I would like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for sending me this arc, in return for an honest review.

I was really excited for this book, the idea of a Shakespearean time setting, with it evolving around those performing as his actors, sounded terrific. I loved the characters powers and the story behind it... But for me what was the biggest struggle, is that I felt there wasn't much depth, and it felt too modern style to be medieval times.

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

Honestly, I expected more with this book. I thought I was getting fantasy read instead it felt more king Arthurs inspire or retelling book. Wasn't thrive to read it.

I'm really disappointed by this one. It seemed tailor made for me. Magic? Fairies? Shakespeare? Black protagonist? Sign me up! But for some reason I just couldn't get into it. I started and stopped reading this one multiple times and I just couldn't do it. Other people might like this book. It's just not for me.

Brittany N. Williams' That Self Same Metal is an immersive book with excellent world-building and storytelling. The magic and political intrigue are top-notch, and the novel has great characters. The complex magic system featured in the book is unique, unlike other books I've read, which added greatness to the story itself. I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

I was initially interested in That Self-Same Metal due to the blend of theatre and mythology, and the cover caught my attention. As much as parts of this book was intriguing and engaging, I have to sadly say that only “parts” of this book hooked me, overall, just liking the book.

First the good. I love the mythology and magic system and world building of this book. The story takes place in the early 17th century London, focused on the Globe Theater, where William Shakespeare worked around that time period in real life. It’s not also shy about historical social issues faced at the time, especially for a character like our protagonist, Joan Sands (Black bi woman in Renaissance England) and felt relevant to the story instead of solely being throwaway commentary. I’m not a historical expert, but with the prose and description, it felt like I was in an alternate version of London full of magical intrigue. I enjoyed how they were able to weave in a specific historical event in the story as well. Talking about the magic system, it fused Orisha, a well known West African religion which is explored rather in depth, with the Fae, more common in the Anglo-Saxon world. The Orisha sections were well fleshed out with the aspects of gods and their blessings they give to mortals, and was easy to understand. I do wish some of the smaller aspects were fleshed out more, mostly on the Fae side of things, as it took until the very end to get some grasp of how things worked on their end, but I’m hoping the future books flesh them out. But overall, a great mix of systems and mythology.

Next, the not so good. The pacing was brisk, but in a sense, the story felt like it was meandering to the actual plot until around the halfway point, when things got interesting, at least for me. Though after that, I was engaged in the last 30% or so, especially with that gripping cliffhanger that sets up the next book. The characters, while they have some interesting aspects to them, didn’t feel fully alive to me. Part of the problem was the larger cast, which didn’t allow for much development for our main protagonist and major supporting cast. Outside of Joan, I was trying to figure out who half the people were. Joan herself was fine on a baseline level, but I wish some aspects of her character were more fleshed out. Also, while I did enjoy her relationship with her brother, James, the romance Joan has with both a male and female felt rather flat, partly because of the large cast. Also, the inclusion of the interludes made me feel lost and didn’t connect until the very end. While I think theatre types will enjoy the nods to famous Shakespeare plays throughout, I felt lost half the time. The action scenes were good, but I felt like they either dragged too long or left out important details, taking me out of the story. Also, things get a little bloody and graphic in sections.

I’ll still recommend it to those looking for a historical fantasy adventure and/or interested in theatre, early 17th century London, as well as Fae and the Orisha. I’m still on the fence about picking up the next book of the series.

From the premise alone I was so in love with That Self-Same Metal. You've got a metal magic heroine who wants to inherit the business but cannot because of the Patriarchy. At the same time it's set in this historical fiction Shakespeare setting combined with the Fae. Sword fights, performances, and magical blacksmith. Did I also mention this was queer? All around win from me.

I have been working on reading this book since May, and it is now October. It did not take me this long to read due to any lack of enjoyment or entertainment, I was just more excited to read manga instead of books.

This book was very enjoyable! As a theater person whose other hobby is reading, I was thrilled to find a book that would (hopefully accurately) include theater scenes. And this book did deliver exactly that! Alongside that were fun characters, an intriguing plot, and so many mythical creatures and fae.

My two biggest gripes about this book were the entire storyline involving Cecil and the interludes featuring random people around the city. Cecil just got on my nerves and also felt unnecessary, given all the other threatening things going on. The weird side characters just interrupted the main storyline, and I found myself wanting to skip those scenes more than anything else.

I would definitely recommend this book to people who are fans of both fantasy and theater. But really, anyone who loves a good fantasy book featuring the fae would probably like this.

3.5 stars rounded up

Black girls fighting fae in London!!!!!! I think that's really all you need to know about this book. It's phenomenal in every way and I do think it needs more attention because WOW. It was so good. I loved the setting, how atmospheric and vivid it felt. I loved the fae elements f it and getting to see fae in a new kind of way from past fae books. I also just kinda adored Joan. I can't wait to read the rest of this series, as this was such an incredible start!

