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Fire & Metal #1
Metal Slinger
¡El fenómeno romantasy que arrasa en todo el mundo gracias a su final explosivo!
El amor es el arma más peligrosa.
Brynn ha pasado gran parte de su vida esperando la oportunidad de asistir al mercado anual organizado por los kenta, el mismo pueblo que condenó a los alaha, su gente, a una vida de exilio en el mar.
Para todos los jóvenes guardianes como ella, el mercado es un rito de paso. Y aunque no sabe exactamente qué esperar, lo último que imagina es que un soldado enemigo, tan letal como enigmático, la acuse de un delito que no ha cometido.
Aunque Brynn logra escapar, el encuentro pone en peligro el frágil tratado de paz entre los kenta y los alaha. Pero una guerra no será la única amenaza: el soldado misterioso cruzará los mares decidido a encontrarla.
Hasta entonces, creía tener claro su destino y su lugar en el mundo… Ahora, los ojos cargados de secretos de ese desconocido amenazan con cambiarlo todo.
Hay verdades que liberan. Y otras que destruyen para siempre.
El amor es el arma más peligrosa.
Brynn ha pasado gran parte de su vida esperando la oportunidad de asistir al mercado anual organizado por los kenta, el mismo pueblo que condenó a los alaha, su gente, a una vida de exilio en el mar.
Para todos los jóvenes guardianes como ella, el mercado es un rito de paso. Y aunque no sabe exactamente qué esperar, lo último que imagina es que un soldado enemigo, tan letal como enigmático, la acuse de un delito que no ha cometido.
Aunque Brynn logra escapar, el encuentro pone en peligro el frágil tratado de paz entre los kenta y los alaha. Pero una guerra no será la única amenaza: el soldado misterioso cruzará los mares decidido a encontrarla.
Hasta entonces, creía tener claro su destino y su lugar en el mundo… Ahora, los ojos cargados de secretos de ese desconocido amenazan con cambiarlo todo.
Hay verdades que liberan. Y otras que destruyen para siempre.
520 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2024
About the author
Rachel Schneider
5 books4,832 followersRachel Schneider lives in South Louisiana with her husband and daughter. She loves curse words, crawfish, and all things romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31,200 reviews
February 18, 2026
What. The. Actual. Fuck.
Listen, I’m not going to sit here and tell you I always see the ending of books coming and I am not easily fooled… because well that would be a lie. However, when I say I wouldn’t have seen this plot twist coming if my life depended on it… I mean it. Holy. Hell. THE SWEETEST BETRAYAL!!
Ending aside this book was truly such a fun and easy read. I was incapable of putting it down from the moment I picked it up. And I was in a mega slump so that’s saying something… it contains a lot of your classic romantasy tropes so it’s important to know that going in if that isn’t your favorite!
The world building was so easy to digest without being too vague. I think this would also be a perfect romantasy for beginners! The world is divided by the Alaha, those who live on the water, and Kenta, those who live on land, who have being living in peace for centuries. So things get a bit dicey when our FMC Brynn threatens that peace at the very beginning of the book. When Brynn finds herself face to face with the mysterious dark haired enemy soldier she discovers that nothing in her life is as it seems. Her loyalty is tested when secrets are revealed and she is thrust into a world of magic and a looming rebellion….. god it was fun!
Our MMC is scrumptious…. The second I found out he had a nose ring. I folded. And that mouth…. There’s something about a man who’s subtly obsessed, like he keeps himself restrained but you can see the obsessiveness and possession in his little tells…. GIVE IT TO ME!
I loved our FMC as well, she was smart, sure of herself, and never backed down to the threats of a man. And I know she’s only going to get better in book two!!
This book is for you if you like
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
- He falls first
- Elemental magic
- Touch her and die
- Plot twists
- Political intrigue
Not quite 5 stars just because I felt like the pacing was a bit slow in the middle, would have loved to see a bit more action there! But the ending made up for it!
Listen, I’m not going to sit here and tell you I always see the ending of books coming and I am not easily fooled… because well that would be a lie. However, when I say I wouldn’t have seen this plot twist coming if my life depended on it… I mean it. Holy. Hell. THE SWEETEST BETRAYAL!!
Ending aside this book was truly such a fun and easy read. I was incapable of putting it down from the moment I picked it up. And I was in a mega slump so that’s saying something… it contains a lot of your classic romantasy tropes so it’s important to know that going in if that isn’t your favorite!
The world building was so easy to digest without being too vague. I think this would also be a perfect romantasy for beginners! The world is divided by the Alaha, those who live on the water, and Kenta, those who live on land, who have being living in peace for centuries. So things get a bit dicey when our FMC Brynn threatens that peace at the very beginning of the book. When Brynn finds herself face to face with the mysterious dark haired enemy soldier she discovers that nothing in her life is as it seems. Her loyalty is tested when secrets are revealed and she is thrust into a world of magic and a looming rebellion….. god it was fun!
Our MMC is scrumptious…. The second I found out he had a nose ring. I folded. And that mouth…. There’s something about a man who’s subtly obsessed, like he keeps himself restrained but you can see the obsessiveness and possession in his little tells…. GIVE IT TO ME!
I loved our FMC as well, she was smart, sure of herself, and never backed down to the threats of a man. And I know she’s only going to get better in book two!!
This book is for you if you like
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
- He falls first
- Elemental magic
- Touch her and die
- Plot twists
- Political intrigue
Not quite 5 stars just because I felt like the pacing was a bit slow in the middle, would have loved to see a bit more action there! But the ending made up for it!
February 28, 2025
EDIT: Metal Slinger is being traditionally published AND has an audiobook coming this year!! I can’t wait to re-read and will come back to update my review once released. The review below is for the original indie version.
My jaw is on the ground and I’m going to need 2-3 business days to process this story.
The blurb doesn’t do this book justice, the story is so much more. This book is extremely fast paced so it might not be for everyone, especially as it can get ahead of you at times. For me this was exactly what I needed to read at the right time and it gave me all of those five star feelings.
I’m obsessed with all of the characters and their dynamics. The world and politics were so interesting to me and I ate up everything to do with the magic system. It was all so entertaining I had to physically restrain myself to put the book down at times because I just kept wanting to read on. I spent so much of this book feeling giddy, kicking my feet and screaming!
So many twists and turns, never a dull moment. The way everything connects at the end is quite frankly, insane. The ending?? The. Ending. You’ll either love or hate it and I absolutely devoured it. The author is a mastermind. Romantasy is back!!!!
I already need more!!!!
*Update: It has been over 1 month and I still think about this book every single day. One of my favourite reads EVER.*
My jaw is on the ground and I’m going to need 2-3 business days to process this story.
The blurb doesn’t do this book justice, the story is so much more. This book is extremely fast paced so it might not be for everyone, especially as it can get ahead of you at times. For me this was exactly what I needed to read at the right time and it gave me all of those five star feelings.
I’m obsessed with all of the characters and their dynamics. The world and politics were so interesting to me and I ate up everything to do with the magic system. It was all so entertaining I had to physically restrain myself to put the book down at times because I just kept wanting to read on. I spent so much of this book feeling giddy, kicking my feet and screaming!
So many twists and turns, never a dull moment. The way everything connects at the end is quite frankly, insane. The ending?? The. Ending. You’ll either love or hate it and I absolutely devoured it. The author is a mastermind. Romantasy is back!!!!
I already need more!!!!
*Update: It has been over 1 month and I still think about this book every single day. One of my favourite reads EVER.*
November 21, 2024
This is unfortunately a little too unpolished for me to rate it any higher. The transitions between chapters jump time in ways that are confusing. The big twist/reveal in the final two chapters doesn’t logically make sense when considering character motivations/reactions from all the preceding events. It’s really unclear what it is that they are trying to accomplish, so it just comes across as being a twist for the sake of being a surprise twist. I won’t be continuing on with this series.
June 3, 2026
This book was almost a DNF at 30% and should have been. I don’t understand the hype at all. The writing is clumsy at best. World building is minimal despite it being a unique world that could be really interesting - your society lives in trees in the ocean, please tell me more about that! Sadly, no. A new character arrives and just explains the FMC’s mysterious backstory that we hadn’t gotten even a whiff of yet, so it feels incredibly tell-not-show. It was reminiscent of Harry Potter’s beginning when Hagrid shows up to announce he’s a wizard, only with no pomp or flare in this case. This kind of storytelling continued throughout the book with incongruous details and conversations just haphazardly thrown in without any foreshadowing or justifying depth of explanation. There was a lot of repetition in the writing too. There are some fae vibes in the beginning that seem to be abandoned for the rest of the story. So many predictable tropisms that I rolled my eyes multiple times. The FMC is the most bland character I have read in a long time with no defining personality characteristics, almost no internal conflict or reflection, poorly defined motivations, wavering skill sets (she’s a master swordsman at the beginning and then cowers the whole rest of the story), etc. She was boring to read and the MMC was only mildly more interesting. But no chemistry between the two at all, despite so many opportunities to build some. The side characters were actually better developed than the main characters. The actual romance scenes were a bit too violent with him forcing her to kiss him while she resisted or grabbing her by the throat then tying her up. It was not cute, it was uncomfortable.
But the twist at the end was unbelievable, as in I actually could not believe that was even attempted, much less published. It negates so much of the rest of the story in a truly unrealistic way and literally made no sense. There needed to be WAY more work put into foreshadowing, or time spent going back and explaining how so many things actually occurred since the reader was misled for 95% of the book to make that work. It’s not the twist itself that bothers me, although it does make the FMC an abhorrent person, but the execution! You can’t have a story from a single first person POV with internal monologue and then find out later that the entire POV was a lie to the reader because a whole plotline involving her is happening off page! Make it dual POV with Acker’s interpretation of things, or events related through journal entries so that twist could have been earned! A reveal like that needs to at least have breadcrumbs throughout the story that suddenly make sense at the end, or account for those enormous plot holes differently or else it is just a poorly constructed story, and that’s what this was. I wanted to like this one but the storytelling fell so flat for me and the ending failed/made it a completely different story that I hated.
But the twist at the end was unbelievable, as in I actually could not believe that was even attempted, much less published. It negates so much of the rest of the story in a truly unrealistic way and literally made no sense. There needed to be WAY more work put into foreshadowing, or time spent going back and explaining how so many things actually occurred since the reader was misled for 95% of the book to make that work. It’s not the twist itself that bothers me, although it does make the FMC an abhorrent person, but the execution! You can’t have a story from a single first person POV with internal monologue and then find out later that the entire POV was a lie to the reader because a whole plotline involving her is happening off page! Make it dual POV with Acker’s interpretation of things, or events related through journal entries so that twist could have been earned! A reveal like that needs to at least have breadcrumbs throughout the story that suddenly make sense at the end, or account for those enormous plot holes differently or else it is just a poorly constructed story, and that’s what this was. I wanted to like this one but the storytelling fell so flat for me and the ending failed/made it a completely different story that I hated.
March 27, 2026
Fair warning: this is gonna be long, I've got much to say.
Starting with the fact that this wasn't a bad book, it's good. It has potential but the execution is messy and flawed. It's the sort of book that can pull you out of a reading slump, something you can binge within a day. And yet leave you feeling unsatisfied because of how it is executed. I won't say it was a flaw in editing but rather the way it was written.
The pacing of the book is leaning towards fast but not completely given how the time on the sea and the awakening was slightly dragged. It was needed and it's not something I will complain about. But yes, it's inconsistent pacing. The world building is pretty interesting and simple to follow. The action and magic system is unique and captivating, that also works out.
The first half was far more superior to the second half. We build intrigue both in terms of romance and politics. But the second half was so messy. I was confused the way the events of the first half were simply not weighed in or considered in the second half. That flow of the narrative didn't read natural, it was bumpy rather than a smooth flow. We're also expected to just accept that there are things happening which are not shown or told to us? How is that making for a good story writing?
