Her crew betrayed her. Her magic broke her. Her city isn’t ready for her return.
In the flying city of Newfris, where the elite soar above the clouds and the forgotten toil beneath the streets, Phoenix is more than just a killer—she’s a survivor. As a killgirl for Her Majesty’s Navy, she’s mastered the deadly art of forcefinding, creating powerful energy bubbles that can trap—or obliterate—anyone in her way. But when a mission goes horribly wrong, Phoenix finds herself cast out, hunted by enemies, and betrayed by those she trusted most.
Now, with only a ragtag crew of misfits by her side, Phoenix must navigate a treacherous underworld of magic, machines, and buried secrets. As she faces off against the ruthless Planners, deadly assassins, and the demons of her past, Phoenix will discover the true cost of power—and what it really means to be free.
Get ready for a pulse-pounding ride through the skies and shadows of Newfris, where loyalty is a lie, love is a weapon, and survival is the only rule that matters.
If you love the brutal, magic-fueled underworlds of Red Rising and the electric, high-speed anarchy of Akudama Drive, this sci-fantasy thriller will have you racing through its pages.
Jeremy is a fantasy and science fiction author, living and writing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Fantasy is his first love—there's something about magic and mayhem that has interested him since he first cracked opened Lord Foul's Bane in the seventh grade. Also archery.
There always seems to be a lot of archery involved.
When not writing, Jeremy's an experienced graphic designer, software developer, game designer, and music composer. He makes a really great Old Fashioned.
What a fast-paced, action-packed read! This book was excellent it was set in a dystopian society in the skies, with heart-pounding fight scenes and a fierce, unforgettable FMC. I was completely hooked. The world-building was phenomenal: visionary, immersive, and so vividly described that it jumped off the page. Floating cities for the elite, a gritty underworld for the poor with every detail brought this setting to life.
Megan was everything. I absolutely loved her and the journey she takes in this story. The magic system was unique and added so much depth. Full of betrayals and shocking twists, this book will be living rent-free in my head for a long time.
I am so glad I picked this book up, I had SUCH a fantastic time reading it. Right from the beginning I was completely intrigued by the plot and the characters. I enjoyed trying to piece things together, and watching it all unfold. At times I thought I had it figured out, but BOY WAS I WRONG. What a fun ride this book was. I cannot wait to pick up the next one!
Throughout this book, I found myself dying to know what was about to happen next. I kept screaming "WHAT?!" in my head, and then two minute later another "NO WAY!" came out. I have never quite read anything like it. It was unique, and bingeworthy!
At times things got super heated (pun intended), and things continued to happen, I just could not stop reading. If you love to have your mind running in circles to try to figure out the next move, to find out who you could trust... I HIGHLY recommend this book.
I cannot wait to dive into book 2 as soon as possible. I am so grateful the entire series dropped the same day, because there is no way I could wait a long time for the follow up! I am HOOKED and I need more people to read this so we can chat and digest it all together.. because honestly .. what.. the.. f.... in the best way.
A great book to start a sci-fi saga! For me, the book had both pros and cons, so here's a breakdown:⠀ ⠀ What I liked:⠀ - Fast-paced storytelling⠀⠀ - Dystopian sci-fi setting⠀⠀ - Tons of action: fights, chases, and more⠀⠀ - Car races!!!⠀⠀ - LGBTQ+ characters⠀⠀ - Interesting world-building, similar to Pierce Brown’s Red Rising⠀ - Unique and unusual magic (kinda reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson)⠀⠀ - Betrayals, secrets, and a plot that keeps you on edge!⠀⠀ ⠀ What I didn’t like as much: ⠀ - The beginning was rough because everyone kept trying to grope the MC or undress her⠀⠀ - I don’t like one trope (I won’t say it), and it suddenly popped up at the end 😭⠀⠀ - Due to the fast pacing, I didn’t fully connect with the characters and world, but I hope the next books will expand on it!⠀⠀ - Phoenix sometimes seemed foolish (but that’s just my perception)⠀⠀ All in all, I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who loves dystopias!
Thanks a lot to the Inkspire and the author for providing the advanced readers copy!
There were so many things to love about this book. It was literally action packed throughout the book. In addition, who doesn't love a dystopian setting that also takes place in the sky?
This book definitely pulled me in from the very beginning. There were quite a few twists in this book that I absolutely loved. The world building was excellent. You had the under world and then the topside world.
Megan was an amazing FMC. She had to deal with being betrayed by her own crew. That was a powerful blow. Yet she found a way to keep going. It didn't hurt that she was feared because of the magic that she possessed.
