4.25

I was expecting this book to be awful and I have to say I am completely wrong!

After a few other truly awful books in our rage read book club (misery loves company) we all thought this book would fit the assignment mostly due to the shocked and angry reactions from other readers.

The shock stems from a twist at the end that many readers felt was unwarranted and made no sense.

Before I get to the ending, the lead up is actually well written. Schneider places the reader right in the middle of the world so we are able to learn about the world as we go along. Actual showing, not telling! Sure some things are confusing but as the story starts to unravel they make sense. The magic system is revealed during the adventures of the two main characters.

As to the ending being a surprise - throughout the book the characters withhold truths or appear to know more than they admit to. Even so I was surprised by the ending but I knew something was coming.

Its a good book and written well.

Fantasy Romance are so good! Love the mix. I 100% was blown away and did not see that ending coming! I think this would also be a perfect romantasy for beginners! This one takes you on an adventure and then throws you for a loop with a cliffhanger like no other. I cant wait for book 2!

3.75 stars. This is an easy to read romantasy, with easy world building, magic, light spice, angst, and a big twist/cliffhanger ending leaving me absolutely needing the next book asap bc i have so many questions. The FMC is smart, confident and is not one to back down. And the MMC is one hot book boyfriend (the nose ring)-I’d marry that man! I do think there are a few plot holes and there are some edits in the last 25% that I’m really surprised were missed. I don’t want to give anything away but I didn’t love that the twist at the end was almost too jarring/unpredictable. I’m questioning everything! Nonetheless, I’ll definitely be reading book 2 once it’s out!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I had to take a few days before writing this review because wow, my brain needed time to recover! I knew a big plot twist was coming, and I had so many theories, but I was completely wrong. I did not see that ending coming!

This book was incredible! I went in blind, had no idea what to expect, and I haven’t been this hooked in a long time. I was fully invested and couldn’t stop reading. There’s so much action, adventure, and a slow burn that kept me on edge the entire time!

Yes, there are a few things you might guess early on, but don’t let that fool you. There is still so much waiting to catch you off guard. My jaw dropped more than once! I seriously cannot wait for the next book!

4.5 ⭐️ 1 🌶️ physically read

This was exactly what I needed! It felt refreshing for a romantasy because of the twists and turns, what type of magic they possess (metal wielding is badass) and the voyage across the sea.

I really enjoyed the shifter aspect and “Blue” was my favourite. I also liked the friendship with Messer (he’s the best!!), Beau and Hallis.

I love Acker and how he was soft for Jovie. Without giving it away, the invisibility parts (IYKYK) were SO cool and a new way to share mated pairs magic.

The plot twist at the end was as crazy as everyone says but I am SO here for it. I’m requesting more of this in fantasy/romantasy bc hell ya!!

I really loved this book & can’t wait for the next one.

Tropes:
• second chance romance
• enemies to lovers
• elemental magic
• found family/friend group
• lost princess
• shifters
• blood oaths
• one bed
• fated mates
• slow burn
• rebellion

“𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫” 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Even though she’s not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true.

Brynn’s loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who’s taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn’s connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she’s been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart.
—
Why did I leave this on my TBR for so long?! I loved this one, it was a wild ride from start to finish and I was HOOKED! I really loved the magic and world building, and your girl is a big fan of Acker 🙌🏻 And that ending?! 😮‍💨I am so excited for book 2!! Thank you so much to @stmartinspress @saturdaybooks for my digital review copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own. @rachelschneiderauthor

Metal Slinger is a gripping, high-stakes adventure that blends magic, identity, and forbidden romance against a backdrop of seafaring conflict and political tension. Brynn is a fierce and loyal heroine whose world is upended in one swift moment, and her journey through betrayal, bloodshed, and buried truths is compelling from the start. The chemistry between her and the enemy soldier crackles with tension, and the unraveling of her past adds emotional depth to the action-packed narrative. Though some pacing dips slightly in the middle, the richly built world and intense stakes more than make up for it, delivering a thrilling opening to the Fire & Metal series.

Just finished and I am UNWELL from that twist at the end. This was romantasy at its finest and had me hooked the entire time! I don’t know why I thought starting an unfinished series was a good idea but I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.

