Metal Slinger

When Jovie and Acker first arrive in Kenta, Jovie watches the man she is beginning to love take his place on a throne beside his father, King Edmond—the very man whom she has long known to be a corrupt and malevolent ruler. As she witnesses Acker’s “predilection for power” firsthand (364), the scene makes her anxious about her relationship with him, and this unease colors her perception of Acker for the remainder of the novel. The narrative also implies that this spectacle convinces her not to entrust him with her scheme despite her love for him. Notably, Schneider suggests that Jovie’s caution is justified, and the narrative repeatedly links a thirst for power to a broader potential for corruption that leads rulers to exploit others for their own gain.

Wren and Edmond are the two clear examples of the corruptive influence of power. Both leaders have ruled their respective territories for centuries, as their magical powers have granted them extreme longevity. Although this longevity is implied to be connected to their corruption, it is not framed as equally central to their cruelty; instead, both men are led by their desire to protect and extend their own power. This inherent selfishness is shown to be the preeminent cause of corruption among leaders in Schneider’s world. The novel therefore argues that when a leader seizes power out of a desire to gain a following, that leadership will inevitably be tainted by corruption.

By contrast, the novel suggests that searching for power in order to help those with less power is, at heart, a moral goal. To this end, Jovie, Messer, Beau, and Kai all risk their lives and happiness in order to fight against the tyrannical rulers whose violence they have been forced to endure. The novel suggests that any power that these characters access comes at a great personal cost, and this sacrifice therefore outweighs the personal benefits that they might gain from that power. Ultimately, these characters seek leadership not to benefit themselves but to benefit their people—and their search therefore serves as a moral counterpart to Wren and Edmond’s self-aggrandizing efforts. This dichotomy notably leaves Acker in an unclear position, as he often acts selfishly by prioritizing his love affair with Jovie over greater concerns. While Jovie returns his love, Acker’s decisions make it unclear whether he would ever be willing to sacrifice his own happiness for the greater good, as Josie clearly is. Thus, while Jovie remains convinced that Acker has a “good heart” and would make an acceptable ruler of Kenta, she does not trust him enough to include him in her plans to overthrow his corrupt father.