This was such an exhilarating ride! Metal Slinger has all the best parts of your favorite romantasy series - a swoonworthy MMC, a loyal FMC who is learning to come into her powers, political conflict, found family, plot twists, betrayals… you name it! Rachel did such a unique and amazing job crafting this story that introduces the reader to bits and pieces of information to build up the world and lore all while choosing precise moments that maximize impact of these reveals. I adored each of the characters that were introduced and it becomes clearer as the story goes that each one has their own motivations that are driving their actions. The book ends on a crazy cliffhanger that we just know book 2 will start off with a bang! Highly recommend!

This book is for you if you like
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
- He falls first
- Elemental magic
- Touch her and die
- Plot twists
- Political intrigue

In my opinion, this is fantasy romance at its best, and I was completely absorbed from the moment I began reading. The author skillfully incorporates classic romantasy tropes, with a notable emphasis on fated mates. I was immediately drawn into the narrative, and for those seeking a beginner-friendly romantasy, this is an excellent choice. The magic system is remarkably well-developed, and the male protagonist is particularly compelling, with subtle mannerisms that betray a deeper obsessiveness.

Although the pacing becomes slightly sluggish between 50-70%, my enthusiasm for the book's concept and storyline led me to award it a full 5 stars, making it one of my top recommendations for the year.

I'm sure you've seen the hype on this one, especially in you're in the romantasy booktok/bookstagram algorithm. And let me tell you, the hype is worth it with this one. Rachel has created an immersive fast paced novel that will leave you wanting more. We start with Brynn and her sea faring people as they visit the market to trade with the people of Kenta who live on land. Things go wrong and we meet a handsome soldier (surely he won't come back into the story). But afterwards, she and her friends return back to their home of Alatha and things pretty much go downhill for Brynn from there.

As Brynn learns more about the continent and her own people, it allows us the readers to learn more about the world with her and I always love that. The magic system is also so well done and I really enjoyed that. Brynn and Acker's relationship growth is so fun to watch as they go from true enemies to reluctant allies to lovers.

I was warned about this ending but I was not fully prepared for this plot twist. I had to gather myself together before I could continue. I have so may questions and I need more now! I'm so excited for the sneak peek that will appear in the paperback next month!

This book is a must read for any romantasy fan and includes enemies to lovers, slow burn, magical awakening, and a plot twist that will blow your mind.

Seriously. This book. Wow.

Metal Slinger had been on my TBR for a while so when I was able to grab the ARC I was all over it.
It did not disappoint.

The characters were great, the worlds was interesting, the magic system was all kinds of fun.
The twist...... maddening...in all the best ways!

Ms. Schneider, I really, really need book 2!

Thank you so much to Rachel Schneider and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for the eARC of this book! This book is so perfectly fast paced that I read it in no time. I couldn't put it down! I loved watching the relationship grow between the FMC and MMC. It has forced proximity, an interesting magic system, and a crazy plot twist! Highly Recommend!

I give kudos to these people as I get seasick… so being on the water ALL THE TIME? My literal nightmare.

Anyway I’m convinced I can’t pay attention with ebooks. I kept getting distracted which is not good because this book is fast paced and needs all of your attention.

That being said I enjoyed the plot and was fascinated by the intricacies of the magic and the different kingdoms (and the politics between them).

I enjoyed watching the relationship grow between the fmc and mmc. While obviously this is a magical realm there are other forces that bond people, but their relationship seemed to grow naturally.

I really liked the side characters. I almost liked them more than the main characters 😂

As for the ending…. I hated it. Not for the writing but I hate cliffhangers😭
That aside it actually was very good and now I MUST know what happens next.

5⭐

Thank you to Rachel Schneider, St. Martin's Press, Saturday Books & NetGalley for the ARC!

This is an absolute classic romantasy. It hits all of the right tropes, makes you feel all tingly, warm and fuzzy, and then rips your heart out. There’s elemental magic, wars brewing, rebellions, bonds, a baddass FMC, and a charming as hell MMC. We also have several side characters that completely won me over.

The overall plot was fast paced and easy to follow, while also being very character driven. Much of the focus is on the developing relationship between our two main characters and the journey they go on. And I was sat for it. The tension was excruciating, but the reward was so worth it. I adored Brynn. She was quippy, flexible and adaptable to every challenge she faced, all while falling for the smart mouthed Acker. Acker was charming as fuck and so many of his lines had me cackling (ie: “I’ll hogtie you if I have to”).

I’m not even going to elaborate on the ending. Just know I felt completely bamboozled. I will think about this ending for years to come. I honestly had NO IDEA. And boy, did Rachel get me. I fucking loved it. So fucking painful. But I’m a sucker for pain I guess.

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the magic system, the world and it has one of the most interesting fated mates bonds I’ve read about, so unique and interesting and I couldn’t get enough of it. I absolutely loved the characters and cared for them all, especially Blue! The romance was beautiful, their connection and the slow burn was perfect. Now the ending, what a fun and unique plot twist, I’m glad it turned out the way it did and can’t wait to see where it takes us in the next book.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing the arc.

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WHAT was that ending though? I’m a little hurt. I knew there was a plot twist at the end but I never expected that! So ready for the next book to find out what happens.

I love our two main characters and all the side ones we were introduced to. The world is very interesting and unique as well. I loved how the magic system worked and the build up between Brynn* and Acker.

This book deserves all the hype it is getting! That ending leaves me unsure of how to rate it overall as I was just not expecting that ending AT ALL.

