Book Blurb:
Even though she’s not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true.
Brynn’s loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who’s taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn’s connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she’s been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart.
My Review: 4 stars
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider is a terrific story that puts forced proximity and slow burn to the test. She definitely passed. Lots of creativity in this one.
I hadn’t read a true fantasy or romantasy in a while and this one fit the bill. My daughter told me to read it, even though she hadn’t yet, but I was curious about all the hype. This romantasy had amazing characters and fabulous minor characters as well. I loved Brynn, the FMC and Acker, the MMC so much. The chemistry between them was perfect.
This book read crazy fast and there is so much going on, it may be too much for some readers. I loved the first third, and the last third, but definitely found the middle to be a little soggy. I’m not a big series reader, but this one had a very surprising ending which made buying the second book an easy choice! For those that like political intrigue in their books, you’ll really enjoy this one. I also give the author huge props for all the world building she portrayed for Alaha and Kenta.
Quotes I liked:
The only way through it is through.”
“I think about it for a second, marveling at the bird who flew across an ocean to find me.”