Then the fmc, Brynn. I was supportive of her until the ending. That ending made me dislike the hypocrisy in her. Also, reading her pov is like reading an unreliable narration of the story. Acker was meh. He's like a try hard Slade. But he's an extremely emotionally constipated man. I see the appeal, and he doesn't appeal to me. The only Kai I accept is from Powerless. This one was meh. Messer was shown as a playboy and yet he is the only emotionally consistent and loyal one of them all. I would rather read and pine for Messer than all of the above.
The romance is marketed as enemies to lovers. It is not!!! Stop with the false marketing!!! This is just an awkward meet up. There is literally no enmity or hostility between the two that lasted more than two pages. Brynn and Acker have decent chemistry and I'll give them that. But I liked the first half version of them rather than the messed up second half.
The ending.. Yes I know I was going to be met with a real good plot twist. The only thing I felt was frustration. Because we as readers are kept so out of the loop throughout the book, that it is not even amusing. The whole thing was written as a massive shock factor and it's clear to me. But the writing should have dropped subtle hints to build up to that moment. It was not a clean switch! It was a rather frustrating one that made no sense at all.
That ending made it seem like reading it from an outside perspective rather than Brynn's pov. How do you expect us to connect with her or like her when even the readers are not kept in the loop? That sort of narrative might work with others but for me it was showing me inconsistency where it mattered- building character dynamics and the plot.
This is a generous rating and I'll read the next book but I have trust issues. No promises on whether I'll like it.
~•~•~
My expectations aren't too high but this has been on my shelf for a while. So, here we go...
Starting with the fact that this wasn't a bad book, it's good. It has potential but the execution is messy and flawed. It's the sort of book that can pull you out of a reading slump, something you can binge within a day. And yet leave you feeling unsatisfied because of how it is executed. I won't say it was a flaw in editing but rather the way it was written.
The pacing of the book is leaning towards fast but not completely given how the time on the sea and the awakening was slightly dragged. It was needed and it's not something I will complain about. But yes, it's inconsistent pacing. The world building is pretty interesting and simple to follow. The action and magic system is unique and captivating, that also works out.
The first half was far more superior to the second half. We build intrigue both in terms of romance and politics. But the second half was so messy. I was confused the way the events of the first half were simply not weighed in or considered in the second half. That flow of the narrative didn't read natural, it was bumpy rather than a smooth flow. We're also expected to just accept that there are things happening which are not shown or told to us? How is that making for a good story writing?
Then the fmc, Brynn. I was supportive of her until the ending. That ending made me dislike the hypocrisy in her. Also, reading her pov is like reading an unreliable narration of the story. Acker was meh. He's like a try hard Slade. But he's an extremely emotionally constipated man. I see the appeal, and he doesn't appeal to me. The only Kai I accept is from Powerless. This one was meh. Messer was shown as a playboy and yet he is the only emotionally consistent and loyal one of them all. I would rather read and pine for Messer than all of the above.
The romance is marketed as enemies to lovers. It is not!!! Stop with the false marketing!!! This is just an awkward meet up. There is literally no enmity or hostility between the two that lasted more than two pages. Brynn and Acker have decent chemistry and I'll give them that. But I liked the first half version of them rather than the messed up second half.
The ending.. Yes I know I was going to be met with a real good plot twist. The only thing I felt was frustration. Because we as readers are kept so out of the loop throughout the book, that it is not even amusing. The whole thing was written as a massive shock factor and it's clear to me. But the writing should have dropped subtle hints to build up to that moment. It was not a clean switch! It was a rather frustrating one that made no sense at all.
That ending made it seem like reading it from an outside perspective rather than Brynn's pov. How do you expect us to connect with her or like her when even the readers are not kept in the loop? That sort of narrative might work with others but for me it was showing me inconsistency where it mattered- building character dynamics and the plot.
This is a generous rating and I'll read the next book but I have trust issues. No promises on whether I'll like it.
~•~•~
My expectations aren't too high but this has been on my shelf for a while. So, here we go...
November 26, 2024
Honestly I can't trust Goodreads ratings anymore after booktok has taken over. 4.3 stars are you JOKING? Nothing about this book was good; the dialogue was so stilted and the characters' reactions to certain conversations/events just made no sense.
A twist ending is not SMART when it makes no sense looking back through the book! Yeah sure you couldn't see the ending coming, but that's just because it doesn't fit AT ALL with the prior narration, plot and notices in general. This ending just shows the author wanted to have a shock twist without taking the time to think about the story as a whole and make the ending fit into the rest of the book. Absolutely ridiculous, made no sense at all - sometimes the book's ending saves it and (for me at least) gives it another extra star. This ending pissed me off so much I would've rated the book 0 stars if I could have.
Sloppy writing, truly poor dialogue, nonsensical plot, no chemistry between the MCs and extremely poor development of the side characters. All in all definitely not worth its hype or its rating - booktok please go read other books, just caus the MMC has dark hair and kills people doesn't mean it's a good book.
A twist ending is not SMART when it makes no sense looking back through the book! Yeah sure you couldn't see the ending coming, but that's just because it doesn't fit AT ALL with the prior narration, plot and notices in general. This ending just shows the author wanted to have a shock twist without taking the time to think about the story as a whole and make the ending fit into the rest of the book. Absolutely ridiculous, made no sense at all - sometimes the book's ending saves it and (for me at least) gives it another extra star. This ending pissed me off so much I would've rated the book 0 stars if I could have.
Sloppy writing, truly poor dialogue, nonsensical plot, no chemistry between the MCs and extremely poor development of the side characters. All in all definitely not worth its hype or its rating - booktok please go read other books, just caus the MMC has dark hair and kills people doesn't mean it's a good book.
March 12, 2025
How is this the book everyone is talking about right now? This book needs to be actually edited so badly, It read like a first draft that hadn't gone through any kind of editing yet. Also the pacing is so off it made the book read even worse, SO much happened in the first 100 pages to the point I got whiplash but for the next 100 pages nothing at all happened?..
This book also relied on bad plot twists every 50 or so pages to keep the reader engaged because both the plot and romance was dull and she had no chemistry at all with him. Both characters were so boring.
The plot twist at the end was terrible and made literally no sense whatsoever given the story we were just told. It was pure shock factor and was not thought through or executed well.
This book also relied on bad plot twists every 50 or so pages to keep the reader engaged because both the plot and romance was dull and she had no chemistry at all with him. Both characters were so boring.
The plot twist at the end was terrible and made literally no sense whatsoever given the story we were just told. It was pure shock factor and was not thought through or executed well.
October 31, 2024
I wanted to love this novel. At first, I did. I was fully enraptured by the ending, how it fooled me, the crazy wild ride, it was great. Then, once I had finished the novel and really started thinking about it, I couldn’t help but find more and more plot holes throughout the novel. Many of these can be rectified within the next novel, and I’d be so happy if they were, but there were also a series of inconsistencies throughout that took me out of the novel.
What I liked:
-I enjoyed the romance and I liked the whole “match” connection that they had (for the most part).
-I think this book did something that not many romance novels do a good job of: actively demonstrating how these two fell in love. The forced proximity, the special moments, the banter. I actively saw (read) these two fall in love and it was beautiful.
-The writing is really easy to read and understand. It’s fast paced and it doesn’t stop.
-The ending did have me fooled. I didn’t see it coming. I was very shocked.
Inconsistencies:
-Our heroine’s eyes are described as hazel, then she’s told they’re blue later on when she’s with Merrow, she says “your eyes are blue now” and he responds “so are yours.” Then they’re hazel again by the end of the novel.
-In a conversation with another couple, we’re told the woman was disinherited because she was awakened and married a commoner and then two pages later the prose states she actually hadn’t awakened. So now I’m confused. That whole conversation was also pointless and made me mad because they were supposed to be getting more information on their match and got no new information.
-There is a reveal with Grenadine that doesn’t make sense because wouldn’t Acker have recognized Grenadine when he was on the same ship as her, living right next to her, and when they pay her off before they depart the ship?
-There are a lot of times when the characters’ movements or actions aren’t explained well and it’s clear the author changed something but didn’t change everything around that.
-There are some moments of dialogue, especially at the end, that don’t make sense. The characters dialogue clearly changed and the author didn’t change the dialogue around it.
-In the beginning of the novel it’s established Jovie can call her knife TO her. So, wherever the knife is, it goes from that point, to Jovie. Later on in the novel, Jovie says she will call her knife TO her after 3 days. 3 days later she has a scene where she has to GO TO the knife to get it and then come back, ultimately so that we get a scene where her Mother gets to see her. But that makes no sense with the magic system established.
Questions I needed answered:
Assuming Jovie knew everything about her heritage while living aboard that ship with Wren, I need to know:
-Why she elected to stay there that entire time?
-Who actually kidnapped her or was she kidnapped? How did she actually end up there now that we know she’s aware of her parentage?
-What actually happened with Wren and why were they all exiled if Wren is supposedly a good guy?
-Why does Jovie claim to be the leader of the resistance? And what resistance is she leading? Is it -Wren’s or is it her own or is it Kai’s?
-Why her Mother didn’t do shit to get her back once she knew where her long lost daughter was?
With regards to the evil king:
-We have a King who’s been in power for hundreds of years and yet knows nothing about matches or the power that yields?
-Ok we have two people who have this incredible ability, because they are matched, to be invisible and in whatever place their match is at and the King 1. Doesn’t realize that the match leads to extra incredible powers and 2. Doesn’t realize the potential that would give to his son and ultimately to him and his quest for world domination? Seriously? This King doesn’t realize that these powers would make Jovie and Aleck incredible spies among other uses?
-The ending arc where we have the King who just wants Jovie to be a concubine but that neglects the fact that 1. He needs her Mother as an ally and this would do nothing to win back favor and 2. Jovie’s Mother has the bigger army. Why would this King, who again isn’t stupid, do something so politically dumb?
With regards to the world:
-What is this heir system? It didn’t make any sense to me whatsoever.
-I’m going to need to know what is actually going on with Wren and if he’s a bad guy or a good guy because why he was pushed out and why they’re exiled to the ships now makes no sense.
-Who is the rebellion against? Everyone? Just the king? Wren? Who?
-How the heck did Jovie convince Beau to do that? The fact that it happened off page and we didn’t see an ounce of it doesn’t make sense. I would love to see this explained more in the second book. The fact that this is first person narrative but now we have an unreliable narrator is kind of insane to me.
What I didn’t like in the Romance:
-First I’d like to say that I don’t recall Jovie actually ever trying to actively demonstrate how horrible Aleck’s Father was to him or trying in any way to sway him to see through his Father’s lies. She didn’t even try with him yet somehow managed to convince Beau in .5 seconds.
-The actions at the end? He hits her? No. No I don’t care but no. He literally said he “would never hurt her ever not for any reason” and then this happens and he is beating up on her? No thanks.
-The “I don’t trust you” argument is so repetitive and this couple has the same argument 5x.
-The whole “concubine” arc at the end makes no sense in the world or in the political machinations developed.
Ultimately, yes I’ll be reading the second book because I do want to know what happens. I do. I also want these plot holes filled and I want better development. I want to see what happens. I’m also incredibly frustrated by this read because it had so much potential, but did not live up to it in my opinion.
What I liked:
-I enjoyed the romance and I liked the whole “match” connection that they had (for the most part).
-I think this book did something that not many romance novels do a good job of: actively demonstrating how these two fell in love. The forced proximity, the special moments, the banter. I actively saw (read) these two fall in love and it was beautiful.
-The writing is really easy to read and understand. It’s fast paced and it doesn’t stop.
-The ending did have me fooled. I didn’t see it coming. I was very shocked.
Inconsistencies:
-Our heroine’s eyes are described as hazel, then she’s told they’re blue later on when she’s with Merrow, she says “your eyes are blue now” and he responds “so are yours.” Then they’re hazel again by the end of the novel.
-In a conversation with another couple, we’re told the woman was disinherited because she was awakened and married a commoner and then two pages later the prose states she actually hadn’t awakened. So now I’m confused. That whole conversation was also pointless and made me mad because they were supposed to be getting more information on their match and got no new information.
