The worldbuilding in Metal Slinger was so cool, and very unique, especially in regards to Alaha. I've never read anything quite like it, and it hooked me. The romance was delicious, the stakes and description of pain were great. I was begging for Brynn to catch a break, and she never did tbh. The twist at the end shocked me completely and, believe me, I love love love an unreliable narrator.

The ending was a little messy, the pacing was off, and the book as a whole needed a heavier editing hand. Despite this, it was an excellent read, and I need book two to be published expeditiously because that cliffhanger hurt my tummy. I can’t wait to read more by Rachel Schneider in the future.

I'd recommend to fans of interesting worldbuilding, unique magic systems, trauma bonding, and absolutely insane twists.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Saturday Books, and Rachel Schneider for the advanced reader's copy provided in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Four stars for vibes! I enjoyed picking my Kindle up every time I read this book. There were twists, magic, romance and a unique setting.

I enjoyed the characters, especially Brynn. I didn't know who to trust throughout the book, but we met a lot of side characters and they added so much to the story. The magic system was also fun to read about, even though I had some questions about it. Hopefully book two will answer them!

My expectations for the twist at the end were HIGH because I've heard a lot of people talking about it. I'm not sure if that changed my reading experience in a good or bad way. I would advise to go in with no expectations and don't even read the blurb.

Check it out if you like:
Moana vibes
Open door spice
Unique settings
Adventures to different lands
Twists

It wasn't perfect, but I loved so much about it and I had a great time! I can't wait for book two!

I thought this book was such a fun and exciting read. I loved getting to know the characters and even though it's been a while since I read it, it lives in my head.

The worldbuilding was incredible.

One of the best endings I've ever read. And an interesting and captivating story to get there. It's best to go in blind and trust me, you'll love it and crave it when it's over. A must read for romantasy fans.

I loved so much about this book!
4.5*
The setting/ the world sucked me in immediately and it felt so different from anything I had read before.
There were a lot of “twists” that I picked up on and guessed, but the ending definitely shocked me. I don’t know how I feel about it honestly… I took off half a star because I feel like it kinda came out of nowhere solely for shock purposes. However, I can’t wait to continue on with the series and see how it plays out!!

Metal Slinger (both the man and the book) now own a piece of my soul. And I’m not sorry about it. You know it’s serious when you read it on KU and then immediately buy the physical copy. I would also hoard any and all special editions.

Respectfully, RACHEL HOW TF COULD YOU DO THAT TO US 😭😭😭 I am destroyed.

Rumor has it if you look up Metal Slinger in the dictionary you’ll find this beautiful book. It’s giving Spark of the Everflame meets The Serpent and the Wings of Night meets Powerless.

Okay back to the beginning though.

This book immediately sucked me in. I LOVE when a fantasy book starts out and you’re like “yes tell me more” becauseeeee I think this is really hard to do while world building. But let me tell you— she did it.

Immediately sucked in AND she was not lacking in the world building— a unique world and magic system that was similar enough to be familiar but yet so different it was refreshing.

I loved the characters. Every. Single. One.

I really don’t feel like I can say much because I don’t want to give *anything* away.

I’m an avid Romantasy reader so I feel like it’s hard to really blow me away with the typical twists and turns— like we’ve seen all the ones we know and love already, yeah? NOT HERE. Multiple twists and turns I DID NOT SEE COMING.

I dont even know what to do with my life until book two comes out. Probably going to sit in a black hole and read through my highlights over and over again until I’ve actually gone insane.

But plz go read it 😎 it’s PHENOMENAL

When I tell you I ADORED this book, I told everyone under the sun to read. The character development and the way that I threw my kindle at the end because I need answers immediately!!!! I will now be reading anything this author puts out. I easily rated this book five stars!!!

I posted a review on my goodreads account and on my bookstagram.

So far this post is my most engaged with post.

I read this book originally on ku early this Winter after seeing so my hype from friends - and I get it!! This was fun and bingeable and I'm so excited to see it going trad for Rachel! I have already pre-ordered the paperback releasing in June and I cannot wait for a peek at Light Wielder (I am impatiently awaiting arc updates for book two lol)

Overall I settled on a 4.5★ but rounded up to 5★ after sitting on it for a while. I binged this within 24 hours and it always catches me off guard when books do that because with a busy schedule anymore I have a hard time with quick turnovers on books, so this was a pleasant surprise!

