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?

Genres: Fantasy

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!

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, and in many ways, I almost did.
The first half was genuinely strong. It was immersive, well paced, and pulled me in quickly. The story started with momentum and depth, and I felt fully invested in the characters and the direction it seemed to be heading.
Then something shifted.
As the book progressed, the writing began to feel repetitive, with the same metaphors being used frequently, sometimes in ways that did not fully make sense. Rather than adding atmosphere, this repetition pulled me out of the story and broke immersion at key moments. At times, the prose felt oddly mechanical, which made it harder to stay emotionally connected.
Despite this, I still enjoyed the underlying storyline. The plot itself remained interesting, and the world and character arcs were compelling enough that I read right through to the end. However, for a second book, the cliff-hanger ending felt unexpected and slightly frustrating, especially given the unevenness of the latter half of the writing.
Overall, this was an odd one to review. A book that started strong, lost some cohesion along the way, and then ended on a cliff-hanger that left me conflicted. Flawed, at times distracting, but still built on a story I wanted to care about.

[Pippa Skala · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jere' Wilder]

What kind of freaking ending was this!?!? Ain’t no way they went through ALL OF THAT for him to use the gem & be deemed worthy & THEN THAT HAPPENS!?!?! I’m kinda pissed

[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.

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew I hated River for a good reason

[Dan-Linh Le · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book had more potential but in this second book, I think it missed the mark.

I liked Asha since she was such a strong female lead, but in this book, she came off as annoying. I’m not sure if it’s bad writing or poor character writing, but screaming at evil people to stop isn’t going to make them stop. Most of the writing was just talking about how she’s so scared and tensed. We get it, the excessive imagery and description was overkill.

Don’t even get me started about River. His crazy obsession with Asha. It’s not love. It’s obsession and control and not cute. What kind of ending was that? How could River do that to his own brother?

Also, the plot holes. If Asha was a restorer, couldn’t she just bring Ryder back to life, without having to go through all this trouble of finding him a cure? If Lunaris is some goddess, shouldn’t she know that the world is ending ? The plot felt super rushed and would have been better if there was more time to world-build the Hollow, develop side stories like Trina and Nala, more background on the elions, what happened to the Moon world during the apocalypse/war, the people who lived in Hollow, and that random Moon boy they saved, etc.

This concept had potential but execution fell a bit flat.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I give this book 3.5 stars

What the flip was that ending?!
I don’t think I’ve ever been so angry with the 2nd to last pov..
wft, jealous are you river

Ok this book took me an embarrassing long time to finish 6 days in total.. for a second in a series I was a little disappointed considering book 1 started off so well

The world building was there but the pacing at times was a little slow then too quick

[Erika J · Rating 2 out of 5]

She really lost me with this one. Why is her only obsession with saving her boyfriend and not the overall downfall of the world and her friends? Why did the god speaking to her completely fall off this book? What is the point of Nala’s power in this squad? There were many plot holes that I felt made this book 2 stars. I also can’t understand rivers constantly obsession with Asha when she’s stayed true to Ryder. Dude get the hint. I actually thought the ending was intriguing but not sure if I’ll read the next book

[Charline ♎️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boooo 👎🏻
Fuck river … need I say more. I HATE HATE HATE him

[Chrissy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world has erupted into chaos and the sun is disappearing. Asha still has to figure out how to get the venom out of Ryder. She finally admits she’s afraid of him because when his emotions get high his eyes turn purple and he becomes scary venom guy that tried to kill her.
Then everyone disappears and they find them in this warehouse under a trance. So Ryder and Asha figure out that light wakes the up and they grab river and nala and beat feet.
Ryder brings Asha to the underground to see a psychic who says they have to find the gem to set everything straight. They thought the gem was a myth. The gem is in the spooky hollow woods or whatever. So the four of them are like ok let’s get some snacks and go get this gem.
But the woods fucks with you. And it has challenges. They have to kill some centipede thing. Then she has to face all of their worst fears. Then she has to go to the mountain alone. She faces the last challenge queen lady and gets the gem and things are looking up. The woods people are all we will come fight the shadow dude with you and they portal back to the warehouse area with a plan. Only know it’s not just the suns and moons students it like the whole city and everyone is in a trance to be soldiers for the shadow guy. Because the shadow guy guard nyxos the god of being bad in the dark and once the sun is gone he can be freed from god jail.
Bullshit ensues and Ziek the cool woodsman dies and it looks bleak but then Asha is like I still have them gem so fuck you and kills shadow guy. The sun comes out. Ryder and Asha make out. River gets jealous. He picks up the gem and then gem is like “how can I ruin this book and grant you a wish?” And River decides Asha should be his and has the gem wipe her memories of being in love with his twin brother Ryder and she instantly falls in love with him the end.