-There is a reveal with Grenadine that doesn’t make sense because wouldn’t Acker have recognized Grenadine when he was on the same ship as her, living right next to her, and when they pay her off before they depart the ship?
-There are a lot of times when the characters’ movements or actions aren’t explained well and it’s clear the author changed something but didn’t change everything around that.
-There are some moments of dialogue, especially at the end, that don’t make sense. The characters dialogue clearly changed and the author didn’t change the dialogue around it.
-In the beginning of the novel it’s established Jovie can call her knife TO her. So, wherever the knife is, it goes from that point, to Jovie. Later on in the novel, Jovie says she will call her knife TO her after 3 days. 3 days later she has a scene where she has to GO TO the knife to get it and then come back, ultimately so that we get a scene where her Mother gets to see her. But that makes no sense with the magic system established.
Questions I needed answered:
Assuming Jovie knew everything about her heritage while living aboard that ship with Wren, I need to know:
-Why she elected to stay there that entire time?
-Who actually kidnapped her or was she kidnapped? How did she actually end up there now that we know she’s aware of her parentage?
-What actually happened with Wren and why were they all exiled if Wren is supposedly a good guy?
-Why does Jovie claim to be the leader of the resistance? And what resistance is she leading? Is it -Wren’s or is it her own or is it Kai’s?
-Why her Mother didn’t do shit to get her back once she knew where her long lost daughter was?
With regards to the evil king:
-We have a King who’s been in power for hundreds of years and yet knows nothing about matches or the power that yields?
-Ok we have two people who have this incredible ability, because they are matched, to be invisible and in whatever place their match is at and the King 1. Doesn’t realize that the match leads to extra incredible powers and 2. Doesn’t realize the potential that would give to his son and ultimately to him and his quest for world domination? Seriously? This King doesn’t realize that these powers would make Jovie and Aleck incredible spies among other uses?
-The ending arc where we have the King who just wants Jovie to be a concubine but that neglects the fact that 1. He needs her Mother as an ally and this would do nothing to win back favor and 2. Jovie’s Mother has the bigger army. Why would this King, who again isn’t stupid, do something so politically dumb?
With regards to the world:
-What is this heir system? It didn’t make any sense to me whatsoever.
-I’m going to need to know what is actually going on with Wren and if he’s a bad guy or a good guy because why he was pushed out and why they’re exiled to the ships now makes no sense.
-Who is the rebellion against? Everyone? Just the king? Wren? Who?
-How the heck did Jovie convince Beau to do that? The fact that it happened off page and we didn’t see an ounce of it doesn’t make sense. I would love to see this explained more in the second book. The fact that this is first person narrative but now we have an unreliable narrator is kind of insane to me.
What I didn’t like in the Romance:
-First I’d like to say that I don’t recall Jovie actually ever trying to actively demonstrate how horrible Aleck’s Father was to him or trying in any way to sway him to see through his Father’s lies. She didn’t even try with him yet somehow managed to convince Beau in .5 seconds.
-The actions at the end? He hits her? No. No I don’t care but no. He literally said he “would never hurt her ever not for any reason” and then this happens and he is beating up on her? No thanks.
-The “I don’t trust you” argument is so repetitive and this couple has the same argument 5x.
-The whole “concubine” arc at the end makes no sense in the world or in the political machinations developed.
Ultimately, yes I’ll be reading the second book because I do want to know what happens. I do. I also want these plot holes filled and I want better development. I want to see what happens. I’m also incredibly frustrated by this read because it had so much potential, but did not live up to it in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
4.5! the scream i screamt with this ending…. no i will not recover thank youuu
December 9, 2024
this sh*t was devoured in less than 24 hours. WHAT DO YOU MEAN RACHEL???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN THATS HOW IT ENDS?????? never EVER have I been so thoroughly bamboozled. I feel winded. I could easily commit a homicide or sacrificial act for the 2nd book to be in my hands rn <3
aside from the ending…….. this book slapped so unbelievably hard. I feel like non-stop fantasy girl fall had me slumping a bit, and metal slinger SLUNG me out of that slump so hard I went through the wall like that guy with the bowlcut in The Incredibles. you get the vision????
Acker has my whole entire heart rn. I was genuinely giggling & kicking my feet over him every single second of this book, if they mess with his character integrity in book 2 I’m starting a riot. xoxoxo. AND MESSER! MY LOVE! UGH. our FMC… too many layers to unpack rn. I think, I love her? but I KNOWWWW her arc is about to be juicy af. UGH.
The pacing, the setting, the romance, the dialogue, all of it was chefs kiss. I’m so upset and elated at the same f**king time.
aside from the ending…….. this book slapped so unbelievably hard. I feel like non-stop fantasy girl fall had me slumping a bit, and metal slinger SLUNG me out of that slump so hard I went through the wall like that guy with the bowlcut in The Incredibles. you get the vision????
Acker has my whole entire heart rn. I was genuinely giggling & kicking my feet over him every single second of this book, if they mess with his character integrity in book 2 I’m starting a riot. xoxoxo. AND MESSER! MY LOVE! UGH. our FMC… too many layers to unpack rn. I think, I love her? but I KNOWWWW her arc is about to be juicy af. UGH.
The pacing, the setting, the romance, the dialogue, all of it was chefs kiss. I’m so upset and elated at the same f**king time.
April 29, 2025
Wait, wait, wait—
What just happened??? Hello??
Okay, so I guessed something suspicious was going on with him… but that ending??? 👀 That was definitely unexpected 🤯
Second book 👀 hey!!! Care to release it soon? 👀 PLEEEEEASEEE!!! That cliffhanger is cliffhangering me 😔
My mind can’t even focus on anything else other than that cliffhanger 😭 My eyes were in wide shock—dayummm… 🤯
Pinterest, thank you 🙂↕️✨🫶
Guyssss, if this is on your TBR, then I seriously can’t wait to read your reviews 🤭 But if this isn’t on your TBR, pleeeeease add it 🙏 (If you love Romantasy with some adventure, Enemies-to-Lovers muheheheh, Forbidden Love, a Strong Female Lead 🙂↕️, Hidden Identity/Secrets 👀, Magic of course, aaaaaaaand… ughhhh—I can’t write it because it’ll spoil you 😭 but yeah, the ending is WORTH it). I’m having a sudden urge to reveal that trope 😭 BUT I DON’T WANT TO SPOIL YOU 👀 SEE!? I’M GOOD AT CONTROLLING MYSELF 🤭 (Nah I’M NOT 😭 I’M BARELY HOLDING IT TOGETHER!!!) Me to my fingers: please please please don’t write the last trope (definitely a spoiler-kind-of trope) 😭
Time to write about something else because I’m definitely losing it…. 😭
Okay okay okay, so ACKER… heeeeeeey 👀 Oh btw lovies, the Slowburn is Slowburning & the Angst is Angsting 🙂↕️ Okay, back to ACKER… heeeeeey again 👀 (I think my “heeeeeeys” are enough to let you know my feelings… heheheh).
I forgot the FMC's name 💀 help—wait, lemme go back to check 💀 Hey, I’m back—yes, BRYNN… dayummm not gonna lie, she’s a strong woman 🫡 Girlie got that charm…
MESSER, ahhhhhh he’s my favorite side character muhehehh 🤭 I swear—Miss Author, if you’re gonna do something emotional to him then I’ll… (tbh I can’t do anything other than cry or get sad, so yeah) I’ll cry 😭 So please, for the sake of my tears 😔 give him a good fate. I think I love him more than Acker 🤭
BEAU, ooooh I love her too 👀 She’s so cool 🤭✨ I’m definitely interested in her character and have so many questions about her… 👀
Uhh, who else…!?!? My mind is going back to that spoiler-kinda-trope 😭 help… Guess I’ll end my review here… It’s already so long 😭 (There was another character who was good too 👀 umm… I think his name was Hallis… yeah, I think so)
A MUST READ!!! 🫶✨
WAAAAAAAITTTT— I just read this THEORY OR RUMOR OR WHATEVERRRRRR… 🤯 WHAAA—OH.EM.GEE… If that theory/rumor is correct 👀 I’m gonna lose my mind (in a good way, of course) because I love both 🙂↕️ If you’ve already read Metal Slinger, then check this theory on Reddit omg…
⚠️ If you’re gonna read this book (whenever you want to), I just wanna say my DMs are always open & I would really love to hear your thoughts, so feel freeeee to drop a text ⚠️
OKAY BYE!! (Truly sorry for the long review—or more like a rant 😔)
___________________
Pre-Read
✨Pinterest✨ sparked my interest in reading this book 😌😌 so let’s see…
Second book 👀 hey!!! Care to release it soon? 👀 PLEEEEEASEEE!!! That cliffhanger is cliffhangering me 😔
My mind can’t even focus on anything else other than that cliffhanger 😭 My eyes were in wide shock—dayummm… 🤯
Pinterest, thank you 🙂↕️✨🫶
Guyssss, if this is on your TBR, then I seriously can’t wait to read your reviews 🤭 But if this isn’t on your TBR, pleeeeease add it 🙏 (If you love Romantasy with some adventure, Enemies-to-Lovers muheheheh, Forbidden Love, a Strong Female Lead 🙂↕️, Hidden Identity/Secrets 👀, Magic of course, aaaaaaaand… ughhhh—I can’t write it because it’ll spoil you 😭 but yeah, the ending is WORTH it). I’m having a sudden urge to reveal that trope 😭 BUT I DON’T WANT TO SPOIL YOU 👀 SEE!? I’M GOOD AT CONTROLLING MYSELF 🤭 (Nah I’M NOT 😭 I’M BARELY HOLDING IT TOGETHER!!!) Me to my fingers: please please please don’t write the last trope (definitely a spoiler-kind-of trope) 😭
Time to write about something else because I’m definitely losing it…. 😭
Okay okay okay, so ACKER… heeeeeeey 👀 Oh btw lovies, the Slowburn is Slowburning & the Angst is Angsting 🙂↕️ Okay, back to ACKER… heeeeeey again 👀 (I think my “heeeeeeys” are enough to let you know my feelings… heheheh).
I forgot the FMC's name 💀 help—wait, lemme go back to check 💀 Hey, I’m back—yes, BRYNN… dayummm not gonna lie, she’s a strong woman 🫡 Girlie got that charm…
MESSER, ahhhhhh he’s my favorite side character muhehehh 🤭 I swear—Miss Author, if you’re gonna do something emotional to him then I’ll… (tbh I can’t do anything other than cry or get sad, so yeah) I’ll cry 😭 So please, for the sake of my tears 😔 give him a good fate. I think I love him more than Acker 🤭
BEAU, ooooh I love her too 👀 She’s so cool 🤭✨ I’m definitely interested in her character and have so many questions about her… 👀
Uhh, who else…!?!? My mind is going back to that spoiler-kinda-trope 😭 help… Guess I’ll end my review here… It’s already so long 😭 (There was another character who was good too 👀 umm… I think his name was Hallis… yeah, I think so)
A MUST READ!!! 🫶✨
WAAAAAAAITTTT— I just read this THEORY OR RUMOR OR WHATEVERRRRRR… 🤯 WHAAA—OH.EM.GEE… If that theory/rumor is correct 👀 I’m gonna lose my mind (in a good way, of course) because I love both 🙂↕️ If you’ve already read Metal Slinger, then check this theory on Reddit omg…
⚠️ If you’re gonna read this book (whenever you want to), I just wanna say my DMs are always open & I would really love to hear your thoughts, so feel freeeee to drop a text ⚠️
OKAY BYE!! (Truly sorry for the long review—or more like a rant 😔)
___________________
Pre-Read
✨Pinterest✨ sparked my interest in reading this book 😌😌 so let’s see…
June 5, 2026
So glad I waited to read this right before the second book publishes because that ending has my flabbers well and truly gasted. (Rtc, maybe, not sure)
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
Once her enemy, always her enemy… right?
