ok i need to read the rest of this book. i am absolutely obsessed just with this sampler and i need to know more. i couldn’t be happier this came up as this has been on my tbr for the longest time.

This book started off SO well - unbelievably well, in fact. It was addictive, fast-paced, dark. Then the protagonist falls for her captor within a few pages and it just snowballs into pure nonsense from there. While there are some really good scenes throughout the rest of the book, so much character development is glossed over by a weak relationship.

3.75 stars

The authors writing gripped me from the very first paragraph of Ledge. A sort of poetic style of writing that conveys the harshness of the landscape where Dawsyn (our FMC) lives.

Interestingly, we have already stated to see a spot of romance, but more in the format of fulfilling needs in a place with minimal people rather than with any emotional attachment.

Despite only reading the first 2 chapters that were available in this sample, I can tell that this is a book I’d love to continue to read and am now off to purchase the rest of Ledge on Amazon. I love it already, and it’s barely begun.

I have followed the author on social media for a while now and love watching g her funny videos. I have had her books on my TBR and was excited to see this available on NetGallery. Though it’s only the first two chapters, I am excited to read the rest, though it’s hard to give it a rating with so little of the story to read :)

These first two chapters were intriguing. The setting has piqued my interest, and the mention of the Selection raises questions. I've seen Stacey McEwan on instagram doom scrolls, but I had no idea she wrote books. I actually heard about this book and author from a Booktuber I follow, and I ordered a physical copy of Ledge - it just arrived. I was going to put it off but after reading this sample, I gotta know what's coming.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Sample!

*Ledge* by Stacey McEwan is an exhilarating dive into a brutal yet captivating world where survival is the only rule. From the very first page, you’re transported to the chilling, desolate landscape of the Ledge, where a civilization clings to life between a vast chasm and a sheer mountain face. The stakes are sky-high—both literally and figuratively—as Dawsyn, a fierce ax-wielding heroine, is thrust into the unknown.

The premise is immediately gripping: a world trapped by icy cliffs, bound by the whims of the fearsome Glacians who demand human sacrifices. McEwan’s vivid and atmospheric writing brings the frozen wasteland to life, making you feel the biting cold and the ever-present threat of danger.

Dawsyn is a standout protagonist. Her grit and determination to survive at all costs make her a character you can’t help but root for. When she’s chosen as a sacrifice and ripped from everything she’s ever known, her journey becomes one of not only survival but discovery—of the world beyond the Ledge and of herself. The tension builds as she encounters Ryon, a half-Glacian whose motives and loyalties are as enigmatic as the creatures themselves. Their alliance is fraught with mistrust and sparks of connection, making for a slow-burn romance that feels both earned and deeply satisfying.

The story is packed with high stakes and twists that keep you hooked until the very end. McEwan’s world-building is rich and imaginative, creating a universe that feels vast and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. The balance of action, suspense, and romance is masterfully done, making it impossible to put the book down.

For fans of gritty fantasy with strong heroines, morally complex characters, and a dash of romance, *Ledge* is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you, leaving you desperate for the next installment in this exciting new series. Highly recommended!

Powerful woman with an axe?! Yes please! I need the next book Chasm in the series like yesterday. Would be so fun to have sprayed edges on this

This is based on the 2 chapter preview ARC provided by NetGalley.

While the preview was very short, I enjoyed it. The writing style worked for me, and there was enough of a start to the worldbuilding to intrigue me. The characters seemed interesting. This is something I would consider continuing on with the rest of the book, however I was not yet hooked enough on plot in the two short chapters to feel the need to immediately prioritize this book.
3 star average rating as this is only a short preview and unable to fully review the book.

Never downloaded. Been having trouble downloading items.Would still like a copy to review.Would still like a copy to review.

Only had two chapters to review, so this won’t be too long.

The length was great for a bit of world setup and giving us a potential main conflict and grief for the book. It does seem a bit post apocalyptic which is not always my favorite….might get the full length novel a try.

Review for just the sampler :

Intriguing start, that quickly throws you into some heat and a build of the world. I’m intrigued by the selection and the overall purpose of it.

