Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider – Book Review
Book Details
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Series: Fire & Metal #1
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Paperback
Published by: Independently published on May 13, 2024
Goodreads rating: 4.20/5
My rating: 3.5/5
Blurb of Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Quoted from Goodreads:
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.
Forced proximity, slow-burn, he falls first, fated mates, elemental magic, political intrigue, plot twists, betrayal.
My Review
Given all the hype surrounding this book, I went into it with high expectations. Did it live up to them? Unfortunately, no.
The story was fast-paced and action-packed but it created a feeling of chaos rather than excitement and I often found myself struggling to keep up.
I liked the characters and the banter, for the most part, as well as the unique magic system, but not enough to make up for the lack of world-building.
And the viral cliffhanger ending? It didn’t deliver. Instead, it left me feeling confused, as it felt completely at odds with the rest of the story and with how the characters had been portrayed up to that point.
I must also mention the poor editing in my paperback copy of the book as it did negatively impact my reading experience. I can overlook a few mistakes, but when they pull you out of the story because you’re trying to piece together sentences while also making sense of what’s happening, that’s a problem.
I guess the big question is: will I be reading the next book, Light Wielder? The answer is… maybe, but not right away.
While Metal Slinger was an ok read, it didn’t generate the level of excitement or urgency that makes me want to continue the story straight away.
“I didn’t think anyone in their right mind would ever use a literal murder weapon as cutlery.”
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