Reviews with content warning for Gore - That Self-Same Metal

Reviews tagging 'Gore'

That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams

6 reviews

natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Fantasy loving, theatre nerds are going to ADORE this refreshingly inventive Fae related fantasy that explores Shakespeare’s London (and its gritty, unsavoury underbelly) to perfection!

As a fan of Fae based stories and all things Shakespeare, I practically leapt at the chance to read this

It’s set in 1605, (two years after the Death of Elizabeth I) and follows sixteen year old Joan Sands, whose Orisha-blessed ability to control metals has made her an expert swordsmith for The Globe Theatre—working alongside Shakespeare himself!

But,when a pact between the Fae and the Yoruba spirits (which had protected the human world for centuries) is broken, Joan inadvertently finds herself at the centre of the cities’ conflict.

For London has become the hunting ground for the newly freed Fae and Joan’s gifts make her the only one who can stop them.

I thought this was quite an engaging read with a fiercely independent (and loveable) protagonist that readers will no doubt be rooting for from the start. The complexity of Joan’s character, and the internal struggles she faces— both as a queer black woman grappling with self identity, and as one of the magic-blessed, whose powers are soo strongly tied to the Orisha (Ogun) , were handled really well.

The pacing is a bit of a whirlwind at times, which meant some characters weren’t as in depth as others but Brittany N. Williams’ sharp wit and attention to the historical details was really enjoyable (like Joan, as the daughter of a goldsmith living in Cheapside, a street famed for its gold workers. I also can’t stop imagining The Cheapside Hoard belonging to them.)

I think she also did a fabulous job in using the well documented chaos of the era to firmly establish and cement the mischievous (and historically bloodthirsty) Fae into the narrative. Further helped by tying their antics to several well known figures/ historical events (I won’t give any spoilers, but I was intrigued to see one infamous plot from a more magic/supernatural perspective.)

If you’re at all familiar with Shakespeare’s works (especially A Midsummer Night’s Dream) then you’re gonna be delighted by the many references (and character cameos) we encounter alongside the Bard, whose own role was actually larger than I had initially imagined.

Overall, an adventurous (but incredibly fast paced) read that will appeal to historical fantasy and Shakespeare aficionados. Just be sure to check the TWs first.

Also, thanks to The Tandem Collective and Faber & Faber for the gorgeous finished copy.

Content Warnings

bkwrm1317's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Williams’ debut is super solid. A young Black femme (Joan Sands) is part of the crew for the King’s Men in 1605. She is Ogun’s chosen vessel and has magical powers as a result that could put her, the company, and her family in grave danger.

One performance, Joan has to reveal her powers in order to save her fellow company members from a Fae who has decided to attack her and sick other fae spirits on her as well. Joan successfully fights them off with help but ends up ensnared in something much larger as a result.

Joan’s wit slices sharp as a blade and Williams’ prose is seamless.

A great little page turner based loosely on true historical events in 1605 London (minus the fae as fact). I’ll be looking forward to more of Joan’s adventures and am keen to find out if she does indeed get both Nick and Rose’s affections in the end without having to choose between them - as Williams reminds readers in the historical note, queer and non-white people were very much present in 1605 London.

Content Warnings

maregred's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

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avacadosocks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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heather667's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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jessicaludden's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I wanted to like this book but it fell kind of flat for me. I love the premise of a religion-based magic system set in Shakespearean London with POC and queer main and side characters. I really liked Joan and her brother’s relationship, but the side characters didn’t do a lot for me. The romance also felt very instant and I couldn’t really see the chemistry with either of her love interests. As far as the plot goes, I feel like things kept happening but nothing connected or flowed well. We never circled back to the overarching theme or goal. Overall, I liked the idea of this but the execution wasn’t what I hoped it would be. I wish we had gotten more world building and explored the magic system more.

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