[Victoria Bonacci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to dive straight into this sequal

​I literally couldn't breathe after book one—I had to dive straight into the sequel! If you thought the first book was intense, this one takes the emotional stakes to a whole new level.

​This story picks up the pieces of our favorite characters. Seeing their individual trauma responses after the chaos of book one was heart-wrenching but so realistic. It was a beautiful, messy look at how grief and fear manifest differently in everyone—and how they still choose to come together despite the pain.

​The stakes? Higher than ever.

​The Mission: Save loved ones, save magic, save the entire realm.

​The Enemy: A bigger, badder Foe that makes the first one look like a warm-up.

​The Catch: The gods are silent. The quest is deadly.

​Ryder: We finally get that deep dive into his past. It’s dark, it’s complex, and it explains a bit more.

​Asha: Watching her evolve was my favorite part. She isn't just growing into her powers; she’s growing into herself and finding her voice.

​The quest is a series of emotional and dangerous trials that test every single bond in the group. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of this book—it is non-stop action from the very first page.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the dynamic between Ryder and River. Since they’re long-lost brothers, I was hoping for a bit more depth or a different connection there.

​😱 THAT ENDING...
​I am officially SHOOK. 🤯 That cliffhanger has me in desperate need of Book 3 immediately!

[Hylipae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do think that the writing has actually improved from the first book, but maybe I just think that because I read this immediately after finishing the first book. These are pretty quick reads, so I'm not super disappointed in the time I've invested into this series, but not sure I'd actually recommend these to any of my friends.

I really like Ryder and Asha has a lot of potential in this series, but some of her choices def come across as juvenile. While the whole plot twist with River and Ryder being twins in the first book was a little unexpected, I really did not enjoy how it played out in the second book. River and Ryder feel like complete strangers. It seems like they could care less that they just discovered they have a living sibling, let alone a twin. I was pretty surprised (and put off) to see that there was really no character building or relationship development between them other than some very odd love triangle. The love triangle between River, Ryder, and Asha is also just really odd and comes off as VERY forced. Not a huge fan of that and if anything it really puts a sour taste in my mouth when it comes to Asha. She's done nothing to set boundaries with River or to shut down his very obvious feelings. If anything, I really hope Ryder doesn't end up with her, because no one deserves a partner that knows someone has feelings for them and they do nothing to put a firm boundary or distance the friendship.

[Stephannie Muthama · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the plot of the book but the writing wasn’t that impressive. The ending didn’t make sense at all. The power of the gem can only be wielded by those of pure intentions, so how was it possible for River’s wish to be granted? I get the whole “love is pure” thing from his perspective but from Asha’s, he’s been selfish. He robbed her of the one thing she wanted , so how could his intentions be pure?? Asha loved Ryder, she went to great lengths to ensure his safety. River saw how devastated she was when Ryder died. He was there the entirety of the quest for the gem, so he knew firsthand how much Ryder meant to Asha. Despite knowing all of this, he had the nerve to wish for Asha’s love and he got it??? Because what?? He loved her??? That isn’t love , love isn’t selfish. His wish was an insult to everything Asha went through in the Hollow and Mourn Peak. So forgive me if I’m having a hard time trying to understand the purity of his intentions. That whole chapter contradicted everything we previously knew about the gem. The last two chapters were completely unnecessary, it felt like an effort on the author’s part to try and make room for a third book. Some stories don’t need to be trilogies and that’s okay.

Another thing is, there was disconnect between scenes in this book. One moment Asha is in her room the next she’s in another location— I’m not referring to the dream walking. Sometimes I had to scroll back to the previous page to ensure I hadn’t skipped over anything.

There’s still a question that was left unanswered, which memory did the ferryman take from Ryder’s mind?

The story had a lot of potential but the writing made the delivery bad. Some phrases were overused, the author over explained which left little to no room for the readers to have their own interpretation. This is the type of book where you don’t even have to use your brain to decipher what the author is saying.

I liked the storyline and the plot twists. I hope the third book will be better than the last two.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book.. I am glad to hear that there is another book bc if not I probably would've given this book a 1 ⭐️ lol sigh

what the hell is going on with River, he seemed kinda cocky but normal and then he turns into a love sick guy who is obsessed with a girl who went out with him for a split second.. Then he's Ryders twin and that makes him go even more mental.. Why did he have to become this guy.. I must say I'm disappointed

All in all the book was good and I'll probably be on the lookout for better ok 3 bc I will want to see what happens to this cluster of a forced love situation.. The more I think about it the angrier I get that that is how this book ended.. I LIKED RIVER.. I wanted him to bow out gracefully and then find someone.. I don't think there is any coming back from what he did to Asha and Ryder..

