Addictive, twisty, and absolutely unputdownable!

Metal Slinger is the kind of book that completely took me by surprise. In the best possible way. I went in thinking I knew what I was getting (classic romantasy vibes, familiar tropes), and came out absolutely floored by how cleverly it all came together. The magic system is fresh, the political worldbuilding is layered but easy to grasp, and the romance? Chef’s kiss. Emotional, slow-burning, and packed with tension.

The characters completely won me over - especially the dark, broody MMC (with a nose ring, might I add 👀) and a strong, self-assured FMC who never backs down. Their dynamic had me kicking my feet and screaming. Think: forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, he-falls-first energy, and a touch-her-and-die level of obsession. It’s delicious.

This book also has one of the most shocking plot twists I’ve read in a long time. I pride myself on catching foreshadowing, but I did not see this coming. It made me want to immediately reread just to catch all the clues. That ending?? Let’s just say I’m still recovering.

Yes, it has some classic romantasy tropes, but they’re executed with originality and heart, and every piece feels intentional. It’s fast-paced, emotionally addictive, and a total binge read (even pulled me out of a slump!).

If you’re new to fantasy romance or looking for your next obsession, Metal Slinger delivers on every front. Read it blind for the full experience. Trust me, you’ll want to talk about it the second you finish

Metal Slinger is one of the most refreshing fantasy novels I have read in a while. I truly loved the characters, plot, twists, and jaw-dropping ending. I enjoyed every page from cover to cover and cannot wait for Book 2.

I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great read for anyone who loves romance and fantasy. It was a little predictable at times, but that said, the ending completely blew me away. It's been awhile since I was that shocked over a plot twist and I LOVE that feeling. I can't wait for the second one!

A good ol' indie book turned traditional publishing.. There's a reason this got traditionally published. Schneider's writing is amazing and gripping. I found myself reflecting on the story for days after finishing.

What the actual hell did I just read? Did someone actually edit that? There were pieces of this that held promise to being interesting and unique as far as "romantasies" go, but it all got convoluted, and dragged A LOT in the middle with terrible pacing. The ending was completely out of left field because there were no hints at it ANYWHERE in the main character's POV and it just didn't fit. I really hated how arrogant Acker was the whole time, and not sharing anything important with Brynn. Whatever their relationship ended up as bothered me as well. I wasn't convinced of any chemistry they had and assumed any progression was made by this bond between them, which I hated. Forced bonds just feel icky and ruin any potential character development for me. I had to force myself to read the last 40% of this, a chapter at a time. I will not be continuing with the second half of this duology.

Thanks to Saturday Books for the gifted copy!

Oh my gosh this was SO GOOD!!! I blew through this book in 24 hours, and I’m totally reeling at the end. I need a date for book 2 immediately. Or a manuscript. Or both.

This was such a fun read with great world building, politics, fighting, romance, friendship, adventure, rebellion, betrayal… you name it! The twists were incredible and jaw-dropping. I need to do a reread to see all of the hints that I missed. I have absolutely no idea where this is going to go and book two and I kind of love that. I loved the elemental magic, touch her and die vibes from the MMC, and how EASY this was to read. A romantasy gold star for this book!

Brynn has spent what she can remember of her life on Alaha, an island-like military civilization constructed far away from several more powerful land-based kingdoms. She lives as well as she can, for an orphan whose kingdom is clearly growing poorer by the day: she’s about to graduate from her military training and go through the Matching ceremony with her best friend who happens to be the Captain’s son.

All of that changes when a stranger comes from Kenta, one of the more powerful land kingdoms, with truths about Brynn that force her to question everything she’s ever known.

I really enjoyed Metal Slinger - I was pleasantly surprised after being let down by more than a few BookTok “sensations”. Brynn is strong and smart and independent, but not as annoyingly so as some of our other well-known romantasy main characters. Through 90% or so of the book, I was enjoying the story just enough to finish, but the ending really sold the entire thing for me.

PLEASE NOTE SPOILERS ABOUND FOR THE REST OF THIS REVIEW!

I thought the storytelling was choppy, pacing was confusing, and some of the worldbuilding felt off - however, after getting to the end, I’m second guessing myself and think this was intentional to create an unreliable narrator. There were too many hints at the themes of oppression and power, making the fact that there would BE a plot twist at the end unsurprising; however, I was very pleased with how the story seemed to flip a lot of romantasy tropes I’m used to with the final scene.

The characters are complex and - similar to my thoughts on the storytelling and pacing - sometimes felt like we were only seeing them as parts rather than the whole. Acker, for example, seems too good to be true, but I couldn’t poke holes in him other than how the main character felt, which by the end of the book makes a lot more sense.