The pace of this book was fast but smooth making it very enjoyable. I'm actually excited to continue this series.
Holy crap did I enjoy this book! The amount of action packed into this one was insane and it definitely kept me on my toes! While some things resolved themselves toward the end and there wasn’t that huge of a cliffhanger, there is definitely so much to explore in this world and the ending sets up things nicely for the rest of the series!
I am obsessed with the dystopian world the characters are in (including the flying cars and floating city!) and the unique magic system introduced. I also totally loved finding out how the title of the book plays a part in the story (that’s always one of my favorite things)! I’m super intrigued to see how this series continues, considering there are 9 more books to go! I am sure I am in for one wild journey!
While I loved all of the action and the overall plot of the story, surprisingly I didn’t love either of the two love interests (if you can even call both of them that) [i wont say anything further as to not spoil]. But it’s probably because romance is no where near the main focus of the story, so we didn’t get to explore the relationships too much!
Regardless, if you’re a dystopian fan like myself, and are looking for a dystopian, science-fantasy thriller book, then definitely check this one out!
Thank you so much to Inkspire Services for an advanced copy! The entire Metalwood Saga releases on July 8!
This was such a fantastic book!! I was hooked from the beginning. This story had action, romance, loss, and friendships! I loved Megan! She was such a badass and very relatable.
Stand out lines/quotes: “See, there’s one thing about underkids that you topsiders never understand. We don’t mind getting a little dirty.”
My Thoughts: I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!! Ok so I am not normally a straight-up sci-fi kind of girlie, I normally like a little spice mixed in with my sci-fi…BUT, ,Jeremey did a fantastic job with the world building, and just the overall storyline that I was hooked from the beginning. This is such a great start to the saga that I am dying to read the next book.
This... was an experience. Every time I'd have something nailed down in my head, something else would come out of left field and shock the hell out of me, especially towards the end. And I LOVE when a book does that! The concept and the world were also VERY interesting as well as the magic system. But my favorite part of the whole book was Dust's character! I absolutely love him. Honestly, I don't know what else to say without spoilers, but I read this in one sitting if that tells you anything!
Just wrapped up Metal Wood by Jeremy Thomas Fuller and… wow. This one hit different.
A lyrical, raw, and thought-provoking blend of nature, machinery, and humanity it’s poetry that feels both grounded and transcendent. Fuller’s words have this quiet intensity that sneaks up on you and lingers long after the final page.
Perfect if you love poetry that explores the tension between the natural world and industrial life where every line feels like it was carved from oak and iron.
This is the first book in the Metalwood Saga, a series of 10 books that were released on July 8th, so there is no waiting around for the next book in the series. Thank you, Inkspire and Jeremy Thomas Fuller, for providing me with an ARC of The Metal Wood in line with the release of the series.
Newfris is the floating city in which our story is based, divided between the topsiders and the under, the castaways who must survive in a dangerous underworld. Primarily, the narrative follows Megan "Phoenix" who is part of a specialised force in Her Majesty's Navy in the Under. Megan suffers from memory loss of a difficult past and struggles to maintain control of her magic, which causes all kinds of chaos that sets her on a path that has expelled from her crew. Being cast aside drives her to an under-rated group, run by Dust, the mysterious second in command, who brings to the forefront many lies and buried secrets.
I am not a huge sci-fi reader, and I really struggle to become invested in the story. Unfortunately, this book ended up in the same category. Despite this world being really interesting, I felt there were too many inconsistencies, and I found myself with more questions than were answered. Like: how do they seem to know what Earth was like 300 years ago, but make it sound as though everything was so recent? And, how can you know all this scientific terminology, but don't know what a tree is? A lot just didn't add up. I really think I missed something, and I'm not sure if I'm more frustrated with myself or the book.
The pace was really slow, despite the many action scenes. For me, the style was repetitive and often appeared to list facts or emotions, so when new information appeared, the thrill was lost for me as the narrative repeated what had previously been said. It was only in the last 150 pages, at the first major twist, that I perked up and thought; "that's brilliant, if not a little creepy."
The world at the start also appeared so primal, and humanity had become animalistic, then it just seemed like some terrifying BDSM/gambling club. So, I ended up not understanding what the purpose of the initial mission was about or why they were rescuing people from an organisation run by their own group. There were quite a few sexist remarks as well, some of which I think were unnecessary and juat came across as annoying. I really wouldn't say this is a YA novel.
