Exploring Valley: Why This Story Stands Out
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The time has come: Valley, the final installment in Stacey McEwan’s epic Glacian Trilogy, has arrived, and trust me, it’s one for the books! As Dawsyn thought her journey couldn’t get any more intense, Valley delivers a climactic conclusion that sees food supplies running dangerously low, and her people’s hope for an awaited home fading as they face a daunting new king. With followers traipsing across perilous terrain and the truth about buried secrets ready to unravel, this trilogy finale keeps you glued to each page.
McEwan’s signature writing style draws you into the struggle, the fierce love, and the determination of Dawsyn, who must face everything that lies ahead for her people. If you loved Ledge and the pulse-pounding tension of the Glacian Trilogy, then Valley will be a new favorite that deserves a spot in your cart. Fans of Raven Kennedy’s fantasy worlds will adore this adventure—Stacey McEwan doesn’t just write stories; she crafts an experience that will linger long after the final page.
Title: Valley (The Glacian Trilogy, 3)
Author: Stacey McEwan
Format: Physical, ARC
Genre: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance
Pages: 478
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Spice Rating: 2 chili peppers
Food Running Low but a New Day Sits Upon the Light
A good book brings forth emotion. Whether love, hate, indifference, or tears. It makes you feel. I have gone through the gambit of emotion reading Valley. I was bored, happy, giggling, and frustrated. And as I write this review of Valley I am fresh of the fallen tears. The bestselling Glacian trilogy was not one that I foresaw myself reading. Picking up a copy of the first book almost a year ago. As one does it hit the shelves for another time. I fell in love with the first book in the series, deeper in love with the second but when it comes to Valley I have some qualms. But we will get to that.
The Glacian trilogy is told in third person. Giving the impression of a story told to you while holding you rapt with tension. Not a comforting tale that will lull you into safe sleep but one that will captivate and thrill you keeping you pondering and posing questions, wanting to turn the page to see what happens next.
“Fuck the Chasm. Let’s Get Out of Here.”
Chasm is even better than Ledge. The author’s writing prowess shines light on the darkest shadows bathing them in a wonderful glow. The entire trilogy is smooth and alluring. The words chill your body like dipping your toes in a refreshing stream. But Valley feels like it takes a step back into the beginning pages of Ledge. You should check out my full review of Ledge: On the Edge of the Ledge.
The first fifty percent of Valley’s cadence is slow. Trudging along at a snail’s pace. It desperately needs more movement. Dawyson and her followers traipse along through the Chasm and then develop an infection. It isn’t enough to propel the story the way it needs. ESPECIALLY coming off the end of book two. It didn’t quite give what was needed to keep you wanting to turn the pages. And thus, I found myself wanting to put it down. Not a hard DNF as I did plan on coming back to it but just a little something to break up the boredom (you know).
The entire Glacian trilogy should have shifted and made books one and two one book, made Valley the second, and then created a third book OR it should have been a duology. For the better part of Chasm, we spend it on the Ledge. We do not enter the Chasm until the last three chapters. And in turn that same fifty percent that was sluggish in Valley is spent in the Chasm. Again we do not spend time within the Valley until the last two chapters. It leaves you wanting more. More action. More romance. It feels like the pages are missing something.
“What We Cannot See, We Can Feel. She Still Exists. Not in this place, but the Next.”
Speaking of romance the Glacian trilogy is marketed as a romantasy. But that feels wrong. The romance feels secondary to the goings-on in the pages. It isn’t a bad thing, but there is more of a distinction with romantasy as if the romance is the plot’s driving force and it just isn’t. The title romantasy especially with this trilogy feels like a buzzword publishers throw into the mix. Is this a fantasy romance? Yes! Is it a romantasy? No, not quite. The fantasy elements take the front seat.
One highlight of author Stacey McEwan’s writing is the characters. They are written with great depth. They’re the kind of characters that you instantly love (or hate), burrowing into your heart and making a home there. Some characters annoy the hell out of you like Nevrak and then some like Esra and Salem that you can’t get enough of. One of my favorite parts about Valley (and the whole Glacian trilogy) is Esra, Baltisse, and Salem. Esra is a man that I want to be my friend. You can’t help but fall in love with them and jump for joy that they get their due shine in this installment. I honestly wanted more of them!
“Temptation only threatens those who lack heart.”
Another plus to McEwan’s writing is the way she does found family. As I mentioned, I am coming off tears. The kind that wells up in your eyes from emotion so built within you. Leaving thick tracks running down your face. And it was all because of the family that Dawyson found. It was also due to the wonderful ending but nevertheless, tears have fallen and I am not sad about it.
“We have lived.”
By no means was Valley a perfect story. There are moments that will warm your heart and make you pull out your hair. Even through all of my frustration with the story, I would still recommend it. If you liked A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen or Graceling by Kristin Cashore you would love this. And If you just want more of Stacey, don’t worry she has another book coming out in July 2025 called A Forbidden Alchemy. There isn’t a cover yet but it is said that it will be a duology!
Thank you to Angry Robot Books for sending me an ARC of Valley for my honest review. I had a wonderful time with this trilogy and I think you will too. Check it out!
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