What do you think?
Rate this book
Dawsyn’s fight to save the people of the Ledge is far from over in this thrilling and highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling, Ledge
Dawsyn’s miraculous escape from the Ledge was just the beginning. In the queens’ dungeon, Dawsyn awaits her execution while reliving the death of her lover, Ryon. There is no chance of mercy.
But hope finds her in the form of rescue by her village friends. Now on the run and struggling to tame her newly-gained and greatly unstable powers, Dawsyn's journey continues. Facing betrayal anew, she must learn patience and trust as she builds strength on all fronts, while she and her comrades recover and ready themselves for what's to come.
As they ascend the perilous mountain slopes to the Glacian kingdom once again in a desperate attempt to save those remaining on the Ledge, Dawsyn must battle wills as well as weapons, before discovering an entirely new evil awaiting her…
Dawsyn’s miraculous escape from the Ledge was just the beginning. In the queens’ dungeon, Dawsyn awaits her execution while reliving the death of her lover, Ryon. There is no chance of mercy.
But hope finds her in the form of rescue by her village friends. Now on the run and struggling to tame her newly-gained and greatly unstable powers, Dawsyn's journey continues. Facing betrayal anew, she must learn patience and trust as she builds strength on all fronts, while she and her comrades recover and ready themselves for what's to come.
As they ascend the perilous mountain slopes to the Glacian kingdom once again in a desperate attempt to save those remaining on the Ledge, Dawsyn must battle wills as well as weapons, before discovering an entirely new evil awaiting her…
502 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2023
685 people are currently reading
14493 people want to read
About the author
Stacey McEwan
8 books3,957 followersStacey McEwan lives in Queensland, Australia with her husband and two children. She is a teacher by day, writer by night.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 928 reviews
March 23, 2024
I will start out by saying that the side characters & MC in this book were a solid 5🌟. They carried this book. This was easy to read but it just didn’t live up to book 1!
The first 25% of this book was solid. I was devouring it and I thought it was going to have a higher rating but then around the 25% mark, the story lost its course. I didn’t know where it was going anymore and the characters were making impulsive decisions that strictly felt unnecessary.
And (don’t come at me) but the FMC was so mean with the MC 😔 I know she felt hurt at the end of book 1 but she was way too mean with him and it was actually painful to read!
I think this series would’ve benefited being a duology rather than a trilogy!! But I will still read book 3 because I need to know how it ends
———•
Pre read ; One of my reading resolution this year was to finish my ongoing series… but I’ve been struggling with 2nd book syndrome in a lot of my series. Hope this one doesn’t suffer from it!!
The first 25% of this book was solid. I was devouring it and I thought it was going to have a higher rating but then around the 25% mark, the story lost its course. I didn’t know where it was going anymore and the characters were making impulsive decisions that strictly felt unnecessary.
And (don’t come at me) but the FMC was so mean with the MC 😔 I know she felt hurt at the end of book 1 but she was way too mean with him and it was actually painful to read!
I think this series would’ve benefited being a duology rather than a trilogy!! But I will still read book 3 because I need to know how it ends
———•
Pre read ; One of my reading resolution this year was to finish my ongoing series… but I’ve been struggling with 2nd book syndrome in a lot of my series. Hope this one doesn’t suffer from it!!
April 25, 2024
It has taken me a year
To write this review bc the ending left me…. Well, empty. Furios. Bawling. Intrigued. Anxious.
Next week I will begin the final adventure of the glacian series and I’m not ready to let it go.
Chasm starts off bleak and daunting—in a good way, and as one would expect after the events of Ledge—from there, it pulls you in every direction. Oscillating between screams of joy and absolute rage, chasm has me teary eyed in my bed in the wee hours of the morning yelling HOW COULD YOU!!!! Over and over again.
I truly do not just say this for the sake of saying it (though, I loveeeee to yap) Stacey is one of my favorite authors. Ever.
Her writing is SO GOOD, and the way she is somehow able to write such an epic, high stakes tale whilst still having me laugh my a$$ off and curl my toes? Remarkable.
I’m not saying I’ve forgiven her for what she did AND WHAT SHE TRIED TO DO !!!!!!!
But, I can say I’m still in. I’m staying the frost and watching the chasm.
The cold is not alive, but the words in this book sure are.
To write this review bc the ending left me…. Well, empty. Furios. Bawling. Intrigued. Anxious.
