Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal, # 1)
By: Rachel Schneider
Publication: May 12, 2024
497 pages
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Magic
Source: Borrowed from e-Library
( Goodreads | Amazon )
*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.
Goodreads description--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.
What in the world can I say about this book? Honestly, I saw Metal Slinger recommended by someone, and she said not to even read the description because you don't want anything to be spoiled. And I can Honestly say that's exactly what I did. I don't think I have ever spent money on a book that I knew nothing about. I do see the merits of going into a book like this blind, but I don't think knowing a little about the book will spoil things too much.
Brynn is the main character in this book. She lives in an outcast society known as Ahala which is based in the middle of the water. I pictured a massive oil rig type situation. But trees are also mentioned so I haven't fully figured out how that was possible. Brynn, her best friends, Kai and Messer, along with an acquaintance, Aurora, are nearing their first time being allowed on land at the market in Kenta. They are only allowed on land once a year, I believe. They have a tentative peace with Kenta.
Kai is a year older or at least ahead in the guards. He is also the son of the captain and chief of Alaha. And he's interested in Brynn, hoping to marry her.
Messer is the best swordsman of them all. He's a jokester and philander.
We don't know too much about Aurora. She and Brynn don't exactly get along yet they seem to be friends enough. On the same side so to speak. I have a feeling we will see much more of her in book 2.
There’s an incident where a soldier of Kenta zeroes in on Brynn at the market. He basically stalks her. She does her best to lose him in the crowd while not drawing attention. And in the end, he accuses her of thievery. My guess is he hopes to detain her. Unfortunately for him, her friends aren't about to let that happen. This is probably all I can say at this point. Nothing is as it seems.
Oh boy do I want to say more. It didn't take too long for me to be hooked, probably by the 16% mark. I read about 50% of Metal Slinger in one day and then I stayed awake until 12:30 am the next day to read and stopped at 97%. The cliffhanger I just did not see coming and literally came out of nowhere. I woke up and finished that last 3% before even leaving my bedroom for the day.
I do want to note that I was surprised (and pleased) with how little cursing was included in this book. Proof that you just don't need to include it for the book to be good. In a similar vein, there was only one and a half or two scenes of the spicy variety. Innuendo and such was scattered throughout, but nothing too excessive. Again, I was pleasantly surprised.
Metal Slinger was such a pleasant surprise. The initial world-building of Alaha was so unique. The rest of the world was still interesting but not quite as unique. The characters were so easy to connect with and root for. And then that cliffhanger was massive. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2, which is currently set to release in spring of 2026. I am only giving a 4 Star rating. I could see this potentially being a 4.5 Star book depending on how the 2nd book goes*. Have you read Metal Slinger? What did you think? Let me know!
*Does anyone else do that? Where book 1's rating might be influenced by later books in the series?
This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.
