Review
Williams's story hones its magical edges on the rough stuff of real history, and the results are glorious (and very stabby!): African and British mythologies blended with the irreverent theatrical nerdiness of 'Upstart Crow,' starring a heroine you instantly root for and admire. - The New York Times Book Review
The theatre nerd in me suspected I'd love this story of a gifted young woman who fashions weapons for Shakespeare's players, and I was not let down. Perfect for anyone looking for a fresh take on faerie magic. - Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shadow Bone
Full of nimble prose and wit as sharp as the blades on its pages, this book is nothing short of a spectacular debut . . . I know that this is going to be a groundbreaking addition to the fantasy genre. - Ayana Gray, New York Times-bestselling author Beasts of Prey
Every sentence of That Self-Same Metal will thunder through your bones. Rich in place and time, with a steely protagonist at its center, I felt like I'd been spirited to another land and time. - Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves and the Aru Shah series
Wildly imaginative and refreshingly diverse, Williams weaves a twisty Shakespearean-inspired fantasy taut with intrigue. - J. Elle, New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony
Williams' debut is an absolute feast of imagination. Complex, brooding, impossible to put down. - Scott Reintgen, bestselling author of A Door in the Dark
Seamlessly weaves together history, fantasy, culture, magic, and love . . . I couldn't stop reading it, and when I finished all I wanted was more. Joan Sands may be a hero in another era, but also she's the one we urgently need in books right now. - Daniel José Older, New York Times bestselling author of Shadowshaper and Ballad & Dagger
The fighting, on stage and off, between Joan and the real-life counterparts of the Fae characters from Shakespeare's plays is exciting. There's been diligent research about the time period, politics, and faery folklore. Interesting characters offering brilliant representations of queerness and set in a glorious foundation will pull readers in. Promising and original. - Kirkus Reviews
Williams weaves an intricate, historically rich tapestry. Fans of Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas will love this start of a new series. - School Library Journal
In her debut, Williams has crafted an addicting, original story that isn't afraid to take risks. While the world is rooted in history and even boasts famous historical figures, the prominent Black and brown characters and exploration of queer love are a refreshing addition. With charming characters and surprising twists, this historical fantasy will delight readers of all ages. - Booklist
Vividly expressive, riotously queer, beautifully Black, and wildly creative, That Self-Same Metal was a pleasure to read. I have been begging the publishing industry for a book like this for years, and Brittany N. Williams did not disappoint. If this is what she can do as a debut, there's no stopping her. - Locus Magazine
Combining Yoruba myths, Shakespearean drama, a love triangle, and a race-against time adventure, this fantasy debut certainly packs a punch. - Irish Examiner
Book Description
Swashbuckling, romantic, and full of the sights and sounds of Shakespeare's London, this sweeping YA fantasy trilogy debut is perfect for fans of Holly Black, Leigh Bardugo and J. Elle.
About the Author
Brittany N. Williams is a classically-trained actress who studied Musical Theatre at Howard University and Shakespearean performance at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama in London. Previously she's been a principal vocalist at Hong Kong Disneyland, a theatre professor at Coppin State University, and made appearances in Queen Sugar and Leverage: Redemption. Her short stories have been published in The Gambit Weekly, Fireside Magazine, and the Star Wars anthology From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back.