This is book two in a series. Because I have not read book one, I am going to be rating this a 5 star. I could not understand everything that was happening and it was just because I didn't read book one!

“Seal your eyes and sleep,
Still your lips, cease your breath;
Lie where sorrow dares not be,
Free from the hands of death.”

Thank you Stacey McEwan, NetGalley and Angry Robot, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.

We pick up right after cliffy from book 1 - Dawsyn being imprisoned, feeling betrayed and grieving loss of Ryon. Unrest in town, uncertainty for the people of Ledge and her own turmoil with her inner feelings - it's all very messy to say the least. How can I explain this - the pacing and plot was moving yet it was slow at the same time. I'm confused myself man.

Without spoilers - I rolled my eyes a lot due to miscommunication and overly used anger issues towards certain someone (while the person in question seemed too 'weak 'for me).. I get that author needs to create drama and layers, but in this instance - whyyy? I tried my best to like Dawsyn and feel the typical connection for the characters and plot, but alas, I did not. As this is a trilogy, I assume the culmination will be all time high in the next book, but I felt slump creeping my way while I tried to finish this.

All in all, Chasm is not a bad book. It's quite well written, but it does not work for me anymore. I did like Ledge, as it felt sort of unique and fresh. But Chasm fell flat for me.

3.25-3.5, rounded down to a 3

I'm grateful for the ARC thanks to the cliffhanger at the end of Ledge. I didn't really see that twist coming. Luckily I was able to read Ledge and Chasm back to back so I didn't have to wait to see what befell our protagonists. Chasm picks up with the story right after the events of Ledge, and like the first book doesn't take too long to get into action. Also like the first book, the middle sort of meanders in the plot. Chasm brings some of the side characters from Ledge into more of the forefront and gives even more POVs this time around. I was happy to learn more about Baltisse and her story.

Like many other trilogies, this book does suffer from second book syndrome. While there are some significant reveals and the plot moves forward, it's easy to see how this book is really more set up for act three. Dawsyn's inner turmoil and complete inability to talk about it started to grate on my nerves in the meandering middle, and I audibly groaned the moment "Girl" came back into use in the conversations.

I have enjoyed the easy read of both Chasm and Ledge and will definitely be reading the third book as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for the eARC

Well Stacy I’m mad that you killed off my favorite character! This was really good though and the journey through different parts of the land as well as the character growth was really nice. We do loose a handful of people in the journey but they all work to build the overall story. Dawsyn grows as a character and we learn some new truths about her. I really enjoyed learning more about different people in this book to grow the world Stacy is building as a whole. Can’t wait to see where the tale goes from here!

"'Unlikely' seems to be your whole entire persona, Dawsyn. "

After the cliffhanger at the end of ledge (ha ha), dawsyn finds herself in a prison of stone and rage, betrayed but not broken. She looks to save her friends and all on the ledge, with new and old allies, and a new winged enemy. Sometimes to rise above, one has to travel through the chasm.

I am ancient and not a booktok-er, and one would think these books would not be for me style wise but something just works. The style is almost mythic-not overly descriptive but somewhat formal, (at least until esra and salem) it reads like a very old book of fairytales. And somehow that just works. Complicated Dawsyn Sabar and her feelings are just everything.

Thanks so much netgalley/angry robot for this ARC!

I have loved continuing to read about Dawson’s journey. I loved the twists that were revealed in Chasm although thought that perhaps more could have occurred in the middle. It seemed like a lot of waiting. That being said overall I loved this continuation of The Glacian Trilogy and can’t wait for the next book.

I really enjoyed Ledge, and after that ending I have been absolutely salivating for Chasm.

There was a lot that I loved about this second installment in the series, but first I want to just note that the pacing was slow compared to the previous book, and I did struggle a little at the halfway mark to really get into things. Other than that, I enjoyed the unexpected change of direction with the plot. Lots of twists that I didn't see coming, and although it felt like there was less tension and focus on the romance, the banter was still just as good.

Another brutal ending that had me absolutely shook. I can't wait for the next book!

A brilliant follow up to Ledge.

I will start off by saying this book probably suffers a bit from middle book syndrome, the characters sort of jump around in circles a bit not really doing much of anything, you can tell its just one big set up for the final book.

That being said I was not bored for one minute this book kept me hooked from start to finish. I just loved the storyline and the characters, I loved that we saw more of the side characters this time around and really got those found family vibes.

Absolutely dying for book 3 already!

I think this series is well written and unique. However, I don’t think this series is for me. I haven’t been able to connect to the characters and I can’t find myself caring at all about the plot.

Thank you Angry Robots and Netgalley for the arc!!