Next week I will begin the final adventure of the glacian series and I’m not ready to let it go.
Chasm starts off bleak and daunting—in a good way, and as one would expect after the events of Ledge—from there, it pulls you in every direction. Oscillating between screams of joy and absolute rage, chasm has me teary eyed in my bed in the wee hours of the morning yelling HOW COULD YOU!!!! Over and over again.
I truly do not just say this for the sake of saying it (though, I loveeeee to yap) Stacey is one of my favorite authors. Ever.
Her writing is SO GOOD, and the way she is somehow able to write such an epic, high stakes tale whilst still having me laugh my a$$ off and curl my toes? Remarkable.
I’m not saying I’ve forgiven her for what she did AND WHAT SHE TRIED TO DO !!!!!!!
But, I can say I’m still in. I’m staying the frost and watching the chasm.
The cold is not alive, but the words in this book sure are.
July 23, 2023
After reading the first book in The Glacian triology Ledge which I devoured in every spare moment and left me speechless. I jumped at the chance when it came up on my dash board. Chasm the second book yippee!!!! This book was so much more than I was expecting. We still have the main characters Dawsyn and Ryon and her quest is to return to the Ledge and free her people. Who can she trust? What will be the consequences? Help comes from some very strange places. I devoured this book in one sitting, I have laughed, cried and literally shouted at this book. I feel like I have been an invisible bystander watching Dawsyn on this journey and I have loved every moment. All I want is the last book now Please!!!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Arc in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Arc in return for an honest review.
September 12, 2023
I was provided an ARC through NetGalley.
Chasm, the 2nd book in the Glacian Trilogy, continues to deliver an outstanding story in a unique world with life and death stakes. It is always difficult to review a book in the middle of a trilogy without inadvertently spoiling anything because it is usually filled with information that gives too much info from book 1 and lays the groundwork for the finale that is book 3. Suffice it to say that the issues presented as a cliffhanger in book 1 get resolved, and the freight train heading for a calamitous ending in the last of the trilogy has rail that has been well-lain. I can't believe we have to wait another year for the conclusion. Worth it!
Chasm, the 2nd book in the Glacian Trilogy, continues to deliver an outstanding story in a unique world with life and death stakes. It is always difficult to review a book in the middle of a trilogy without inadvertently spoiling anything because it is usually filled with information that gives too much info from book 1 and lays the groundwork for the finale that is book 3. Suffice it to say that the issues presented as a cliffhanger in book 1 get resolved, and the freight train heading for a calamitous ending in the last of the trilogy has rail that has been well-lain. I can't believe we have to wait another year for the conclusion. Worth it!
March 9, 2024
#1) Ledge ★★☆☆☆
2.75 ★
this did...... nothing. 400 pages of the characters sitting on a mountain. snooze!
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: f/f couple; Ryon (mc) is brown; Esra (sc) is nonbinary & uses he/him pronouns.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
September 28, 2023
i had so much fun getting back into this world with Dawsyn and Ryon. I read this in a day it’s easy to read and easily binge-able! I loved getting to know all of the characters better and the found family aspect was so sweet. The first book definitely focused more on the romance which I did miss a little in this one. There was also a big chunk of this book where there isn’t much action going on I enjoyed the time the characters had with one another but I missed that sense of urgency and tension that we had with the first book. Overall I enjoyed this and can’t wait for the third book!!! Thanks to the publisher for an arc.
September 21, 2023
LOST ITS WAY A BIT, BUT WAS SAVED BY GREAT CHARACTERS
If you know the term 2nd book syndrome, this book is a good example. I was super impressed by the first book and excited to get into this one as well, but it just felt a bit directionless. Thank god for the great characters, especially the secondary ones.
👍 What I Liked 👍
World Building: One of the issues I had with the first book was the lack of world building and background information on the Glacians. This book delivered, and I really enjoyed getting more into this universe, which is quite special and unique.
Characters: There are so many good characters to enjoy. Especially the secondary characters are strong and very well fleshed out. You really get a sense of them and come to care for them. I particularly liked Esra and Salem.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Plot: As others have remarked, I felt like the plot lacked direction. There was a lot of seemingly aimless wandering around. There didn't seem to be any point to anything the characters were doing, which made this book feel slow and drawn out. I would have loved more attention on Dawsyn's magical training, also in order to understand the magical system of this world even better. But that felt more like an afterthought than an actual plotline.