Here to find out about the plot twist that everyone is talking about.
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
Once her enemy, always her enemy… right?
Here to find out about the plot twist that everyone is talking about.
March 2, 2026
Felt like a cruel joke
March 14, 2025
Starting off strong: But this book has got to have the worst plot twist I have ever read. Will I still be reading the next book? You bet your mama I will.
Everything about the way this book began was everything. The premise was strong, I was completely enthralled, and I didn’t want to put it down—even though the first third had a pretty slow pace. I loved the world, I loved the characters, I loved the stakes—I was really enjoying myself. Sure, I’ll admit it wasn’t the most unique story ever; it had plenty of familiar tropes common in romantasy books. But as more and more was revealed, things just kept getting more interesting, and I was fully along for the ride, eager to see how it all played out.
At first, I was obsessed with the sexy, confusing, complex romance—but after a while, I was like, Okay, guys, wrap it up! Do you like each other or not? Are you meant to be together or what? Still, I loved it, and I can’t wait to see more of them in the next book.
Now, please tell me if I missed some foreshadowing—or better yet, a whole couple of chapters—because what?! Look, I love being blindsided, but plot twists still need to make sense. It felt like the author tried way too hard to shock us, and while I can see how some people might enjoy that, I want to be able to connect at least some dots. I’m really hoping the next book will explain a few things because right now… I’ve got questions.
Everything about the way this book began was everything. The premise was strong, I was completely enthralled, and I didn’t want to put it down—even though the first third had a pretty slow pace. I loved the world, I loved the characters, I loved the stakes—I was really enjoying myself. Sure, I’ll admit it wasn’t the most unique story ever; it had plenty of familiar tropes common in romantasy books. But as more and more was revealed, things just kept getting more interesting, and I was fully along for the ride, eager to see how it all played out.
At first, I was obsessed with the sexy, confusing, complex romance—but after a while, I was like, Okay, guys, wrap it up! Do you like each other or not? Are you meant to be together or what? Still, I loved it, and I can’t wait to see more of them in the next book.
Now, please tell me if I missed some foreshadowing—or better yet, a whole couple of chapters—because what?! Look, I love being blindsided, but plot twists still need to make sense. It felt like the author tried way too hard to shock us, and while I can see how some people might enjoy that, I want to be able to connect at least some dots. I’m really hoping the next book will explain a few things because right now… I’ve got questions.
June 15, 2026
Currently 2 ⭐️
Ok what was that ending… the Frieda McFadden of fantasy books (derogatory)
Full RTC once I’ve stopped being so pissed off 😭 < this never happened because I’ve still never stopped being pissed off at how abysmal the ending was
——
Ok. I honestly don’t like to be mean when it comes to reviews but that ending was shocking and not in a good way. 99% of the entire book had a specific plot and then the last chapter threw it all away without any sort of hints or breadcrumbs that might lead the reader to actually believe it possible? Also the FMC was given certain characteristics and a background that meant this plot twist made 0 sense? I was just absolutely bamboozled.
The pacing of this was just so weird as well. It felt like the part where they were on the boat lasted way longer than it should have, then it was full steam ahead and then randomly slow again. It was like the parts that should’ve been important weren’t, and the parts that were more filler and less important were insanely dragged out.
I didn’t enjoy any of the characters, and there was little depth to any of them or even the plot in general. Pls can someone explain how the MMC attempted to chop off her hand at the beginning and then it’s just forgotten about it? And we’re expected to believe they were soulmates?
This book had SO much potential and the concept was so intriguing to me but it ultimately failed to deliver and I wish I dnf’d it 🥲
~~~~~
Pre-read: It is ✨ TIME✨
This has been on my TBR for monthssssssssss and I'm finally going to start it alongside gorgeous bestie angelinabvby ۶۟ৎ 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
PLS BE A 5 ⭐️ < lol at our optimism 😭
Ok what was that ending… the Frieda McFadden of fantasy books (derogatory)
Full RTC once I’ve stopped being so pissed off 😭 < this never happened because I’ve still never stopped being pissed off at how abysmal the ending was
——
Ok. I honestly don’t like to be mean when it comes to reviews but that ending was shocking and not in a good way. 99% of the entire book had a specific plot and then the last chapter threw it all away without any sort of hints or breadcrumbs that might lead the reader to actually believe it possible? Also the FMC was given certain characteristics and a background that meant this plot twist made 0 sense? I was just absolutely bamboozled.
The pacing of this was just so weird as well. It felt like the part where they were on the boat lasted way longer than it should have, then it was full steam ahead and then randomly slow again. It was like the parts that should’ve been important weren’t, and the parts that were more filler and less important were insanely dragged out.
I didn’t enjoy any of the characters, and there was little depth to any of them or even the plot in general. Pls can someone explain how the MMC attempted to chop off her hand at the beginning and then it’s just forgotten about it? And we’re expected to believe they were soulmates?
This book had SO much potential and the concept was so intriguing to me but it ultimately failed to deliver and I wish I dnf’d it 🥲
~~~~~
Pre-read: It is ✨ TIME✨
This has been on my TBR for monthssssssssss and I'm finally going to start it alongside gorgeous bestie angelinabvby ۶۟ৎ 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
PLS BE A 5 ⭐️ < lol at our optimism 😭
December 28, 2024
I just consumed this in 48 hours and loved every second of it. This is exactly what I want in a Romantasy!!! The ending.. BLEW ME AWAY and left me itching for the next book immediately but now we wait!! 😭😭
This captured me right from the start! If you enjoy an easy (beginner) Romantasy, this is for you!! The magic system is so freaking cool. I will say, it did start to get a tad slow from 50-70% but I just loved the entire concept and storyline of this book so much, I simply cannot give it anything less than 5 stars. This is one of my favorites this year!
“She has beautiful eyes,” he says softly, like he’s lost to memory. “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.”
-elemental magic
-romantasy
-enemies to lovers
-fated mates
-slow burn
-touch her & die
This captured me right from the start! If you enjoy an easy (beginner) Romantasy, this is for you!! The magic system is so freaking cool. I will say, it did start to get a tad slow from 50-70% but I just loved the entire concept and storyline of this book so much, I simply cannot give it anything less than 5 stars. This is one of my favorites this year!
“She has beautiful eyes,” he says softly, like he’s lost to memory. “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.”
-elemental magic
-romantasy
-enemies to lovers
-fated mates
-slow burn
-touch her & die
October 3, 2025
Really enjoyed this book…until the ending. (Also a random giant spoiler for the show “Lost” in a reference!)
Spoilers
It’s not that I mind an unreliable narrator or an unexpected villain. It’s the execution that ruined this for me. The big reveal was equivalent to the ending of Lost (they were dead the whole time? Really?). I think the plot twist could have worked with more attention to how it was achieved. The book was entirely in first person from Jovie’s POV. This format just doesn’t work for such a plot twist in the last 2 chapters of a 400+ page book. There weren’t enough hints crafted throughout the 50+ chapters of her thoughts and experiences. And we get a lot of her worries and concerns and sense of betrayal of Kai. When this is all revealed to be totally untrue, it just feels like a cheap trick. This always comes off as the author being heavy handed vs. the character being an unreliable narrator. It left the plot twist feeling unidimensional and unbelievable…just a major plot device that felt forced for shock value. I wish there was more attention paid to how to properly craft an unreliable narrator. There’s no shortage of masterful examples out there. And, I know it’s hard to achieve but I think the author has the writing skill to have achieved it (she needed some better feedback on her drafts)! The last 2 chapters were honestly a 1 star read for me, while the rest of the book was 5+ stars! Rating as 2 stars because it’s ultimately the craft that was my complaint. A twist executed like that takes away from the whole reading experience.
Spoilers
It’s not that I mind an unreliable narrator or an unexpected villain. It’s the execution that ruined this for me. The big reveal was equivalent to the ending of Lost (they were dead the whole time? Really?). I think the plot twist could have worked with more attention to how it was achieved. The book was entirely in first person from Jovie’s POV. This format just doesn’t work for such a plot twist in the last 2 chapters of a 400+ page book. There weren’t enough hints crafted throughout the 50+ chapters of her thoughts and experiences. And we get a lot of her worries and concerns and sense of betrayal of Kai. When this is all revealed to be totally untrue, it just feels like a cheap trick. This always comes off as the author being heavy handed vs. the character being an unreliable narrator. It left the plot twist feeling unidimensional and unbelievable…just a major plot device that felt forced for shock value. I wish there was more attention paid to how to properly craft an unreliable narrator. There’s no shortage of masterful examples out there. And, I know it’s hard to achieve but I think the author has the writing skill to have achieved it (she needed some better feedback on her drafts)! The last 2 chapters were honestly a 1 star read for me, while the rest of the book was 5+ stars! Rating as 2 stars because it’s ultimately the craft that was my complaint. A twist executed like that takes away from the whole reading experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2024
4.5* YOU’RE JOKINGGGGGG
this book was so much fun! interesting world and politics, amazing tension and banter, and the entire time I was reading it I could feel *something* was coming. but when I tell you I NEVER could’ve predicted that plot twist!!! truly shocked me like besties I felt my heart DROP.
the only reason it’s not a 5 star is the middle suffered some pacing issues. I still overall enjoyed this book so much though and need book 2 more than life. gonna go stare at a wall now bye!
this book was so much fun! interesting world and politics, amazing tension and banter, and the entire time I was reading it I could feel *something* was coming. but when I tell you I NEVER could’ve predicted that plot twist!!! truly shocked me like besties I felt my heart DROP.
the only reason it’s not a 5 star is the middle suffered some pacing issues. I still overall enjoyed this book so much though and need book 2 more than life. gonna go stare at a wall now bye!
November 21, 2024
5 stars
What the fuck just happened
I get the hype. It’s worth the hype. Oh my god this was so good.
All you need to know is that there are two groups of people, the Alaha, who have been exiled to live on the water, and the Kenta, who live on land to do the exiling. There is a VERY fragile peace treaty between the Alaha and the Kenta. Brynn, our FMC gets to go to the Market on land (something for soldiers and it only happens once a year, if I’m remembering correctly). She unintentionally stomps all over that peace treaty and shit starts stirring from there.
HOLY SHIT THIS WAS SO GOOD. I’m mad for putting it off for so long. You’re thrown right into the story, and it has super easy yet unique world building and magic. The side characters were great (the bird is still my favorite). Brynn was SUCH a great FMC. I really really liked being in her head. She wasn’t annoying at all and honestly sometimes that’s hard to do. Acker, the MMC, hot man with a nose ring and plenty of secrets, I adore him.
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil, but just know that ending will make you GASP. I didn’t see it coming from a mile away.
Fabulous. Can’t wait for book 2!
What the fuck just happened
I get the hype. It’s worth the hype. Oh my god this was so good.
All you need to know is that there are two groups of people, the Alaha, who have been exiled to live on the water, and the Kenta, who live on land to do the exiling. There is a VERY fragile peace treaty between the Alaha and the Kenta. Brynn, our FMC gets to go to the Market on land (something for soldiers and it only happens once a year, if I’m remembering correctly). She unintentionally stomps all over that peace treaty and shit starts stirring from there.
HOLY SHIT THIS WAS SO GOOD. I’m mad for putting it off for so long. You’re thrown right into the story, and it has super easy yet unique world building and magic. The side characters were great (the bird is still my favorite). Brynn was SUCH a great FMC. I really really liked being in her head. She wasn’t annoying at all and honestly sometimes that’s hard to do. Acker, the MMC, hot man with a nose ring and plenty of secrets, I adore him.
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil, but just know that ending will make you GASP. I didn’t see it coming from a mile away.
Fabulous. Can’t wait for book 2!
