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!

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!

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!

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.

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 told myself i would write my review once i recovered from the ending of this book — i still haven’t recovered and have been stuck in a reading slump ever since!!!

this book is unbelievably underrated !!! everyone needs to read it, and once you have read it, you need to force all your romantasy besties to read it too so you can live vicariously through them!!!! this book was a breath of fresh air in the romantasy world and reminded me why i love this genre so much!!

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!

I haven’t felt this consumed by a book in a long time. When I wasn’t reading Metal Slinger, I was thinking of it. When I wasn’t thinking of it, I was DREAMING of it.

The pacing was phenomenal and the world building gave you just enough information, without it feeling info-dumpy.

I feel deeply, head over heels, in love with a certain Metal Slinger. 💖

Now, you’re probably wondering why after being so obsessed with this book I’m only giving it 4 stars.

It came down to the plot twist. Don’t get me wrong, I loooooove a good plot twist. Without giving too much away, this one left me feeling unsettled. I might feel differently after a re-read, but right now it just felt like it was thrown in to keep you guessing.

Super excited to read Rachel’s next installment in this series. ❤️‍🔥

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!

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!!