You will love this book if you enjoy
✨ Tension and banter
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Interesting magic system
✨ Fun side characters
✨ Political intrigue
✨ CRAZY plot twists
✨ Fast plot

Not quite a five star for me because I’m a little mad at that ending as it changes EVERYTHING, but fingers crossed book 2 makes up for that!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this arc. All opinions are my own.

The premise of this story was so interesting, and I enjoyed the majority of it. The author is a great storyteller, and it was so easy to become engrossed in the read and invested in the protagonist’s journey. It was heartbreaking and suspenseful and full of danger, betrayal, and morally grey characters. I also liked the worldbuilding and magical elements. It was fascinating to see characters wield different elemental magic and how different kingdoms treated magical and nonmagical people. The story had a lot of political intrigue and threats of war, which added to the tension and suspense, and I like that the story went in unexpected directions.

I was actually really enjoying this book until I neared the end, and then it was a total letdown for me. The twist made no sense, and it felt way too unbelievable when you look at the actions, relationships, and conversations leading up to it. Considering we get the story from Brynn's perspective and get her inner monologue, there should be some hints about her true feelings and plans. It made me kind of mad, and not in a “This is amazing. I’m shocked,” kind of way. It was more like a, “Ugh! This is so unbelievable and doesn’t track with anything these characters have said and done.” And then Acker’s reaction to and actions following a betrayal went too far. I get his anger and devastation, but there are lines I don’t like crossed in my romance, and this one crossed one.

Overall, I think dark romantasy readers will enjoy this one, especially if they like twisty, angsty stories. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

I DEVOURED this book! The characters! The ENDING! I can’t remember the last time I was that surprised! When can I get my hands on book 2?!

The ending??? This starts out as a nice easy read that seems quite predictable.. but that ending absolutely ripped the carpet out from under me. HOWEVER, my problem with it is one that crops up in thrillers sometimes. There’s the unreliable narrator, which I love, but then there’s just an author lying to then shock you at the end. I felt like this was the latter. Spoilers approaching…

The inner monologue of the fmc is in her private headspace. There is no way she wouldn’t be having thoughts relating to her mission and she wouldn’t be having fake revelations to herself about Kai’s betrayal. What makes an unreliable narrator so skillful, is that when a reveal happens everything starts to make sense and you see things in a different light. None of this made sense in this reveal. No light was shed and her inner monologue didn’t line up with what happens. The only thing that made sense was Beau’s statement that Brynn’s heart wouldn’t be the only one broken.

Other than that, I had a great time reading this and I eagerly await the next one. But I am worried now that our fmc is just a sociopath since she apparently didn’t feel any remorse or guilt for what she was doing to our poor boy.

🌶️: 3/5

Couldn't put this down and devoured in less than 24 hours! Loved how unique the magic was in the book and the twist at the end was so unexpected. As if the ending wasn't enough to make you want to continue the series there were just enough open questions to keep me coming back. Have already been recommending this to friends.

Congrats on being trad publishing! I saw this book pop up and was so confused for a sec, considering it was already released.

This is one of those books that you read and it sticks with you, FOREVER. In the best way. The ending was one that breaks your heart to the point that you have to live the rest of your days with a dull ache in your chest.

Brynn was annoying to me at some points, but it did get better.

Acker, no notes. Perfect babe.

Elemental magic
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Cliffhanger
Touch her and die
He falls first
One bed

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Saturday Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. Metal Slinger follows the story of Brynn as she attends the annual market hosted by Kenta. After growing up in the exiled nation of Alaha, this is something she has been looking forward to for many years. What she wasn't expecting was breaking a decades long peace treaty between the nations and setting off a chain of events that she never saw coming.

It has been a while since a plot twist took me so completely by surprise. The ending of Metal Slinger made my jaw drop and I immediately texted my friends that they needed to read it. I am curious if the foreshadowing for the plot twist will jump out at me on a reread because I did not pick up on it the first time. The worldbuilding is interesting and has some unique elements when compared to other books in the Romantasy genre. The main characters, Brynn and Acker, are well rounded and their character development is well developed throughout the story. The side characters are lovable and an important part of the story. The characters all feel human with their flaws and concerns. I read the book quickly and the pace never felt slow.

If you are a fan of crazy plot twists, slow burns and tension, fated mates, and cliff hangers that will leave you begging for the next book in the series then I highly recommed Metal Slinger.

The way I had to sit up straight and yell at my kindle for the last 6% of the book. Whatttttttttt!!!!!! That’s it. That’s the review.

Sadly I actually could not get through this, it was like a fanfic of One Piece without the charm or the wit - with a forced romance and love triangle pushed into it,. Also the poor main character is being lowkey harassed by Kai.

I’m still at a loss for words, and honestly, I don’t think any review could do this book justice. Just know this: it’s an absolute SIX 🌟, MUST read experience that will stay with you forever. You will not finish the book, the book will finish you.

This book didn’t just tell a story—it pulled me into a whirlwind of emotions, flipping my world upside down in the best (and most heart-wrenching) way. One moment, I was laughing and swooning; the next, I had a pit in my stomach and tears in my eyes. By the time I reached the final page, I wanted to throw it across the room… but also immediately start it again.

I need book 2 like I need air in my lungs!

OMG oh my god OMG!! My heart is broken. But this book was amazing 6 STARS. I recommend everyone read this book. Beautifully devastating. I loved every second of it and could not put it down. Can not wait to read the sequel!! Can I read it now please?

The transitions between chapters was a little hard to follow for me, but overall I enjoyed the book. Thank you for the early access to read it!