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A review by cloreadsbooks1364
That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams
adventurous
inspiring
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? No
4.0
What. A. Book.!!! This is certainly a series I will be continuing!
The magic aspect was very strong, with two types of power. The fae were an interesting group, though I found it strange that so few were well-meaning towards humans. The Orisha, while barely being explained at all, were very fascinating and I found the powers they granted perfect in the way that they weren't too powerful but not weak. But who are the Orisha? How many are there? This is not explained at all.
The setting, 1600s London, was very well done, except for a lack of place descriptions. Joan's gender and race greatly affected how she could move around in the city, which I felt helped us to feel her frustration at having very little choice in her life's path.
Our protagonist, Joan Sands, was so strong and brave. I admired how, rather than suppressing her queerness, she had already accepted her sexuality and wasn't afraid to kiss other queer girls.
I'll do a quick overview of my opinions on Joan's friends/acquaintances. Samuel, underdeveloped. Shakespeare (yes, the playwright himself) needs more development in the next book. Burbage, same as Shakespeare. Phillips, same as the others. Pretty much everyone was barely developed at all.
The family was also underdeveloped, Joan's parents barely made an appearance. James was quite well developed, yay!
And now the romance.... Rose and Joan had some insta-love, which was actually not bad, I usually dislike insta-love! Rose was quite fascinating. Nick was very sweet, I enjoyed his and Joan's romance.
The play element was very well done, and, though I doubt the sequel will contain as much acting, I'd happily read more of it!
The ending plot twist was predictable, but still exciting enough for me to read the next book!
I feel like this review was quite negative so far, but this book really was AMAZING, it's easy to become invested in the plot, as it's very fast paced with no time skips. The battle scenes are very well written!
The magic aspect was very strong, with two types of power. The fae were an interesting group, though I found it strange that so few were well-meaning towards humans. The Orisha, while barely being explained at all, were very fascinating and I found the powers they granted perfect in the way that they weren't too powerful but not weak. But who are the Orisha? How many are there? This is not explained at all.
The setting, 1600s London, was very well done, except for a lack of place descriptions. Joan's gender and race greatly affected how she could move around in the city, which I felt helped us to feel her frustration at having very little choice in her life's path.
Our protagonist, Joan Sands, was so strong and brave. I admired how, rather than suppressing her queerness, she had already accepted her sexuality and wasn't afraid to kiss other queer girls.
I'll do a quick overview of my opinions on Joan's friends/acquaintances. Samuel, underdeveloped. Shakespeare (yes, the playwright himself) needs more development in the next book. Burbage, same as Shakespeare. Phillips, same as the others. Pretty much everyone was barely developed at all.
The family was also underdeveloped, Joan's parents barely made an appearance. James was quite well developed, yay!
And now the romance.... Rose and Joan had some insta-love, which was actually not bad, I usually dislike insta-love! Rose was quite fascinating. Nick was very sweet, I enjoyed his and Joan's romance.
The play element was very well done, and, though I doubt the sequel will contain as much acting, I'd happily read more of it!
The ending plot twist was predictable, but still exciting enough for me to read the next book!
I feel like this review was quite negative so far, but this book really was AMAZING, it's easy to become invested in the plot, as it's very fast paced with no time skips. The battle scenes are very well written!