This book starts out right back into the thick of it after that dramatic cliffhanger in Ledge. This entire book was just me saying I would hate to be them right now. Someone is always hurting mentally or physically, which really shouldn’t be a surprised based on how dreadful their world started in the first book. Yet I still found myself physically reacting at times to their less than desirable circumstances.
The romance in this book is not where it was in the first book, as there’s a situation in place between Ryon and Dawsyn that was rather frustrating at times. But the characters growth and friendships among everyone are still there to be admired. Esra and Salem are still just as wonderful to read about and watch their banter. Plus, we have new characters to love!

All together, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I am a glutton for mental anguish and need the next book!

Amazon Summary
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…

Revist the characters you've come to love, dive deeper into the Kingdom of Terrsaw and await the surprises Stacey McEwan has in store for the second book in The Glacian Trilogy.

My Review
This is such a good read. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this was just as good. I love how the relationships progress with all the characters and I really dislike the bad guys. I look forward to seeing how the series finishes in the next book.

After the cliffhanger in Ledge I think everyone is dying to know what happened to Dawsyn and Ryon and thankfully it starts right where it ended. Dawsyn in cells, grieving for the loss of Ryon and a town in turmoil over the return of their lost princess.

The first quarter of the book is so engaging and fast paced I was addicted immediately. This can also be said for the last quarter of the book. It does suffer from middle book syndrome with a lot of nothing happening in between but obviously being set up for book three. Characters such as Ezra, Salem and Baltisse were certainly entertaining and I liked finding out more about hybrids. Dawsyn goes through lots of inner turmoil and had very conflicting feelings that did end up to be a bit of an eye roll at times.

Although I did find the middle section fairly slow and Dawsyn pretty annoying, I love this series, the uniqueness of it and I look forward to book three.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in advance in exchange for an honest review.

Chasm picks up a few weeks after the events of Ledge, we find Dawsyn being held captive by the Queen's. I enjoyed this book more than I did Ledge, we got a lot more character development & in my opinion the world building that was missing from book one. I have rated Chasm 4 stars and I will defiantly be continuing with this series.

**ARC received via NetGalley**

Thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was super excited to get this ARC as I had just finished Ledge and wanted to jump in after the insane cliffhanger!

The third person present tense is not my favorite style to read, but the story was engaging enough that I could look past it.

Knowing this is a trilogy, it’s no surprise that the book suffers from a mid-series slump. So much of it is a set-up for book 3 and I will admit that some of the characters’ choices greatly annoyed me. I realize she needs to get them to where they need to be for the finale, but some of Dawsyn’s choices came across as cowardly which didn’t really ring true to the character she was portrayed to be. Yes, she is afraid of being vulnerable, but being afraid of facing enemies head on seemed like a plot device to prolong the story.

Overall the book moved a lot slower than the first but I still enjoyed the journey. I definitely look forward to seeing how this story concludes.

Chasm
Rating: 5 stars
A favorite read of 2023! In some series, the sequels make me lose interest, but Chasm is just as captivating as Ledge. I couldn’t put it down, and I am dying for the next book!
Character Development: Dawsyn is fierce, brave, and perfect in her imperfections. She experiences many setbacks and defeats, but overcomes them with great strength. Morally grey, Dawsyn is the perfect balance of darkness and light.
An appropriate amount of time was spent developing the supporting characters. Salem and Ezra provided excellent comedic relief. Baltisse, Ruby, and Yennes were all memorable and well-developed individuals.
Writing and Pacing: Stacey McEwan’s writing is fabulous as usual. It flows well with a unique poetic quality. I was never bored. There were plenty of interesting twists that kept me on my toes, and it was great to learn more about this world.

7.5/10

Chasm kicks off right where Ledge left off and wastes no time getting right into things. From the beginning things look grim and that tone stays for most of, if not all of, the whole book. I don't want to say TOO much given the cliffhanger that Ledge ended on, but I will say that the story in Chasm continues to feel realistic. Yes it is a fantasy novel and while the magic and winged humanoids may not be realistic the relationships, emotions, and actions of the characters all feel realistic. Stacey McEwan has once again done a great job of writing relatable and realistic characters and emotions, as well as a story packed with action, deception, and of course romance.

There may have been some instances of "middle book syndrome" in Chasm where details were set up for the next book, and parts of it were slower to allow for further character development, but it didn't feel oppressive or boring as some middle books do. Moreover the story once again ended with a scene that while not necessarily a "cliffhanger" definitely has me itching for book 3.

Minor spoiler ahead (world building character's name)
[As a follower of Stacey McEwan on Instagram and a lover of her "Turning my husband into a fictional man" videos I appreciated Dawsyn’s ancestor (who is described as a great and selfless man) being named Cazriel!

