is addictive, and the ending completely caught me off guard. That final twist had me feeling all kinds of emotions and left me thinking about it long after I finished. This series officially has its hooks in me, and I can’t wait to continue.

[Toni Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t ready for that ending!

Devoured this in 2 days. Possibly one of my favourite series! Honestly the characters are brilliant and are so well written.
Im so glad I found this Author and series!
That cliffhanger was unexpected and now I need to wait for book 3!

[Joscelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting that twist at the end! I’ve been anxiously waiting for this second book and MJ did not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down. This is up there with my all time favorite fantasy reads. Loved it and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in book 3. ♥️

[Jen Konrardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better than the first! I love the unique magic, the Romeo and Juliet vibes with MIA Gods and trials! Be prepared for some emotional trauma as the ending leaves you screaming NOOOOO!