I've been waiting for this book for a long time. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait. This genre is very different from Nadine's debut novel, A Time to Die, but she did a brilliant job in this new genre. The Gunpowder plot is a real historical event, and about 75-80% of the characters were real people. The genre, as dubbed by the author herself, is historical fantasy. The reason for this is because the characters in the book have the ability to control color when they wear their color mask. That obviously can't happen in real life, therefore, it's part fantasy. (Although, that'd be super cool). 

The whole book was very solid. The plot was airtight, the characters were beautiful, and the theme was incredible. Nadine did an incredible job of creating a story that demands to be read as quickly as possible. I love that she included societal issues that are still plaguing us today which were also present during that time period. She is a Christian author, and her Out of Time series was blatantly religious (but not in a bad way). With this book, while still Christian, it wasn't as obvious. This shows a great amount of depth and talent in Nadine's writing. It can be difficult to write both kinds of Christian books. 

As always, her characters were flawed and real. This sounds like a negative thing, but believe me it's not! The personal journey Thomas had to go on was amazing. The one complaint I have is that he seemed too rash. It felt like he didn't think out his decisions, but I would honestly chalk it up to the fact that he's a teenager. Nothing against teens, but they aren't well known for thinking things through ;) The love interest was also an interesting point. Similar to her previous books, the romance wasn't one of the main parts of the plot. In the end, it does have an impact on the ending, but the story is more focused on Thomas and his relationship with his father. WHICH I LOVED!!! There are so few YA books that discuss a teens' relationship with their parents. I really think this needs to change. Teenagers shouldn't be focused on finding their soulmate and the YA books now definitely encourage soulmate finding. 

I'm a huge fan of making inanimate objects or ideas into characters. For example, in The Lord of the Rings the one ring was a character. It didn't speak, but it influenced the actions of other characters. The same can be said of color in Fawkes. Each color is described as having needing to be spoken to in a specific way in order for it to obey you. My absolute favorite color was white. This was the only color that spoke during the book. It's so sassy and sarcastic, and I LOVE IT! I'm not going to say anymore about this because I will spoil things if I do. 

Overall, Fawkes gets a 5 star rating from me. It was such an incredible read, and I walked away feeling challenged by the ideas discussed and entertained by such immaculate writing. Job well done Nadine Brandes.

Publication date: July 10, 2018
This story combines the facts of the Gun Powder Plot in London but tells a human story through the eyes of young Thomas Fawkes, fictional son of Guy Fawkes. It takes on issues of human rights, intrigue, class wars but adds in a sprinkling of fantasy and magic. I realize I am a sucker for a good fantasy book and the Harry Potter series is evidence that millions of readers love to read about young characters finding their own magical powers.


Finally, the fantasy element added to the historical element will hopefully get readers to want to read more about this time and seek out those primary sources that tell more stories about the real people living in those times. The one thing that is missing that I would have liked to see are resources of primary sources to learn more about Fawkes, his co-conspirators, the Plagues and the monarchy as there are teachable moments packaged in an engaging story.

#FawkesNadineBrandesFawkesBook #NetGalley

Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK! This is one of the best blends of historical fiction and fantasy world building that I've read yet! I've already personally recommended this book at least a dozen times and this will likely remain my favorite read of 2018.

- The characters are well developed and consistent. I wanted to know them and be friends with them. Really. I did.
- Ms. Brandes did her research and the historical accuracy is spot on! Loved the tension of this real life event and had a hard time waiting to look things up until I finished the book, just in case I saw spoilers.
- The fantasy vs reality = Amazingly blended!! I am still in awe at the genius with which this story is written. Using the tension of the two classes of magic to counter the real life struggle between the Catholic and Protestant Churches is perfection!

I can't say much more without giving away spoilers. But if you are a fan of historical fiction and fantasy, this is the book for you! Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit that the primary reason that I requested this book was the amazing cover as well as the title. I wasn't too sure what it was about other than that there was a magical component.