Partially, as well, I really couldn't get onboard with the main characters, especially Megan. There was a naivety and ignorance to her character that I just found unrealistic to her and the entire situation. The story introduces us to many characters, but none of them had the depth I like for me to really care and be invested in them or their story. I'm not sure if this would change as the series goes on.
Sorry, this was quite a negative review, and I ranted a lot. I will say the idea of the story and the magic system is really unique and I honestly think it is fascinating, I just couldn't get onboard with this story and I won't be continuing the series. __________________ Favourite Quotes:
Language has a way of changing over time.
She was strong. She had to be. It was the only way to survive.
See, there's one thing about underkids that you topsiders never understand. We don't mind getting a little dirty.
But he had already given her the most valuable thing he had: his name. __________________
The Metal Wood is the kind of dystopian sci-fi that doesn’t just build a world, it drags you into it by tooth and nail and makes you feel every injustice, every spark of resistance, and every sacrifice etched into its story.
At the heart of all the chaos is Phoenix, our fierce and flawed FMC, who is at the helm of a collapsing New San Francisco, watching the world burn, not by her hand this time, but by a storm she might have helped start. With Dust at her side, holding a pirated radio like a lifeline, the two listen to a rebellion unravel in real time. Every update is a beat closer to an uprising no one can control.
The political tension is thick as hell above the Under. You’ve got illegal pirate broadcasts, secret coalitions handing out radios, and whispers of transmuters synthesizing more than just food. Phoenix suspects Queen, who controls the food supply, has a deeper hand in the pot, and her suspicions lead her straight into a complex web of rebellion, betrayal, and survival.
All of the characters have some moral ambiguity as none of them are not simply good or evil. Everyone has an angle, everyone has secrets. And the found family vibes, specifically between Phoenix and Dust, carry that raw protectiveness you can’t help but love.
There’s no romantic fluff here, unfortunately… but it fits as other emotional dynamics are heavily invested throughout the novel. It’s gritty and emotionally intense, but still laced with those glimmers of hope and connection you crave. The rebellion doesn’t just ask “Can we win?”, it asks what’s worth losing to fight back.
Thank you to Inkspire for granting me access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Metal Wood is an action-packed dystopian fantasy sci-fi thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Quick synopsis: The floating city of Newfris is divided between topsiders who reside above ground, and the castaways who dwell under the city. We follow Megan “Phoenix”, our fierce FMC, as she navigates life in the Under. When we meet her, she has no recollection of her past and struggles to control her magic, which gets her kicked out of her crew and hunted by those she trusted most. Once she’s accepted into a new group of misfits, she quickly realizes that the life she thought she knew was built on lies and buried secrets.
This book is so different from what I usually read and I was nervous I wouldn’t like it. But, once I got halfway through, I couldn’t put it down. It felt like I was watching an action movie - it was fast-paced, there were so many twists and turns, and the cast of characters were so much fun. I really liked Megan, she was strong and vulnerable, and really grew throughout the book. I’m excited to see where her story goes in the next one.
What to expect: 💥 dystopian action 💥 lovers to enemies 💥 found family 💥 unique magic system 💥 buried secrets 💥 mental health rep
The whole Metalwood saga is releasing tomorrow, July 8. So, you can binge all ten books right away!
Thank you to Inkspire Services and the author for the ARC!
Thanks you ink spire services for giving me the opportunity to read jeremy thomas fuller The Metal Wood book the start of the saga.
What a ride or die, journey it was with Megan ( Phoenix) it was so shocking with all the hidden secrets that she was revealing on the way. So freaking shocking with betrayals and twist you didn't see coming. Its absolutely fast paced not a boring moment or no moment to breath.
And who doesn't like speeding race cars and magical things that aren't meant to be known.
The development of Megan's journey was so good, as she's fighting for survival learning who she can trust and who's to rely on after so many disasters and coming into her own on learning how to learn her craft of her magic and how she can bend it to her will. But the damn betrayals and shocking 😮 reveals on enemies I didn't see coming I really wished she'd burn them to ashes.
It was will hard as she can't remember what happened in a fire that killed her entire family.
The world building is so good that you can visualise the rich from the under dog.
I can't wait for the next book that ending left you wanting to know.
Thank you to the author and Inspire Services for sending me this eARC! I am leaving a review voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
I’ll be honest—I was a little hesitant going into this book because it’s so different from the kinds of stories I usually read. I wasn’t sure it would click with me, and I even considered putting it down in the beginning. But somewhere around the halfway mark, everything shifted—I was totally hooked. The number of times I was left with my jaw on the floor - unlimited! The pacing really picked up, and it started to feel like I was watching a full-blown action movie play out in my head. There were nonstop twists and turns, and I found myself constantly needing to know what would happen next.
