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!!

This restored my faith in romantasy books.

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider was an unexpected gem that completely captivated me. The world-building is immersive yet accessible, introducing a society divided between the sea-dwelling Alaha and the land-bound Kenta. Brynn, our fierce and intelligent heroine, navigates this complex world with strength and vulnerability.

The romance between Brynn and Acker is a masterclass in slow-burn tension. Their dynamic is electric, filled with banter and undeniable chemistry. Acker, with his enigmatic demeanor and subtle obsession, is the kind of morally grey character that keeps you hooked.

What truly sets this book apart is the plot twist. I pride myself on predicting story outcomes, and I could tell something was coming, but this twist blindsided me in the best way possible. It was a game-changer that redefined the entire narrative, leaving me reeling and eager for more.

The pacing dipped slightly in the middle, and I would have appreciated more depth in the magic system. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar read.

If you're a fan of forced proximity, elemental magic, and plot twists that leave you questioning everything, this book is for you.

I'm already counting down the days until the sequel!!!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romantasy
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: June 17, 2025
📖 497 pages

✨️ Lush World Building
✨️ Match Bonds
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Slow Burn

Review: Action packed adventure with a super slow burn, high tension romance! Brynn has to grapple with devastating betrayals, a life of based off lies and a match bond she'd forgotten. I loved the slow burn and appreciated the low spice (up until 90%)! The world building was immersive and the lore was so interesting! Thankful for a booktok recommendation that finally deserves the hype!

The cliffhanger? Yeah, I didn't like that.

If you enjoy romantic fantasy stories with plenty of suspense and political intrigue, then Metal Singer should be your next read!

Thank you so much, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the digital review copy!

⚠️ sexual content (mostly just suggestive until 90% where it becomes quite spicy)

Metal Slinger was the romantasy breath of fresh air that I needed! I went in with zero expectations and it turned out to be one of my favorite books of the year! The world building was super unique. The magic was cool. I loved the action, political intrigue, the juicy slow burn tension, and it had a solid cast of side characters. And this book has my kryptonite… the one horse trope! 🐴

The plot twist at the end had me GAGGED!!!! I listened to the last 3 chapters on the way to bookclub and when ~that~ chapter came on I was like no no no please tell me my ears are deceiving me 🥲 never in a million years did I think that would happen!! I feel like people either love the ending… or hate it and I’m happy to report that I loved it! Just don’t blame me if you feel like throwing your kindle across the room 🫢

Now I’m foaming at the mouth and counting down the days for the second book, Light Wielder 😍 I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS! 👀

Dark and mysterious. Just the type of story line I like. I was so shocked at the ending of this book and a little ticked off bc we have to wait so long for book two. But I’m so happy bc I am excited 😆

This book 🤯 the plot twist that I didn’t see coming 😭 can book 2 be here already please 🙏🏻

This book has it all. A strong FMC, a love interest or two, magic, the world building in this book is so detailed you can imagine it, a great cast of side characters that you fall in love with, and of course, the huge plot twist with a cliffhanger at the end.

Because of the unexpected cliffhanger, I had to go back and reread a few of the chapters – some people say that the ending was just thrown together like that to create hype, but going back over some chapters, there were hints that I saw that I completely overlooked (momma and sister I’m looking at you). The hints don’t directly point towards the ending going the way it did, but they did point to things not ending well.

This book was fast-paced, and I was never once bored. I stayed up way too late reading this book, and I’ll be getting it on Audible so I can re-read before book 2, Light Wielder, is released.

I am still speechless 10 hours after finishing this book. I don’t know what to say that will completely avoid spoilers because I really feel like you should just go in blind and enjoy the ride!! This book was AMAZING! So well written, the characters, the plot, the slow burn, the TWISTS! There were so many good twists that had me shocked but the end…..I have never been so shocked and I loved it!!!!! Please, PLEASE go read this book!!!!

Thank you NetGalley for offering the read-only option to reread this amazing book all over again.

This isn't a clean, straightforward fantasy romance. It's messy and brutal, the kind of story that forces you to reconsider everything you thought you understood about the characters and their choices.

Brynn lives among the exiled Alaha people, confined to the sea except for one annual market visit to the mainland. When an act of sabotage shatters a century of fragile peace, she finds herself entangled with Acker, a Kenta soldier who becomes her unlikely ally. What starts as forced proximity at sea evolves into something far more complicated as Brynn uncovers truths about her identity that shatter her entire world.

Their relationship is given room to breathe and develop naturally, never rushing the progression from enemies to something deeper. The childhood friends dynamic, the slow trust-building, the moments where these two actually see each other, it all feels earned. By the time the stakes reach their peak, I was fully invested in both of them.

I loved how the magical system worked here, from the awakening process to the telepathic bonds between fated mates. Add in the found family dynamics, political intrigue at the Kenta court, and the examination of exile and oppression, and everything builds toward an explosive finale that completely reframes the story. And I genuinely didn't see it coming.

A morally gray protagonist who makes an impossible choice and has to live with the cost. Some readers are going to hate it. I'm fascinated by it. The emotional devastation hit exactly as hard as it needed to.

It ends on a massive cliffhanger and honestly, that twist earned every star. Book two drops later this year and I'm already crossing my fingers I get approved for the ARC because the wait is going to be brutal.

5 stars for a jaw-dropping ending that left me stunned.

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

4.5⭐️

This book is SPECTACULAR.

