Spoiler Free Book Review: Metal Slinger Might Be Your Newest Romantasy Book Obsession. Here’s Why…

This year has had a string of disappointing Romantasy reads for me. Until this one. For some reason, Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider hit for me. I had such a fun time reading it, and you might too. It’s fast paced, there are some fantastic twists and a cliffhanger ending that is absolutely breaking Booktok’s collective brain. First published as an indie book that exploded on Booktok last year, it was picked up by St. Martin’s Press’ new adult fantasy imprint, Saturday Books. I have a feeling they’re going to be publishing some of my new favorites. Could the descriptions of the world and the relationship have been a little further developed? Yeah, but I still had the best time reading it. I love that there’s elemental magic, warring kingdoms, and cool creatures. And while I wasn’t as shocked as everyone else by the ending, I am chomping at the bit to have book two in my hands! This book is honestly best read going into it blind, so just give it a try. I promise it will get you out of a reading slump…although it might put you into another one while we wait for the next installment. JK JK But let’s get into some more thoughts on if this popular Romantasy read should be on your TBR. Don’t worry, I’m keeping it spoiler free.

 

 

Things to Know:

• Book one in an unfinished series

• Romantasy

• Slow burn and fated mates

• Elemental magic

• Manipulation + Betrayal

• Cool magical creatures

This book starts off with a bang, and we learn the FMC is part of a fighting unit of a water based nation (which kinda seems more like a water village). They were banished to live on the Sea, and every year or so they get a chance to go trade at the market. There’s rumblings of war, so they’re trying to be extra careful. But, she’s being followed and eventually attacked by an enemy boy (cough, young man), and an explosion helps her escape back to her people.

So much more is revealed. She’s actually an orphan they found, and the leader’s son is her BFF, who’s probably going to end up being her ‘match’ or so she thinks. It was a little odd that she is treated like an outcast, but then also highly favored at the same time? I just went with it. Anyway, the boy from the Market shows up and is imprisoned and for some reason, she decides she can’t let him die, so she rescues him, and the adventures really begin. There’s some pretty epic fight scenes, water escapes, castaway vibes, and magical reveals.

And yes, there’s a slow burn romance, that also feels insta-love-y. I know that seems like a contradiction, but it will make sense when you read it, I promise. It’s actually so hard trying to talk about this book without giving spoilers!

There are such cool creatures, a suspicious bird, and the coolest elemental magic. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you find out something new.

Some concerns…WHY is Acker swimming in the ocean with a huge cut leaking blood? Are we not concerned about sharks?! Maybe that’s just me and my fear speaking, but that felt irresponsible, and I kept waiting for an attack.

The twist and cliffhanger ending were great! I have to be honest, I wasn’t entirely shocked by the ending like a lot of people seem to be. One thing I didn’t love though was in the trad version of the book, they give us a sneak peek of book two, and it’s several years later. WHAT?! Why years? I feel like the time jump is going to be rough. I could see a few months, but years?! And I’m not a fan of who she sees in the room with Acker (still trying to keep this spoiler free y’all!).

Skip the audiobook. I wasn’t the biggest fan. The FMC narration was fine, but the voices for the other women in the story I was not a fan of at all, and had to switch back to reading my physical copy.

Overall, I think the Romantasy girls will be eating this story up, and I honestly can’t wait for book two! I think the world is going to open up a lot more, motivations will be revealed, and we’ll hopefully get some more answers! Plus, enemies to lovers? Or maybe just enemies? I’m here for it. If you’re looking for a quick, easily digestible Romantasy read with some familiar tropes, but interesting twists and magic, I think you’ll enjoy Metal Slinger.

Many thanks to Saturday Books for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

—

*P.S. If you end up getting a copy of any books through an Affiliate link above, you’ll be helping me support this site and newsletter. Thanks in advance for supporting a fellow bookworm! BTW, I will always disclose affiliate links when they’re present. :) Happy reading!