[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.

[Pure_shelf_indulgence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 stars

Let me start by saying....as I reached the 90% point of this book, I decided this was the end of my mini obsession with Ryder and Asha but then that ending had me internally screaming at a Costa because WTAF!!!

Once again, I flew through this, I struggled to put it down for any length of time and it sat in my mind when I had to put it down. I was desperate to know how it was going to progress: the story, the emotions, the growing love triangle conflict. At no point was I disappointed and the pacing was perfect.

And then that ending.....

I am praying the next book comes out soon because I don't know if I can wait ages for it with that cliffhanger!

[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.

[Marisa Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m staring at a wall now

STARING AT A WALL WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!?!? Is there another book??? There has to be. I’m in awe right now! Those last 50 or so pages. Wow. What a journey! Through trials and tests and obstacles and battle and heartbreak. I’m all over the place with feelings. Confusion, adoration, frustration, curiosity..the list goes on. Just when I thought I knew where this story was going BOOM I was thrown into something unthought of. How flipping fun this was to read.

[Gaby Vromans · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book took me a bit longer to get into. It didn’t immediately pull me in like the first one did, and I found myself needing some time to really connect with the story.
That said, once I reached the trials in the Hollow, I was hooked. Those parts were so engaging and fascinating to read — easily some of my favorite moments in the book ✨📖
And then the ending… wow. When River takes the gem, I genuinely did not see that coming at all 😲💎 That twist completely caught me off guard and definitely left an impression.
Overall, a slower start for me, but absolutely worth it in the end 💫

[Becky Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the first of the starcrossed saga but the second book....
The stakes in Palidonia are higher than ever, and this sequel takes the emotional chaos to a whole new level 🌌⚔️! The action is entirely non-stop from the very first page. But can we talk about that ending? I’m not going to lie, I absolutely hated how it wrapped up—it felt so sudden and left me completely staring at the wall in frustration. That being said, the messy, realistic ways the characters handle their grief kept me completely glued to the pages until that final drop.

[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.

[Tiffani Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, wow. This entire book kept me hooked from the start, I’ve loved this series!! but I’m telling you, that ending was an emotional ride. I am straight up yearning, hungry for book three. Thank the Gods there is a book THREE COMING!!! I cried bc of how angry I was at the ending… was it just me? I need to know!!! lol The series was sooo heart warming and on the edge of my seat intriguing.. and I couldn’t stop reading!! I think we all just root for Ryder, and ya’ll know what I’m praying for in book three. Seriously can’t wait for the 3rd book!!! Don’t make my heart wait too long..

[Macy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

UGHHH EVER GET TO THE END OF THE BOOK AND YOU’RE MET WITH A HUGE CLIFFHANGER???? The 3rd book comes out in September and I’m dyinggg. Love/hate cliffhangers when the next book isn’t even out yet - (hence why I never finished reading Onyx storm🫣…)
This book was just as good as the first with a little less romance due to the circumstances Ryder is facing. Felt like a few chapter were really drawn out… a little frustrating with that like get to the point haha, but other than that, it was great!

[Amanda Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to rate this one. I loved the first book, but this one felt like a different story all together. We just sort of forgot about the academia, forgot about the elions and their purpose, and River's personality was different than it was in the first. I also had to skim the last part of the book because of the repetitive writing when describing how the forest is watching in 100 different ways. I'll still read the next book, but hope there are some improvements!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder still owns my heart. The poor guy has suffered so much and judging by that cruel cliffhanger, his suffering has only just begun. Asha remains the strong FMC that she was in book one, only now suffering greater than I'd ever thought possible. I cannot wait to see where this series takes me. It is fastly becoming one of my all time favourite fantasy series.

[Paige Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the series, but not sure about this one, as I feel like were missing a big chunk of the story because surely they wouldn't accept her back willingly after finding out she is a star. It would go against some of there moral.

also the ending i didn't quite understand why the author would end it that way. I would have left that power to die with that person.

[Hasset · Rating 3 out of 5]

the writing is still not that good but the endingg........ diabolical, what the hell the scene took a 360 and riverrr did himself dirty because there is no way in the world he can go back to their good grace after this, i don't think he can even get in their grace anymore. but i am excited for the next book because it was an annoyingly tempting cliffhanger.

[Katie Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a great development compared to the first one, it was spooky, it was raw, and it was enticing. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entire book. All I have to say on why I gave it four stars was way to take a great character and turn him into a POS, I thought he had a good heart but instead the ending ruined everything for me and honestly just pissed me off.