Reviews

thank you to OrangeSky Audio and Netgalley for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Mixing history, fantasy, and mythology with just a dash of romance, THAT SELF-SAME METAL is a fun romp in Shakespearean England with sword-fighting and vicious fae. As a whole, I found it fairly interesting if not as tightly following the story arc as I would have liked (there were moments where I felt overall confused, to some degree because of the pacing, but all turned out alright in the end), but still worth the read, or in this case listen.

Brittany N. Williams has created a fascinating and unique world within a historical setting, interweaving fact and fiction (no matter how unfortunate the fact may be). I appreciate how she created real people that felt relatable despite the world, and the relationships that developed out of that. For one, this is probably one of the better handlings of a love triangle that I’ve seen, and you know I’m a sucker for a queer love triangle! However, I was never fully invested in the book, and I’ll have to see what’s planned for the sequel before I decide if I’ll prioritize reading it (and honestly I think this can be read as a standalone which is appreciated).

Patricia Allison did a wonderful job narrating this story and really brought Joan to life in my mind, crafting unique character voices while also keeping Joan’s narration steady. I struggle to read fantasy via audiobook, but this one was certainly on the easier to digest side.

Overall, if historical fantasy is your thing, I think that this book could be worth picking up, and I hope that the Forge & Fracture Saga can continue to develop and grow in the future!

sashahc's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-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

5.0

I have a fun #book for you today. “That Self Same Metal” by Brittany N Williams is about Joan Sands, a queer Black teenager who is a fight choreographer for The King’s Men in Shakespeare’s time. She is blessed by the Orisha Ogun with power over metal and when Ogun’s agreement with the fae expires, she and her family need to find a way to keep the fae from invading London. It’s fun and clever and thoughtful, full of fight scenes and mischief and teen crushes. Not to mention Shakespeare’s actors. A great YA read.

Brittany N Williams: “just felt like the fact that I could give a teenager like me something that I didn't have but would have loved when I was a teen, that just makes me feel so warm inside. I love being able to do that. It feels like my small way of making the world a better place for the younger generation. It's like, I had to search high and low for this. I didn't get this until I was an adult. I'm not gonna let you go through that same struggle. Here you go. I did this for you.”

Brittany N Williams (she/her) is a queer Black American author and classically trained actress based in New Orleans. She is a Shakespeare nerd and violinist and D&D player. She is married to Daniel José Older and their child is going to be ridiculously talented.

beelovesreading's review against another edition

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3.0

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for granting me an arc.

The story follows Joan, a young woman who is blessed by the orisha God Ogun and has the ability to manipulate iron — very useful when you're being hunted down by Fae and the King of Fae himself, Auberon.

Did I enjoy this? Sure. Would I read it again? Probably not. I felt neutral all throughout the book. I didn't hate it and I didn't love it, and even when the book picked up with action I still felt the same way as before. It was good, but unfortunately for me it didn't blow me away. I did very much like Rose, though and I enjoyed her part in the story, however small.