I love that she drops you in, from the very beginning, almost in the middle of the world. It's easy to pick up where things are, where they're going, and what kind of world building you're going to experience. The action is almost immediate and leaves you like ?????

I've seen a lot of comments in reviews about the pacing but I personally loved it. I was constantly wondering what was coming next and waiting for the next drop of information. I really don't want to give any spoilers away of scenes or plot but I really appreciated the amount of forced proximity time we get because it allows for background info to trickle in.

I thought the plot twist was fun and very painful lol. I am just SO FREAKING SAD. I went in mostly blind to the plot but I was aware there was a cliffhanger and a heavy plot twist. I spent the entire book looking for hints, foreshadowing, clues, anything. Annnnddddd...I was very off base. Didn't go the way I anticipated! I think it's going to allow a really fun (maybe painful) arc for book two.

I was 1000% vibing with this book. Was it perfect? Ehhhh, no. Could it have been cleaned up a smidge more with the world building and pacing? Maybe. Was it a super fun time? OMG YES. I can understand why people may not click with this book but if you're a romantasy fan, I def rec picking this up because it checks a lot of boxes for a fun time! If you don't like to read tropes ahead of time just skip reading below.

Overall I really enjoyed it. I had fun, it was fast, entertaining, and sometimes that's all you really need in a book.

✧ Forced Proximity
✧ Human Magic Wielders
✧ Slow Burn
✧ Fated Mates
✧ I would consider this more of a reluctant allies with a sprinkling of enemies to lovers
✧ Plot Twist (you'll love it or hate it. No in between)

Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Saturday Books for letting me review the traditionally published edition coming out in June!!

I cannot get over the cliffhanger in this book!! I was completely shocked! I didn’t see it coming at all.
I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end. The pacing, the plot, the twists and turns, it was all so well thought out and brilliantly crafted. I was especially drawn to the FMC and the unique dynamics she had with each character. ( especially her relationships with two of the main mmcs lol ) I’m dying for book two, I can’t even begin to imagine what’s coming next!

I first read Metal Slinger on Kindle Unlimited, and I’m ecstatic to see it getting traditionally published. I would highly recommend this wild ride!! I ate it RIGHT TF UP!!!

Fr there was a scene that reminded me of the Traitor Queen, one with HUGE Draco Malfoy vibes from The Auction, and also somehow one VERY SPECIFIC gasper from Game of Thrones 🩸 but I was CLUTCHING my kindle through all of it so IT WORKED ON MY DUMB ASS BRAIN.

Reasons you should pick this up:

🎈 it’s genuinely a fun time
⏰ it’s relatively short for a romantasy
🍴 it’s super digestible
💥 I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN
2️⃣ it’s a duology

Idk what else to say without giving anything away really lmaooooo if you like fantasy I think you should read this 🫶🏻

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Rachel Schneider, and St. Martin's Press for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I originally read Metal Slinger on Kindle Unlimited and instantly fell in love. I’ve since been trying so hard to get my book club to read it! I’m so excited that it’s getting traditionally published now—it 1000% deserves it and more readers NEED to experience this story!!

My jaw is on the floor. I’m going to need 7-10 business days to process what I just read. The blurb doesn’t even scratch the surface of how insane and incredible this book is. It’s fast-paced (in the BEST way) and had me physically restraining myself from devouring it too fast. Every time I put it down, I immediately wanted to pick it back up.

The characters? ICONIC. The worldbuilding? Mind-blowing. The enemies to lovers, the magic system, the twists and turns?? I was kicking my feet and screaming half the time. I seriously could not get enough. Brynn (our FMC) is a badass and has my whole heart, I’m so emotionally attached it’s not even funny.

Also, that ending??? HELLO??? The cliffhanger is cliffhangering HARD and I am not okay.

If you love:
• Romantasy with adventure
• Enemies to lovers
• Forbidden love
• Strong female leads
• Hidden identities/secrets
• Magic and twists you will not see coming

…then YOU NEED TO READ THIS!! I already need to re-read it and will absolutely be buying the traditionally published version the second it’s out.

One of my favorite reads EVER. A MUST READ!!!