It takes place in England during the 1600's mid way through King James' reign. It is loosely based on events that actually did occur in history and features the actual people involved. However, there is a bit of a twist and this is where I began to lose a bit of interest since it was dragged out. There are colours, there are masks. People earn their masks and are therefore able to control their chosen "colour" (Keeper) or "colours" (Ignitor). There is a war between these 2 factions to determine who is right and who is wrong (why can't we all just get along?). There is also the misconception that when a person from one faction kills another from the other faction, someone with the Plague (you turn to stone and then you can die), which is running rampant, gets healed.
I was trying to make sense out of history. I couldn't decide if this story was a metaphor for race, religion, power, or cycle back to religion...I like my neat little categories. I actually read up on the topic just to get a better grasp of it.
Featured in this story, is the son of the infamous Guy Fawkes who goes in search of his father in order to get his mask, and therefore come into his own power. He becomes embroiled in an assignation plot, while at the same time figuring out who he is, who he wants to be, and who/what he is actually fighting for.
It was a good read, but like I said previously, a bit on the long side for what it is. I did enjoy it and would recommend to those who'd like to add a bit of flare to British history.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The short summary of this book sounded so interesting, historical fiction mixed with magic. However, the story left me frustrated and not caring about the characters. The main character, Thomas, seemed so unintelligent. I found his narrating short-sighted and annoying. In a story where truth was so important, I never felt convinced that Thomas had found the whole truth. It didn’t feel absolute and universal but temporary and man-made.

Then the whole plot to blow up Parliament and the king didn’t make sense for solving problems. The plotters didn’t talk about what to do after. For taking over a year planning, they were incredibly short-sighted as well. Maybe this is historically accurate, but it didn’t make me sympathetic to them.

This book was pretty clean with some violence and no language or sex. In some places the writing felt unpolished, like I was reading a draft. It was a nice idea, but this execution fell flat for me.

I struggle with how to rate this alternative history/fantasy book. Brandes writes an interesting story, built around Guy Fawkes and the failed gunpowder plot in 16th century England. Yet it's the real historical details that the author tries to weave into her fantastical story that for me ultimately took away from an otherwise well-written book. It wasn't the details of daily life in 16th century England that I found problematic. It was when real historical personages such as Luther were woven into the plot that I lost the depth of Brandes creative world-building, where color power is key to social standing and is also the trigger for wars of religion over how this power should be controlled. The story has depth as it shows atrocities committed by true believers on both sides, while the goodness of white light shines through.

I did like the book, and so I do recommend it to lovers of historical fantasy.

Review based on an ARC received through Netgalley.

I adored this. It had a few lulls, but otherwise was the perfect, engaging historical thriller I have wanted for quite some time. There's so much to love about this story: the setting of 1600's London, the mystical world of powers revovling around masks and colors, the legends of vigilantes, and of course, Emma and Thomas, the figureheads of this story. I can't say much about them since much of what made them great characters is tied closely to the plot of this book, but I can say that you won't read anything else like this.

2,5 stars

I was so excited when I saw Fawkes on Netgalley. Not only did I recognize the author’s name from instagram, but everything about the synopsis screamed my attention. Stone plague, masks, color magic. And better yet, a historical fantasy that I have been meaning to get into more. Unfortunately this one left me feeling very conflicted on how I feel.

The book starts us of with Thomas. Thomas has the stone plague in his face, where as the name suggests, he is partly turning to stone. He tries very hard to hide this so he won’t be send away from school before his masking ceremony. When he receives his mask he will be able to call upon one color and use their magic. Unlike others however he believes as a keeper in only calling and bonding with one color. The majority and his king are igniters and belief in bonding with the color white who can help them use all the colors. It is a silent war where keepers are being prosecuted.

I really, really liked the idea of a stone plague, needing a mask to use magic and of the color magic. In the basic level that was incorporated well into the book. However for a 400+ book I felt that we could have gotten a lot more depth on the use of colors. Also I would have liked to have gotten more information about the keepers and the color white. It was suggested a few times that they went way back but this was never deepened out in anyway.

The book is slow. The first 300 pages are slowly setting things up in the world. Which is understandable with a historical fantasy. We have to see where it fits into our history and how the magic works into that. Unfortunately nearing the middle part I felt that it got excruciatingly slow to the point where I found little enjoyment in picking this book up. I can truly love a slow book but I need to feel as if we are heading somewhere, as if I am being submerged into the world and in this case it just wasn’t. The last 100+ pages really stepped forward again and gained momentum. This was the kind of thing that I was expecting of the book. Excitement, intrigue. But by then it was too late and my interest had already wavered too much.

I think one of the biggest problems as to why I could not really submerge myself into the world is that I didn’t care for our main character Thomas. He is mister plain. There was nothing to catch my interest about him and if you would ask me to describe his personality I would stumble. I guess he was headstrong and stubborn.

