Starside (Starside, #1)

Dragons, deities, and a dangerously charged enemies-to-lovers romance ignite in Starside, the thrilling new adult romantasy by Alex Aster. In this realm where magic is claimed rather than inherited, every fifty years brings a brutal competition that only the most daring dare to enter. For Aris, vengeance drives her into this deadly world—where the stakes are as high as the ancient powers hidden within.

As an orphaned blacksmith's apprentice, Aris faces overwhelming odds in the king's Culling competition. With every clash of blades, she navigates treachery, magic-wielding beasts, and dark immortals who might want her dead. Unbeknownst to many, she bears a secret that could unravel the gods themselves. When the line between ally and enemy blurs, especially with the enigmatic Harlan Raker, survival becomes more than just winning—it becomes a test of trust that could alter the very fabric of her existence.

The world of Starside is rich with danger and intrigue, marking a significant step in Aster's acclaimed career as a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Readers are drawn into a labyrinth of vengeance, survival, and unexpected love in a spellbinding addition to the fantasy genre.