Overall, I’m very excited to see where this story goes (partly because I’m curious to know if we get better writing and less choppiness now that we know our MC’s true intentions). Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 stars (might bump it up to 5 after the second book)

WHAT WAS THAT ENDING HOW AM I JUST SUPPOSED TO CONTINUE WITH MY LIFE AFTER THAT

I NEED SOMEONE I KNOW TO READ THIS BOOK SO I CAN TALK ABOUT IT BC I AM LITERALLY DYING WTAF HOW WHAT IM SO SAD THAT AND JUST AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I NEED THE NEXT BOOK

4.5 Stars

What the what?! It has been so long since a book surprised me like this. I am so relieved this lived up to the hype for me, as many have not lately. I was gasping and swooning, then gasping some more!

I did not want to put this down. The characters pulled me in immediately, and I was intrigued by the premise. While elemental magic and the concept of mates aren't new, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique twists on the way magic was wielded and the additional benefits that come with a bond 🥵

The deception and betrayal, holy smokes! I could not have guessed these twists. I don't want to spoil anything, so I will just applaud it. I need the second book NOW after that cliffhanger, I cannot wait to see how this plays out!

This was SO close to 5 stars for me, just a few little things here and there, but they did not take away from my overall enjoyment.

A few things you will find:
🗡️Fierce & Fiery FMC
🗡️Elemental Magic
🗡️Deception & Betrayal
🗡️Well-loved tropes (no spoilers)

Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC.

I really did enjoy this! I had heard a lot of good things about it and was happy when I could finally get my hands on it.

The characters are a little less developed than I would like and I think the world could use a little bit more development but overall this was really good! I think the following books in the series will be even stronger now that we have those first things established. The relationship between the two was really believable and everything moved at a really good pace.

Nothing here was really shocking to me, and a lot of the twists I could see from a mile away, but that didn't make me enjoy it any less.

I think this is a good standard romantasy and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.

Will definitely be continuing with this series.

Okay I have no idea how to review this except to say 🤯. Whew what a ride! This book drops you right into the story and doesn't let up. I found myself immediately hooked and I didn't want to stop reading. There were multiple twists that had me shook and I am so excited to see where the next book takes the story because that ending has me so intrigued. If you're a lover a fast-paced romantasies then this is definitely one to pick up.

I had put off reading this for far too long- what a ride this was, and a fun one. Schneider has built an interesting world- Alani felt like the Kevin Costner Water World, which was fun, and the system of magic was fun and not overly complicated. It has a real hero’s journey structure, with lots of challenges being presented to the FMC, but it was mostly just fun to read. The ending left me slack jawed so I can safely say I’m 100% in for Book 2 and can hardly wait. Congrats on the repub of this, Rachel! It’s a fabulous book!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Saturday Books/ St Martins press for this eARC!

This is a fantastic fantasy read. It is fast paced; the world building is rich and the plot flows. I really enjoyed the magic system! You couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling read. To the author and that plot twist, Rachel, well played, you got me. I can honestly say that the plot twist will have me immediately going to get a copy to reread. That is all I will say, no spoilers, but you better hold on because this ride has no brakes. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Alaha!

I have taken a few business days. I I have gathered my thoughts. I am ready to discuss this book.

First, I think everyone who reads this should go in completely without spoilers. I think in order for the twist to really twist, you need that. So here is my spoiler free lay-person synopsis: Brynn lives among the Alaha people who have been banished from land by the Kenta people. Every year the guard trainees (Brynn is one of them) get to attend the annual market at Kenta. Brynn goes to the market, shit ensues.

I know that isn’t a ton of info so here is my spoiler free trope list:
Elemental magic
Fated match
Stabby FMC
Stabby MMC
Touch her and die
“Oh no, there’s only one boat and we’ll have to smush bodies for heat to survive”
“Oh no, we only have one horse so we’ll have to smush bodies to traverse the land”
“Oh no, while there are other beds, we are deciding to share one and smush bodies”

Let’s get to the spoiler-free discussion of the plot twist. I screamed into my pillow when it happened. I was seething. Look, it was not how I wanted the book to end but that is a me problem. And while I do think there were very subtle hints throughout, for me, this was not the type of plot twist where things clicked into place after I read it. I, in fact, have a page of questions, most of which are logic and story related. Like why didn’t X happen earlier? Why is it written in first person POV? What does this actually mean about Y? Who is Z? And those questions may get answered in the next book but until then, please join my Metal Slinger Plot Twist Support Group (please message me when you finish the book – I would LOVE to chat).

All of that being said, I am still rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. Why? Because I ATE IT UP. I stayed up multiple nights in a row to read. The tropes above are some of my favorites in romance/romantasy books. I was down bad for our MMC. The supporting characters were super fun. And I’d rather have a plot twist that makes me feel everything than read a book where it goes in one eyeball and out the other. And will I be reading the next book? OF COURSE.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press – Saturday Books and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.

The way I love this book!! Wow! I was so drawn into this novel and I can't even put my finger on what it was but I was ENTHRALLED!! And that ending!!! Wow! I cannot wait for the second book.