Instead I felt more of an interest in Emma who stood out in this historical fantasy. Not only because of her skin color but also because of who she was. Strong, trying to find the way in a society so incredibly restrictive of every essence of who she was, poc and female. Her view on the world and the color war was also very different and I think the story would have been so much more vibrant from her point of view.

**4.5 stars**
Thomas wants to be able to be just like his father, Guy. The only problem? He hasn't heard from his father in years and he is the famous Guy Fawkes. At times he even wonders if his father is who he says he is. In this world, one can control certain things based on what color their magic is tied to. Thomas wants the power of grey, the only problem? He has a plague, not the Bubonic plague, but something worse. It's slowly turning him into stone. Will he be able to be bound to his color power in time, or will his plague make him not able to bond with it, and kill him? 

The setting, 17th century England, is written so wonderfully. You can tell how much Brandes did her research, to make sure that events lined up correctly, and even down to the simple meticulous details of every day living.

This novel makes you question everything that you think to be true. You'll wonder who to trust, who to listen to, and who to follow after. 

Nadine has a way with words that is almost musical, when writing her fight scenes there is something really essentially beautiful about the way in which she commands her writing. There is a charming poetic voice that is tucked away like a jewel in the middle of a sea of words. 

This is another author to be on the lookout for, I can tell that she will be one of the next YA fantasy Queens that we associate with Victoria Aveyard, Sarah J. Maas, and Claire Legrand.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the sending me this for free in exchange for an honest review.

This book takes place in England in the 1600's plotters discontent with the king . This book follows what is called the "Gunpowder Plot"

Guy Fawkes is a very complex man but one of my favorite characters is Emma. It is hard to give a lot of story line with out giving some of this book off. It was very enjoyable. I am not sure if the book was the kind I like to read or if is just because I had just finished a totally different world in another book before this one. I would say be ready to dive in when you start.

3.5 Star**

"Remember, Remember, the 5th of November..." This is an unforgettable tale, looking inside a fictionalized version of the story of Guy Fawkes, based on real facts. However, this story takes a twist on the immortal story in that it melds the story of the Gunpowder Plot with Harry Potter-style magic and mystery and adds a spell-binding aura to it. The novel follows Thomas Fawkes, son of Guy. He is studying color magic at a school when he is struck with the "stone plague", a fictionalization of the real Bubonic Plague. He then travels to London to find his father, inevitably getting caught up in the Gunpowder Plot to destroy Parliament.
This book is un-put-downable. I was skeptical at first, seeing as it was very far-fetched and being a fan of historical fiction that doesn't stray far from the truth. Aside from the magical elements, the story is very true to the facts and is very well written. If you are a fan of books like The Magicians or Harry Potter, this novel is a must read!

I really enjoyed this novel! The whole concept of the masks and colors was very unique. A small note, I really appreciate the historical aspect to this work of fiction. The plot has a small basis on an actual event. What? I won't say because I don't want to give anything up.The only complaint I had was that the middle slowed down and was a little talky, which made me not one click this but otherwise I immensely enjoyed it. I did enjoy the character development was spot on and that the author did a tremendous job of making you care about the cast and wanting to read more of their story. all in all 4 stars.

i absolutely love books that entice students to read that are a bit historical because most historical books that were available when I was in school never excited me like this one did! Another great thing is that this book is a stand alone which excites many readers because they don't have to commit to a whole series. I love the premise of this story and it keeps you engaged through the entire plot of the story to find out what happens next.

I. Loved. This. Book. I think I could probably end my review with just those four words, but I’d love to tell you a little about why I so enjoyed this read.
Fawkes is a fascinating twist on historical fiction: the perfect blend of truth and fantasy, bringing new life to history. Brandes does a fabulous job of staying fairly true to the historical facts: she included most of the primary characters of the Gunpowder Plot and the basics of the motivations behind the plot with King James I and his persecution of certain members of English society. As I read, I was impressed with the level of research she must have put into this piece. But then she used her own special tweaks to freshen the tale, turning it from a struggle for religious liberty to a battle for magical freedom.
And I was entranced and so encouraged by Thomas’ theme: do not blindly believe what you are told, don’t simply trust your emotions, but always search for the truth. That is so important for everyone today, young and old, to learn.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. However, you’ll have to wait a few more weeks before you dive in. Fawkes releases on July 10. Trust me, it will be worth the wait! Happy reading 🙂
Many, many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the digital copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂

Amazing and Unique. I have never read a story like this one. Keepers control and use only one color of magic while Igniters control them all. This book is set in England in the 1600. A war between the Keepers and the Ignitors is brewing. One side is trying to eliminate the other, while the other side fights for freedom.