Drama: The drama between Ryon and Dawsyn was, to say the least, pointless. It felt extremely forced. As if McEwan needed to have some sort of tension in the book, so Ryon and Dawsyn had to have a falling out. Even if it was a quite pointless falling out. That was drawn out for far too long. And came to a way too abrupt resolution.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
If you know the term 2nd book syndrome, this book is a good example. I was super impressed by the first book and excited to get into this one as well, but it just felt a bit directionless. Thank god for the great characters, especially the secondary ones.
👍 What I Liked 👍
World Building: One of the issues I had with the first book was the lack of world building and background information on the Glacians. This book delivered, and I really enjoyed getting more into this universe, which is quite special and unique.
Characters: There are so many good characters to enjoy. Especially the secondary characters are strong and very well fleshed out. You really get a sense of them and come to care for them. I particularly liked Esra and Salem.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Plot: As others have remarked, I felt like the plot lacked direction. There was a lot of seemingly aimless wandering around. There didn't seem to be any point to anything the characters were doing, which made this book feel slow and drawn out. I would have loved more attention on Dawsyn's magical training, also in order to understand the magical system of this world even better. But that felt more like an afterthought than an actual plotline.
Drama: The drama between Ryon and Dawsyn was, to say the least, pointless. It felt extremely forced. As if McEwan needed to have some sort of tension in the book, so Ryon and Dawsyn had to have a falling out. Even if it was a quite pointless falling out. That was drawn out for far too long. And came to a way too abrupt resolution.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
September 12, 2023
I loved Ledge & couldn’t imagine the sequel topping it, however Chasm did that & then some! It picks up right where Ledge left off (I’m still so made at you for that ending Stacey) & takes off rather quickly. I was shocked, excited & dreading whatever cruel plot twist was in store. Dawsyn is a total Baddie & I just love her strong Will & fierce personality. She is slow to trust but when she does trust, you better not break it or sh’ll break your face… literally. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from Stacey & a physical ARC from Angry Robots Publishing back in May and have found it difficult to put into words how much I ADORE this book. I love the side characters just as much as the main characters & can’t wait for the final installment of soon to be one of my favorite series of all time! This book does also end on a TERRIBLE cliffhanger & all I can say is Stacy likes to hurt her readers & I doubt I can ever forgive her for all the emotional damage she has caused me… but I will happily read anything & everything she writes because I apparently like having my heart shredded into a million pieces. I definitely recommend checking out Ledge & Chasm, they are AMAZING!
March 20, 2025
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️! Here are my pros & cons:
PROS
➕ The side characters are so fun & really interesting (Esra is everything)
➕ This world is fascinating & super unique (IMO, at least I haven’t read anything like it) & I really enjoy the history/lore
➕ I liked where we got to at the ending as far as what the cast of characters was doing, challenge they faced, & where the next book is headed
➕ Big feelings with the losses of Baltisse & Gerrot 😭
CONS
➖ The MMC/FMC tension was a bit much & then resolved somewhat oddly - just felt a bit forced to sort of recreate some of the tension from book 1 & it just didn’t seem necessary given everything else going on
➖ Felt like we had a bit too much lying around time & feels like it maybe could have been a good 50 pages shorter
➖ I’m not a huge fan of all the sudden Dawsyn going from no magic to 2 magics… idk why but it just seemed forced even though her mage-ness was hinted at before
➖ Dawsyn & Ryon’s reunion was underwhelming
Will def read the 3rd when it comes out!
PROS
➕ The side characters are so fun & really interesting (Esra is everything)
➕ This world is fascinating & super unique (IMO, at least I haven’t read anything like it) & I really enjoy the history/lore
➕ I liked where we got to at the ending as far as what the cast of characters was doing, challenge they faced, & where the next book is headed
➕ Big feelings with the losses of Baltisse & Gerrot 😭
CONS
➖ The MMC/FMC tension was a bit much & then resolved somewhat oddly - just felt a bit forced to sort of recreate some of the tension from book 1 & it just didn’t seem necessary given everything else going on
➖ Felt like we had a bit too much lying around time & feels like it maybe could have been a good 50 pages shorter
➖ I’m not a huge fan of all the sudden Dawsyn going from no magic to 2 magics… idk why but it just seemed forced even though her mage-ness was hinted at before
➖ Dawsyn & Ryon’s reunion was underwhelming
Will def read the 3rd when it comes out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
I wasn't sure if this book could top the first one but it was so much more than I expected. What a wild ride! It kept me entertained the whole book. I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
Chasm is the direct sequel to Ledge, a great second entry on the Glacian Trilogy, written by the Aussie author Stacey McEwan. After the cliffhanger which supposed the end of Ledge, Chasm starts with Dawsyn Sabar in the cells, grieving the death of Ryon; but with the help of some friends she manages to escape from there.