What really pulled me in, though, was the cast of characters. They were all so distinct and full of personality, and it made the story feel alive. I especially loved Megan. She stood out to me as someone who was both tough and vulnerable, which made her feel really human. Watching her grow and evolve through the story made me care about her even more.
By the time I turned the last page, I was already eager to see what happens in the next installment. I'm really glad I gave this book a chance—it pulled me out of my comfort zone in the best way.
Disappointing book and I couldn't finish it. While the writing wasn't too bad, the main character Megan was bad and I just couldn't bother with her anymore. She is supposed to be an 18 year old trained assassin, but comes across like she's 12 years old. Constantly screaming and shrieking and the slightest provocation. Even when it was imperative to be quiet. She gets assaulted by a group of buys and gets her clothing partially removed before her "trained killgirl reflexes" kick in and she fights back. Just no. What kind of lame training did she get? The character is a pollyanna whiny child pretending to be a hardened assassin. Just no. Could not keep reading this.
Shame as the writing wasn't too bad. The world building did lack a bit. Maybe some of my questions were answered later in the book, but I'm not going to read it. Take this metal wood that they use for magic. Where did it come from? Can you use transmuters to make it? Not curious enough to find out because I would have to suffer dealing with Megan further.
This book was a gripping adrenaline rush from beginning to end. Set in a dystopian world high above the earth, it features a bold and unforgettable female lead who commands every scene. The action sequences were intense and pulse-pounding, keeping me on edge the whole way through.
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story would throw a curveball that completely blindsided me—especially in the final chapters.
What truly stood out, though, was the world-building—rich, imaginative, and so vividly rendered that the setting felt completely alive. Towering sky cities housed the wealthy elite, while a raw, dangerous underworld simmered below, brought to life with stunning detail.
This book, filled with shocking twists and betrayals, has firmly planted itself in my mind. Its one-of-a-kind magic system brought incredible depth to the story, making it truly unforgettable.
If you enjoy the magic systems of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, this might scratch an itch for you!! A wonderfully done blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian genres!
I had a FANTASTIC time reading this book. Action-packed from the beginning to the end, well-written characters, and wild plot twists that I did not see coming! The end was like WHIPLASH with the amount of times I went “whoa..WHAT?”
Nothing felt like filler, although certain moments at about the 50% mark felt a bit slow. However it was still very much enjoyable!! I also love the queer representation, and I’m so thrilled that it’s becoming more common to see in books.
As there are 9 more books (!!!) in the series, I’m so curious to see where it goes. The ending was very satisfying. The years Jeremy Thomas Fuller spent pouring his soul into this does not go unnoticed. Excited to read more!! Thank you so much Inkspire for the advanced copy!!
This was a fast paced book with a lot of action. My favorite part was the unique magic system. This book was a whirlwind and had so many twists and turns that were so surprising and shocking (some I was not a fan of). It was a very entertaining book and would have loved some more character building. Hoping there will be more of that in the other books. This is part of a 10 book series and all are available now.
Looking forward to seeing the FMC Phoenix in the next books and seeing her character development.
Favorite quotes:
“She was strong. She had to be. It was the only way to survive.”
“See, there's one thing about underkids that you topsiders never understand. We don't mind getting a little dirty.”
“She ascended back into the Under, like a Phoenix from the ashes, resuming her familiar place in the sky.”
Thank you to InkSpire Services and the author for the ARC.
Megan (cool name, right?) is a killgirl for the Queens Navy. When a mission goes sideways, she is kicked off of team. Megan has issues controlling her magic which causes a lot of problems.
I really enjoyed the overall story. It was fast paced and never a dull moment. The world building was a lot of fun, describing it as floating cities for the rich and the underworld for the poor. They even have flying cars.
The action scenes were descriptive and allowed you to fully visualize the scene taking place. You never know who you can trust. I really liked being along as Megan learned more about her magic. I thought the whole magic system was really neat.
I truly enjoyed the ending after that wild ride. So much happened and it was just a fun time.
This was such a fast-paced and action-packed story that I just could not put down. I loved the idea of a dystopian city in the sky… meaning that everyone is trapped in the enclosed society.
I was obsessed with the details of the city. The wealthy live in beautiful, floating cities; yet, the poor and undesirables lived in the within the filthy and dark “Under” beneath the streets of city.