I loved the pacing, romance, and political aspects. If you like Daughter of No Worlds, the Bridge Kingdom series or Spark of the Everflame I think you’ll enjoy this one too.

Honestly, I am so sad that this book turned in the way that it did. The premise, execution, and world building were very well done; however, the romance aspects were not healthy by any means. I will not recommend or promote books that feature a MMC who harms/restrains his romantic partner because he got emotional.

Did I finish Metal Slinger or did it finish me? I am a shell of a human, I am absolutely flabbergasted, and I am begging for the next book. Move this to the top of your list, read it immediately, and then come and talk to me about it, because I am unwell.

This book deserves all the hype. The world building is detailed without being overwhelming, the magic was intriguing, the characters are complex and nuanced, and the slow burn romance was bursting with tension, longing, and chemistry. The storyline was completely engaging, and absolutely filled with action, danger, secrets, and betrayals. It found a way of
balancing the perfect blend of political intrigue, warring kingdoms, rebellion, and forbidden magic, and it kept me on my toes.
I’m not going to say anything about the plot, because you need to go into it completely blind and experience it totally spoiler free. All I will say is that the praise and love that this book is getting is well deserved and I can’t recommend it enough. Go buy it right now!

Thank you to Saturday Books, St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan, Rachel Schneider, and NetGalley for the ARC.

📔Metal Slinger
✏️ Rachel Schneider
📆 June 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

READ IF YOU LIKE:
🗡️ romantasy
🗡️ reluctant allies
🗡️ dangerous magic
🗡️ court politics
🗡️ morally grey characters
🗡️ strong, stabby heroine
🗡️ enemies to lovers
🗡️ slow burn
🗡️ forced proximity
🗡️ he falls first and harder

This was an exciting read and I can’t wait for the next book!! Easy world building, fated matches, gradual reveal of different elements of magic, political intrigue, slow burn hot romance, AND THAT ENDING!!! AHHH!!! Don’t miss this one!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishing team for this ARC!

4.25/5 stars
2/5 spice

I definitely see why this book blew up and was picked up quicky for traditional publishing, it's an obvious hit!

I’ve always loved a seafaring tale but Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider provided even more than I imagined! I really enjoyed our FMC, Brynn. She was a breath of fresh air. Many Romantasy FMC’s have fallen flat for me as of late. They’re often both a genius and the dumbest character, or a pick me, or only sassy and nothing else. But Brynn was a much more fleshed out character with real depth to her. Did she have her dumb moments? Absolutely she did. But they weren’t as aggressive and frequent as is often common in these stories.

The plot also kept a really steady pace. I didn’t feel myself bored or losing interest at any point. I think part of that had to do with the progression of locations. We weren’t just sitting in a castle the whole time, we were journeying from one destination to the next.

I think Metal Slinger would be great for those that enjoyed Quicksilver. Not because of plot similarities but instead the feeling that the book gives you. Neither book is reinventing the Fantasy Romance genre, but they have an addicting quality that draws you in and keeps you hooked. While they are still using common plot beats, they’re doing it in a way that doesn't feel repetitive and tiresome. It was fresh and different and was very satisfying to read. Definitely will be picking up Light Wielder as soon as it publishes!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

I'm giving this 3.5 stars rounded up. There's enough good stuff here that I think people who enjoy romantasy will definitely eat up. I liked probably the first half of the book but I just felt like I wanted more out of it. It suffers a little from the same problems a lot of of romantasy does where the world-building just isn't enough for me. The bare bones we do get is great but I wish there was more of it. The politics of the world are interesting and the idea of an exiled civilization essentially living on a floating island is fun. I liked the main couple. They have an interesting dynamic. The author does set up that they're meant to be together fairly early for the reader but the FMC doesn't get the lightbulb click until later which is actually something I like.

There's a few twists in this book that didn't make sense to me, more toward the end of the book, but overall, I enjoyed the story and the world. I do not enjoy that it ended in a cliffhanger lol

Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal #1) by Rachel Schneider

Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true.

