Member Reviews
Really loved the sneak peek and can't wait to read the full book! I will take the time to write a full review when I finish reading it. Thank you!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
The good: fast paced, great world building, fun side characters
The meh: took a while to hook me in/ get attached to the main characters, and the world feels so so small
Eagerly await book 2!!.
I have heard of the hype surrounding this title on tiktok. From what I have read, the first two chapters are engaging and I love the style of writing Stacy McEwan has. I am excited for the sequal!
I feel like this book was well written, just a bit too much like hunger games (as a concept) for me. I appreciate and acknowledge that the loneliness and harsh coldness of the environment were well portrayed, but unfortunately it didn't draw me into the book to read more.
I received the first two chapters of this book to sample on NetGalley.
The premise of the plot and the world building are both interesting and unique. The writing is okay. It gave me Hunger Games vibes, and I would recommend it for readers who liked those books - it definitely has dystopian fantasy elements.
Personally the story/characters didn’t catch my interest enough to continue the story and buy the physical book, so I think this will be a DNF for me, but more due to personal preference than due to anything particular about the book.
3.5 stars
Unique story line and interesting characters! It pulls you in quickly and keeps you interested with unexpected twists. Great for anyone who loves fantasy and enemies to lovers! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I only received the first two chapters to preview but was immediately hooked. I immediately ordered a copy of the book so I could continue the story.
The sample chapters gave me a chance to read the sneak peek of the world of Ledge. The writing is well as what I expected and it really does give a bit Hunger Games vibes. The FL Dawsyn wanted what's best for her in her life especially the situation where she was in. Though I hope to read more further of this character and the story as I get the physical copy!
I had seen this book ALL over booktok a couple of month ago but never got around to reading it, I loved being able to read this sample to see if I'd like the book before committing to it. After reading I can say with 100% certainty that I will love this book, I even ended up picking up a copy at Barnes and Noble a couple of days ago. I can't wait to read the rest of it.
This was a good book…I enjoyed the world building and story. The world Stacey built, Magic and creatures was definitely unique. The FMC was relatable and the love story was delicious.
This story had such promise with a unique plot but it fell short with the writing style. It was very confusing and written in a tense that I had a lot of trouble following. I unfortunately did not enjoy this book. I found the main character uninteresting and unlikeable. The world building fell short as well I just couldn’t envision with the author was trying to convey.
Only read the first two chapters and so far not impressed. Very intriguing idea but from the extract felt it didn’t really read well.
I have followed Stacey on TikTok for a couple of years, and I thought the premise of her book was original and interesting. I purchased Ledge when it first released but never got around to reading it. Then I was approved for an ARC of Chasm, so I had to read it before I could read and review Chasm.
Ledge tells the story of a small group of humans who, generations before, were herded onto the side of a cliff with no escape. Each season (twice a year), winged creatures known as Glacians show up and take several humans, who are never seen again. Until Dawsyn, the BAMF of the village, is selected by the Glacians. A half-Glacian, Ryon, helps her escape, but to where? For what?
This story was interesting, for sure. I really like McEwan’s writing style, and that’s part of what pushed me through two books in two days. But I definitely have questions. If the people on the ledge only receive provisions twice a year from the Glacians and have to forage the rest of the time, how is Dawsyn so strong? I get that she’s cunning and good with an ax, but there’s no way she’s getting enough sustenance off of the meager land that they have to survive the physical things that she does. I also have some concerns about the race issues. The pureblooded Glacians are completely white creatures, and they are the ruling class. The half-Glacians are described as having black skin, and McEwan has confirmed that they are, in fact, black. They are essentially enslaved by the pureblooded (white) Glacians. Is this fact not problematic? I know Piper CJ and several other authors were (rightfully) called out for this recently, but I haven’t seen anything about this particular series.
As far as queer representation, it’s pretty good. There are lesbian queens and a queer/non-binary character. I gave Ledge 3 stars. It was well-written and an interesting concept, but there were more questions than answers for me. And there was no spice to speak of.
Book Review 📚
Ledge by Stacey McEwan - 4/5 ⭐
So, I was sent the ARC for book 2 (Chasm) and me being me, didn't realise it was book 2. I obviously went and ordered Ledge on Kindle after reading a sample from NetGalley. Oh my. I do not regret my choices.
The cover for Chasm sold me, instantly. But Ledge is over here looking drop dead gorgeous! I always judge a book by its cover so main attraction is a win for me.
The detail in this book is INSANE! The character portrayals, the world building and the detail to each and every page is honestly mind blowing. It's not over done and it doesn't leave you sitting there not being able to set the scene in your head. I loved that the characters bounce off eachother and have some amazing, witty banter along the way.
For a debut novel, this is an incredible piece of work. McEwan really went above and beyond with this one and I can't wait to jump straight in to book 2 (already pre-ordered, even though I've got the ARC).
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
Loved the first few chapters. It has left me wanting more. The set up is amazing and I love the world building. Characters have a lot of depth already and the story is very intriguing. (I am not leaving review links as it is only the first few chapters not the full book)
After being randomly selected as a human sacrifice, instead of death, Dawsyn finds herself on a quest to save her people from their icy prison...
I only read a snippet but this was fine. It felt a little generic but I definitely see the potential for further stories in the world.
Dawsyn, a young woman who lives on the Ledge, is the last surviving member of her family. The Ledge is a frozen wasteland, where its residents barely survive, only to have to avoid the culling. The Glacians, winged creatures who rule the land, take humans from the Ledge as periodic sacrifices.
When Dawsyn is taken for the culling, she is befriended by a half-Glacian named Ryon. Can she trust him? What comes next for the pair?
What I liked: The world building was very simple, which I enjoyed as a novice fantasy reader. The writing style made for an easy and fast read. Some of the side characters were just as beloved as the main characters.
What I didn't like: Sometimes the pacing felt a little quick. I also find it slightly inconceivable that a girl from the Ledge would be so strong and skilled - but I guess the harshness of her environment made her so.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next!
I got to read the first couple of chapters thanks to NetGalley! I moved to purchase the book after this. The beginning of this book is a bit slow to get into. I felt that it took a long time for the story to really kick start into action. By no means was it boring, there was a lot said to set up the world and the views the main character had. It was good enough for me to purchase and want to know what happened after she got kidnapped. I do appreciate this story having a really strong female lead who knows how to take care of herself. This is definitely a good pick for customers who are looking for a fantasy that has romance and with a strong female lead!
This was so intriguing, I know its a sampler of two chapters to convince you to read the rest and it has worked on me, I am now adding the book to the ever growing wish list. To weave enough mystery and intrigue to 25 pages to convince a new reader is a skill and Stacy has delivered. We already have the incredibly strong female lead which is a favourite of mine and I cannot wait to find out the rest of Dawsyns story.
I was able to read a two chapter preview of this book through NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity.
Living in a frigid and hostile mountainside village, Dawsyn knows a life of solitude and struggle. When the seasonal ceremony in which a villager is selected by the fearsome guardians/ wardens of the village for purposes unknown comes to pass, Dawsyn is swiped from the mountainside and offered a chance at escape by one of her captors.
In the preview I was granted access to, most of the content is focused on characterization and world building. The reader definitely gets a sense for how hopeless and lonely Dawsyn feels at times and for how fierce and courageous she can be. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far and am looking forward to picking up a copy from my library soon.