I’ve followed the author on instagram for a while and wasn’t sure what to expect from her writing as I mainly follow her for her funny sketches, so was pleasantly surprised by the more serious tone of her writing. It’s got great pace!

Will definitely continue with the book! Will add full review once finished.

I actually cannot believe this book isn’t raved about on the internet because that was WILD!! Stacey really came for the jugular with all those plot twists WOW. I adored the unique plot, the pacing in this was perfect, I ADORE all of the characters, the romance gave me all the tension I could ever want, the friends gave the best found family vibes. The world & the politics were so interesting & again the plot twists had me by the throat. I actually can’t finish the day without starting book 2. I should also note I finished this whole book in 1 sitting & will be doing the same with books 2 & 3. Thank you goodbye.

This author captivated me from the very beginning. She’s created a unique adventure in a singularly incredible world. I have no comparisons for this book because I’ve never seen a world like this, or creatures like this. But if you like found family adventures, characters who must overcome insurmountable odds, loveable characters (both main and side characters), fantastic dialogue, and ax-weilding women… well Ledge (and Chasm, and Valley, the follow up books) are right up your alley. I think I will read everything this author ever writes!

Can you imagine living on a cliff with little to no access to food and necessities? My fear of heights made this book a tense read from page one. And that was before the creatures that abduct people and lock them up. Dawsyn, a young woman on her own in this horrible, taxing environment, gets taken by one of the creatures only to find that the abducted aren't killed instantly. No, they are kept in cages and Dawsyn can only rely on a half-human man to help her escape.

Ledge by Statey McEwan is a great example of worldbuilding and characterization. The town Dawsyn grows up in is so wonderfully explored in the few pages before she is ripped from its (few) comforts. Dawsyn and Ryon are a wonderfully complex pair to say the least. Their romance helped soften both of them in my eyes.

I didn't realize this was just a part of the book. I was drawn in by what I did get to read. Will definitely be looking to finish it.

Ledge sadly lost its way for me in the last quarter or so - the first half was wonderful, but once the romance had started to resolve, with the action of the plot still waiting, a lot of small annoyances began to build and detract from the story.
I will start with the positives, of which there are a decent number - I really enjoyed the majority of this book. I loved the writing style, which hit a good balance between conversational and literary. The world-building was fascinating - the setting of the Ledge and its surroundings were so intriguing to me.
However, I found the romance aspect really pulled me away from what otherwise could have been a strong fantasy story. I'm not the best-placed person to comment on the complications presented by Raymon being the only prominent black character for the majority of the book... but it certainly rubbed me the wrong way regardless. I really disliked the way that Ryon refers to Dawsyn as "girl" - constantly, even once they are closer and she's expressed her distaste for it. It felt impersonal, and dismissive, and took me out of the story every time.
This is probably a personal taste issue (or maybe I'm too high up the Kinsey to appreciate them), but the sex scenes felt unnecessary - I skimmed them every time. They felt markedly impersonal in tone, and as someone who reads a fair bit of queer fantasy, and even queer fantasy romance, the emotional connection here seemed lacking in contrast.
On a more positive note, the ending managed to take me by surprise, and make me intrigued about what might be to come next in the series. I would certainly like to see more from this world.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4, based on the strength of the first half of the novel, and the potential of the sequel.

It was intense and the writing was really great. The depth with which characters were portrayed was phenomenal!!! Super excited for the book 2
Thank you Netgalley for an amazing read!

I’ll admit, I’ve had Stacey’s beautiful special edition of
Ledge on my book shelf for more and longer than I’m proud to admit. But NetGalley was that extra nudge to get me to read it and I’m glad I did. What a brilliantly written book and that cliffhanger! Onto book 2.

What can I say??? Dawsyn is feisty and I am here for it. I like the environment. I felt like that was something different that I had never read before. I enjoyed the relationship between Dawson and Ryon. The pace flowed nicely for the most part. There’s were instances where I felt like it slowed a bit too much. I’m looking forward to the next books in the series.

I find this book interesting. It was a good read for as much as was given to read. It did make me want to read the two books that are available.