August 20, 2025
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ✦ . ⁺ . 3.1 - 3.3 ☆ . ⁺ . ✦
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ What I need authors to do is to quit advertising their books wrong: this is not an enemies-to-lovers book, but more like some strange, awkward friends-to-lovers thing going on here; one that isn't as great as everybody made me believe and one that could have used some huge improvements in terms of, well, quite everything. The only thing memorable about this book for me was literally that wicked glass scene (my jaw was on the floor and i was feeling HOT all of a sudden), and, indeed, the very ending of the book with the very popular cliff hanger that, sadly, apart from the shock factor, brings nothing else.
ㅤ ㅤ “The only way through it is through.” - big words here
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ Brynn is one of the exiled Alaha (sea‑bound folk who are only allowed to set foot on land once a year). At Kenta’s market, she manages to accidentally sparks a century‑old treaty disaster. Therefore, enter Acker: broody Kenta soldier, wielder of mysterious metal magic, exasperatingly handsome, and now bound tantalisingly to Brynn via some magical bond and a shared murder treaty.
ㅤ They escape Alaha on a boat. Beware—they spend a LOT of time on that boat. Magic awakens, territory shifts, and secrets tumble. Betrayal is teased at. And then you get a plot twist so wild it leaves you checking if your Kindle rebooted mid‑chapter. The world is rich, but not entirely explored. The magic is fresh, but apparently too fresh to be offered any serious attention. And the narrative pacing? It floats… then sinks when you least expect it.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The pacing in this book is a complete whiplash. One minute we’re mid-battle, the next we’re two weeks into a sea voyage with zero explanation for what just happened. I know the author made use of these time jumps to offer some sort of idea of the time passing meant to bring the characters together and justify whatever was happening between them; but they didn’t deepen character bonds — they deleted the moments that could’ve built them.
ㅤ Not to mention that these time jumps also did no justice to the romance. Like, what happened on that boat? Or all that time in the forest? Or in the camp? I honestly don't know, but apparently it included enough off-screen development to justify suddenly trusting each other with their lives.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The world-building? Gorgeous in theory, foggy in execution. The magical system—metal slinging, shape shifting, aura sensing (?)—is undeniably cool. There’s political drama simmering beneath the surface, and some truly compelling lore trying desperately to be heard. But instead of showing us this world, the book drops tantalising crumbs and then sprints away before elaborating. I didn’t want more info dumps; I wanted more moments living inside this world. The base information is clearly there. We just never got to sit with it long enough for it to mean anything.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I didn't initially mean to talk about this, as I mostly don't really care about this aspect as long as it is kept under control, but this book felt like it skipped the copyedit stage entirely; wrongly written words, jumbled phrasing, weird line breaks and sentences that just… didn’t work. It pulled me out of the story constantly at one point because I was noticing them a little bit too much. This wasn’t just “oops, a few mistakes!” — this was “Did no one read this all the way through?” territory.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I truly did not enjoy the romance in this very much. And plot twist: not even mainly because of the love interest or because of the completely wrongly advertised relationship.
ㅤ The truth is I just could not stand Brynn because she simply lacked emotional nuance, and the last chapters literally blew her character entirely away. Everything she did felt either unjustifiably stupid or frustratingly passive, with no real development between the two extremes.
ㅤ Don't get me wrong, Acker was also more than occasionally dull, yes, but he had his moments. The whole “romance” went from attempted murder to sexual tension so fast I got dizzy. This could’ve DEFINITELY been enemies to lovers (and I am hoping book two will finally bring this trope into play). But for now, we only got some sort of emotionally something acquaintances who I have no idea what they are trying to do.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Now we are getting to the interesting part and you can definitely get some popcorn for this: the ending of the book. This was somehow both the most irritating and most compelling part of the book. Yes, we’re talking about the infamous plot twist—the one that supposedly makes you reevaluate your entire life.
ㅤ Did it somehow surprise me? Yes.
ㅤ Did it make me feel tricked, a little gaslit, and vaguely betrayed? Also yes.
ㅤ Did it seem like complete bullshit and made absolutely no sense for a book written in freaking 1st person narrative? DEFINITELY YES.
ㅤ The only thing this plot twist did was create even more plot holes for this story; and it already had enough plot holes as it is! It’s one of those twists that might’ve worked beautifully if the book had been written in third person. I am not mad at the plot twist itself, but I am furious at how incredibly badly it was executed. I only ended up hating the FMC even more and I badly hope the next book will manage to solve something from whatever happened there.
ㅤ And for those people who say "there was no foreshadowing for any of these things", that's not true. There were moments of foreshadowing — but they were tossed in so sloppily and inconsistently that the twist still felt like a narrative prank.
ㅤ Not to mention that this entire plot twist made absolutely no sense in what concerns the MMC because the poor guy has been nothing but nice and fair (with some small moments that made me scream, "Just do something/stand up, my guy!!!"), and it was clear he shared the same views as all the others involved.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ At this point I feel like I only like Messer in this book.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ You know those kind of books where the characters seem bland, but in the end they prove to be really amazing and intriguing? Yeah, this is NOT one of those books. These characters are bland and they stay bland.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Brynn – Our protagonist, who can’t decide upon anything. She spends most of the book stumbling through identity crises like it’s her full-time job—because it is. Brynn has the setup for an epic arc... and then proceeds to do almost nothing with it. She reacts to everything but initiates little, and instead of showing actual growth, she spirals deeper into inner monologues, tantrums, and lashing out at people who try to help her.
ㅤ Yes, the trauma is real. But emotional regression is not a character arc. Especially when it's dressed in cryptic lines and magic that we barely understand. Is she supposed to be some magical light bulb? God-blessed flame of something? We don't know.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Acker – The brooding Prince of Kenta. Wields metal, commands armies, and unfortunately, has the emotional availability of a puppy. He’s a duty-bound cinnamon roll, if the cinnamon roll were forged in a little bit incapacity to stand up for something and indecision. He’s not unlikable, per se; he has moments of charm, and his quiet defiance adds some much-needed depth, but most of the time he feels like a checklist of “fantasy love interest” tropes: possessive, grumpy, hot, broody, allergic to emotional conversations.
ㅤ There are some glimpses of nuance in him, but they’re fleeting, buried under all the glowering. Like Brynn, he’s a character that could have been complex if the story let him breathe instead of shove him into another forced intimacy scene.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Messer – The real MVP. Playboy, stealth master, emotionally grounded, and somehow still loyal to Brynn despite her constant spiraling. He’s clever, competent, and capable of reading the room, which is something most of the leads desperately lack. Messer simply carries this book for me.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Kai – I hate him. But I guess he was nice for the entirety of the 5 chapters he was there or something.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Beau – Warrior, aura-reader, emotional compass. Beau is sharp, grounded, and refreshingly honest in a sea of vague nonsense. She’s the one person who consistently sees through the bullshit and calls people out—especially Brynn. Her loyalty (?) is fierce, and her scenes with Hallis cured my suffering for this book.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ If you adore intriguing magic systems, political intrigue, and twisted reveals—and can stomach this FMC and major pacing hiccups—"Metal Slinger" might be pretty good for you. It is a pretty fast and easy read as long as you get over the constant writing errors. But if you crave emotionally grounded romance or tightly constructed character arcs? Maybe pass this; or at least wait for the second book to see whether it is worthy or not.
ㅤ Honestly? I’m exasperated and intrigued in equal measure. The world is compelling, the magic is original, and that twist is both maddening and stupid enough that I must see book two. But I’ll be definitely going in with trust issues and some revised expectations.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆25-July-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ starting this because I want to see if I can predict the insane plot twist everybody is talking about when it comes to this book
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ What I need authors to do is to quit advertising their books wrong: this is not an enemies-to-lovers book, but more like some strange, awkward friends-to-lovers thing going on here; one that isn't as great as everybody made me believe and one that could have used some huge improvements in terms of, well, quite everything. The only thing memorable about this book for me was literally that wicked glass scene (my jaw was on the floor and i was feeling HOT all of a sudden), and, indeed, the very ending of the book with the very popular cliff hanger that, sadly, apart from the shock factor, brings nothing else.
ㅤ ㅤ “The only way through it is through.” - big words here
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ Brynn is one of the exiled Alaha (sea‑bound folk who are only allowed to set foot on land once a year). At Kenta’s market, she manages to accidentally sparks a century‑old treaty disaster. Therefore, enter Acker: broody Kenta soldier, wielder of mysterious metal magic, exasperatingly handsome, and now bound tantalisingly to Brynn via some magical bond and a shared murder treaty.
ㅤ They escape Alaha on a boat. Beware—they spend a LOT of time on that boat. Magic awakens, territory shifts, and secrets tumble. Betrayal is teased at. And then you get a plot twist so wild it leaves you checking if your Kindle rebooted mid‑chapter. The world is rich, but not entirely explored. The magic is fresh, but apparently too fresh to be offered any serious attention. And the narrative pacing? It floats… then sinks when you least expect it.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The pacing in this book is a complete whiplash. One minute we’re mid-battle, the next we’re two weeks into a sea voyage with zero explanation for what just happened. I know the author made use of these time jumps to offer some sort of idea of the time passing meant to bring the characters together and justify whatever was happening between them; but they didn’t deepen character bonds — they deleted the moments that could’ve built them.
ㅤ Not to mention that these time jumps also did no justice to the romance. Like, what happened on that boat? Or all that time in the forest? Or in the camp? I honestly don't know, but apparently it included enough off-screen development to justify suddenly trusting each other with their lives.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The world-building? Gorgeous in theory, foggy in execution. The magical system—metal slinging, shape shifting, aura sensing (?)—is undeniably cool. There’s political drama simmering beneath the surface, and some truly compelling lore trying desperately to be heard. But instead of showing us this world, the book drops tantalising crumbs and then sprints away before elaborating. I didn’t want more info dumps; I wanted more moments living inside this world. The base information is clearly there. We just never got to sit with it long enough for it to mean anything.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I didn't initially mean to talk about this, as I mostly don't really care about this aspect as long as it is kept under control, but this book felt like it skipped the copyedit stage entirely; wrongly written words, jumbled phrasing, weird line breaks and sentences that just… didn’t work. It pulled me out of the story constantly at one point because I was noticing them a little bit too much. This wasn’t just “oops, a few mistakes!” — this was “Did no one read this all the way through?” territory.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I truly did not enjoy the romance in this very much. And plot twist: not even mainly because of the love interest or because of the completely wrongly advertised relationship.
ㅤ The truth is I just could not stand Brynn because she simply lacked emotional nuance, and the last chapters literally blew her character entirely away. Everything she did felt either unjustifiably stupid or frustratingly passive, with no real development between the two extremes.
ㅤ Don't get me wrong, Acker was also more than occasionally dull, yes, but he had his moments. The whole “romance” went from attempted murder to sexual tension so fast I got dizzy. This could’ve DEFINITELY been enemies to lovers (and I am hoping book two will finally bring this trope into play). But for now, we only got some sort of emotionally something acquaintances who I have no idea what they are trying to do.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Now we are getting to the interesting part and you can definitely get some popcorn for this: the ending of the book. This was somehow both the most irritating and most compelling part of the book. Yes, we’re talking about the infamous plot twist—the one that supposedly makes you reevaluate your entire life.
ㅤ Did it somehow surprise me? Yes.
ㅤ Did it make me feel tricked, a little gaslit, and vaguely betrayed? Also yes.
ㅤ Did it seem like complete bullshit and made absolutely no sense for a book written in freaking 1st person narrative? DEFINITELY YES.
ㅤ The only thing this plot twist did was create even more plot holes for this story; and it already had enough plot holes as it is! It’s one of those twists that might’ve worked beautifully if the book had been written in third person. I am not mad at the plot twist itself, but I am furious at how incredibly badly it was executed. I only ended up hating the FMC even more and I badly hope the next book will manage to solve something from whatever happened there.
ㅤ And for those people who say "there was no foreshadowing for any of these things", that's not true. There were moments of foreshadowing — but they were tossed in so sloppily and inconsistently that the twist still felt like a narrative prank.
