Oath to a Withered Star

by Joseph Young

Captain Aris Solene leads her loyal crew aboard the Zephira Dawn , a small but battle-hardened team shaped by conflict, betrayal, and unbreakable bonds. When they land on Velmora, a planet shrouded in forbidden jungles and fragmented data, what begins as a routine survey turns into something far more dangerous. The planet is alive. And buried within its roots is a power the corrupt Olyssian Accord is desperate to control.

But Velmora is only the beginning.

A second world, volatile and volcanic, holds deeper truths and greater threats. As the crew ventures further, they uncover a myth older than the stars themselves and a secret that could reshape the galaxy.

With an empire closing in and ancient forces awakening, Aris must keep her crew united as everything around them begins to fracture. Trust is tested. Old wounds resurface. And amid the chaos, a quiet romance begins to grow in the shadows of war.

Oath to a Withered Star is the first book in the Starborne Duology, a sweeping space romantasy where myth meets science, and a found family faces cosmic forces beyond imagination.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

About the author

Joseph Young is a science fiction author and U.S. Air Force veteran from El Paso, Texas. Blending his background in technology and military service, Joseph crafts high-stakes adventures filled with action, betrayal, and cosmic mystery. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming, a Master of Science in Information Technology, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Technology Management. When he’s not writing or studying, Joseph enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, gaming, and exploring the boundaries of imagination.

His debut novel, Heir of the Cosmos, launches readers into a universe where gods walk among us—and power always comes at a cost.

His second book, Redline: The Final Breach, raises the stakes even further, diving into a multiversal conspiracy, memory manipulation, and a desperate fight for truth in a collapsing timeline.

Follow him on Instagram @authorjosephyoung

Reviews

[Joseph Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author of Oath to a Withered Star, I wanted to leave a quick note here and would be honored to hear what other readers think of the story. Every perspective helps me grow, and I welcome honest impressions.

This book is not a typical space opera. It combines fast-paced action with unconventional romance, layered twists, and characters who sometimes reach beyond the page in unexpected ways. The postscripts, in particular, carry deeper meaning for those who read closely, offering a style that challenges traditional storytelling.

The romantic thread also sets itself apart. Instead of a long slow build, it emerges in the chaos of battle where time is scarce and emotions strike with full force. The result is a quick and intense spark that builds toward a powerful crescendo in the final chapters.

If you are looking for something that dares to be different, blending myth, science, and complex character dynamics in fresh ways, I hope you will give this book a chance and share your thoughts.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oath to a Withered Star was a wild ride! The story was great and I loved the addition of Pixos postscripts. He was definitely my favourite character. The romance felt a little sudden/rushed but it was good nonetheless! I will definitely be reading book two!

[Arron Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one surprised me in a really good way. The characters actually feel like a real crew, not just names in space. I liked Aris a lot, she’s strong but not perfect. The mix of sci-fi, mystery, and myth kept me hooked. It felt epic without being confusing.

[Aziza M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oath to a Withered Star blew me away. From the first page, the world-building is rich, the atmosphere is haunting, and the pacing never drags for a second. The characters feel alive, flawed, and incredibly human, and the emotional tension keeps building until you’re fully hooked. It’s one of those rare fantasy reads that feels fresh, powerful, and unforgettable. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m genuinely excited for whatever comes next in the series.

[Kaila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Joseph Young, for sending me this ARC!

Sadly, I will be DNF’ing this book at 66%. I wanted to like this book so much, and initially I did. It had an interesting premise, started strong, and immediately grabbed my attention. I enjoyed getting to know each character and how they fit into the crew. However, it all started going downhill for me after the first kiss scene. It felt forced to say the least. There was no buildup to it; we were minding our own business one minute, and the main character and the love interest were kissing the next minute. Only one brief line before this scene made me guess he was the love interest, but I wasn’t sure. No matter how beautifully written the scene was, I felt disconnected and confused by what had just occurred. From then on, I lost immersion in the world Young had built. There were many revelations and another romance scene where I felt no hinting or foreshadowing, making the scenes feel hollow and superficial.