But if we learnt something in Ledge, is that things are never simple for Dawsyn; escaping from the cells was only the first step, and liberating those in the Ledge is still one of her objectives. In order to get help, in company with some unexpected partners, she goes to Glacia; but changing the leaders doesn't really mean much after they manage to reach the power.
Inside the own Dawsyn, a battle is being fought, threatening to end with her; and while others can try to teach her how to control it, winning the control is only on her hands.
As a direct sequel, Chasm expands and goes deeper into many aspects of Terrsaw that we didn't explore in Ledge. Glacia is now under the control of the hybrids, but changing the reality for those on the Ledge will take more time; the pool is still too important due to its utility for hybrids.
Pacing itself is slower in comparison with the frenzy Ledge represented once Dawsyn gets selected; and while I miss some of the fight scenes Dawsyn stars, her own war still continues, as freeing those on the Ledge and changing the things on Terrsaw is still her goal. It's also less spicy, but honestly, I feel the character development is made in a better way than in Ledge.
If you liked Ledge, you will love Chasm; and trust me, you will finish this book wanting to sue the author because she cannot inflict so much emotional damage on her readers. I can't wait to see how The Glacian Trilogy is closed.
But if we learnt something in Ledge, is that things are never simple for Dawsyn; escaping from the cells was only the first step, and liberating those in the Ledge is still one of her objectives. In order to get help, in company with some unexpected partners, she goes to Glacia; but changing the leaders doesn't really mean much after they manage to reach the power.
Inside the own Dawsyn, a battle is being fought, threatening to end with her; and while others can try to teach her how to control it, winning the control is only on her hands.
As a direct sequel, Chasm expands and goes deeper into many aspects of Terrsaw that we didn't explore in Ledge. Glacia is now under the control of the hybrids, but changing the reality for those on the Ledge will take more time; the pool is still too important due to its utility for hybrids.
Pacing itself is slower in comparison with the frenzy Ledge represented once Dawsyn gets selected; and while I miss some of the fight scenes Dawsyn stars, her own war still continues, as freeing those on the Ledge and changing the things on Terrsaw is still her goal. It's also less spicy, but honestly, I feel the character development is made in a better way than in Ledge.
If you liked Ledge, you will love Chasm; and trust me, you will finish this book wanting to sue the author because she cannot inflict so much emotional damage on her readers. I can't wait to see how The Glacian Trilogy is closed.
July 20, 2023
Chasm picks up straight where Ledge leaves us and my goodness does McEwan keep us on our toes! I thoroughly enjoyed the inner monologue of our Main Character, Dawson, as she navigates the aftermath of book 1 and how she adjusts her identity as well.
I further enjoyed the aspect of discussions with loneliness, betrayal and the trust lost as well as finding trust within yourself to allow others to help! I find that many Fantasy Books try to nail this theme which at times fall flat for me but McEwan perfectly executes this here!
My only reason as to why it isn’t a 5 Star read is that at points I felt as though the plot wasn’t going anywhere, mainly towards the beginning of the third Act. While this kept me guessing as to what was going to happen it at times made me stop and start the book.
Overall, very enjoyable read while keeping it as consistent as the first one for me! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to be able to read this early!
I further enjoyed the aspect of discussions with loneliness, betrayal and the trust lost as well as finding trust within yourself to allow others to help! I find that many Fantasy Books try to nail this theme which at times fall flat for me but McEwan perfectly executes this here!
My only reason as to why it isn’t a 5 Star read is that at points I felt as though the plot wasn’t going anywhere, mainly towards the beginning of the third Act. While this kept me guessing as to what was going to happen it at times made me stop and start the book.
Overall, very enjoyable read while keeping it as consistent as the first one for me! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to be able to read this early!