Six stars. Yes, six—because five just isn’t enough.

There is literally nothing about Metal Slinger that I didn’t love. From the first page to the last jaw-dropping twist, this book had me hooked. The characters are dynamic, multi-dimensional, and woven seamlessly into the story. Even the side characters have purpose—no placeholders, no fluff—just beautifully crafted people who elevate the plot at every turn.

The FMC? One of the best I’ve ever read. She’s smart, capable, and never once falls into the trap of making obviously terrible choices just to keep the story going. It was so refreshing to see a heroine who stands strong on her own.

And the MMC… holy cow. He doesn’t wield shadows (bless), he’s got brown eyes, a nose ring, and somehow manages to be the perfect balance of rough and soft, dominating and gentle, cruel and kind. He lets the FMC breathe—gives her space to grow, to decide, to become. And honestly? That’s sexier than any shadow-wielding ever could be.

Now let’s talk about the ending. I’d heard whispers that it was wild—and it still wrecked me. I’m usually good at predicting twists, but this one had me audibly saying, “What?!” It was that good.

Rachel is a literary mastermind. Metal Slinger is easily one of my favorite reads of all time. If you haven’t read it yet—stop everything and pick it up. You won’t regret it

The beginning of the book and the ending feel like two completely different worlds, and I love that. Maybe it’s because I’ve been reading a lot of Romantasy, but the typical story line of powerless girl, no powers, no parents, being awakened, mate saving her, etc is a little too common.
Still loved the story. The twist made my heart drop and now I fully know what everyone was talking about 😭😭😭😭 I might actually feel winded..

Rating / Recommend: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️ YES!!!!

My Thoughts:
Is it possible to be in love with a book 👀 I’m about this close 🤏. This has to be in my Top 5 of the year if not #1!
Listen I was in love with Acker, but I think Brynn takes the cake. 😍 She’s devious in a way I haven’t seen since Aelin. Always two steps ahead!

If you like TOG / Shadow and Bone vibes, you’ll love this. + extra spice 🔥

If you read this PREPARE YOURSELF… The ending isn’t for the faint of heart. I mean this in the best way.. it’ll wreck you.

Content Warning: Adult language, open door scenes, murder, and more.

Is this a 4 or 5 ⭐️ read?
I'm not sure. It's definitely in between.
This was really good. I'm excited to see where the next one goes. All that being said, I FEEL for Acker. Brynn or Jo, whatever you want to call her is a manipulative piece of work, and I'm truly not a fan.

The magic hooked me, and Acker. He has his flaws, but none compare to that of our FMC, and she definitely should get what is coming to her.

4.5 ⭐️
The ending? Excuse me??? I didn’t see that one coming.
I really enjoyed this book! For being almost 500 pages, it didn’t feel long. The characters were all interesting and the world/magic system was set up well. I’m ready for book two!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC!
2⭐️
While this book offers a unique and imaginative setting—an ocean-based society living among the trees—it unfortunately struggles to fully deliver on its promise. The world-building feels underdeveloped, with minimal explanation of its fascinating premise. Key moments are often told rather than shown, making it difficult for readers to truly connect with the story or its stakes.

Character development is another weak point. The FMC lacks strong internal growth or clear motivation, and her skill set feels inconsistent. The MMC is only slightly more compelling, but the chemistry between the two leads is unconvincing, and some of their romantic interactions may feel uncomfortable for readers. Interestingly, the side characters are far better developed and more engaging.

One of the biggest challenges is the major twist at the end. While bold, it feels poorly foreshadowed and ultimately undermines much of the story’s earlier work. A dual-POV structure or earlier breadcrumbing could have made it more satisfying. Unfortunately, the twist feels abrupt and forces readers to reinterpret the entire narrative without enough groundwork to support it.

I was really hoping that the traditional publishing process would have added some additional finesse and polish to this book—but the core issues I had with the original indie release remain unchanged.

Overall, despite an incredibly creative concept, the book struggles with pacing, character depth, and narrative cohesion. It may still appeal to readers who prioritize unique worlds over tightly structured storytelling, but it falls short of its potential.

