“Brittany was an energetic and engaging tutor, bringing her obvious enthusiasm for the genre, and her willingness to share what she has found to be helpful when writing historical fantasy.” — Writers & Artists Student, 2024
“Brittany was amazing. Really lovely and enthusiastic with her writing.” — Writers & Artists Student, 2024
“The lesson was well put together, clear, and informative! It was incredibly enjoyable.” — Writers & Artists Student, 2024
“Williams’s story hones its magical edges on the rough stuff of real history, and the results are glorious (and very stabby!)…This first book is only the starting thrust in the saga, and I eagerly await the parry and the riposte.” — The New York Times
“Fast-paced and full of enthusiastic little winks to real-life people and events, That Self-Same Metal offers a fresh take on inclusive historical fantasy.” — NPR Books
“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. Get ready or get out of the way.” — Locus Magazine
“That Self-Same Metal is a richly woven fantasy that takes place in an alternate 1605 London populated with bloodthirsty Fae… Williams’s leading lady, Joan, struggles convincingly to find her place amid the unfair gender and racial norms of her day. This story has all the elements necessary for a clever, entertaining, thoughtful read.” — Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
“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
“Williams’s mash-up of Restoration theatre, Celtic-inflected faeries, and Orisha tradition is clever…I’d sum it up this way: if the sequel were done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly, because once immersed in the world of Joan Sands, you’re not going to want to leave.” — Tor.com
“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
“The magical world is unique and draws a reader in. Williams uses Shakespeare’s work for inspiration, twisting and melding it with fantasy in a completely enjoyable way. All around, it is a fun, quick read with diverse and queer characters a reader will happily follow into battle.” — Historical Novel Society
“As an adult reading this book, I loved it. I also know that had this book fallen into my hands at 13, I would have been nothing short of obsessed. It injects a well-known body of texts with adventure, romance, and welcomes in all readers, no matter their background, inviting them to find a place for themselves in the magic.” — The Geeky Waffle
“It was exhilarating to follow Joan’s journey as a swordmaster, to see her in control of her own body and respected for what she could do through skill and confidence. To see her surrounded by a cast of characters with full lives and an equal thirst for adventure kept the book firmly in my hands until it was over. Now, we await the sequel.” — The Nerds of Color
“This romance-driven story was Queer LGBT yummy!! I loved it all and can not wait for book two. I loved the black girl power and magic and prose was spot on. This is going to be a hit for the fantasy young adult fan and I would love to see a movie or show made from this one. I need more!!” — Crossroad Reviews
