“Mark my words, if I ever see him again, I’ll kill him for what he’s done to you.”
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider is officially my first five-star read of the year! And trust me, I don’t hand out five stars easily. But this book? Absolutely blew me away.
This was hands down the best romantasy I’ve read so far, and don’t even get me started on THAT CLIFFHANGER! My jaw was on the floor, I literally spent an hour lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to process what just happened. 🤯🔥
Brynn has spent the better part of her life waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta, the very same people who exiled the Alaha to live a life over the sea. A rite of passage for all young guards, she’s not sure what to expect from it, but breaking a century- long peace treaty certainly isn’t on her map.
Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier.
Returning home to Alaha, she’s confronted with the aftermath of the day’s events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. With rumors of a growing rebellion, Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together.
When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn’s loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger make her question everything…
…including her heart.
Review of Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
If you’re going to take just one romantasy recommendation from me, let it be this one! If you’re new to the romantasy world like me, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read Metal Slinger! The world-building was so easy to grasp, the pacing was just right, and the magic system was clear and engaging, no confusing info dumps here.
At the beginning of Metal Slinger, I was torn between a 4 and 4.5-star rating… but then THE LAST 10% HAPPENED and BAM, this book shot straight to 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let’s dive into my review to break down why this book left me completely speechless! 😍🔥
Plot Analysis of Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
The world of Metal Slinger is divided between two groups: the Alaha, who have been exiled to live on the water, and the Kenta, who rule the land and enforce that exile. A fragile peace treaty keeps them from outright war, until Brynn, our fierce FMC, accidentally shatters it.
As a guard-in-training, Brynn gets a rare chance to visit the annual Market on land, an event crucial for trade between the two nations. But when she crosses paths with a mysterious Kenta soldier, everything spirals out of control. A sudden explosion forces Brynn and her fellow Alaha to flee, but the chaos doesn’t end there, because that same soldier appears at Alaha’s shores soon after. His mission? To leave with Brynn.
What follows is a thrilling journey of secrets, magic, and rebellion, where Brynn’s entire world is turned upside down. Loyalties will be tested, and nothing is as it seems. Buckle up, because this story is one wild ride!
Characters of Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Brynn : I really enjoyed Brynn’s character, which doesn’t happen often for me in fantasy books, at least not from the very first installment. Fantasy authors tend to fall into the same patterns with their FMCs, making them either too naïve or recklessly stubborn, constantly making frustrating decisions just to push the plot forward. But Brynn? She was refreshingly different.
From the start, I was drawn to her personality, and watching her character growth unfold was chef’s kiss 👌🏼. She was strong without being overpowered, determined without being reckless, and her choices actually made sense within the story. She wasn’t just reacting to the plot, she was shaping it. That made her journey even more compelling, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to evolve!
Acker :Acker!!! OH MY!! He’s my new obsession🔥 🔥! Dark hair? Check. Possessive? Check. Nose piercing? Check.Touch her and 🔪?BIG CHECK.
What more could we possibly want?! I LOVED how he treated Brynn throughout the entire book. He was protective without being overbearing, intense but never suffocating, and the way he fell first and was sooo swoony and possessive?? Perfection🖤✨. I am weak for a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to show it. Acker has officially taken over my brain, and I have zero regrets.
Brynn & Acker : The dynamic between Brynn and Acker was soooo good!! THE TENSION, OH MY GOD. THE YEARNING, OH MY GOD. Absolute perfection.
The slow burn? LITERALLY slow burning. I couldn’t get enough of them together. Every glance, every touch, every unspoken feeling, it was everything. And let’s talk about Acker’s obsession with Brynn… because WOW. He was all in for her, and I ate it up. Every second of it. 😩💖
AND when the spice hit? IT HIT. And it hit so good because we waited so long for it. The buildup, the tension, the anticipation, it was worth it. I’M OBSESSED.
Pacing & writing style
The writing in Metal Slinger was effortless and addictive, making it such a smooth and immersive read. I never felt weighed down by overly complex details, yet the world still felt rich and vivid.
What really stood out to me was the perfect balance between romance and fantasy. The plot was engaging and easy to follow, with just the right amount of twists to keep me on my toes. But let’s be honest, the romance absolutely stole the show (not that I’m complaining!).