Hold onto your hats, fantasy lovers, because Metal Slinger is an absolute triumph! Adrienne Young has once again delivered a breathtakingly immersive world, brimming with political tension, forbidden encounters, and the tantalizing promise of magic. From the moment Brynn sets foot in the Kenta market – a place steeped in a century of uneasy peace – you know you're in for a wild ride.
Brynn is a protagonist who leaps off the page with fierce determination and a vulnerability that makes her instantly relatable. Her longing for connection to a people who exiled her own is palpable, and the unexpected collision with an enemy soldier throws her carefully constructed world into thrilling chaos. This isn't just a chance encounter; it's a spark that ignites a powder keg of emotions and potential conflict.
The return to Alaha and the looming threat of hunger adds a layer of gritty realism to the story. Young paints a vivid picture of a people struggling to survive, making Brynn's internal conflict and her loyalty to her friends feel deeply significant. The promise they make to stick together resonates with a powerful sense of camaraderie that you can't help but root for.
And then… the unexpected visitor. This is where Young truly shines, introducing elements of magic and treachery that elevate the story to another level. The stranger with the "dark, knowing eyes" is the epitome of intriguing, instantly making you question everything Brynn believes to be true. The slow burn of attraction and the internal battle Brynn faces as she grapples with her preconceived notions are masterfully written. The question of "once her enemy, always her enemy?" hangs heavy in the air, thick with delicious anticipation.
Metal Slinger is a masterclass in building tension and crafting compelling characters. The political landscape is ripe with conflict, the hints of magic are tantalizing, and the burgeoning romance is utterly captivating. Adrienne Young has seamlessly blended these elements into a story that is both action-packed and emotionally resonant. I devoured every single page and was left desperately yearning for more. Five stars don't even begin to cover how much I loved this book! Prepare to be completely and utterly spellbound. This is going straight onto my "must-read" list for everyone!

Uhm, what the actual fuck? Concept, cool I guess? Plot holes were waaaaaaaay too pervasive for anything higher than 2 stars. It felt way too choppy and rushed at the end, also felt like insta love? Not quite sure that the plot twist made literally any sense other than to be a wow factor for the end. Almost too many questions for me to want to continue reading the series:

Jovie/B is almost too unreliable for me because, what?
How could she have possibly coordinated that awakening with Acker and connect it to her plans with Kai?
Sooooo she and Kai aren’t together? But are? This feels so weird and gross with everything we now know about Acker.
How HOW literally HOW is Beau involved in the rebellion plan? The lack of hint and backstory there is wild.
While I thought Messers character was cool, he disappears for 30 chapters and comes back in a weeeeeiiird fucking way. Like what were you doing my dude?
Why doesn’t she go straight back to Maile? I mean objectively I know why, they tell us but it doesn’t seem believable. Like if that was me, get me tf home now.
There was little to no development of her power on page so I’m really struggling to see how she speaks so nonchalantly about it with Kai in the flashback. Like girl do you even know who you are? Like CLEARLY you do so what? Were you actually kidnapped? If so girl lmfao what?! When did you realize this? Obv before you left Alaha soooo???

I just don’t get a lot about this book. Keeping it at 2 because the concept was generally cool and the plot was okay.

Thanks to NetGalley/SMP for the ARC!

I devoured this one so quick!

Brynn finally gets her chance to attend the Kenta’s market, but what starts as a dream quickly spirals into something dangerous. Back home, she faces rebellion, hunger, and a visitor who might change everything she thought she knew.

This story moves fast in the best way!! I tore through the pages thanks to the amazing world building.

The romance was everything!

The ending completely wrecked me. I’m still not over it. I seriously can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.

If you’re into stories with magic and rebellion, this one delivers.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin Press for the eARC.

ᵗⁱᵗˡᵉ: 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫
ᵃᵘᵗʰᵒʳ: 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥: 𝟓☆

Finished Metal Slinger yesterday and even though it wasn’t top tier I was hooked from the very beginning and already wanted to do a reread. It felt like kismet between the main characters from the very beginning and that’s when i knew… this book is destiny! (In my Debbie Ryan voice 😂)

The characters were all interesting and entertaining from the very beginning which made it easy for me to finish the book quicker. From the very beginning, the book starts off action packed with a bit of romance which already makes you want to continue reading.

Thank you to NetGalley & Saturday Books for the eARC!

𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 ♡︎
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
Plot Twists
Political Twists