LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
January 2024 Debut of the Month
A rip-roaring opening to a genre busting series that combines West African mythology, Fae fantasy, queer romance, black representation, and historical settings. If that all sounds a bit much for one book to handle, there are indeed times when the reader might agree! But I feel sure that what feels like underdeveloped sections or loose ends will come to fruition in the sequels that the cliff hanger ending will ensure you most definitely want to read.
The setting of Shakespearean London and the Globe Theatre, the presence of historical characters like Shakespeare and Guy Fawkes and the accurate unflinching depiction of racism, sexism, poverty and privilege in that society is very well done. We see it all through the eyes of 16-year-old Joan Sands, who is a relatable teenager, full of confidence and definitely nobody’s victim. I also particularly liked the way A Midsummer Night’s Dream is woven into the plot.
Joan is a gifted crafter of metal who maintains the swords used by the Company and her father is an actor member. The Dream is the play in production and its bizarre story is given a whole new layer of meaning because the Fae walk amongst them in this society. It actually makes the play seem more realistic and plausible. The Fae are great characters too, occasionally helpful , often malevolent and always completely selfish.
The West African Orisha mythology is a brilliant addition to the story and adds great power to Joan’s character and that of her twin brother. The family and romantic relationships are the icing on this complex cake. There really is something for everyone to enjoy in this highly enjoyable debut.
Joy Court
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About
That Self-Same Metal Synopsis
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.
Joan touched her fingers to the blade, felt the metal sing to her. It whispered its secrets . . . Sixteen-year-old Joan Sands is a gifted craftswoman and an exceptional swordsmith. So skilled is her technique that she is one of very few women employed at the Globe Theatre, directing William Shakespeare and his troupe of actors in fierce scenes of combat. Of course, it helps that Joan is blessed with the power to control metal, thanks to Ogun, head deity of all Orishas.
But when a pact between the ancient Yoruba spirits and Fae is broken, only she can save the streets of London from peril. Joan must find a way to defeat them in battle by herself . . . Okay, perhaps her twin brother James, blessed with gifts from Oya, can be of some help! And, despite the simmering tensions of a love triangle between herself, Rose, and Nick, Joan has a community of people to protect and who will protect her in return.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780571381623 |
| Publication date: |
4th January 2024 |
| Author: |
Brittany N. WIlliams |
| Publisher: |
Faber & Faber |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
352 pages |
| Series: |
Forge and Fracture |
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Press Reviews
Brittany N. WIlliams Press Reviews
'Perfect for anyone looking for a fresh take on faerie magic.' Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shadow Bone
'A groundbreaking addition to the fantasy genre..' Ayana Gray, New York Times-bestselling author Beasts of Prey
'Every sentence will thunder through your bones.' Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves and the Aru Shah series
'Wildly imaginative and refreshingly diverse . . . taut with intrigue.' J. Elle, New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony
Author
About Brittany N. WIlliams
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.
More About Brittany N. WIlliams
