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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
krystalframe's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Violence
Moderate: Slavery
somelatenightreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Angry Robot, for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Release Date: 12 September 2023
Rating: 5 stars
I have been following Stacey McEwan on TikTok for a while now, and based on her humour in those short videos, I suspected I would really enjoy her debut novel. Ledge was such a great start to this series, with good characters, an intriguing plot, a gorgeous writing style, and a cliffhanger that left me reeling.
So of course I applied for Chasm when it became available on Netgalley. I read the book in 2 sittings (if it wasn't for a need to pay bills I would have skipped work to read it in one sitting) and was hooked the whole way through. The characters, who read as more surface-level in Ledge, are further developed. We get to see more of each person's back-story, their relationships with other characters, and even their relationship with themselves (if that makes sense) grow exponentially. The history of the world and how the Ledge came to be are explored and with each puzzle piece we get, tensions naturally increase. Where Ledge felt more plot driven, Chasm feels a lot more balanced. My love for this world and the characters (especially Salam, Esra, and Baltise) knows no bounds.
Even though it is still a while before this book is even released, I am (very) anxiously awaiting the final installment in this trilogy. Stacey McEwan has proven herself to be a wonderful author in this debut series, and I hope she nails the finale just as much as she did the first two books!
Release Date: 12 September 2023
Rating: 5 stars
I have been following Stacey McEwan on TikTok for a while now, and based on her humour in those short videos, I suspected I would really enjoy her debut novel. Ledge was such a great start to this series, with good characters, an intriguing plot, a gorgeous writing style, and a cliffhanger that left me reeling.
So of course I applied for Chasm when it became available on Netgalley. I read the book in 2 sittings (if it wasn't for a need to pay bills I would have skipped work to read it in one sitting) and was hooked the whole way through. The characters, who read as more surface-level in Ledge, are further developed. We get to see more of each person's back-story, their relationships with other characters, and even their relationship with themselves (if that makes sense) grow exponentially. The history of the world and how the Ledge came to be are explored and with each puzzle piece we get, tensions naturally increase. Where Ledge felt more plot driven, Chasm feels a lot more balanced. My love for this world and the characters (especially Salam, Esra, and Baltise) knows no bounds.
Even though it is still a while before this book is even released, I am (very) anxiously awaiting the final installment in this trilogy. Stacey McEwan has proven herself to be a wonderful author in this debut series, and I hope she nails the finale just as much as she did the first two books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery, Grief, Murder, Blood, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual harassment and Alcohol
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