THAT PLOT TWIST?!?! Wtf!!!! Jaw dropping I need book two IMMEDIATELY 😱 I thought this was such a fun fantasy and I cannot wait to see this story expanded upon in book two

This is a book that's difficult to rate. On one hand, I found the world-building, plot, writing, and themes to be lacking. And yet, I kept turning the page, especially because this book is marketed as having a heartbreaking twist. Overall, I think this book is ⭐️⭐️.5 for me, and I don’t think I can round it up.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️.5
World-building: ⭐️⭐️.5
Themes: ⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Where to even begin? I’ll start with the world-building. This world is difficult to imagine. As readers, we're given surface-level explanations of the history and politics of the countries, simple descriptions of the cultures and people, and derivative examples of the magic system. The story starts at an interesting location, but then it gets lost in a world that is hard to distinguish from places in other fantasy books. As the story progressed, instead of becoming a unique magic system that can stand on its own, the magic system became a tool to advance the romantic plot and the rebellion through-line. There are discussions about people's unique gifts, such as elemental manipulation, from which we get the titular Metal Slinger. However, we don't actually get to see much of those gifts in action. What we do get to see a lot of, in terms of magic, is the magic that comes from matching bonds between fated mates. This magic becomes the focus of the book, and thus, much of the book is spent exploring the magic from a matching bond. In the end, we're left with more questions than answers.

For most of this book, I felt like I was reading a YA book, and then suddenly, there was spice. This is not to disparage YA writing, and I only mention it because I think writing should set the tone and the expections of a book. Additionally, there were many, many occasions where the sentences felt clunky, and I think it's mainly due to the fact that the writing is very voicey. I think that some authors forget that a sentence that works verbally does not always translate well to the written word. In other words, sometimes a character's POV narration is so strong that it can affect the clarity of a sentence.

Lastly, I want to discuss the plot. And I don't think I have much to say about it, in light of the fact that were was seemingly no plot. It's like that author picked some interesting tropes, threw them all together, and hoped for the best. Hidden identity. Fated Mates. Elemental Magic. Childhood friends to lovers. Dark moody mmc. Banter. One horse. Rebellion. Countries on the brink of War. What we got is a story that doesn't have a coherent plot. I don't think the characters even know what's going on too. They spend quite a bit of time traveling, which I did not expect. The pacing was slow in the middle and rushed at the end.

And don't get me started on the plot twist. The ending upends any character work and development.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC to review.

Okay. Let me just start by saying this was one of my most anticipated reads—I’ve heard nothing but glowing things about it. I went in completely blind as told so by several friends, and the hype?? SO REAL. My expectations were sky high, and somehow… they were still shattered. My brain is scrambled eggs in the best possible way.

✨ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: I did the Kindle + audio combo and devoured it. The narrator absolutely nails it—her tone, pacing, and delivery pulled me in and made it feel like I was in the story with Brynn, holding my breath at every twist and turn.

✨ 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 & 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨: I haven’t felt this emotionally feral about a couple in a while. The banter, the slow burn, the journey —utter perfection. Watching them go from enemies to frenemies to love had me giggling, kicking my feet, yelling into the void. Acker’s character development and reveals had me absolutely rooting for him. And Brynn’s journey with her powers and identity was so compelling. Also… Messer owns my whole heart. I need more of him. Please and thank you.

✨ 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 + 𝙋𝙡𝙤𝙩: I loved how the worldbuilding unfolded naturally—never overwhelming, but just enough to keep me grounded while the plot ran WILD. The political intrigue was top tier. And the twists?? I am still not okay. Rachel really had me questioning characters I swore I trusted and reconsidering ones I thought I hated. She steered us so carefully, only to yank the rug out in the final chapters.

The twists, the emotions, the stakes… I already know I’m rereading this before book two drops, because there’s no way I caught all the brilliance the first time around.

10/10 mind melt. I’m obsessed.

Unfortunately, this book did not work for me at all. From the very beginning, the story felt disjointed and confusing, and while there were brief moments where it seemed to improve, it ultimately unraveled in a way that made even less sense as it progressed.

The plot gave off heavy 2000s YA vibes, with a "magical lost princess" trope that felt recycled rather than refreshing. It honestly felt like several different stories mashed together, which made reading feel like whiplash.

The ending especially was difficult to accept. It felt tacked on without any buildup, foreshadowing, or narrative logic leading up to it. It seemed as though the book had been written and the ending was added in at the last minute, leaving no resolution that made sense within the context of the story.

This is, unfortunately, the first time I’ve ever rated a book 1 star. While I always try to find something redeeming, I couldn’t find enough here to recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun romantasy that kept me hooked the whole way through! There were some scenes that felt familiar to stories I've read before, but otherwise this felt original and fresh. It had everything I love and a great twist ending that I actually didn't see coming!