Metal Slinger absolutely pulled us in and did not let us go until the very end. The novel, written by Rachel Schneider, blew up everywhere and rightfully so, especially with a big betrayal at the end that has still left us reeling a few years later. And now we’re finally getting to figure out what happens next to Jovie and Acker as they face off in a war that revolves around power and love.
Cosmopolitan has an exclusive look at Light Wielder by Rachel Schneider, which is set to be released on June 9, 2026. The novel takes us back to the Fire & Metal world, this time several years later after Jovie betrayed Acker. And now Maile is finding itself on the edge of a war that can take everything. How far would Jovie go for her people? And how far will she go for love? Here’s more info from our friends at Saturday Books:
War rages, loyalties are tested, and love is more perilous than ever in this thrilling and eagerly awaited sequel to the breakout hit METAL SLINGER.
* This stunning luxe edition includes a jacketed printed case with custom character art, full-color designed endpapers, gilded edges and foiled cover elements. While supplies last! *
It’s been four years since Jovie betrayed Acker, fracturing their relationship. Her decision to take King Edmond’s magic, sparing his life at Acker’s request, has sparked a brutal war. The Kenta and Strou forces ally against the Roison and Alaha, with Maile perched dangerously on the edge of their battles.
Jovie is determined to keep the innocent Maile people from a conflict she helped start―even if it means suppressing the Matching Bond and sacrificing any hope of repairing her relationship with Acker. Yet, visions of him continue to haunt her dreams.
Acker is resigned to aid in his father’s war while in an arranged marriage with a wife who detests him. Though still pained by Jovie’s deception, he can’t stop his thoughts from turning to her. And Acker has found a way to slip into Jovie’s dreams despite her attempts to stifle the Matching Bond. There he watches her, torn between his loyalties and desire.
When he discovers the chilling reason behind the return of his father's magic, as well as Edmond’s dangerous new alliance, Acker must finally decide which war he wants to fight: the one for his king or the one for his heart.
Ready to find out how this story continues? Check out an exclusive excerpt below! Just make sure to pre-order Light Wielder so you can find out what happens next as soon as it drops.
Acker,
While you’ve been fending off Roison’s forces to the east, I’ve just received word that Kai and his father, along with all of the Alaha, have reached the black sand beaches of their shores. Your army is soon going to be outnumbered. You know it as well as I do. And you’re going to call upon your closest and only allies, the Strou to the north of both of our territories across the gulf if you haven’t already.
This is my letter asking you not to.
I cannot allow the Strou to reach your land, and my people have done nothing to incite any harm onto them. I understand this is a significant request considering our fraught relationship, but I’d be re-miss to not advocate for my people. I believe, if faced with the same dilemma, you would do the same.
Gods, I’m still confused on how we got here.
The last two years have felt endless. Yet, life continues to move forward anyway. Sometimes I think of removing the mangi stones on the off chance you’ve done the same just so I can get a glimpse inside your head. But then I remember what happened the last time I did, and I convince myself I’m better off not knowing.
If you can’t seem to see that your father is tyrannical in his rule, then I was wrong, and you don’t deserve the crown any more than your father does. I’ll consider any attack on my people as a direct attack from you, and I’ll send the Maile army for both of your heads.
-Jovie
I lift the quill from the parchment and let out a breath of frustration. I’m wasting my time. There’s no reason for Acker to ever consider sparing Maile when his people are in tatters due to my betrayal. All this letter will serve to do is humiliate me.
Opening the door to the lamp on my desk, I touch the corner of the parchment to the flame, watching as it slowly works its way up the parchment.
A better leader would send it. Saving her people by any means necessary, including her pride.
But I’m going to need what little pride I have left to lead an army to defend my territory, and I can’t do it with Acker snapping the last thread of hope holding my heart together by denying me.
I’d rather face death instead.
Excerpt from LIGHT WIELDER © 2026 by Rachel Schneider. Reprinted with permission from Saturday Books, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Light Wielder, by Rachel Schneider will be released on June 9, 2026 from Saturday Books. To preorder the book, click on the retailer of your choice:
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