I vaguely mentioned this before, but the writing throughout the book was excellent. It helped with visualising all the scenes Young was painting. However, in some scenes, there was more telling than showing the reader, for example, in the first and second kiss scenes, we were told there was tension rather than actually feeling the tension ourselves. Overall, this book was not an adult book but read like a middle-grade book; for example, the postscript chapters summarise what has happened thus far. This isn’t necessarily bad, but when I entered this book, I expected a more mature read. Alternatively, I did enjoy the darker themes in this story, but sadly, I didn’t get to see how they were fully dealt with due to dnf’ing.

Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me, so I would not recommend it or continue with this series. Nevertheless, I appreciate the opportunity to read it.

[Not Your Book Boyfriend · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and wild ride! With epic battles, great characters, and a story that I could not put down. I had an absolute blast reading this book!

I really enjoyed our cast of characters. Our main character Aris was great but if I’m being honest Pixo was my favorite! I really grew attached to the whole crew by the end of the book.

I also really enjoyed the plot. I loved them trying to save the planet and protect the guardian shards and everything that went with that ( no spoilers).

But honestly my favorite part of the book was all the action scenes. All the battles were so fast paced and gripping I literally could not put the book down. The author does a really great job at writing these scenes. And that final battle was so good!

The writing here was also very well done. The story flows nicely, and was easy to read. I think the pacing was also very well done.

Some cons

While I did enjoy the romance for the most part, the romance with Thorne felt like it came out of nowhere. I thought there was a thing between Aris and ralik (there was) and I had to go back a see cause I thought maybe I had remembered the names wrong.

And maybe this next part is on me but sometimes it was hard to know how much time has passed. Like there’s a part where they break out of prison and I was like didn’t they just get captured, this seems too easy, but it had actually be more time in the book.

But over all I had a great time with this book and it has me very excited to see where the story takes Aris and the crew in the next book!

[Laura W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book through NetGalley and want to thank the author, Joseph Young, for the opportunity to read it. This story was such an imaginative and action-packed ride. The vivid worldbuilding and intense battle scenes pulled me right in and kept me hooked from start to finish.

My only critique is the romance. I wished there had been a bit more build-up before the intimate moments. They felt a little sudden and didn’t flow as naturally as the rest of the story. That said, I really loved the raw emotion and loyalty within the crew and how far they were willing to go to protect each other.

If you enjoy sci-fi adventures with a touch of romance, definitely add this one to your TBR.

[Moonlight CreativeLab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oath to a Withered Star is an unforgettable space opera that seamlessly fuses epic world-building with deep emotional storytelling. The characters feel alive — complex, loyal, and beautifully flawed — and the bond between Captain Aris Solene and her crew drives the story with heart and intensity. The balance of cosmic mystery, high-stakes conflict, and passionate relationships keeps you turning pages long into the night. A breathtaking start to the Starborne Duology — perfect for fans of Dune, The Expanse, and anyone who loves sci-fi with soul.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that this book got me through a bumpy plane ride and I am grateful for that, but it wasn't for me, and that's okay. Its got fast paced storytelling and engaging themes.

I have a few critiques:
The romance in the novel feels forced....no leadup, just sudden kisses with crew.
Pixo's after death postscripts are somewhat jarring. They're cute TMZ-like blurbs that feel at odds with the mature concepts addressed in the novel.
The storyline feels jerky...

My main thought is that this novel felt like a collection of synopses waiting to be delved into, coaxed apart, and developed into an amazing multi-act space opera that I would LOVE to read.

[Bogdan Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oath to a Withered Star throws you straight into a fierce, fast-paced galaxy where loyalty and desire hit just as hard as the battles. Captain Aris Solene and her crew on the Zephira Dawn feel wonderfully real: scrappy, loyal, and shaped by everything they’ve survived together. The mission to Velmora hooked me instantly. A living world, a dangerous new power, and an alliance ready to do anything to control it… the stakes are huge, and the story delivers. If you love space operas packed with emotion, adventure, and a touch of the uncanny, this is a page-turner worth diving into.

[Edrian Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to get this attached to a starship crew, but Oath to a Withered Star completely pulled me in. The mix of loyalty, longing, and mystery felt real — not just flashy sci-fi. The relationships are messy in the best way, and the story has this haunting beauty that stays with you.

[Deep Forest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel draws you into a vivid sci-fi universe, where a resilient protagonist contends with hefty stakes and intricate challenges. Rich worldbuilding and a unique magic system create a dynamic backdrop, while action and character growth are woven together to keep the pace compelling. Although the story works well as an introduction to an ongoing saga, certain plot elements could benefit from deeper exploration.

