Thank you @stmartinspress #partner for the gifted copy of this ebook!

YOU GUYS!! If you’re a romantasy lover, you need this book in your life ASAP. I’m so pumped that it’s being republished because I will happily reread this one (and probably obsess over it all over again) the second the audio drops. Honestly, I’m already tempted to dive back in.

I’m also so glad this was a pick for our #buriedinbookbuddies read this month because I devoured it. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time — completely hooked. The ending? Oh man, it was intense and SUCH a doozy of a cliffhanger. Consider yourself warned… but in the best way.

I loved the way this world was built, with two separate societies living on land and water, and how everything’s about to come crashing down around them thanks to our badass main character, Brynn. She’s fierce, brave, and so easy to root for. And let’s talk about the romance — if you love enemies-to-lovers and an excruciatingly good slow burn, you’re gonna eat this up. The tension! The chemistry! Ugh, it’s perfection.
I’m officially obsessed and already begging for book two. Rachel Schneider, if you’re reading this, please don’t keep us waiting too long!

3.75
okay.. what??
the ending of this book has me questioning everything & honestly left me pretty confused and unfulfilled. it didn’t really make sense when you think about the events and thoughts from the rest of the book.
BUT there was so much to love about this one. unique setting and world building, lovable characters, magic, plot twists and honestly quite a few laugh out loud moments.
there’s a scene in the middle of the book where the FMC & MMC are in the middle of the ocean at night with a clear sky of stars and they’re swimming and it’s straight up MAGICAL.
i was immediately hooked by this story and was obsessed until about 70% in. things started to just get confusing and they didn’t really add up. but the vibes were fun hehe.
also it was fairly clean up until like the 90% point and then there were two open door scenes, one that i fully skipped and one that i skimmed so i wouldn’t miss the information happening at the same time and it made me uncomfyyy.
i think this is a good romantasy, even if it’s a bit confusing. i think there’s going to be more books so everything (hopefully) will get sorted out in the next book!

This book was honestly so good! I just couldn't put it down! The politics and the magic system, the twists and turns.... it was just so good! I am going to need some time to process this book. And that ending! what in the actual heck?!?! can't wait for the next book!!!

After seeing Metal Slinger blow up on Bookstagram I knew I had to read it soon! I really enjoyed this and loved the world the author created! highly recommend!!

I really wish I had enjoyed this more, as it was so hyped up online. I sadly found the first 60% to be a bit boring, and then was super disappointed by the twist and strange ending. I felt the book should have been from a different, or even third person POV for the twist to have made a little more sense to the rest of the book. I found it strange that we were in Jovie/Brynn’s head and she was confused by what was happening then are supposed to believe that she knew what was going on the whole time. I found it hard to believe that she was “one step ahead” the entirety of the book. I did expect there to be something that would go wrong with the romance, as she seemed to be hesitant the whole book, but I was disappointed at how the book wrapped up. If I had enjoyed it before the twist more, I may have been less disappointed. Sadly this was not for me.

Wow... This book took me completely by surprise.
For most of this book, I was rolling my eyes at the predictability and at how surface level the story felt. I almost DNF'd it, it was so bad.
HOWEVER!!
I stuck it out, and I am so glad I did. The PLOT TWIST?! Insane. I was blown away. Almost re-read the whole thing through new eyes because it was such a perspective shift. I will DEFINITELY be sticking with this series, and cannot wait for the next installment.

This book has me in an absolute chokehold. I knew it was going to be good from the start, but there is something in Rachel Schneider’s writing that is absolutely addicting. I am still reeling and collecting my thoughts, I really don’t know how I am writing this right now. I fear that I may never recover.

With Metal Slinger throw out everything you know about plot twists. This jaw dropping roller coaster of an adventure has you thinking you know what is going on, only to make a sharp left and humble you. The end had me sobbing, with the most unexpected things happening. Strong characters, a unique magic system and a whole new world building concept had me craving more and more, and now I am STARVING for book 2. The blurb does not do it justice, so don’t judge it by that. Just know the emotional rainbow happens, and I am pretty sure I experienced all of it at once in the last 2 chapters. Acker has my book boyfriend heary at the moment, and Brynn is so complex and deep, it is refreshing for an FMC. They really and truly do come across on the page as intended, and I fear that the story in book 2 is about to get real. The supporting characters stand out in their own right, and you can tell something deeper is brewing. Basically if you were sleeping on this one, go get it like… yesterday.


Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the copy to review, I truly loved every letter of this book!

This book hit hard in all the right places—bloodlines, simmering conflict between lands, a power awakened too late, and a forbidden love that felt like holding fire. Just when I thought I had the story figured out—the twist hit like a dagger to the ribs. Fantasy lovers, prepare to be ruined in the best way.

The way that I gasped while reading this book! It has been a long time since I have been this addicted to reading a book. I read this so fast and then had my jaw on the floor at the end. I need the next book like tomorrow.

4 stars only because I needed more bread crumbs throughout… iykyk. I reread it and felt like there should have been some tiny clues in there that would only make sense on a reread.

This is a great start to an interesting story. It took me a little to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. I found our FMC very redeeming and our MMC was down bad for her, which I eat up. The ending threw me for a loop and I really don’t know how I feel about it. Either way, I’m sucked in and I will have to continue!!

LOVED this book!! The first 100 pages or so were a little slow but things kept moving. Once the FMC escaped with Acker, the book started humming. So glad it is getting out there more with the publishing deal. Count me in for book 2!

Wow! Just wow! I loved this book. It was fast-paced and had everything I want in a fantasy novel, even some twists I did not see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow build romance and the unique parts of the magic system. I found the dialogue hard to follow at times with how it was formatted and I sometimes had to reread lines when I couldn't tell who said what. I'm also not quite sure how I feel about the twist at the end. It seemed a bit abrupt and confusing. Hoping it will all be explained in the next book which cannot come soon enough!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Saturday Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Metal Slinger is the first book in a new romantasy series. While I generally prefer fantasy with a romantic subplot, rather than romantasy, I really enjoyed this book and sailed right through it.

The pacing is excellent, with lots of action to make reading the book easy. I found myself sitting down to read longer than the time I had allotted for myself throughout the day during breaks because it was so easy to get sucked in.

I did struggle a bit with the MMC, who I found myself disliking more and more as the book went on, almost to the point of diminishing my interest in continuing the series. However–without giving any spoilers–the way that the author ended the book won me back. I will absolutely be reading the next book and I hope that there is growth and character development in store for the MMC, as that was hinted at.

I really loved that the writing did a great job of “showing” rather than “telling”. It was effective enough that I may need to go back and re-read some parts after that ending and see some scenes with a different perspective.

Overall, while this fell outside my typical genre, it was a very enjoyable read. Fast-paced with lots of action. If you love romantasy/spice with a touch of court intrigue and rebellion, you are going to adore this book.

Forced proximity, touch her and 💀, he falls first, secret identity, different magics, one horse, court politics, mother of all cliffhangers

Holy $*+% I feel like I have been sucker punched. This was so well written and had its claws in me immediately.

The world is a fun mix of magics, the story keeps you guessing, and THE ENDING. I am not ok. Rachel what are you doing to us??

I love Acker and the rest of the crew so much and you need to meet them ASAP so you can join me in my book hangover. Needless to say I hope book 2 comes out soooon.

"Shame. I was kind of looking forward to tying you up."

I struggled in the beginning with this book. Personally, I don't understand the hype but it was an okay book. I wish there had been more expansive world building, a society in trees in the ocean? I want to know more, but we aren't given what I want. Not a big fan of telling not showing in the book especially with backstory.

There needed to be more foreshadowing or in depth explanations in the book, because it feels like as a reader I was misled to set up that ending. The execution of it just was not there and it just fell flat for me

This is the fantasy novel of my dreams!!! I’m obsessed with Brynn and Acker - they can literally do no wrong. The plot twists had me reeling, the action scenes were chef’s kiss, and the world building was perfect. I can’t wait for book two. Thank you Saturday Books for the eARC!

