Picture a storyteller who spins Shakespearean London into a dazzling tapestry of magic, metal, and Fae mischief—meet Brittany N. Williams! This award-nominated author and classically trained actress has taken Young Adult fantasy by storm with her Forge & Fracture Saga, blending Orisha-inspired magic with historical flair. Her vibrant narratives and diverse casts have readers hooked, proving she’s a literary force to watch.
From her debut novel That Self-Same Metal to its swashbuckling sequel Saint-Seducing Gold, Williams crafts stories that pulse with action, romance, and cultural depth. Her unique voice, rooted in her theatrical background and love for nerdy fandoms, makes her a standout in YA literature. Let’s dive into her journey, works, and why she’s reshaping fantasy.
The Making of Brittany N. Williams
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Brittany N. Williams grew up with a passion for storytelling and performance. She earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Howard University and an MA in Classical Acting from the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama in London, honing her craft across three continents, including a stint as a principal vocalist at Hong Kong Disneyland. Her love for Shakespeare and diverse narratives shaped her writing, leading her to create stories that center Black heroines and queer casts.
Williams’s early career wasn’t just on stage—she contributed short stories to outlets like Fireside Magazine and the Star Wars anthology From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back. Her transition to novels felt natural, driven by a desire to blend her theatrical expertise with speculative fiction, resulting in a fresh take on historical fantasy.
Brittany N. Williams’s Unforgettable Stories
Williams’s debut, That Self-Same Metal (2023), introduces Joan Sands, a 16-year-old Black swordsmith in Shakespearean London with the magical ability to control metal, gifted by the Orisha Ogun. Tasked with crafting stage blades for The King’s Men, Joan battles malevolent Fae threatening her city. The novel’s blend of Yoruba spirituality, Shakespearean drama, and action-packed swordplay earned praise from authors like Leigh Bardugo for its fresh take on faerie magic.
The sequel, Saint-Seducing Gold (2024), dives deeper into Joan’s world, with her navigating the treacherous court of King James I while balancing love interests Rose and Nick. Critics lauded its pulse-pounding pace and exploration of queerness and polyamory, with Kirkus Reviews calling it a “shining, expansive sequel.” The trilogy’s finale, Iron Tongue of Midnight, is set for release in April 2025, promising an electrifying conclusion.
Williams’s style is a vibrant mix of lyrical prose, historical accuracy, and fantastical horror, drawing from her fascination with grim fairy tales and Shakespeare’s plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her stories emphasize community, family bonds, and authentic representation, making them resonate with readers seeking diverse YA fantasy.
Why Brittany N. Williams Matters
Brittany N. Williams is redefining YA fantasy by centering Black and queer voices in a genre often dominated by Eurocentric narratives. Her Forge & Fracture Saga weaves African and British mythologies, offering a groundbreaking perspective that’s both culturally rich and universally relatable. Her commitment to authentic storytelling has earned her nominations for awards like the Lambda Literary Award and recognition as part of Gambit Weekly’s 40 Under 40.
Beyond her books, Williams inspires through workshops and speaking engagements, sharing her expertise in Shakespeare and writing with aspiring authors. Her influence is growing, encouraging a new generation to embrace their unique voices in speculative fiction.
- Born: Baltimore, Maryland
- Key Works: That Self-Same Metal (2023), Saint-Seducing Gold (2024), Iron Tongue of Midnight (2025)
- Awards: Finalist for Lambda Literary Award (LGBTQ+ Young Adult), Ignyte Award nominee
- Fun Fact: She’s a self-proclaimed nerd of many fandoms, from Star Wars to Howl’s Moving Castle.
Snag That Self-Same Metal and dive into Brittany N. Williams’s thrilling world of magic and mayhem!