[Valya Girova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Story!

This book has great characters, lots of action, and a really interesting love triangle. The mystery in the crew makes the story feel fresh and different.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the narration of the audio book! Thank you for sending it to me. I really enjoyed the characters! There was plenty of action and plot to keep this book going, I’m excited to see where the crew continues on. I am a little sad about Pixo but really enjoyed his post scripts/wrap ups. Love a good character who breaks the fourth wall. Also a love triangle turned into a why choose but then back?! Maybe! You left us at a cliff hanger. The romance was subtle through the story but still there until the end and I really liked that!

[Artur Swiatek]

Wow—this book hit me harder than I thought it would. The writing’s moody and poetic, with a world that feels both dying and alive at once. I loved how the characters wrestle with loyalty and loss—it’s emotional without being cheesy. The pacing drags a bit in the middle, but the final chapters totally make up for it. There’s a quiet beauty to the way it explores hope amid ruin. If you like sci-fi with heart and a touch of melancholy, this one’s worth sinking into. Kinda haunted me after finishing it.

[OceanBreeze2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Oath to a Withered Star" delivers an engaging blend of sci-fi adventure and rich worldbuilding, centered on a compelling protagonist who faces high stakes and complex challenges. The story balances action and character development, offering a satisfying arc for this first installment while setting up anticipation for future volumes. Some aspects could be more fully explored..

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing I loved the plot and the world building I also loved the characters and the way they was written. This book was just a masterpiece 🤩

[Undec · Rating 5 out of 5]

my daughter finished oath to a Witthered Star in three days and keeps talking about captain aris and the zephira dawn crew. She said the jungle planet vilmora felt super creepy and alive, and the romance parts made her blush a bit. Loved the space battles and that one weird character who talks different.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Read

Exciting Adventure that has a fun plot and mysterious planet discovery. I liked the fast paced action and plot twists. Highly recommend for sci-fi fans.

[Ken Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure what I feel now….I do not read scifi, but was gifted “Oath to a Withered Star”. After reading it,I am thinking:
- Young writes with almost poetic description, vivid images.
- I did not find the crews actions belivable
- I thought Pixo’s postscripts were innovative and a humerous addition to the story line.
- Yes, I will also read the next installment.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is great

[Stephen Mellott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book that put the characters in moral predicaments. It was well written, leading to an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GONZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are many appealing aspects to this book, but collectively they do not make for a good read. The characters appear somewhat caricatured, even those who later develop in real ones, the plot is somewhat confusing, and there are sudden surprises that do not seem to fit in very well. In my opinion, with some good editing, it could have been significantly improved. However, as it stands, I do not believe it will motivate me to read the second part. We shall see.

Ci sono tante cose carine in questo libro, ma tutte insieme non fanno comunque un buon libro. I personaggi sembrano delle macchiette, anche quelli che poi lo diventano, la storia é un po' confusa e poi ci sono improvvisamente delle sorprese che non c'entrano poi molto. Secondo me con un buon editing si poteva salvare parecchio, così com'é peró, non credo mi spingerà a leggere la seconda parte, vedremo.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Josh Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oath to a Withered Star by Joseph Young is a story that carries a great deal of promise. From the very beginning, it’s clear that the foundation for an engaging and compelling series is there. The world, the underlying conflicts, and the direction of the plot all suggest a larger story waiting to fully unfold.


The story moves quickly, and there’s rarely a dull moment. For readers who enjoy fast-paced fantasy with constant forward momentum, this will certainly be appealing. However, at times the speed of the narrative felt a little too rushed for me. Just as I would begin to settle into a scene or become fully immersed in a particular moment, it would rush to the end on on to the next. I found myself wishing for more time within those scenes—more atmosphere, more detail, and more character development to truly draw me in and make the moments feel fully realized.

It often felt like the story was right on the verge of something deeper. The emotional beats and dramatic moments had the potential to be incredibly impactful, but I wanted them to linger just a bit longer. Expanding certain scenes and allowing the characters more space to breathe could have elevated the overall experience and strengthened my connection to the story.

Despite my desire for more depth in places, I’m invested enough in the premise and the direction of the story that I definitely plan to read the second book. I’m hopeful that the next installment will build upon this foundation and explore the world and characters even further.

