The world of Starside is governed by a hierarchy of magical metals, political factions, and recurring rituals that shape both its society and its conflicts. Weapons forged from stronger metals possess greater magical properties, making rare materials such as Starside steel exceptionally valuable. Political power is concentrated among the five Great Houses, whose wealth, military strength, and accumulated knowledge give their heirs significant advantages over ordinary challengers. The novel also distinguishes between mortals and immortals, descendants of the gods who inhabit Starside and possess supernatural abilities. These systems of power—along with traditions such as the Questral and the Culling—provide the foundation for the novel’s fantasy world and its exploration of inequality, survival, and the pursuit of power.

Starside is the first novel in Alex Aster’s adult romantasy Starside series. While the novel establishes its own complete opening arc, it concludes with major unresolved conflicts and revelations that continue into the sequel, Stormside, scheduled for publication in November 2026. According to Aster, the sequel expands the scope of the story considerably, featuring a longer narrative, greater emphasis on romance, additional quests, sword magic, and major plot twists as Aris’s journey continues (Aster, Alex. “You Can Preorder STORMSIDE, the Second Starside Book, Anywhere Now.” Instagram, 13 May 2026). At the time of this guide’s publication, however, the publisher has released few official details about the sequel’s plot.

The series also marks a new stage in Aster’s career. After achieving widespread success with her bestselling young adult Lightlark saga, Aster launched Starside as her first adult romantasy. Her rise became closely associated with BookTok after a brief pitch video for Lightlark generated enormous reader interest and helped transform a previously rejected manuscript into a publishing success. Since then, Aster has cultivated a readership drawn to fast-paced fantasy, intricate worldbuilding, romantic tension, and dramatic plot twists. Although Starside introduces an entirely new setting and cast of characters, it builds upon these storytelling strengths while embracing a darker tone, an older protagonist, more graphic violence, and mature romantic themes.