January 8, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ good book overall but some characters were annoying and the middle of the book was long with basically nothing happening
March 15, 2025
This was a fun read in a unique world and I'm excited to read the next book!
August 9, 2024
{5/5}
× magic
× grief
× friendships
× hard choices
Oh god…. This second book was all I wanted and more.
I can’t say much so I don’t spoil anyone but this second book was even better than the first.
I was afraid of how will turn out the love relationship and the author handled it PER-FECT-LY.
Omg that end tho
× magic
× grief
× friendships
× hard choices
Oh god…. This second book was all I wanted and more.
I can’t say much so I don’t spoil anyone but this second book was even better than the first.
I was afraid of how will turn out the love relationship and the author handled it PER-FECT-LY.
Omg that end tho
September 13, 2023
4.5
The audiobook is narrated beautifully and the deeper look into all the characters and the world were great. Looking forward to the next one!
The audiobook is narrated beautifully and the deeper look into all the characters and the world were great. Looking forward to the next one!
September 8, 2023
I spend way too long reading this book but I just could't wait till I could talk about it!
Chasm is very difficult to review without giving anything away so I'll keep it very short and very mysterious.
We find Dawsyn having to go though a lot in this book. A lot of emotions, a lot of growth and a lot of pain. I love her character so much, she is a true baddie.
The Secondary characters are so entertaining and truly add to the plot of the trilogy.
I loved the ending! I saw a few reviews that were shocked, but I am really content and really looking forward to the next book!
Chasm is very difficult to review without giving anything away so I'll keep it very short and very mysterious.
We find Dawsyn having to go though a lot in this book. A lot of emotions, a lot of growth and a lot of pain. I love her character so much, she is a true baddie.
The Secondary characters are so entertaining and truly add to the plot of the trilogy.
I loved the ending! I saw a few reviews that were shocked, but I am really content and really looking forward to the next book!
January 25, 2025
boring.
December 3, 2023
Phew this was a slog.... It took me 3 months to read this tiny book. Really thought this series was a duology and tbh it should have been because this had no significant developments.
January 8, 2025
That ending 😭
This was a stellar second book. I always go into book 2 with a certain amount hesitation that it won’t live up to its predecessor. But this one surpassed book one. This world, the characters and the magic is done so well, imo. Dawsyn and Ryon are incredible MC’s but I absolutely adore the side characters as well. Baltisse has been a favorite in both books. The way the author describes the ledge and the chasm makes you feel like you are there with the characters. I truly love this series so far. Immediately starting Valley.
This was a stellar second book. I always go into book 2 with a certain amount hesitation that it won’t live up to its predecessor. But this one surpassed book one. This world, the characters and the magic is done so well, imo. Dawsyn and Ryon are incredible MC’s but I absolutely adore the side characters as well. Baltisse has been a favorite in both books. The way the author describes the ledge and the chasm makes you feel like you are there with the characters. I truly love this series so far. Immediately starting Valley.
March 29, 2025
This series has really surprised me it has good characters a really solid plot I love the found family and the banter it's action packed and your heart breaks for them you find yourself rooting for the characters and you won't be able to put this book down I'm obsessed this is so underrated I'd highly recommend this series
June 11, 2025
This book was quite good, but I simultaneously just wasn’t in the ✨mood✨ for it for the last 30% or so, so I’m going to hold off on reading book 3 until I’m in the mood for it. Once again, Stacey McEwan’s writing style is absolutely wonderful. This is definitely a slow-paced romantasy, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking of reading it.
Dawsyn kind of annoyed me in this book bc she took SO LONG to forgive Ryon. She definitely has a lot of trauma and trust issues, but the amount of time it took to move past the end of book 1 was a bitttt overkill. I did grow to love Ryon more in this book after feeling like he was lacking a bit in book 1.
The found family in this was definitely the highlight of the book, and I absolutely fell in love with side characters from book 1, as well as characters that were new to book 2. There were a couple of absolutely gut-wrenching parts pertaining to the found family, but I don’t want to spoil anything.
I’m glad that things were finally starting to happen at the end, and I’ll absolutely be reading book 3 in the future!
Dawsyn kind of annoyed me in this book bc she took SO LONG to forgive Ryon. She definitely has a lot of trauma and trust issues, but the amount of time it took to move past the end of book 1 was a bitttt overkill. I did grow to love Ryon more in this book after feeling like he was lacking a bit in book 1.