I was fortunate to win a copy of Oath to a Withered Star through a Goodreads giveaway, and I would like to sincerely thank the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. I appreciate the chance to discover this story and look forward to seeing where the series goes next.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting cool space battles, but what really hooked me was the crew. Aris and the people on the Zephira Dawn feel messy, loyal, and very real, like a found family that’s already been through too much together. I got attached way faster than I thought I would, especially with how their trust keeps getting tested.

The planets were honestly wild. Velmora felt creepy and alive in a way that made me uneasy, and the second world just cranks everything up even more. I liked how the story mixes ancient myths, corrupt politics, and straight-up danger without info dumping. Things unfold slowly, but in a way that keeps you curious instead of confused.

What surprised me most was the emotional side. The romance is intense and complicated, and it actually adds to the tension instead of distracting from the plot. Some moments were soft, some chaotic, and some just hurt in a good way. Also there’s a character perspective that feels very different and kinda broke my brain a bit, but in a cool way.

By the end, I was fully invested and kinda mad it’s only book one. If you like space opera with strong characters, big stakes, and feelings mixed in with lasers and secrets, this is 100% worth reading.

[Dee Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oath to a Withered Star is loosely a "Why Choose" space opera. The romance is there, but it is definietly second fiddle to the action. While I enjoyed this story greatly, there were definietly some parts that I struggled with. The romance between Thorne and Aris seemed to pop up out of nowhere. I was expecting the romance between Ralik and Aris after they discussed the people that they had lost, so when the first kiss was Thorne and Aris, I was a little blindsided by it. Then all of a sudden, the three of them are together at the end of book without much time being spent developing that romance. Secondly, I adored Pixo, but his postscripts took me out of the story. I feel like they might have been better as bonus chapters at the end of the story.

While I loved the story, I think there could be more development of the romance plot and the interpersonal relationships of the crew. The romance does feel like it pops up randomly in the storyline and disconnected me from the core plot of the story.

I hate to have an unfinished storyline, so I will defineitly be reading the second book just to see how this story ends.

Thank you Goodreads and Joseph Young for the e-ARC!

[FunctionX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for a sprawling, immersive space opera that delivers on every promise of galactic intrigue and fierce passion! Oath to a Withered Star introduces Captain Aris Solene and the found family crew of the Zephira Dawn, a team forged in betrayal whose loyalty is immediately tested on the strange, forbidden world of Velmora.

This novel is a brilliant blend of myth collides with science—a secret ancient power that the corrupt Olyssian Accord is desperate to control. While the cosmic warfare and ancient mysteries will satisfy fans of The Expanse and Mass Effect, the heart of the story is the crew's emotional complexity. The mounting tension ignites into a volcanic storm of desire and multi-lover romance, where loyalty and betrayal blur under the pressure of war. Plus, the inclusion of a meta-character who bends the rules of storytelling makes this novel truly unique. This is a daring, heartfelt, and utterly addictive start to the Starborne Duology.

[Renee Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fantasy and sci-fi reader, and honestly, it’s not always easy to find a book that really pulls me in from the start. This one did. Oath to a Withered Star was one of those reads where I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” and suddenly way too much time had passed.

I loved the crew dynamic and the whole found-family vibe. The universe feels big and interesting without being overwhelming, and the story keeps stacking mysteries on top of each other in a way that makes you want to keep going. You get action, strange planets, ancient secrets, political tension, and a lot of emotional messiness in the best way.

What really worked for me was that it feels like the kind of sci-fi I enjoy most, high stakes, cool worlds, and characters I actually care about. It’s the kind of book that reminds me why I like this genre in the first place. If you’re into sci-fi and fantasy and you’ve been in a bit of a reading slump, this is a really fun one to get lost in.

[Matthew Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun space adventure with brilliant, flawed and interesting characters! I had a lot of fun with this, heartily recommend for fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and anyone seeking an entertaining action-filled romp across the galaxy. That said, the emotional moments and character growth (and romance) hit that bit harder for being sprinkled in-between monsters, titans, shoot-outs and arena battles. Joseph's prose is beautiful, with a wonderful use of language that really brings the world to life. I think I might have rated this 4 stars as a few bits feel out of the blue (sorry Pixo), but that's probably more on me for going in expecting a hard space-opera not a space-fantasy adventure, so I'll leave it at 5 because I did indeed have fun. Things happen, just go with it and enjoy the ride!