ㅤ Not to mention that this entire plot twist made absolutely no sense in what concerns the MMC because the poor guy has been nothing but nice and fair (with some small moments that made me scream, "Just do something/stand up, my guy!!!"), and it was clear he shared the same views as all the others involved.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ At this point I feel like I only like Messer in this book.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ You know those kind of books where the characters seem bland, but in the end they prove to be really amazing and intriguing? Yeah, this is NOT one of those books. These characters are bland and they stay bland.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Brynn – Our protagonist, who can’t decide upon anything. She spends most of the book stumbling through identity crises like it’s her full-time job—because it is. Brynn has the setup for an epic arc... and then proceeds to do almost nothing with it. She reacts to everything but initiates little, and instead of showing actual growth, she spirals deeper into inner monologues, tantrums, and lashing out at people who try to help her.
ㅤ Yes, the trauma is real. But emotional regression is not a character arc. Especially when it's dressed in cryptic lines and magic that we barely understand. Is she supposed to be some magical light bulb? God-blessed flame of something? We don't know.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Acker – The brooding Prince of Kenta. Wields metal, commands armies, and unfortunately, has the emotional availability of a puppy. He’s a duty-bound cinnamon roll, if the cinnamon roll were forged in a little bit incapacity to stand up for something and indecision. He’s not unlikable, per se; he has moments of charm, and his quiet defiance adds some much-needed depth, but most of the time he feels like a checklist of “fantasy love interest” tropes: possessive, grumpy, hot, broody, allergic to emotional conversations.
ㅤ There are some glimpses of nuance in him, but they’re fleeting, buried under all the glowering. Like Brynn, he’s a character that could have been complex if the story let him breathe instead of shove him into another forced intimacy scene.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Messer – The real MVP. Playboy, stealth master, emotionally grounded, and somehow still loyal to Brynn despite her constant spiraling. He’s clever, competent, and capable of reading the room, which is something most of the leads desperately lack. Messer simply carries this book for me.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Kai – I hate him. But I guess he was nice for the entirety of the 5 chapters he was there or something.
ㅤ ⚔︎ Beau – Warrior, aura-reader, emotional compass. Beau is sharp, grounded, and refreshingly honest in a sea of vague nonsense. She’s the one person who consistently sees through the bullshit and calls people out—especially Brynn. Her loyalty (?) is fierce, and her scenes with Hallis cured my suffering for this book.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ If you adore intriguing magic systems, political intrigue, and twisted reveals—and can stomach this FMC and major pacing hiccups—"Metal Slinger" might be pretty good for you. It is a pretty fast and easy read as long as you get over the constant writing errors. But if you crave emotionally grounded romance or tightly constructed character arcs? Maybe pass this; or at least wait for the second book to see whether it is worthy or not.
ㅤ Honestly? I’m exasperated and intrigued in equal measure. The world is compelling, the magic is original, and that twist is both maddening and stupid enough that I must see book two. But I’ll be definitely going in with trust issues and some revised expectations.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆25-July-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ starting this because I want to see if I can predict the insane plot twist everybody is talking about when it comes to this book
August 26, 2025
Ok, so did anybody else get this as a Throne of Glass retelling?????
Spoilers ahead if you have not read either one (they should be blurred out and you can tap to read them).
I need talk to someone about this!!
The story would have been good had it been more original, although the writing needs some clean up and polishing. The story lacks buildup for bigger events and sometimes things just roll through from one thing to another with no processing time in between for the characters. I had to re-read more than a few times to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
I DID like the banter and humor in this. I also appreciated the very muted romance part, until it got to the smut. The very un-romantic smut. Just not my thing. Some of the other storyline was good, just wish the whole book was original instead of small parts.
But the whole thing screams TOG retelling to me because of the sequential order of things that happen that mirror TOG. I can’t get past it and it’s annoying. If you’ve never read the AMAZING series, I can see how someone would like this book.
Spoilers ahead if you have not read either one (they should be blurred out and you can tap to read them).
I need talk to someone about this!!
The story would have been good had it been more original, although the writing needs some clean up and polishing. The story lacks buildup for bigger events and sometimes things just roll through from one thing to another with no processing time in between for the characters. I had to re-read more than a few times to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
I DID like the banter and humor in this. I also appreciated the very muted romance part, until it got to the smut. The very un-romantic smut. Just not my thing. Some of the other storyline was good, just wish the whole book was original instead of small parts.
But the whole thing screams TOG retelling to me because of the sequential order of things that happen that mirror TOG. I can’t get past it and it’s annoying. If you’ve never read the AMAZING series, I can see how someone would like this book.
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July 6, 2026
Gabbie’s Completely Serious and Definitely Official Rules of Writing Fiction
A two-part disclaimer before we begin:
• This review is looooong.
• I have not been able to completely convince myself that I didn’t zone out for half of this book. I would think, “Wait, did I miss something?” and go back. Then I would find out that no, actually, I had not missed anything. So it is entirely possible that this review is based on me somehow missing every important detail in the story. It's also possible that the book was written in a way that made me feel like I was missing important details, to the point where I still cannot fully convince myself that I didn’t, despite never actually finding the missing context whenever I went back to check.
Either way: what the hell was that? Usually when I dislike a popular book, I can still understand why other people love it. Different readers want different things. But Metal Slinger might be one of the few books where I genuinely cannot understand how the average rating is this high.
Rule #1: Books Can Be Confusing, But They Cannot Be Confusing About Being Confusing
I like books that start with confusion. I like when a character doesn’t know what’s going on and I get to discover the world alongside them. The best example for this is Alchemised. Despite all the shortcomings of that book, it executed the confusion brilliantly. But there is a difference between “the character is confused, so the reader is confused” and “the reader is confused because the story didn’t establish what the hell is happening.” Imagine if we never found out why Helena was confused, or even that she was confused. In this book, things just sort of happen, and you never know why any of it is happening. Which, at first, wasn't a huge problem. I can work with delayed context. But it felt like the book expected me to be invested in things it had not actually explained. I have never gone back and reread or relistened as much as I did with this book. Considering the fact that I never found any missed context when I looked for it, I am left with the conclusion that it is simply written in a way that makes you feel like you’re not reading it correctly.
Maybe this is what I get for saying I want authors to trust the reader. I think this book trusts the reader too much. Like “you need to remember this random thing that was mentioned once in passing, because 300 pages later it will matter, even though no one reacted to it in a way that told you it mattered”.
The best way I can explain this book is: imagine that Harry had his "yer a wizard, Harry" moment, found out what actually happened to his parents, and found out that the Grim wasn't actually a dog, and he just moved on. No reaction. Not a single thought about the fact that magic is real, that the dog was a person, or that his parents didn't die the way he thought they did. Not a single thought. He just went to Hogwarts or carried on with whatever he was doing, and didn't even think about it. No wonder, no questions, no amazement, no confusion. Nothing!
The entire story is reveal after reveal and twist after twist, but you're confused rather than surprised because literally no one ever reacts to any of it. Which is partially explained by the fuckass ending (see Rule #6), but for the entire 95-ish% before that reveal, you're left wondering why no one reacts to anything. You look back and you're like "ugh, I guess", but how did no one realize that spending 95% of a book confused (and not the fun kind) doesn't make for a good reader experience?
Rule #2: A Plot Twist Is Not A Substitute For A Plot
The book throws out the instigator of the main conflict very early on, with the subtlety of a frying pan to the face, and then spends much of the opening on scenes that feel disconnected from any larger story. That time could have been used to establish life in the Grove, the stakes, the world, the characters’ values, or the emotional foundation of the conflict. Instead, it felt like a sequence of “and then this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened.”
There is no world-building. What is the magic system? Just a bunch of random shit that sounded cool and fit the narrative? Where is the METAL SLINGING?? There's like two instances of metal being slung in the entire book, but it's introduced as this meaningful thing that is present in every magic wielder's life. How can trees grow for the Grove if there's no soil?
Rule #3: Romance Requires People To Seem Like They Want To Be There
There is no chemistry in the romance. They are not enemies, but they are not lovers either. Just like the “plot”, the romance is entirely built on reveals and twists. Plus, there's the whole awkwardness of Brynn seemingly never wanting to be intimate with Acker despite them being "lovers". Seriously, read this book and tell me if there's a single scene where she doesn't make excuses or act weird about any type of physical contact, even something small, like placing a hand on his "hard plane" of a chest. Whenever Brynn actually displays some genuine attraction, it's weirdly food-related? She frequently thinks about the taste of him, and she even salivates when she looks at him. And... that's it. She genuinely seems like she wants to eat him more than she wants to touch him.
Their romantic conflict is bizarre. They will be fighting, usually because Acker lied about something or did something that upset her, and then he just decides to throw himself at her and stick his tongue down her throat. And Brynn folds like a lawn chair and starts moaning. Which is especially strange because she spends so much of the book making excuses around physical contact, but apparently disrespect during arguments is fine as long as there is enough tongue. And then there’s the duck dinner scene, where Acker cuts and places duck on her plate and it starts chipping away at her frustration. Which is fair, I guess. As we all know, lies can be forgiven if someone gives you poultry.
Rule #4: Characters Should React To The Thing That Is Actually Happening
There is a scene where Brynn is fighting bats and starts yelling about men. It literally feels like the author pulled random scenes out of a hat: Ok... the character will be... fighting bats. Right. And she will do it in... a random hole in the forest, sort of like the Upside Down. Sure. And she will yell about... being sick of men controlling her. That makes sense!
I love feminine rage. I support blaming men for a wide range of problems. But why are we yelling about men while fighting bats in the Upside Down?
And then there’s one scene where Brynn involuntarily turns into a naked specter that only Acker can see (yes, it’s exactly as confusing in the book as it is reading it here) and then very voluntarily starts dry humping him during a meeting, and in the following scene, he is angry. Why is he angry, you might ask? Is it because she sexually assaulted him during a meeting with important people? Noooo. It’s because his first time seeing her naked wasn’t what he wanted. His explanation is “I was robbed of my first time laying eyes on you“ (except it wasn’t the first time). And “I could almost taste you on the glass but I couldn’t have you” (he… used his… glass… on her. And then tried to… drink… from it?? Please don’t make me explain in more detail.) THAT’S why you’re mad?? Because you could taste… her…. on the glass… and you couldn’t bang her. Not because she randomly turned into a ghost and sexually assaulted you, but because the second (he says it’s the first but it’s not) time you saw her naked wasn’t what you wanted it to be and now you’re pouty about it?? Did that scene really feel endearing or sexy to anyone?
Rule #5: Having A Style Is Not The Same Thing As Lazy Writing
I will usually notice repetitive phrasing in books, and most of the time, I excuse it as a stylistic choice. That's just how the author writes. Their voice. But this definitely has some issues in the writing department. There's repetitive phrasing: a lot of "hard planes of chest", a lot of chests caving in and being crushed in lieu of literally any other emotional description.
There's also a noticeable amount of showing AND telling. For example, a character will run a hand through his hair, look around the room, and then the narration will basically tells you “he’s stressed.” Is heee?? Is that why he's acting.. I don't know, STRESSED?? Or his nostrils will flare, and then we are told “he’s angry.” Yes, thank you. I got there.
There are sentences that made me stop and stare at the wall. Like “thighs and legs” brushing against her. Are the thighs not part of the legs? Or “eyes searching for something. No, feeling for something.” Feeling? With the eyes? It’s in the context of magic so I guess maybe the magic allows people to remotely touch stuff with their eyes (????) but it was never explained.
And then there's this quote that actually makes me snort uncontrollably when I imagine this the way it sounds (I am writing this review at 1:20 am though):
False alarm! It's not that rigid thing. It was just another hard plane of chest.
Rule #6: A Twist Should Surprise The Reader, Not Piss Them Off
I love realizing that a book has been setting up something awful behind my back. Or rather, right under my god damn nose. Isn't that the best feeling, when you get the big reveal and you think back and see the entire story differently?
No such luck with Metal Slinger. It feels like the entire story was written with ONE goal in mind, and that was to get to the ending, no matter the cost. There is no way this ending could have happened if the author had even a single thought about logic. The only reason that it “worked” is because she decided to ignore logic entirely. And, well, it definitely works to surprise you because what the fuck was that? And how the fuck? And why the fuck? The fuck?