Rating: ****
Feels: Intrigue, Adventure, Longing, Shock
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance,
First published : May 12, 2024 : 459 pages Kindle

This one takes you on an adventure and then throws you for a loop with a cliffhanger like no other. There is alot of political strife and nations in upheaval that it seems everyone is trying to navigate. The world building , customs unique to each land and the mannerisms of each peoples was very unique in this book. I enjoyed so many of the side characters along the way and the found family aspect of this book. The bonds between characters and how they all relate to each other was interesting to watch and learn as the story unfolded. The plot twist at the end and cliff hanger was utter devastation.

Favorite Quote: "Good gods," I whisper in awe. A female voice draws my attention back to the ground. "Don't forget about the bad ones too." ... "Everyone's always muttering about the good gods, but the bad ones are way more interesting."

This book has:
Strong FMC
Morally Gray MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
Hidden Identify
Forced Proximity
Politics
Magic System

Overall, 5 stars, Metal Slinger was a lot of fun. The world building was simple which made this book very easy to read. I was hooked at about 15% which is pretty quick for me and parts of this book gave me Moana and Tangled vibes. The character development was great, especially Brynn, Messer, Kai, and Acker. There were some interesting twists and turns, some were easy to guess, and others came out of left field. I finished this book in two days, and it took me hours to finish the last 30% of the book because I really didn't want the story to end. The ending was bananas, and I cannot wait until Light Wielder! Keeping my fingers crossed for a pub date announcement soon.

*Brynn's POV
*Political conflict/War
*Magical powers

FIVE FREAKING STARS.

Go look for breadcrumbs sweet babes and I promise @rachelschneiderauthor was feeding youuuuuuuu. The plot twists of plot twists—and you bet I loved it. It leaves so many possibilities for book two!

I bought a book trophy today after receiving an arc from @saturdaybooks / @stmartinspress (thank you SO much) via @netgalley

You guys!!!!! I loved it! So so much!!!!our FMC, Brynn. I’m so intrigued by her and cannot wait to see where her character goes in book 2!!!!

Our mmc—SWEET BOY. I love him and that’s all I can say!!!

The side characters added to the story!!! I love them all so much!!!

I loved the pacing, the romance, the build up up the ending!

I have so many questions!! And cannot wait to keep reading the Fire & Metal series!!!!

Please read it! And yap in my DM’s along with way!!! I truly enjoyed this one and AM so excited to see where book two takes us! 📖

Love, love, love! I had heard soooo many good things about Metal Slinger and it lived up to every bit of the hype! Can't wait to receive my physical copy in the mail so that I can tab all my (ebook) highlights and post about it online. Thank you so much for the ARC! Highly recommend.

This one was a tough one for me. While it did keep me engaged, the pacing just felt off to me. Another thing that stood out to me was it was blatantly obvious that this was the author’s first published novel. The writing was extremely juvenile.
The characters lacked the depth needed for an engaging romantasy story. The twist at the end felt very much thrown into the plot. A copy and paste romantasy book.
However, I did want to know what happens next. I do believe the author has potential. I rated 3 stars!
I think my FINAL review will have to weigh heavily on how well executed the next book is.

This is such a fun read! Easy to get lost in! I found myself doing extra chores just so I could listen longer 😂 If I could sum this up in one sentence, it would be this...

It's The Bridge Kingdom in reverse.

The characters are flawed but intriguing. The world building was a little confusing in the beginning. I'm not sure how they were growing trees on a boat (I think that's what was happening). But once they hit land, it all made more sense. I really, really enjoyed this and can't wait for the next book!

Metal Slinger completely surprised me in the best way!!

It blends dystopian grit with a Western edge, but what really stood out was the emotional core. Schneider writes with this grounded, almost cinematic style that makes the world feel worn-in and real without over explaining. The main character is tough and morally complicated in a way that feels earned, not performative, and the relationships (especially the quieter ones) carry a lot of weight.

There’s action, yes, but it’s the kind that means something, and the tension builds steadily rather than relying on cheap twists. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you not just for the world, but for what it says about survival, connection, and what we’re willing to fight for. Highly recommend for fans of character-driven speculative fiction with bite.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books