Early Review: Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal #1) by Rachel Schneider

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Brynn has spent the better part of her life waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta, the very same people who exiled the Alaha to live a life over the sea. A rite of passage for all young guards, she’s not sure what to expect from it, but breaking a century- long peace treaty certainly isn’t on her map.

Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier.

Returning home to Alaha, she’s confronted with the aftermath of the day’s events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. With rumors of a growing rebellion, Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together.

When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn’s loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger make her question everything…

…including her heart.
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First line:
"If there's a way," I say, confirming the plan.
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Source:
eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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Publication Date:
Jun 17, 2025
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Rating:
5 Knives out of 5
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I'm sure you've seen the hype on this one, especially in you're in the romantasy booktok/bookstagram algorithm. And let me tell you, the hype is worth it with this one. Rachel has created an immersive fast paced novel that will leave you wanting more. We start with Brynn and her sea faring people as they visit the market to trade with the people of Kenta who live on land. Things go wrong and we meet a handsome soldier (surely he won't come back into the story). But afterwards, she and her friends return back to their home of Alatha and things pretty much go downhill for Brynn from there.

As Brynn learns more about the continent and her own people, it allows us the readers to learn more about the world with her and I always love that. The magic system is also so well done and I really enjoyed that. Brynn and Acker's relationship growth is so fun to watch as they go from true enemies to reluctant allies to lovers.

I was warned about this ending but I was not fully prepared for this plot twist. I had to gather myself together before I could continue. I have so may questions and I need more now! I'm so excited for the sneak peek that will appear in the paperback next month!

This book is a must read for any romantasy fan and includes enemies to lovers, slow burn, magical awakening, and a plot twist that will blow your mind.
Enjoy my Goodreads updates below. Not super spoilery, mostly just vibes but does include percentages of those vibes if you want to go in blind




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