Starside by Alex Aster

The first adult romantasy from Alex Aster, the New York Times bestselling author of the Lightlark series. Enter the world of Starside, where swords carry magic and power isn't inherited. It's claimed.

Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals, descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside is where mortals fight for scraps of that same magic.

Every fifty years the gates between them open, and fifty challengers are allowed to cross into Starside on a deadly quest for magic that can heal, grant wealth, or extend a life. Everyone has their reasons for entering. Aris has only one. Vengeance against the gods who killed her family.

Winning a spot on the quest won't be easy. An orphaned blacksmith's apprentice, Aris doesn't have the superior weapons carried by the heirs of the Great Houses. But the greatest swords, the ones that hold real power, aren't inherited or bought. They're claimed, by both sides. And when Aris claims one, she becomes not just a real competitor, but a target.

Countless dangers wait on Starside. Carrying 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 only person who can keep her alive.

But Aris is hiding a secret tied to her family's death. And when it comes out, not even the gods will be able to stop what's coming.