Rachel Schneider has delivered a masterpiece with Metal Slinger. From the first page, I was hooked by the complex world-building, fast-paced action, and Brynn—an incredibly compelling, tough yet vulnerable heroine. This book has everything I love in fantasy: intrigue, magic, fierce friendships, and romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Brynn’s journey is both physically and emotionally charged, filled with unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end. The world of the Kenta and Alaha is rich with history, culture, and tension, and Schneider masterfully weaves these elements into the plot without overwhelming the reader. The story’s exploration of loyalty, duty, and the weight of choices in the face of rebellion is done so well, making each decision feel monumental.

But what really sets Metal Slinger apart is the slow-burn, tension-filled relationship between Brynn and the enemy soldier. The chemistry is undeniable, and watching Brynn question her own beliefs and emotions was absolutely captivating. This is a romance where the stakes feel real, and the emotional depth is just as powerful as the action.

The world-building is intricate and immersive, the pacing is spot-on, and the characters feel alive in every moment. This book had me flipping pages well into the night, desperate to know what would happen next. The twists, especially towards the end, were absolute jaw-droppers!

Metal Slinger is an unforgettable ride, filled with magic, danger, and a romance that will keep you hooked. If you’re a fan of fantasy with complex characters and a gripping plot, you don’t want to miss this one. I can’t wait to see where Brynn’s journey takes her next!

Love interest Spoilers!!!






!Metal Slinger is a wild, pulse pounding ride from start to finish. This dystopian sci-fi western is as emotionally gripping as it is action-packed. Rachel Schneider delivers a world of rust, rebellion, and palpable chemistry and banter, lead by two unforgettable lead characters: Brynn and Ace.

The story is set in a lawless wasteland ruled by brutal factions and fading tech, the story follows Brynn, a skilled mechanic with a haunted past and a secret worth killing for. Sh he crosses paths with Ace who is a rouge gunslinger with cybernetic implants and a grudge the size of the desert. They form an uneasy alliance to take down a common enemy. Sparks fly, bullets fly faster, and neither of them makes it out unchanged.

Brynn is a powerhouse of grit and vulnerability, and Ace is equal parts deadly and endearing. Their chemistry is electric, full of banter, tension, and slow-burning trust that had me hooked. Schneider’s worldbuilding is gritty and immersive, her pacing relentless, and her characters achingly real.

Metal Slinger is for readers who love morally complex heroes, found-family vibes, high-stakes action, romantasy and just the right amount of emotional gut punch. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and I didn’t want it to end. But when it did end omg Rachel I would give my left kidney for the second book to be out! How dare you release them not at the same time I am suffering over here! If I am to give out any book recs for 2025 this is IT! Also I was obsessed with the metal magic, i have never read anything that had such a unique magic system. This book was giving Quicksilver!

I have no words and will need some time to recover after this one. Once I pick my jaw up off the floor I can write a review…

I LOVED this book. Loved the characters, the world, the TWISTS! The flashback chapter at the end caught me SO off guard. I need book 2 asap!

6⭐️ ♾️⭐️ just all the stars, man.
🌶️🌶️

-action & adventure
-elemental magic
-slow burn
-fated mates
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-touch her and die
-secrets & plot twists

UMM HOLY SH…. I’m reeling, absolutely REELING from this. How dare you leave us hanging like that @rachelschneiderauthor I need answers NOW. 😂🤯🫣 I don’t even know how to write this review without spoiling anything.

First, I was immediately drawn into the world building and overall vibes as soon as I started this book. It’s like if the setting of The Bridge Kingdom had a baby with Quicksilver, that’s how I would sum it up.

The author does such a great job getting you invested into Brynn, Kai and Messer. I don’t even know how to explain the magic that happened to make me love them so fast. I especially loved Brynn because she’s smart, capable and she’s quick to piece things together and doesn’t stand in denial forever like some FMCs do.

The dialogue and banter in this is humorous and so smooth, at times emotional. The writing style is just so well done. Easy but still retaining a lot of depth and intrigue. And HOLY.. the plot twists?! The cliffhanger?! I absolutely did not see that coming! Like wtf did I just read?!

Excuse me while I make this book my whole personality now and refuse to shut up about it. This is a book for your kindle AND your trophy shelf, if you get me.