Rating: ★★★★★
I loved this. Starside is such an awesome start to a new series, and I had so much fun reading it! I’ve seen some of the criticism surrounding this book, but honestly, I just didn’t see it. Sometimes a book is just fun, and I definitely think this book falls into that category.
The story follows Aris, an orphaned blacksmith’s apprentice who enters a deadly competition with the goal of revenge against the gods who killed her family. Every fifty years, the gates to Starside open, giving a select group of challengers the chance to enter a world filled with magic, immortals, and dangerous creatures. But getting through the gates is only the first step, and Aris quickly discovers that surviving this new world is going to be a lot harder than she expected.
I really enjoyed the world building and the concept of magic being something you have to claim rather than inherit. The deadly aspect of everything kept things interesting, and there were so many secrets and twists that had me questioning everything. The ending wrapped up only about half my questions, and left me with so many more.
I also loved the romantic tension! This book has some of the best romance I have read. I was truly so invested in their feelings and reading all the signs. I was swooning at the smallest things, and I’m very excited to see where things go in the next book.
If you’re looking for an adult romantasy with deadly competition, magic, twists, revenge, and romantic tension that is true enemies to lovers, I definitely recommend giving Starside a chance. This was such a fun read, and I can’t wait to see what Alex Aster does with this series next!