The ending is something the characters should have thought about or mentioned at least once during the story. But they don’t. Not because it makes sense, but because the author completely threw logic out the window in order to create her Big Reveal. Not only that, but the reveal is perhaps best described as a secret. And there is mind reading. Frequent mind reading. Just HOW in the fuck are you all reading minds and somehow never figuring out the big secret? I always try to be respectful when reviewing because I know writing is a vulnerable process, but this is seriously egregious.
Final Official Ruling
According to Gabbie’s Completely Serious and Definitely Official Rules of Writing Fiction, Metal Slinger is guilty of the following:
• Withholding context with intent to disorient.
• Possession of twists without a supporting plot.
• Emotional negligence resulting in reader bewilderment.
• Failure to establish chemistry before declaring romance.
• Misuse of first-person narration.
• Aggravated lack of foreshadowing.
• Leaving the scene of a plot hole.
• Reckless endangerment of narrative logic.
• Illegal use of shock value.
• Attempted murder of reader trust.
Verdict: 1 star
A two-part disclaimer before we begin:
• This review is looooong.
• I have not been able to completely convince myself that I didn’t zone out for half of this book. I would think, “Wait, did I miss something?” and go back. Then I would find out that no, actually, I had not missed anything. So it is entirely possible that this review is based on me somehow missing every important detail in the story. It's also possible that the book was written in a way that made me feel like I was missing important details, to the point where I still cannot fully convince myself that I didn’t, despite never actually finding the missing context whenever I went back to check.
Either way: what the hell was that? Usually when I dislike a popular book, I can still understand why other people love it. Different readers want different things. But Metal Slinger might be one of the few books where I genuinely cannot understand how the average rating is this high.
Rule #1: Books Can Be Confusing, But They Cannot Be Confusing About Being Confusing
I like books that start with confusion. I like when a character doesn’t know what’s going on and I get to discover the world alongside them. The best example for this is Alchemised. Despite all the shortcomings of that book, it executed the confusion brilliantly. But there is a difference between “the character is confused, so the reader is confused” and “the reader is confused because the story didn’t establish what the hell is happening.” Imagine if we never found out why Helena was confused, or even that she was confused. In this book, things just sort of happen, and you never know why any of it is happening. Which, at first, wasn't a huge problem. I can work with delayed context. But it felt like the book expected me to be invested in things it had not actually explained. I have never gone back and reread or relistened as much as I did with this book. Considering the fact that I never found any missed context when I looked for it, I am left with the conclusion that it is simply written in a way that makes you feel like you’re not reading it correctly.
Maybe this is what I get for saying I want authors to trust the reader. I think this book trusts the reader too much. Like “you need to remember this random thing that was mentioned once in passing, because 300 pages later it will matter, even though no one reacted to it in a way that told you it mattered”.
The best way I can explain this book is: imagine that Harry had his "yer a wizard, Harry" moment, found out what actually happened to his parents, and found out that the Grim wasn't actually a dog, and he just moved on. No reaction. Not a single thought about the fact that magic is real, that the dog was a person, or that his parents didn't die the way he thought they did. Not a single thought. He just went to Hogwarts or carried on with whatever he was doing, and didn't even think about it. No wonder, no questions, no amazement, no confusion. Nothing!
The entire story is reveal after reveal and twist after twist, but you're confused rather than surprised because literally no one ever reacts to any of it. Which is partially explained by the fuckass ending (see Rule #6), but for the entire 95-ish% before that reveal, you're left wondering why no one reacts to anything. You look back and you're like "ugh, I guess", but how did no one realize that spending 95% of a book confused (and not the fun kind) doesn't make for a good reader experience?
Rule #2: A Plot Twist Is Not A Substitute For A Plot
The book throws out the instigator of the main conflict very early on, with the subtlety of a frying pan to the face, and then spends much of the opening on scenes that feel disconnected from any larger story. That time could have been used to establish life in the Grove, the stakes, the world, the characters’ values, or the emotional foundation of the conflict. Instead, it felt like a sequence of “and then this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened.”
There is no world-building. What is the magic system? Just a bunch of random shit that sounded cool and fit the narrative? Where is the METAL SLINGING?? There's like two instances of metal being slung in the entire book, but it's introduced as this meaningful thing that is present in every magic wielder's life. How can trees grow for the Grove if there's no soil?
Rule #3: Romance Requires People To Seem Like They Want To Be There
There is no chemistry in the romance. They are not enemies, but they are not lovers either. Just like the “plot”, the romance is entirely built on reveals and twists. Plus, there's the whole awkwardness of Brynn seemingly never wanting to be intimate with Acker despite them being "lovers". Seriously, read this book and tell me if there's a single scene where she doesn't make excuses or act weird about any type of physical contact, even something small, like placing a hand on his "hard plane" of a chest. Whenever Brynn actually displays some genuine attraction, it's weirdly food-related? She frequently thinks about the taste of him, and she even salivates when she looks at him. And... that's it. She genuinely seems like she wants to eat him more than she wants to touch him.
Their romantic conflict is bizarre. They will be fighting, usually because Acker lied about something or did something that upset her, and then he just decides to throw himself at her and stick his tongue down her throat. And Brynn folds like a lawn chair and starts moaning. Which is especially strange because she spends so much of the book making excuses around physical contact, but apparently disrespect during arguments is fine as long as there is enough tongue. And then there’s the duck dinner scene, where Acker cuts and places duck on her plate and it starts chipping away at her frustration. Which is fair, I guess. As we all know, lies can be forgiven if someone gives you poultry.
Rule #4: Characters Should React To The Thing That Is Actually Happening
There is a scene where Brynn is fighting bats and starts yelling about men. It literally feels like the author pulled random scenes out of a hat: Ok... the character will be... fighting bats. Right. And she will do it in... a random hole in the forest, sort of like the Upside Down. Sure. And she will yell about... being sick of men controlling her. That makes sense!
I love feminine rage. I support blaming men for a wide range of problems. But why are we yelling about men while fighting bats in the Upside Down?
And then there’s one scene where Brynn involuntarily turns into a naked specter that only Acker can see (yes, it’s exactly as confusing in the book as it is reading it here) and then very voluntarily starts dry humping him during a meeting, and in the following scene, he is angry. Why is he angry, you might ask? Is it because she sexually assaulted him during a meeting with important people? Noooo. It’s because his first time seeing her naked wasn’t what he wanted. His explanation is “I was robbed of my first time laying eyes on you“ (except it wasn’t the first time). And “I could almost taste you on the glass but I couldn’t have you” (he… used his… glass… on her. And then tried to… drink… from it?? Please don’t make me explain in more detail.) THAT’S why you’re mad?? Because you could taste… her…. on the glass… and you couldn’t bang her. Not because she randomly turned into a ghost and sexually assaulted you, but because the second (he says it’s the first but it’s not) time you saw her naked wasn’t what you wanted it to be and now you’re pouty about it?? Did that scene really feel endearing or sexy to anyone?
Rule #5: Having A Style Is Not The Same Thing As Lazy Writing
I will usually notice repetitive phrasing in books, and most of the time, I excuse it as a stylistic choice. That's just how the author writes. Their voice. But this definitely has some issues in the writing department. There's repetitive phrasing: a lot of "hard planes of chest", a lot of chests caving in and being crushed in lieu of literally any other emotional description.
There's also a noticeable amount of showing AND telling. For example, a character will run a hand through his hair, look around the room, and then the narration will basically tells you “he’s stressed.” Is heee?? Is that why he's acting.. I don't know, STRESSED?? Or his nostrils will flare, and then we are told “he’s angry.” Yes, thank you. I got there.
There are sentences that made me stop and stare at the wall. Like “thighs and legs” brushing against her. Are the thighs not part of the legs? Or “eyes searching for something. No, feeling for something.” Feeling? With the eyes? It’s in the context of magic so I guess maybe the magic allows people to remotely touch stuff with their eyes (????) but it was never explained.
And then there's this quote that actually makes me snort uncontrollably when I imagine this the way it sounds (I am writing this review at 1:20 am though):
“Your magic exists inside of you. Find it. Tell it you’re not in any danger and to stand down.”
I shake my head, eyes still closed, not understanding.
“Mine is here,” he says. Reaching for my hand, he places it on something rigid.
False alarm! It's not that rigid thing. It was just another hard plane of chest.
Rule #6: A Twist Should Surprise The Reader, Not Piss Them Off
I love realizing that a book has been setting up something awful behind my back. Or rather, right under my god damn nose. Isn't that the best feeling, when you get the big reveal and you think back and see the entire story differently?
No such luck with Metal Slinger. It feels like the entire story was written with ONE goal in mind, and that was to get to the ending, no matter the cost. There is no way this ending could have happened if the author had even a single thought about logic. The only reason that it “worked” is because she decided to ignore logic entirely. And, well, it definitely works to surprise you because what the fuck was that? And how the fuck? And why the fuck? The fuck?
The ending is something the characters should have thought about or mentioned at least once during the story. But they don’t. Not because it makes sense, but because the author completely threw logic out the window in order to create her Big Reveal. Not only that, but the reveal is perhaps best described as a secret. And there is mind reading. Frequent mind reading. Just HOW in the fuck are you all reading minds and somehow never figuring out the big secret? I always try to be respectful when reviewing because I know writing is a vulnerable process, but this is seriously egregious.
Final Official Ruling
According to Gabbie’s Completely Serious and Definitely Official Rules of Writing Fiction, Metal Slinger is guilty of the following:
• Withholding context with intent to disorient.
• Possession of twists without a supporting plot.
• Emotional negligence resulting in reader bewilderment.
• Failure to establish chemistry before declaring romance.
• Misuse of first-person narration.
• Aggravated lack of foreshadowing.
• Leaving the scene of a plot hole.
• Reckless endangerment of narrative logic.
• Illegal use of shock value.
• Attempted murder of reader trust.
Verdict: 1 star
January 31, 2025
safe to say I did NOT see that ending coming??
June 22, 2026
⭐️ 2 ⭐️ NONSENSICAL ENDING done just for the sake of a twisty checkmark. Truly does not make sense, not one bit, considering the character development and built up offered ZERO clues from all preceding events. No hints, no suggestive motives noticed as I read and listened VERY carefully. It was harsh and cheap to do that to readers who grew acquainted with characters in a certain way.. to what? flip the switch? Abysmal.
The first half
Should have been an early DNF for me, but I decided to pull through. The FMC, the journey, the MMC, the side characters and quests--very boring. They were on the boat for what felt like an eternity. The barely there world building is a complete joke here. The writing? Has anyone paid close attention between how sentences, paragraphs and chapters are transitioned? I don't see how this book can have a rating higher than 3 stars. Am I missing something here? Please share your thoughts because I really wanted to enjoy the book but kept falling asleep on it.
The second half
No better than the first. I mean, I was hoping for more emotional depth and chemistry but both 'love interests' came off very juvenile and lacked the already-barely-there chemistry. There is nothing in Ackers personality that really stood out. Brynn? As flat as a pancake despite that ending which seemed like the author decided to put a little more yeast into her bread for it to rise over our heads. After 400 pages, the author is telling us that Acker and Brynn are able to see in each others minds but somehow failed to see a betrayal coming?
Oh and the audiobook? The narrator sounds 15 and every time raised her voice, it sounds like someone is barking into your ear. Not only she was too high pitched, she sounded very anxious as well. I was hoping the audiobook would add a little more enjoyment and 'cinematic' vibes...No, just a headache.
Sorry friends, no remorse here, this was stale.
The first half
Should have been an early DNF for me, but I decided to pull through. The FMC, the journey, the MMC, the side characters and quests--very boring. They were on the boat for what felt like an eternity. The barely there world building is a complete joke here. The writing? Has anyone paid close attention between how sentences, paragraphs and chapters are transitioned? I don't see how this book can have a rating higher than 3 stars. Am I missing something here? Please share your thoughts because I really wanted to enjoy the book but kept falling asleep on it.
