A review by larenlit
That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

n her debut novel, Brittany N. Williams combines Shakespearean literature and Yoruba religion into a stunning YA adventure! 

There was so much to love about this book from its diverse cast to inclusive romance. Joan, our protagonist, faces malevolent fae as they toy with her life and the lives of her fellow thespians. She must also face the reality of being a young, black woman in Shakespearean London while trying to save the lives of those she loves. Williams’s ability to intertwine elements of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Othello shows a lot of promise for the rest of this series. I really enjoyed her take on the Orisha, how they interact with their children, and their gifts. I hope to see more development of the magic system and character arcs in the next installment!

There were a few aspects of the story that I felt held it back from its full potential. The love triangle seemed a bit “instalove-esque” to me. Due to the rapid pacing of the book, there wasn’t much room left for the development of these relationships. The writing was occasionally choppy, which one might from a debut novel, and the plot did get a bit drowned out at times. It was just a lot of information all at once combined with a story that moved quite quickly. 

*I find it important to recommend that you check out the TW as there is content you may want to avoid.*

Thank you to @TLCbooks and NetGalley for providing me a free audio arc of this book! 
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