Jul 6, 2026 · 44 min · 12 segments
In this episode of Being Bookish, I'm digging into the layers of Starside, the 2026 fantasy novel by Alex Aster. This book marks her first step into more adult romantasy after her original foray into…
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 50 years, the gates between them open and 50 challengers are allowed to journey across Starside on a deadly quest for magic that can heal, grant wealth, or extend life.
Everyone has their reasons for entering, but Aris has only one.
Vengeance against the gods who killed her family.
Winning one of the 50 spots on the quest won't be easy.
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.
With a blade most would kill to take, Aris can't trust anyone, especially not Harlan Raker, the merciless and mysterious knight 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.
As I have absolutely no intention of spoiling any of the twists for you, I am going to keep any discussion of the main plot points and character motivations until the end.
And I still won't spoil anything when I talk about my feelings on this particular book.
You're not going to be finding out about anything major that could ruin your enjoyment of the book from me.
Honestly, I promise.
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 50 years, the gates between them open and 50 challengers are allowed to journey across Starside on a deadly quest for magic that can heal, grant wealth, or extend life.
Everyone has their reasons for entering, but Aris has only one.
Vengeance against the gods who killed her family.
Winning one of the 50 spots on the quest won't be easy.
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.
With a blade most would kill to take, Aris can't trust anyone, especially not Harlan Raker, the merciless and mysterious knight 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.
As I have absolutely no intention of spoiling any of the twists for you, I am going to keep any discussion of the main plot points and character motivations until the end.
And I still won't spoil anything when I talk about my feelings on this particular book.
You're not going to be finding out about anything major that could ruin your enjoyment of the book from me.
Honestly, I promise.
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