The second half
No better than the first. I mean, I was hoping for more emotional depth and chemistry but both 'love interests' came off very juvenile and lacked the already-barely-there chemistry. There is nothing in Ackers personality that really stood out. Brynn? As flat as a pancake despite that ending which seemed like the author decided to put a little more yeast into her bread for it to rise over our heads. After 400 pages, the author is telling us that Acker and Brynn are able to see in each others minds but somehow failed to see a betrayal coming?
Oh and the audiobook? The narrator sounds 15 and every time raised her voice, it sounds like someone is barking into your ear. Not only she was too high pitched, she sounded very anxious as well. I was hoping the audiobook would add a little more enjoyment and 'cinematic' vibes...No, just a headache.
Sorry friends, no remorse here, this was stale.
October 16, 2024
After taking a few days to sort my feelings, I’ve decided that I absolutely hate this book and I won’t be reading the next one. I probably won’t read anything else this author decides to do.
Until I reached page 475/490 in my kindle version, which was 97% of the way thru the book, it was a solid 4.5. The last 15 pages the author decided it would be a fun twist to light her book on fire and throw it in the trash can. The ending was so unacceptable and unrealistic. Sure it’s a book about magic and pirates but that doesn’t overthrow the nuance of the human experience.
Here’s what happened with as few spoilers as possible. The story is told by the FMC in first person. You go on a journey with her as she sorts out her feelings and grapples with the truth and travesty of her life. She fights to make it back to the home she was taken from. She builds relationships with the MMC and his circle while trying to find her place in the world. She struggles with the MMC keeping important things from her and her love for him made more complicated by a true mate bond. At the end we find out that all of this is a lie and everything the FMC was plotting off page was revealed, including major betrayal of lifelong best friends and we didn’t get to see any of it. It’s like reading Crescent City from Bryce’s POV but Bryce is actually Danika.
1. It’s a cheap thrill meant to stun and ensnare the reader. Unfortunately, it fell completely flat. You expect me to believe that? Oh A and B are so close and suddenly with no build up or little hidden bits to click into place, B betrays A? Sure, Jan.
2. The concept of everything that took place off page is very enticing. How did she convince B to do that? What truly was the plan between her and K? How does M fit into that? It would have taken a 4.5 to a 6/5. This could have been a lifetime achievement book.
3. This is harsh and I’m sorry. It portrays a lack of writing skill and ability. It makes me think the author isn’t capable of the story she wants so she uses this little gotcha as a way to make it happen. They have potential but are not at a level to make a plot like this work. If she did, we wouldn’t have a gotcha “twist” and the love would have made more sense. She would have had to figure out how to write a badass FMC who is well educated in war strategy, which would entail her doing basic research on the topic, that has the gumption to give up her heart for her people. We would have seen her push Acker more and try to expose him to the truth so she wouldn’t have to lose him. If he refused to see it and deny her skill and expertise on the matter and then she betrayed him, wow. We would get to see the beginning of her villain era. That would have been beautiful and heart wrenching and perfect.
Until I reached page 475/490 in my kindle version, which was 97% of the way thru the book, it was a solid 4.5. The last 15 pages the author decided it would be a fun twist to light her book on fire and throw it in the trash can. The ending was so unacceptable and unrealistic. Sure it’s a book about magic and pirates but that doesn’t overthrow the nuance of the human experience.
Here’s what happened with as few spoilers as possible. The story is told by the FMC in first person. You go on a journey with her as she sorts out her feelings and grapples with the truth and travesty of her life. She fights to make it back to the home she was taken from. She builds relationships with the MMC and his circle while trying to find her place in the world. She struggles with the MMC keeping important things from her and her love for him made more complicated by a true mate bond. At the end we find out that all of this is a lie and everything the FMC was plotting off page was revealed, including major betrayal of lifelong best friends and we didn’t get to see any of it. It’s like reading Crescent City from Bryce’s POV but Bryce is actually Danika.
1. It’s a cheap thrill meant to stun and ensnare the reader. Unfortunately, it fell completely flat. You expect me to believe that? Oh A and B are so close and suddenly with no build up or little hidden bits to click into place, B betrays A? Sure, Jan.
2. The concept of everything that took place off page is very enticing. How did she convince B to do that? What truly was the plan between her and K? How does M fit into that? It would have taken a 4.5 to a 6/5. This could have been a lifetime achievement book.
3. This is harsh and I’m sorry. It portrays a lack of writing skill and ability. It makes me think the author isn’t capable of the story she wants so she uses this little gotcha as a way to make it happen. They have potential but are not at a level to make a plot like this work. If she did, we wouldn’t have a gotcha “twist” and the love would have made more sense. She would have had to figure out how to write a badass FMC who is well educated in war strategy, which would entail her doing basic research on the topic, that has the gumption to give up her heart for her people. We would have seen her push Acker more and try to expose him to the truth so she wouldn’t have to lose him. If he refused to see it and deny her skill and expertise on the matter and then she betrayed him, wow. We would get to see the beginning of her villain era. That would have been beautiful and heart wrenching and perfect.
April 19, 2026
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
oy vey. 2.5 stars. i couldn’t tell you what this book was about if you held a gun to my head, outside of the fact that this is a conglomeration of every popular romantasy trope, but with… magical pirates?
truly, i genuinely don’t know what this book is about. sorry. and i’m sorry i wasted my money to get the fl edition of the sequel
obviously my opinion is in the minority because the reviews for this book are very positive, which is fine. this just wasn’t for me. still debating if i read the next book considering i’ll have a nice edition of it…
——
ok i have had the arc for literally over a year (please i have many issues requesting ((begging for)) a million arcs and then never reading them ok) and then i bought the second book in the series from fairyloot because i had massive fomo😭.
so today is the day i start this book so i can attempt to raise my netgalley feedback rate, and also because i have serious fomo about not reading this series (despite the mixed reviews). fingers crossed yall🤞🏼
oy vey. 2.5 stars. i couldn’t tell you what this book was about if you held a gun to my head, outside of the fact that this is a conglomeration of every popular romantasy trope, but with… magical pirates?
truly, i genuinely don’t know what this book is about. sorry. and i’m sorry i wasted my money to get the fl edition of the sequel
obviously my opinion is in the minority because the reviews for this book are very positive, which is fine. this just wasn’t for me. still debating if i read the next book considering i’ll have a nice edition of it…
——
ok i have had the arc for literally over a year (please i have many issues requesting ((begging for)) a million arcs and then never reading them ok) and then i bought the second book in the series from fairyloot because i had massive fomo😭.
so today is the day i start this book so i can attempt to raise my netgalley feedback rate, and also because i have serious fomo about not reading this series (despite the mixed reviews). fingers crossed yall🤞🏼
September 8, 2025
honestly, I was having so much fun until that ending because WHAT.
June 27, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ 2026 (re-read): Not as invested this time around as I was on my first read, but that ending still slaps. It remains one of the most shocking plot twists I've ever experienced. Rachel is an absolute mastermind.
2024:
This actually reminds me of the feelings I had reading ACOMAF for the first time, but without feeling like a lesser version of it. The tension, the forced proximity, the magic system, the banter, the slow burn—it’s all there. Yet, this story felt completely original in its own right. I fell in love with Kai, but fell even harder with Acker!!! It’s always the dark mysterious guy right? But also, Messer is something else! The magic system is so unique, with the added mystery of the matching bonds, plus all the political intrigue and rebellions—this book has it all. This is enemies-to-lovers, romantasy at its best! Give me 14 of them right now.
And then… THIS BOOK DID A COMPLETE 180! I didn’t see that plot twist coming at all. And it made this reading experience so much special. The author is a real mastermind!!!!! This book is insane. It’s even mind-blowing that everything was right in front of me the whole time, hidden in the little details that weren’t so little after all, and I never figured it out. I feel so deceived—I’ve never felt this fooled! Now I’m completely wrecked. Jaw on the floor, tears flowing, heart shattered. It’s been so long since a book’s ending gripped me this hard! I was left staring at the wall, contemplating everything I just read. I can’t wait to re-read this knowing what I know now.
Also, am I about to witness the greatest, most flawlessly executed enemies-to-lovers story ever written in the next book?!
2024:
This actually reminds me of the feelings I had reading ACOMAF for the first time, but without feeling like a lesser version of it. The tension, the forced proximity, the magic system, the banter, the slow burn—it’s all there. Yet, this story felt completely original in its own right. I fell in love with Kai, but fell even harder with Acker!!! It’s always the dark mysterious guy right? But also, Messer is something else! The magic system is so unique, with the added mystery of the matching bonds, plus all the political intrigue and rebellions—this book has it all. This is enemies-to-lovers, romantasy at its best! Give me 14 of them right now.
And then… THIS BOOK DID A COMPLETE 180! I didn’t see that plot twist coming at all. And it made this reading experience so much special. The author is a real mastermind!!!!! This book is insane. It’s even mind-blowing that everything was right in front of me the whole time, hidden in the little details that weren’t so little after all, and I never figured it out. I feel so deceived—I’ve never felt this fooled! Now I’m completely wrecked. Jaw on the floor, tears flowing, heart shattered. It’s been so long since a book’s ending gripped me this hard! I was left staring at the wall, contemplating everything I just read. I can’t wait to re-read this knowing what I know now.
Also, am I about to witness the greatest, most flawlessly executed enemies-to-lovers story ever written in the next book?!
December 16, 2025
| Not for me—but you might feel differently 😬
Read My Honest Book Review on My Blog:
Metal Slinger
Okay, I’ll be honest—I really wanted to like Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider. The premise? So cool. Metal-manipulation magic, a gritty fantasy world, and the promise of high-stakes action? I was ready. But unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite live up to the potential for me.
Between the odd pacing (why were we at sea for SO long?), the lack of foreshadowing, and characters that didn’t really tug at my heartstrings, this one just didn’t hit. And I still don’t know what was up with the phrase “Dang Rabbits”… it pulled me out of the world every time.
BUT—I know I’m in the minority. So if you’re curious and want the full, unfiltered tea (including spoilers), I wrote a much more detailed breakdown over on my blog!
👉 Read my full review with spoilers:
HERE
I get into:
💥 The plot points that confused me
🐇 The infamous “Dang Rabbits”
🚫 Why the romance didn’t work (for me)
🌊 And yes—the long, long sea voyage
But if you’re curious what didn’t work (or just love reading spoiler-filled rants 👀), come hang out on the blog!
Connect With Me:
BLOG ⟫ INSTAGRAM ⟫ NEWSLETTER ⟫
Read My Honest Book Review on My Blog:
Metal Slinger
Okay, I’ll be honest—I really wanted to like Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider. The premise? So cool. Metal-manipulation magic, a gritty fantasy world, and the promise of high-stakes action? I was ready. But unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite live up to the potential for me.
Between the odd pacing (why were we at sea for SO long?), the lack of foreshadowing, and characters that didn’t really tug at my heartstrings, this one just didn’t hit. And I still don’t know what was up with the phrase “Dang Rabbits”… it pulled me out of the world every time.
BUT—I know I’m in the minority. So if you’re curious and want the full, unfiltered tea (including spoilers), I wrote a much more detailed breakdown over on my blog!
👉 Read my full review with spoilers:
HERE
I get into:
💥 The plot points that confused me
🐇 The infamous “Dang Rabbits”
🚫 Why the romance didn’t work (for me)
🌊 And yes—the long, long sea voyage
But if you’re curious what didn’t work (or just love reading spoiler-filled rants 👀), come hang out on the blog!
Connect With Me:
BLOG ⟫ INSTAGRAM ⟫ NEWSLETTER ⟫
October 28, 2024
DNF at 22% (page 105 of 490). Should’ve DNF’d sooner. The FMC is bland, the world building is lacking, the writing is clumsy at best, the only other female character is not the FMC’s friend… I grew out of this type of book this year.
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