The found family in this was definitely the highlight of the book, and I absolutely fell in love with side characters from book 1, as well as characters that were new to book 2. There were a couple of absolutely gut-wrenching parts pertaining to the found family, but I don’t want to spoil anything.
I’m glad that things were finally starting to happen at the end, and I’ll absolutely be reading book 3 in the future!
May 29, 2025
Why must Stacey do something to me and why must i let her?
September 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. A perfect follow up to Ledge. The world building was amazing, and I adored how the story progressed. Fast paced but with a great, angsty slow burn that made me swoon. Can’t wait for book three! *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 14, 2023
So, I can’t properly write this review right now. But I will. I swear. I’m on the plane, I’m crying, and this was amazing.
I loooooved this book. Guys, this book/series is my absolute jam.
Ok plot: this picked up after the DEVASTATING cliffhanger from book one, in a very natural way. A natural, painful way. There was a lot of traveling or hiding in this one, which got a little slow-feeling to me. However, this allowed for everyone to interact more and also for people (Dawsyn) to have to sit with her feelings and feel them, which to her was the worst but for me was delicious. The political intrigue was great! The queens are the worst!!! Also there’s a bit of a twist over in the Glacian kingdom that I KNEW WAS GONNA HAPPEN.
Honestly this plot felt very second-book, but I do not mean that as a negative at all. Dawsyn still very badly wants to free the people of the Ledge, and this book is about how she is going to do that now that she’s on her own.
Ok characters: Dawsyn is the coolest. I mentioned above that girlie has time to feel her feelings in this one, and man does she hate those things. It was awesome. She has been through it, she is grieving, she is scared, people are expecting her to make decisions, and she also has to learn magic. So the way the author kind of forced our very feeling-allergic FMC to actually confront all of this was really nice. I thought it was super rewarding and helped fill in slower-plot points. Which is fair, I’d say that Dawsyn’s character growth is also part of the plot. Makes sense, right?
Ryon is of course not actually dead, but he did do a bad thing (from where Dawsyn sits) but he can explain it if she’d let him. It’s all very interesting. I’m so invested in these two and their inability to actually communicate but their ability to survive and thrive together despite that. Love it.
The other characters were very much a part of this book, which is a great strength. I’m sure some people will say found family, but I’m not sure if I’d apply that trope here. It is of course an excellent group dynamic, with people who are clearly each others chosen family. HOWEVER, it’s not quite important enough to the plot for me to say found family is one of the tropes. To be clear, not a negative! It was the right amount for the plot/Dawsyn! She can’t handle deep attachments! Allergies!
To finish, the writing style used in these books is so unique to me and so so so good! So good. It’s very short sentences, to the point, limited flowery language. Because of course, there’s no place in Dawsyn’s story for anything else.
There are some spicy scenes, and they were great. Cliffhanger again.
I received an eARC and this is my honest review!
I loooooved this book. Guys, this book/series is my absolute jam.
Ok plot: this picked up after the DEVASTATING cliffhanger from book one, in a very natural way. A natural, painful way. There was a lot of traveling or hiding in this one, which got a little slow-feeling to me. However, this allowed for everyone to interact more and also for people (Dawsyn) to have to sit with her feelings and feel them, which to her was the worst but for me was delicious. The political intrigue was great! The queens are the worst!!! Also there’s a bit of a twist over in the Glacian kingdom that I KNEW WAS GONNA HAPPEN.
Honestly this plot felt very second-book, but I do not mean that as a negative at all. Dawsyn still very badly wants to free the people of the Ledge, and this book is about how she is going to do that now that she’s on her own.
Ok characters: Dawsyn is the coolest. I mentioned above that girlie has time to feel her feelings in this one, and man does she hate those things. It was awesome. She has been through it, she is grieving, she is scared, people are expecting her to make decisions, and she also has to learn magic. So the way the author kind of forced our very feeling-allergic FMC to actually confront all of this was really nice. I thought it was super rewarding and helped fill in slower-plot points. Which is fair, I’d say that Dawsyn’s character growth is also part of the plot. Makes sense, right?
Ryon is of course not actually dead, but he did do a bad thing (from where Dawsyn sits) but he can explain it if she’d let him. It’s all very interesting. I’m so invested in these two and their inability to actually communicate but their ability to survive and thrive together despite that. Love it.
