The first few chapters captivated and hooked me in, but felt like it was any other enemies to lovers book, she gets captured he rescues her and they end up falling for one another, so whilst the start showed promising stuff it then reverted to the usual ways of doing things, saying that I did enjoy her way of writing and I did feel hooked in the first few chapters, alas I’m giving it 4 ⭐️ because the actual story was good, other than just I’ve seen it happen in 100 books before this one.

I just read the sample of Ledge, and I’m already hooked! The world-building is intriguing, the tension is immediate, and the writing pulls you in from the start. I can already tell this story is going to be full of intensity, survival, and unexpected twists. If the rest of the book is anything like these first pages, I know I’m in for a wild ride—I can’t wait to keep reading!

The Ledge by Stacey McEwan is a promising debut that hooked me from the start with its unique, icy setting and the intriguing concept of winged creatures stealing humans for their souls. Dawsyn, the strong, axe-wielding protagonist, is definitely a highlight—she’s tough, determined, and easy to root for.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic with Ryon, the quiet and stoic winged warrior, was engaging, though I’d have loved to see more depth in their relationship. The world-building was interesting, though at times a bit confusing, and while the pacing was slower in some parts, I still found myself invested enough to push through.

The romance is more of a medium burn, but it was still satisfying, and I’m excited to see how their story develops. While the book could’ve used more descriptive details and some tighter world-building, it’s a solid start to a series that I’m definitely looking forward to continuing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the free sample.
I just cannot get over how beautiful this cover is! I’ve had my eye on it for a while but hadn’t picked it up yet. I definitely will now! I’m intrigued by the world building and the set up just in the first two chapters. It is written in third person present tense which is challenging for me to get into but I’m interested to see how I feel about it as a whole book.

The first two chapters are really engaging and captivating! I’m excited to continue the rest of the book and see what all it has to offer!

This sample definitely drew me in! After getting adjusted to the third person narrative this story really startled to unfurl a unique and interesting world of survival and cold that our FMC Dawsyn must survive in. She is strong and is the last of her family but so determined to survive and help those she cares about. I’m excited to find out more about her and how she overcomes the seemingly insurmountable world she’s lived in her whole life.

Ledge reminds me a bit of the hunger games in terms of survival of the fittest, limited supply delivery, and an unknown stronger force controlling a smaller population that’s kept in the dark.

Will definitely be picking this book up to continue on!

"Princess Academy" meets "The Lottery" meets...oh, I'm going to have to think about that one. A more adult-oriented fantasy/dystopian book than "Princess Academy", in any case!

These sample chapters introduce us to the world of the Ledge, where a tiny civilisation perches on a cliffside, constantly battling the elements—and at risk of sliding into a crevasse—and a general lack of food, lack of trees, lack of resources. They're supported by the winged Glacians, which make regular supply drops...but never enough, and the Glacians' support comes at a cost: twice yearly sacrifices, villagers swept off by the Glacians to an unknown fate.

This (and the rest of the series—the second book is due out later this year) will likely appeal wildly to those who grew up with YA dystopia and are ready for something similar but smuttier, or for those who like fast-paced action in their fantasy worlds. I always appreciate sample chapters for giving me a sense of what to expect from a book, and this is no exception—an introduction to Dawsyn, to her world...and the knowledge that things are about to change for her, and quickly. For the most part I've gone in a different direction since moving on from the dystopian YA I once read a lot of (blame "The Hunger Games", probably), but had the wind shifted perhaps I would have ended up on a Ledge more often.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing this preview through NetGalley.

I’d seen this book while scrolling for some new additions to my TBR and a deadly chasm, winged species and a tough FMC definitely snagged my attention!

The opening is very Game of Thrones-esque, you know ‘Winter is coming’ kind of vibe - setting the scene of a mountain in the constant throes of frost and blizzards. We get a small insight into the origins of the Ledge that the villagers live on, through our main FMC Dawsyn and foreshadowing of what might be to come in this year’s selection when the Glacian’s return to wreak havoc and take their pick of the herd.

I’m definitely intrigued and would love to know what happens next!

Only reading the first two chapters definitely sucked me into this story! I will be adding this one to my tbr to continue reading in the future!

Really enjoyed this and cannot wait to read the next one in the series (whch i have just requested)
Her writing is so unique and phenomenal. I absolutely loved the storyline and could not believe that ending.

I liked the story so far and it has the potential to become really interesting. I am liking the female lead character so far and the setting. Im excited to see how the story plays out.

I think this story has the potential to be very interesting, but I couldn’t get past the clipped style of writing. From what I was given access to (the first two chapters), the premise seems interesting enough, with a main character tough as nails and independent. If you don’t get hung up on short sentences, then I’d recommend this. I personally could not get past how clipped the writing style seemed to be. Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for allowing me to read this sample of Ledge by Stacey McEwan!

The world of the ledge sweeps you right in, the survival and the cold tinged with the violence of just surviving. The mc’s narration takes us along her ‘normal’ day, but the fact that this isn’t unusual or marked in anyway shows the harshness of the world. She has two trees to keep herself warm over the winter and other people have less – this is a prison of the elements centred on survival.
I will be really interested to see how the book resolves, I can see so many different ways the world of the Ledge could be explored and taken and I’m eager to see which one the author chooses!

I really loved this book, I read it in one day! It's so good. I read a lot of fantasy so most books are becoming predictable but this one was an interesting twist beyond the predictable. The second can’t publish fast enough and I am actually thinking of rereading which I never do. Would definitely recommend if you like fantasy, a bit smut, enemies to lovers and fantastic world building.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a sample of the first two chapters of Ledge.

Mcewan's poetic prose will undoubtedly pull any fantasy reader in. I will definitely be seeking out a copy of the full book to continue following Dawsyn's story. After all, who could say know to a mighty axe welding FMC?

Aaaah this was fabulous through and through! Loved it! What a fun little taster! Need to read more for sure.

I only received a sample piece of this book but what I read sounds like an awesome book. Wish I had gotten to read more.

3.5. It’s hard to give a solid review since it was only two chapters. But we have a tough FMC who you can tell has been through hardship. I’m definitely curious about The Selection. It would’ve been 4 stars but the spicy scene within the first two chapters was a little odd.

2.5 stars, rounded up (very generously) to 3 stars.

I really wanted to love this book. After reading the initial excerpt on NetGalley, I was intrigued enough to download the audiobook and give it a proper shot. The premise seemed to tick all the boxes for what I usually enjoy in the romantasy genre, but sadly, it just didn’t live up to my expectations.

The book leaned heavily on some familiar tropes:
❄️ Stabby FMC
❄️ MMC with Rhys connotations
❄️ One bed
❄️ Perilous journey
❄️ Found family
❄️ FMC with a destiny

While these are elements I typically adore, the execution didn’t quite land for me. The story read a lot like ACOTAR fanfiction, which I understand might appeal to some readers, but it lacked the originality and spark I was hoping for.

I’ll admit the audiobook narration was solid, and I was committed to seeing the story through to the end. Unfortunately, it felt predictable, and the resolution left me indifferent about picking up the next installment. The world-building and character development weren’t complex enough to fully immerse me or keep me invested in the story.

While this book might resonate with readers who enjoy lighter romantasy with familiar beats, it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me.

I was so happy to get this sampler and I loved it so much that I went the book was published I purchased a physical copy. I definitely recommand reading the entire book