How to Read Brittany N. Williams' Books
Brittany N. Williams has quickly made a name for herself in the Young Adult fantasy landscape. Her primary work is the Forge & Fracture Saga, a historical fantasy trilogy set in Shakespearean London. Because the series features a continuous narrative following a single protagonist, the books must be read in their exact publication order to follow the plot, character arcs, and intricate world-building.
Beyond her main trilogy, Williams has written short fiction, including a notable contribution to a canonical Star Wars anthology and standalone dark fantasy stories. These short pieces are entirely standalone and can be read at any time, before or after diving into her novels.
The Forge & Fracture Saga in Reading Order
The Forge & Fracture Saga takes place in an alternate 1605 London, where the faeries of British folklore are real, and African Yoruba deities influence the mortal realm. The story centers on Joan Sands, a sixteen-year-old Black girl gifted with the magical power to control and shape metal, a blessing from the blacksmith Orisha, Ogun. The trilogy should be read in this sequence:
1. That Self-Same Metal (2023)
This debut novel introduces readers to Joan Sands, who works as a swordsmith crafting stage blades for William Shakespeare's acting troupe, The King's Men. While Joan tries to keep her metal-controlling abilities a secret, she is thrust into conflict when the ancient Pact between humans and the Fae begins to crumble. When Fae creatures begin terrorizing London, Joan must use her Orisha-blessed magic and swordplay to defend her city and family. She is aided by her twin brother, Lancelot, and must navigate her attraction to two very different people: Rose, a charming actor, and Nick, a childhood friend.
2. Saint-Seducing Gold (2024)
Picking up after the dramatic events of the first book, the second installment raises the stakes as the political tension in King James I's court intensifies. Joan finds herself dealing with the consequences of her magic, navigating the treacherous courts of both human royalty and the Fae. The narrative expands on Yoruba spirituality, the dangers of Fae politics, and the complex polyamorous relationship developing between Joan, Nick, and Rose. As London grows increasingly unsafe, Joan must decide whom she can trust as old alliances fracture.
3. Iron Tongue of Midnight (2025)
The epic conclusion to the trilogy finds the Pact completely shattered. With London overrun by hostile Fae, King James has fled to the countryside, leaving the children of the Orisha to protect the city. Armed with a legendary sword and her mastery over metal, Joan must uncover the ancient secrets of the original Pact made two thousand years ago. In this final volume, she confronts a malevolent spirit bent on destroying the Orisha's followers and faces the ultimate choice: whether to patch up a broken world or forge a completely new future.
Brittany N. Williams' Short Fiction and Anthologies
If you want to explore Williams' shorter works, they do not impact the continuity of her main trilogy. You can read them independently whenever you wish. Her notable short stories include:
"Faith in an Old Friend" in Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View - The Empire Strikes Back (2020)
In this official Star Wars anthology celebrating the 40th anniversary of the film, Williams contributes a unique story written from the perspective of the Millennium Falcon itself. The story explores the ship's consciousness, touching upon the legacy of the droid L3-37 (from Solo: A Star Wars Story) and the ship's deep, protective bond with Han Solo and Chewbacca. It is a must-read for Star Wars fans but is entirely unrelated to her historical fantasy books.
"Never a Gentle Master" in Fireside Magazine (December 2021)
Published in Issue 98 of Fireside Magazine, this dark fantasy short story showcases Williams' talent for atmospheric, lyrical, and slightly grim speculative fiction. It stands alone as a quick showcase of her writing style before she published her debut novel.
What to Know Before You Start
Williams' writing style is heavily influenced by her background as a classically trained actress. Her dialogue and dramatic pacing draw inspiration from Shakespearean theater, particularly plays like A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth. However, she seamlessly blends this classical European setting with Yoruba mythology and folklore, creating a fresh, multicultural fantasy world.
Readers should also note that the series features prominent LGBTQ+ themes, specifically exploring a polyamorous romantic relationship. The tone of the books balances whimsical Fae magic with darker elements of historical fantasy and horror, making it suitable for older teens and adults alike.