I just finished reading Chasm by Stacey McEwan. Thanks to Angry Robot for letting me read this free ARC via NetGalley.

I heard about Ledge when it was newly released, but only recently got around to reading it. I only wish I had read it sooner because I really enjoyed it. Luckily, that allowed me to read the ARC of the sequel a few weeks later. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed reading it. It focused on the plot and the character arcs, but the romance was important as well. I liked the humor which helped when the pace slowed down in the middle portion. My only criticism is that Dawsyn's training was a bit repetitive. The end picked up the pace and was action-filled and satisfying, though there are definitely loose ends to address in the next book. I look forward to it.

I recommend this for people who like fantasy with romantic elements, touches of humor, magic, and action and who prefer prose that is more on the spare side. Also, I appreciated the inclusion of queer rep in this and the first book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher to providing me an advanced e-copy of this book to read. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Overall, this book was fine - not my favorite read of the year for sure, but worth the read. I had high expectations after Ledge, and I don't think this book quite lived up to them.

First, the positives. Probably my favorite part of this book was Baltisse! She definitely gets the MVP award in this book. She's funny, she was the most interesting to read about, she had a great arc, and she by far did the most to move the plot forward. I also really enjoyed much of the background information we got in this book about the magic in this world and its history. The world building and the magic system are definitely strengths of this series.

A large portion of the book was Dawsyn working through her own problems internally, which is not necessary a bad thing, but it felt like we didn't get much from other characters (with the notable exception of Baltisse). My largest problem with the book is that it felt like most of the book was characters sort of aimlessly wandering. (Brandon Sanderson would call it a promises/payoff issue.) It felt like the characters didn't have anything to do for largeish portions of the book while plot points like Dawsyn learning to use her magic and certain characters' relationships were resolved. Most of the excitement was in the first and last 10% of the book, and I found the middle to lull a bit.

Overall, it was a fine second book in a trilogy, despite suffering a bit from second book syndrome, and I will be looking forward to reading the final book in the series!

I reviewed the book Chasm by Stacey McEwan and gave it 3 stars. I was very excited to read Chasm directly after finishing The Ledge. Overall, I really enjoyed the deeper look into the consequences of the first book. There was minimal world-building as most was estabp8shed in the first book. We also got a closer look at some of the beloved characters from the first book. I was very surprised at the direction this book took. I was really expecting it to continue along the same lines of getting back at the Queens.

The book started with Dawsyn getting rescued by her friends. It was a very satisfying beginning to the book. Dawsyn's struggle to figure out her complicated feelings about Ryon's betrayal and death was also very interesting. The introduction of Ruby to the party was nice although I didn't really get as emotionally attached to her as some of the others.

The middle of the book was where it started to slow down for me. After Ryon returns and the group goes through a number of disappointments, the story began to drag. I really struggled with Dawsyn's continued rejection of Ryon even after he explained what actually happened with the Queen. Also, I fround myself getting really frustrated with Dawsyn around this time. Them finally coming back to each other at the end was much more satisfying, but felt like it was a long time coming.

The last few chapters and conclusion of the book helped to bring together some of the book. The ending was equal parts heartbreaking but with a hope for the future of the people from the Ledge.

After such a mind blowing cliffhanger in Ledge, I was absolutely salivating for this sequel! We pick up right where we left off...in a bit of a mess! Our girl Dawsyn is imprisoned and not doing too hot and Ryon is apparently dead! Dawsyn is still determined to free her people on the Ledge and with the help of friends she finally gets out of the whole imprisonment situation and sets off on her journey. I'm just going to go ahead and spill the beans now so definitely stop reading this review if you don't want spoilers. I mean I think we as an audience know that Stacey is not THAT heartless as to leave us with Ryon dead, so yeah he's actually not dead dead thanks to the iskira him and Dawsyn drank in Glacia.

Once they are reunited the tension is absolutely awful and heartbreaking. Yes he kept things from her but Ryon is still sweet devoted Ryon and it's crushing his soul that Dawsyn hates him now. Dawsyn is beyond angry and bitter at him and her self hatred is creeping in a bit too. Oh my god this is the pain I live for when reading books. Call me a masochist but this back and forth tension, the heartbreak, the tears whew! All that has me reading like my life depended on it just to get to a part where they can be reunited and back in love...it's just awesome I love it and Chasm does not fall short in that aspect! I did feel it dragged a bit towards the end there. Lots of things could have been edited down because I felts myself skimming ahead some. But really overall the pacing was okay.

Chasm was a solid sequel, I wouldn't say as good as the first but it was still solid. There is loads of stuff still left to be resolved so I feel the final book in the trilogy will be a whirlwind and I'm here for it! Thank you so much to Angry Robot Books for gifting me an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!