The other characters were very much a part of this book, which is a great strength. I’m sure some people will say found family, but I’m not sure if I’d apply that trope here. It is of course an excellent group dynamic, with people who are clearly each others chosen family. HOWEVER, it’s not quite important enough to the plot for me to say found family is one of the tropes. To be clear, not a negative! It was the right amount for the plot/Dawsyn! She can’t handle deep attachments! Allergies!
To finish, the writing style used in these books is so unique to me and so so so good! So good. It’s very short sentences, to the point, limited flowery language. Because of course, there’s no place in Dawsyn’s story for anything else.
There are some spicy scenes, and they were great. Cliffhanger again.
I received an eARC and this is my honest review!
June 5, 2024
Forgoing a synopsis in hopes of not including spoilers for those that have not read book one.
Chasm is the sequel to McEwan’s debut fantasy Ledge and let me just start by saying wow because as far as sequels go this one was great! Chasm brings all the adventure, action, friendship, swoon worthy spice, and explorations of light and dark magic that I absolutely crave in fantasy books. The plot picks up right where we are left with Dawsyn now locked in a dungeon reeling from the devastating events of book one. Without a doubt I loved the deeper world building and character development. It truly picked up so much more in this installment. The added history, lore, and emotion are exceptionally well done. While I could see some saying the pacing is a tad slower than book 1 I however appreciated this greatly. This aspect allowed for more focus to go into the emotions our characters were navigating such as grief, guilt, loss, strange new powers, and especially trust. Trust that was lost and then found again, renewed with the support of friends. To see Dawsyn grow in this way after living her life so self reliant truly showed a more vulnerable side to her. Even with these added emotional struggles Dawsyn still continues to be total bad ass FMC, who would cut down anyone who stands between her and her allies. The found family you get a taste of in book one returns and really shines in this sequel. I have to say Ezra and Salem are some of my favorites despite being considered side characters, I just adore their banter with one another so much. The romance aspect does take a bit of a smaller role with less spice but to me the story development as a whole grows so much greater that I did not miss this aspect. The last quarter of the book had me racing to get to the end that left me again reeling with a huge cliffhanger that I will not be able to recover from until I get my hands on the final installment in this trilogy Valley in September. Basically I need everyone to be in the same amount of emotional distress as me and to please read this amazing series that Stacey McEwan has created!
Chasm is the sequel to McEwan’s debut fantasy Ledge and let me just start by saying wow because as far as sequels go this one was great! Chasm brings all the adventure, action, friendship, swoon worthy spice, and explorations of light and dark magic that I absolutely crave in fantasy books. The plot picks up right where we are left with Dawsyn now locked in a dungeon reeling from the devastating events of book one. Without a doubt I loved the deeper world building and character development. It truly picked up so much more in this installment. The added history, lore, and emotion are exceptionally well done. While I could see some saying the pacing is a tad slower than book 1 I however appreciated this greatly. This aspect allowed for more focus to go into the emotions our characters were navigating such as grief, guilt, loss, strange new powers, and especially trust. Trust that was lost and then found again, renewed with the support of friends. To see Dawsyn grow in this way after living her life so self reliant truly showed a more vulnerable side to her. Even with these added emotional struggles Dawsyn still continues to be total bad ass FMC, who would cut down anyone who stands between her and her allies. The found family you get a taste of in book one returns and really shines in this sequel. I have to say Ezra and Salem are some of my favorites despite being considered side characters, I just adore their banter with one another so much. The romance aspect does take a bit of a smaller role with less spice but to me the story development as a whole grows so much greater that I did not miss this aspect. The last quarter of the book had me racing to get to the end that left me again reeling with a huge cliffhanger that I will not be able to recover from until I get my hands on the final installment in this trilogy Valley in September. Basically I need everyone to be in the same amount of emotional distress as me and to please read this amazing series that Stacey McEwan has created!
August 9, 2023
Chasm is book two of the Glacial trilogy. It starts off right after the cliffhanger of the book Ledge. The book started out a bit slow but as more characters from the first book started showing up, the plot moved right along. Usually not much happens in second books of trilogies but there was plenty of action and revelations in this book to keep me reading.
I really enjoyed having more Baltisse involved as well as Ruby. They and the other side characters make the story so much better than having Dawsyn alone. The romance is not a large part of this book but I didn't miss it because of all the friendships that were developed instead.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher (Angry Robot) for the ARC.