From the beginning we are thrown into a unique world which, though complex, was presented in an easily digestible manner. I found it was very easy to immerse myself in this world. Even though a significant portion of this story was on the water I was never bored or found this story slow. It was fast paced and held my attention with ease.

The FMC is clever and despite her actions and choicing driving the plot at no point did I suspect the wild plot twist! I was completely sidelined and was destroyed by this ending!

I can't wait to read book 2! I need it immediately

still thinking about this book and THEEE ENDINNNGGGG!
i’m still questioning everything and i need answers, i can’t wait to dive into the second book this year !

the world building is super easier to understand and the characters were easy to like and enjoy, fast pace and easy to binge!!!

Metal Slinger
Fire & Metal #1
by Rachel Schneider

Wow. The way my jaw dropped at the end of this book.

Going in, I honestly wasn’t super hopeful, but Metal Slinger completely surprised me. The story was fast-paced, entertaining, and easy to sink into, with enough action and intrigue to keep me turning pages. I flew through it without realizing how invested I’d become.

And then the ending happened.

That final twist? It made my overall rating jump way higher than I ever expected. Everything clicked into place in a way that instantly made me desperate for book two. I’m officially hooked and fully committed to seeing where this story goes next.

If you like seafaring adventure, enemies-to-something-more tension, and a romantasy that saves its biggest punch for the end, this one is worth picking up.

If you love a good slow burn romance, enemies-to-lovers, and a world brimming with romantic fantasy and tension, you need this book in your life. I devoured it in just 2 days because I could not put it down!

When Brynn returns to her homeland, her people are devastated due to the effects of starvation and rebelliousness. Secrets of betrayal and loyalty are starting to emerge, links are being broken amongst her people, and a magical element weaves its way into the struggle between them and their oppressors. Brynn becomes entangled in the web of lies she believed to be true after coming into contact with a mysterious man with dark eyes and a troubled past.

There’s a major plot twist that had me gasping, and the chemistry between the characters? Chef’s kiss. If you’re a fan of series with emotional build-up and rich world-building, this one’s for you.

Highly recommend and ready for book 2 to come out!

I was nothing short of blown away by Metal Slinger! The romance genuinely gave me butterflies, but the star of the show was the ever changing setting that felt intentional and fresh. This is a fun whirlwind journey with a side of forced proximity, hidden identities, and drama.

The cliffhanger ending has me begging for me. I had no idea that twist was coming to that extent, and I cannot wait for Lightning Wielder and Schneider's future books!

The twist in this book had my JAW DROPPING. I felt so much excitement within me at all of the possibilities of what the ending of this book gave. I don’t want to say much because it’s best to just pick this one up for yourself but that ending is one that will have you wanting to close the book and start all over again to look at clues and whatnot. I had an absolute blast reading this book and cannot recommend it enough. I am itching for Light Wielder to come out so I can see where Rachel Schneider takes the story next!

When I say captivated from the jump, I mean the world disappeared and I lived Brynns life. Ohh the hype, the chemistry, the character and word building, the insane pace, just... this book is everything.

Everytime you think you know where it's going there's a twist and turn or bump in the road. The dialogue is witty and sassy and fire and sweet. Acker has you giggling and fanning yourself but Kais self assuredness and protective friend streak throws big brother vibes. And Messer. Oh Messer. I. ADORE. YOU. You give sidekick, best friend, confidant vibes.

The dynamics are top tier and almost makes up for the ending. Because HOW. DARE. YOU? The utter betrayals. The ending you never anticipated. Sooo sweet. Seriously, forgiven. But I was ENTRENCHED in this story. The countdown is ON for Light Wielder.

Honest opinion this book but just right at just the right time and will forever have a place on my shelf. Highly recommended for those who devour books in a sitting or so. There's a lot going on here and it goes quick. Easily could have added more to this one and it not be too wordy or overdone.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: 5 stars because this was 12/10 FUN!

This is a book where, if the blurb sounds intriguing to you, I believe you should jump right into reading it.
Avoid spoilers like your reading life depends on it. Fasten your seat belt, and enjoy the ride.

Essentially, Brynn was raised by the Alaha and she’s trained her entire life to be a member of the guard, enjoying the adventure of a life at sea. But when the group of young guards make their debut trip to the market on shore and upset the tempestuous peace treaty with the Kenta, all plans are thrown out the window. It’s part quest and part homecoming and it’ll keep you guessing until the last page.

Have I convinced you to read it yet? If now, here’s a few more reasons you should add it to your list:

1. It’s so much fun. I just had the best time reading it. Twice.
2. The sequel comes out in June, which means you have just a few months to read it; prepare accordingly.

For fans of romantic fantasy but also the thrill a new story, I personally think this one breaks the mold.

Thank you so much to the lovely people at St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for the ARC! And thank you to Rachel Schneider for bringing this story to the page.

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider is a breath of fresh air in the romantasy genre. From the very first pages, I was wrapped in wonder, constantly questioning, theorizing, and hunting for clues as the story's mysteries unfolded. More than once, I found myself closing my eyes just to picture the scenery. The pacing was brilliant, and I never felt bored or that I had “heard this same story before.”
This world is richly imagined, layered, and unmistakably fantasy in the best way.
The characters are compelling, the twists land beautifully, and every turn of the story deepens the obsession. Metal Slinger absolutely deserves its popularity and hype. This book lives rent-free in my head while I impatiently await Light Wielder. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review. What a ride.