The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts, the banter, the tension, the longing… I was completely hooked. And when things finally heated up? Let’s just say it was worth the wait.
Also, a special shoutout to the side characters, who added so much depth and charm to the story. I genuinely loved every second of this book and cannot wait for more!
The pacing in Metal Slinger was fast and engaging, making it easy to follow while still being heavily character-driven. The story focuses a lot on the evolving relationship between our two main characters and the intense journey they embark on.
This book has… A LOT going on. Twists, turns, surprises, it’s all here. It truly feels like a maze with no clear ending yet, keeping you on your toes the entire time. You’ll have no idea where the story is going, and that’s what makes it so gripping!
It strikes the perfect balance, fast-paced without being overwhelming, detailed enough to build a rich world but never bogged down by info dumps. It keeps you hooked while letting the characters shine.
Tropes and Trigger warnings of Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Tropes of Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Tropes :
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
Forced proximity
He falls first
Touch her and 🔪
Fated mates
Trigger warnings of Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Blood
Violence
Some quotes I enjoyed
“She has beautiful eyes.”
“They’re brown and green and amber, like every color of every season. I’ve looked everywhere for eyes like hers, and nothing has ever been able to compare.”
“Acker smiles, but it’s straight filth when he says, “Shame. I was kind of looking forward to tying you up.””
“Joke’s on you. I’m plenty hungry enough to eat you know with or without hair.”
“Don’t worry, Jovie. I’m going to court you so well you’ll be begging to climb into bed with me.”
“I am a starving man, Jovie. Don’t appear without clothes again.”
“Or what? I say, not recognizing the timber of my voice.”
“Or I’ll make you finally confront the desire you’ve been so determined to pretend doesn’t exist between us.”
“If you asked me for my life, I’m pretty sure I’d hand it over on a gold platter.”
Final Thought
If I could put my emotions into words after reading Metal Slinger, they would be jaw on the floor, mind completely blown, and heart fully invested. This book was everything I wanted in a romantasy and more, easily my first five-star read of the year!
From the intense, slow-burn romance to the fast-paced, immersive plot, Metal Slinger kept me hooked from the first page to the last. The world-building was easy to grasp yet richly detailed, making it perfect for both seasoned fantasy readers and those new to the genre. And the characters? Absolutely unforgettable. Brynn was a fantastic FMC, strong, capable, and actually made logical decisions (which is sadly rare in fantasy heroines). And Acker?? OBSESSED. His devotion, his intensity, his presence in every scene, he stole my heart.
But let’s talk about that cliffhanger. Because WHAT WAS THAT?! The last 10% of this book wrecked me. The twists, the reveals, the sheer emotional turmoil, I was not okay. I needed to sit in silence, staring at the ceiling, just to process what had just happened. And now? I need the next book immediately.
Beyond the romance and plot, Metal Slinger balanced adventure, rebellion, and a touch of magic in a way that felt seamless. The side characters added so much depth and charm, the banter was top-tier, and the pacing never lagged. There wasn’t a single dull moment.
If you love slow-burn, high-stakes romance, compelling characters, and a story that will leave you desperate for more, you need to read Metal Slinger. It’s hands down one of the best romantasy books I’ve read, and I’ll be counting down the days until book two.
About the author
RACHEL SCHNEIDER lives in South Louisiana with her husband and only daughter. She loves to write wherever her imagination takes her, which includes fantasy worlds, thrilling surprises, and complex romance with a touch of heat. When she’s not writing down her daydreams, you can find her at a hockey game or enjoying a bubble bath with a good book.
Practical Information for Readers
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider Book Formats
Metal Slinger is available in various formats to suit every reader’s preference:
Paperback: Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms.
Audiobook: Narrated with emotional depth, available on platforms like Audible.
PDF Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider : While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.
Where to find Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider PDF
Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings.
Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider Age Rating
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider is best suited for readers 18 and older due to its steamy romance, violence, and mature themes. If you’re into high-stakes adventure with a touch of spice, this one’s for you, but definitely not for younger readers! 🚨🔥
