breegoux's review against another edition
It started to feel really cyclical in the thoughts of the characters. I felt like we had the same conversation 8 times
breatheinbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This is a satisfyingly solid second book in a trilogy. It is slower than Book 1, but we get more character development and world building and a deeper understanding of the politics of Terrsaw and Glacia.
My critiques are similar to others in that I thought the middle dragged and I needed more spice for a fantasy romance. I also think the characters could have literally moved more in that the ensemble stayed in one place for too long later in the book. We need more depth to Ryon in Book 3 for sure, as even though we get his perspective, it’s very Dawsyn-centric. Because of these critiques, IMO Stacey has her work cut out for her in the third book and it’s likely going to be hefty as there is a lot to be resolved with just one more book.
What really makes this trilogy shine though is Dawsyn and her relationships (The Ledge, Ryon, Baltisse) as well as the ensemble - esp Esra, Salem, and Baltisse. Did I mention Baltisse? :) Dawsyn is amazingly strong and softens just enough throughout that you’re not ready to throw the book at seemingly pointless obstinance. She’s brave, funny, and her depth and strength is seemingly endless in a way that is genuine and isn’t so epic you roll your eyes.
Overall, this trilogy is worth reading, esp from an Indie publisher and from an author that truly loves the genre. With some pacing improvements, Book 3 has the potential to be a goldmine in the romantasy genre!
My critiques are similar to others in that I thought the middle dragged and I needed more spice for a fantasy romance. I also think the characters could have literally moved more in that the ensemble stayed in one place for too long later in the book. We need more depth to Ryon in Book 3 for sure, as even though we get his perspective, it’s very Dawsyn-centric. Because of these critiques, IMO Stacey has her work cut out for her in the third book and it’s likely going to be hefty as there is a lot to be resolved with just one more book.
What really makes this trilogy shine though is Dawsyn and her relationships (The Ledge, Ryon, Baltisse) as well as the ensemble - esp Esra, Salem, and Baltisse. Did I mention Baltisse? :) Dawsyn is amazingly strong and softens just enough throughout that you’re not ready to throw the book at seemingly pointless obstinance. She’s brave, funny, and her depth and strength is seemingly endless in a way that is genuine and isn’t so epic you roll your eyes.
Overall, this trilogy is worth reading, esp from an Indie publisher and from an author that truly loves the genre. With some pacing improvements, Book 3 has the potential to be a goldmine in the romantasy genre!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Confinement
breannamm's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
conwayjordanm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
thebookmeg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I didn’t love the first half to be honest - I found it a little slow, but oh my gosh the last 50% was so so good! Once again Stacey’s ending has broken my heart and left me in tears and I would really love it if she would stop doing this to me.
amberfaise's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
laylareadsthings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ledge was a wonderful surprise for me last year, and I’m happy to say that Chasm followed suit and was an exceptional sequel.
Chasm picks up immediately where Ledge leaves off, dealing with the aftermath of the cliffhanger. The first 30% of the book is incredibly fast paced, but believably so. There’s a new character introduced but it doesn’t feel forced. The other 70% (as you can imagine with this book being 2 of 3) is a lot of setup and preparation for the finale. Characters are tested, obstacles are placed. This is the journeying part of the trilogy. I appreciated this immensely as it gives the characters time to breathe. I expected to be frustrated with the romantic subplot but I absolutely wasn’t. All your favorite characters have their time to shine (Baltisse was my standout). This is a 0.5 chili spice book, blink and you’ll miss it. I really love the narration style of this book, McEwan NAILS inner monologue and complex emotions better than most.
I have NO doubt that book 3 is going to literally have me on the edge the whole time biting my fingernails.
My one complaint would be that the mythology and magic system is explained slowly and seems to evolve at all times, when the story calls for it. As a reader, I kind of expect at the end of book 2 to have a pretty full grasp of how the magic works, but I found myself with more questions than answers. Wasn't anything that bothered me while reading, just a thought that came after I finished the book while reflecting.
Chasm picks up immediately where Ledge leaves off, dealing with the aftermath of the cliffhanger. The first 30% of the book is incredibly fast paced, but believably so. There’s a new character introduced but it doesn’t feel forced. The other 70% (as you can imagine with this book being 2 of 3) is a lot of setup and preparation for the finale. Characters are tested, obstacles are placed. This is the journeying part of the trilogy. I appreciated this immensely as it gives the characters time to breathe. I expected to be frustrated with the romantic subplot but I absolutely wasn’t. All your favorite characters have their time to shine (Baltisse was my standout). This is a 0.5 chili spice book, blink and you’ll miss it. I really love the narration style of this book, McEwan NAILS inner monologue and complex emotions better than most.
I have NO doubt that book 3 is going to literally have me on the edge the whole time biting my fingernails.
My one complaint would be that the mythology and magic system is explained slowly and seems to evolve at all times, when the story calls for it. As a reader, I kind of expect at the end of book 2 to have a pretty full grasp of how the magic works, but I found myself with more questions than answers. Wasn't anything that bothered me while reading, just a thought that came after I finished the book while reflecting.
cneighbors36's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content