Want more?? There is a complex and unique magic system in the novel. Not everyone has magic, and Megan (also known as Phoenix), the FMC, is a rare forcefinder that must face betrayals, heartbreak, and brutality to survive in this world.
I am ready to dive into the rest of the series… and guess what?! The entire 10 book saga released today!
This book grabs you from the first paragraph and DOESN’T LET UP. You can tell this novel is fleshed out and well written, the character practically jump off the page. The world building was so visionary and descriptive- I felt like I was reading the beginning of something that was akin to Wheel of Time in its ability to capture so many people with it’s immersive worlds With a unique magic system and a gritty landscape, Megan our FFM, is a standout. Her magic (which of course is uniquely built and flawlessly executed) shines like a beacon in the plot of every building tension. I think it matters what genre you prefer- you will like this book. It blends so many styles and is so well crafted the story can stand on its own. Thank you to Inkspire for the gifted copy.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A solid four stars for me! This was a fast paced book, full of action with a wild world and unique magic system. The dystopian vibes were absolutely on point, and I found myself fully able to picture everything that the author was describing. I haven’t read any really well written sci-fi in a while but I felt like this hit the mark. I felt that the ending was written in a way that it wasn’t a total cliffhanger, but you are well set up for the rest of the series to come. This was a fun read and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I am not normally any kind of a Fantasy reader (despite how badly I want to be a cool kid) and I instantly loved the way this book sucked me in with the world development. I was easily able to see everything happening with that amazing opening. The dystopian vibe is usually lost on me, but this was so different and cool the way "Elite" and "Underbelly" of the flying world was broken down. Our FFM is so amazing and I am excited to see what else happens in this story. Overcoming betrayal to survive amongst a world you cannot trust is always a Win in my book.
Best part, the entire series is being released together, so no waiting! See you in the Under.
Fast, and fun! This book was nonstop adventure. Definitely something new and different for me which I always appreciate. I’ve certainly never read a car chase in a book before! That being said, there were almost too many plot twists. I can only rewrite my perception of the entire world so many times before it’s just too exhausting to care. Character motivations were wishy washy and there were far too many chapter breaks. Made it feel disjointed. Overall it was fun enough to overshadow those things for the most part. It’s classified as YA though and my list of triggers begs to differ. That’s not the books fault, just be warned.
If you're looking for a fantasy book with predominantly sci-fi elements, this is the book for you. The universe in which this story takes place is very well structured and the descriptions of the locations are excellent. Our main character, Meghan, is an independent, strong girl, but at the same time she has many flaws and makes mistakes which lead her through certain hurtles she has to overcome. She has a tragic and mysterious past that captivates you from the very beginning. This book was excellent, and I highly recommend it. It’s actioned packed from the very beginning so it will capture the reader from the get go.
This book was a thrilling adventure. I’m a very close reader and did not see one of the major plot twists coming at all! I loved the dystopian world and magic system—they were super unique. Some characters seemed a bit naive while others were unexpectedly complex (in a good, engaging way). As all the other reviews say, this book is wildly fast-paced, which made it fun to read and easy to fly through. One thing I hope is listed in the book description or author’s website is the list of trigger warnings, though! There are some intense topics that are very casually intertwined in the narrative. (I guess that goes with it being a dystopian world, though!)
The Metalwood is an incisive, atmospheric novel that combines emotional depth with grim urban fantasy. The idea that names are more than just labels; they are identities, weapons, and gateways to more profound truths is one of my favorite ideas in the book. Phoenix and Beam's connection is particularly noteworthy since it is intricate, devoted, and ever-changing. Their relationship lends the narrative emotional weight by bringing the mayhem down to a really human level. A quick, mysterious, and provocative book.
This was my first story from Jeremy this is a sci-fantasy novel I was able get the arc from Inkspire and Jeremy which I'm thankful for. This story was good way to start the series. The story has magic, betrayal, drama. The story was a fast pace well written the description he use when talking about places and characters was very detailed which is very nice I can imagine the story. overall a good fast pace book. You can get it on July 8th 2025 on Amazon and KU.
Thank you to Jeremy Thomas Fuller and Inkspire Services for the gifted arc!
Where to begin? I ate this book up! The magic system was unique and unlike any book I’ve read so far. I was kept guessing and on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book between the fast moving, action packed plot and the unique cast of characters. The whole series is releasing in 6 days and I might have to make space in my TBR to start the next book sooner than I expected to!