Book Review: Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

***First read Janurary 2020

About this book

Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the king of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th-century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.

*Standalone Novel

*Genre: Young Adult Historical Fantasy (recommended for ages 14+ for battle violence and a few intense scenes.)

My thoughts

I had been curious about this book for a long time but never got around to checking it out. Then I finally snagged a copy from the library... and was instantly transported.

WOW, WOW, WOW!

The author had created a masterpiece by blending historical fiction (17th century England/Gunpowder Plot) with elements of fantasy (color powers imbued by masks)!

I also loved how she portrayed many of the characters and their complexities (through the eyes of the protagonist). I was instantly spellbound by Thomas Fawkes and his physical, emotional, and spiritual journey, especially in his challenges of what is TRUTH vs what people around him believe. I also enjoyed Emma... especially that surprise reveal of her identity (I did NOT see that coming! :D ).

But most of all the most intriguing of characters is the White Light. Without spoiling anything, I found it/Him hilarious... mesmerizing.... and familiar.

If only I had a blue mask... designed with white flowers...

About the Author

Nadine Brandes has been known to do wild things (like ride a sleeper train across Russia) in the name of book research. She is the 4-time Carol Award-winning author of seven Young Adult novels, including Romanov, Wishtress, Fawkes, the Nightmare Virus, and "The Out of Time" Series. While inventing worlds is fun, she is most passionate about Jesus, motherhood, and creating with the Creator. Nadine and her husband strive to live out Psalm 34:3 with their four exuberant children.

Website: http://nadinebrandes.com

Instagram: @nadinebrandes

Facebook: Nadine Brandes Author Page