Starside

Every fifty years the gates between Starside and Stormside open. On one side lies a paradise of magic ruled by immortals descended from the gods. On the other, mortals fight for whatever scraps of power they can gather. When the gates part, fifty challengers cross into Starside on a lethal quest for magic that can heal, grant wealth or extend a life.

Aris, an orphaned blacksmith's apprentice, has only one reason to join them: vengeance on the gods who killed her family. Without the superior weapons of the Great Houses' heirs, she must claim a great sword, and the blade that makes her a contender also makes her a target. Her uneasy ally is Harlan Raker, the merciless knight who betrayed her years ago, and Aris is hiding a secret of her own. Alex Aster, a number one New York Times bestselling author, writes sharp-edged fantasy with romance laced with mistrust.