"That Self-Same Metal (The Forge & Fracture Saga, Book 1)" by Brittany N. Williams is an epic and immersive fantasy that captivates readers with its intricate world-building and compelling characters. Williams' storytelling prowess shines as she weaves a tale of magic, adventure, and intricate political intrigue. The book's richly imagined world and multi-dimensional characters create an engaging narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning pages. Williams skillfully balances elements of fantasy and politics, adding layers of depth to the story's plot and themes. "That Self-Same Metal" is a remarkable introduction to a saga that promises to enchant readers with its complexity and creativity, leaving them eager to delve deeper into a world where every twist and turn holds new revelations.

Thank you to ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. I love this story’s concept and it was so fun to read! It got intense, romantic, and magical, which is very Shakespeare! The romance wasn’t my favorite but I think this book just touches the surface of what’s to come of this series so I am excited to see where it goes! 4.5 ⭐️

I have mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, Williams created a unique, captivating world with a complex magic system that wove brilliantly with the historical setting. On the other hand, Williams included far too much frankly unbelievable romance that, in my opinion, distracts from the plot and from Joan's character development. I do not know if I will continue reading the series.

THAT SELF-SAME METAL is Brittany N. Williams' debut novel, and it's nothing short of a literary tour de force. As the captivating blend of history, fantasy, and romance unfolds, the reader is drawn into an intricately woven tapestry of Shakespearean London that brims with magic, intrigue, and adventure. Williams' vivid and detailed world-building immerses us in an imaginative and enchanting 16th century London where humans and Fae coexist, sometimes peacefully, sometimes not.

The protagonist, Joan Sands, is a truly compelling character whose depth, resilience, and ingenuity make her impossible to forget. As a young Black woman and an expert sword-maker, Joan challenges the conventional norms of the era. Her unique ability to control metal, a gift from her Head Orisha, Ogun, serves as a powerful metaphor for her own inner strength and determination. Her interactions with both humans and the Fae illuminate her courage and highlight her constant struggle to maintain balance in a volatile world.

The narrative is also richly embroidered with themes of familial love and duty. Joan's connection with her Orisha-blessed family offers warm, tender moments that offset the darker, more menacing elements of the story. The depiction of their united front against the increased Fae aggression grounds the narrative and enhances its emotional impact.

Williams masterfully injects her novel with a sense of historical authenticity, her imaginative rendition of Shakespearean London is complemented by a captivating exploration of Yoruba mythology.

The plot is tightly woven and expertly paced, with political intrigue and escalating tension that propels the story forward. The rise in brutal Fae attacks and Joan's subsequent entanglement in both human and Fae politics makes for an engrossing, page-turning experience. The swashbuckling action, the hint of romance, and the captivating backdrop of Shakespearean London combined with the unique voice of Joan Sands all contribute to make this book a fun read.

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

A beautifully written, adventure of a book. Loved it so much and can’t not wait for more from Williams.

Joan is a craftswoman who is in charge of keeping the blades for Shakespeare's company in good condition. She is aided by being blessed by Ogun, who gives her power over metal. When a pact keeping the fae at bay is broken, she must work to keep those she loves safe.

The pacing of this was off to me. I thought this was really slow for about the first half and almost put it down. It definitely picked up in the second half but almost by too much. A lot of plot happened very fast without much explanation. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and characters, as well as the representation.

I spoke about this book on a Bookhaul instagram live and raved about this book! This book gave me everything and more that I could ever ask of a book. I've also recommended this book to people in person and on twitter. I think it would be more exciting to hear me speak about it and I need book 2 POSTHASTE!

Williams' writing style is immersive and eloquent, capturing the essence of the characters and their struggles. The prose is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into a world where societal norms are scrutinized and questioned. The author's ability to convey emotions and highlight the significance of personal identity adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

At the core of the story are well-drawn and multi-dimensional characters who grapple with their roles in a rigid society. The protagonist embarks on a quest for self-discovery, challenging the limitations imposed upon them by their surroundings. The supporting characters bring further complexity to the story, each with their own unique journeys and perspectives. Williams skillfully weaves their narratives together, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives that resonate with readers.

3.5 stars, but rounding up

Playing with magic, history, and cultures in this story, That Self-made Metal gives off a spark that can only grow. Reccomend this to be added to others TBR!

Even though I found the opening abrupt due to the immediate world intro without building, & did not love the extreme speed of the ending, I think this is a great book! I thoroughly look forward to where this book is going.

We have a heroine torn between what she has the choices for and those she wishes she does, both in society & with her ancestral history/magic. Fae and mortals pact withering due to a monarch's failure & Joan & her family having to save and protect -while still being treated like objects.
I loved the characters and the representation, and I was surprised to LOVE all the added brief povs - I usually hate those, but they added more fear to what the fae would and will do to people and expressed the urgency.

The Self-Same Metal had a wonderful premise behind it - shakespeare inspired with queer representation, the only things I didn't love were some of the supporting characters. I really liked the idea of the story but some characters were annoying and more frustrating than anything.. All in all though it was a good start to the series and I'm still interested in the sequels going forward.