I really enjoyed having more Baltisse involved as well as Ruby. They and the other side characters make the story so much better than having Dawsyn alone. The romance is not a large part of this book but I didn't miss it because of all the friendships that were developed instead.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher (Angry Robot) for the ARC.
September 8, 2024
“But she can be willing. She can be brave. She can repay the lives she’s taken with lives that should be saved. Before she dies, she’ll nod toward the reinstated good and say ‘See I saved more than I took. Are we not even? Am I not made of many shades?’
She can keep fighting. She can do this much.”
So I devoured this one. And not just because I have Valley (book 3) waiting on my kindle. This book moves so fast and I simply couldn’t put it down.
I looked back at my review for Ledge and saw one of my issues was a lack of characterization. But this book really took up the mantle and delivered. We got a lot more backstory about almost every character which was fantastic. The world-building felt even better and more developed. I loved that a “found family” really took shape. Dawsyn’s stubborn nature was a little heavy-handed in my opinion but ya know she came around eventually. I loved the dialogue. I loved all of our new characters. I just really had a great time. I’m excited that I already have Valley in my hands so I don’t have to wait to see how it all ends.
She can keep fighting. She can do this much.”
So I devoured this one. And not just because I have Valley (book 3) waiting on my kindle. This book moves so fast and I simply couldn’t put it down.
I looked back at my review for Ledge and saw one of my issues was a lack of characterization. But this book really took up the mantle and delivered. We got a lot more backstory about almost every character which was fantastic. The world-building felt even better and more developed. I loved that a “found family” really took shape. Dawsyn’s stubborn nature was a little heavy-handed in my opinion but ya know she came around eventually. I loved the dialogue. I loved all of our new characters. I just really had a great time. I’m excited that I already have Valley in my hands so I don’t have to wait to see how it all ends.
November 15, 2024
This was… exhilarating. Infuriating. Tense. Heartbreaking. But also hopeful and joyful and even a little funny. I enjoyed every chapter, the twists and turns it took and the POVs we were granted that added an extra layer to the story.
Ledge had me by the throat, but Chasm had its hands tightly wound across my heart, constantly threatening to squeeze. I felt so on edge (pardon the pun) reading this with almost no idea where the plot would lead. For someone who usually has the ending figured out by the second act, it’s always refreshing to find a book that trumps you.
That being said, the characters absolutely carry this series for me. Each one brining something different to the story, very much a merry band of thieves coming together for one goal, but somehow making the most dire scenes brighter with their connection to one another. The sense of found family brings so much warmth to an otherwise cold story.
I’m going to need a minute before diving into Valley, that ending got me good.
Ledge had me by the throat, but Chasm had its hands tightly wound across my heart, constantly threatening to squeeze. I felt so on edge (pardon the pun) reading this with almost no idea where the plot would lead. For someone who usually has the ending figured out by the second act, it’s always refreshing to find a book that trumps you.
That being said, the characters absolutely carry this series for me. Each one brining something different to the story, very much a merry band of thieves coming together for one goal, but somehow making the most dire scenes brighter with their connection to one another. The sense of found family brings so much warmth to an otherwise cold story.
I’m going to need a minute before diving into Valley, that ending got me good.
September 1, 2024
Chasm was so much fun yet full of angst and absolutely gutted me at the end. I’m so glad I waited to read this until I got my hands on the last book, because if I had to have waited to read Valley after that ending, I would’ve rioted!! The more I read about Dawsyn, the more I see myself in her and I love her character so much. Ryon continues to be wonderful and I just love all of Stacey’s characters so much. This trilogy is really shaping up to be one of my favorites. However, Stacey….WE NEED TO TALK!!! That ending???? Do you have no concern for my emotional health????? I’m devastated and emotionally damaged - yet I understand why specific choices were made. A good book usually hurts me a bit emotionally, so surprisingly, this just adds more points for how great Chasm was. My only complaint is that I find the lovey dovey relationship crumbling due to a secret, past betrayal or withholding of info is a little over done in romantasy BUT I’m not mad at it, just hoping it doesn’t repeat in Valley.
Thank you to Angry Robot and the author for sending me an early copy!
Thank you to Angry Robot and the author for sending me an early copy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 928 reviews