I haven't read anything by Nadine Brandes, even though I have wanted to read her previous series. I just don't own them yet. But when I heard about Fawkes, I LOVED the cover, so I couldn't wait to jump into the story. I'm really glad that I did. Brandes captivated me, and I have already recommended that my sixteen year old read this novel too.

The writing was well-done. I loved how well Brandes dives into the character's personalities and thoughts. I loved being able to see what Thomas and Emma thought and felt. Since London is my dream place to visit, I loved seeing Brandes bring the seventeenth century to life for me. Even though it is a fantasy novel mixed with a historical element, I loved how Brandes mixed the historical with her imagination. It filled the story and made a wonderful story.

The plot kept moving quite well and quickly. There were many moments I kept glued to the story and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Brandes wrote a wonderful story. It is different than everything I have every read, and I loved it. I loved the idea of power color masks that use the elements according to the colors. The idea of the White power fascinated me, and I understood the metaphors, enjoying the story. I anxiously sped through the plot. I really couldn't wait to see how the story would unfold before my eyes.

The romance isn't really there. It is a teenager crush, developed during the trials and troubles claiming their personalities and talents. It isn't overly done, yet I know Brandes wrote this novel to capture they young adult crowd.

Overall, Fawkes by Nadine Brandes is a unique story with a mixture of historical and pure imagination. Brandes' story captured me and kept me spellbound as I flew through the story. I really loved this story and can't wait to tell everyone about it. Pick it up. It is wonderful!

I received a complimentary copy of Fawkes by Nadine Brandes from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Amazing and so different from anything i have seen lately - as many fantasy YA novels seem to have the same themes.
Can wait for my customers to read this !

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fawkes had me instantly intrigued when first read the synopsis, and I knew I needed to pick this one up and dive right into it. I've always been a big fan of fictional novels that are based on real historical events, and so while I honestly wasn't too familiar with Guy Fawkes or his story, I was really looking forward to reading this one.

I decided not to research anything about Guy Fawkes before I picked this up, so that I could have complete enjoyment in Nadine Brandes' story, without getting sidetracked by whether something was historically accurate or not. And I'm really glad I made this decision, as it definitely allowed me to enjoy the book more.

Nadine has taken historical events and weaved them into a fantasy novel about a stone plague, color magic, racial segregation, and political tensions. I completely loved the premise of this novel-color magic controlling society, and political tensions arising from whether you stood on the Keeper side of color magic, or on the Igniter side. All of the magic was tied in so well with the historical events, and you could tell that the author had really done her research in the way all of the characters were portrayed and the way that the events transpired.

However, this one was unfortunately not the five star read I was anticipating, and that was mainly because I found it so hard to get into. The book drags on and on for the first half or so, and I was basically forcing myself to continue to muddle through it. Once the second half comes along, everything gets more interesting, and I found myself really enjoying the story, but it does take a long time to get to that point. I also didn't really care for the main character, Thomas, as I found him to be slightly whiny and self-righteous, and I ended up wishing that the story had been told from both his and Emma's point of view, as she was my girl, and I loved how she wasn't scared to be strong and powerful, despite her situation.

All in all, Fawkes is definitely an enjoyable read that introduced me to a side of history I was definitely not familiar with. I appreciate the fact that there is clean fantasy novels on the market like this one, as it's nice not to have to weed through a bunch of objectionable content to enjoy the rest of the story. I only wish it hadn't been quite so slow moving, and that the main character had been portrayed a little less obnoxiously.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐


Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the chance to have read this!

I came for a magical portrayal of the Gunpowder plot, history and fantasy entwined and family dynamics explored and I was not disappointed. What an unusual and engaging take on one of British History’s best known events. While I wasn’t Thomas’ biggest fan, I found his character journey entertaining enough to follow and I loved some of the other characters. The author really breaks down the Catholic/ Protestant divide and the argument for and against taking radical and violent action to remove a monarchy. I really loved this book.

"Fawkes" is a YA historical fantasy that sounds so interesting! Unfortunately, I could not get into it. In this alternate reality of the early 1600's in Britain, we follow Guy Fawkes's son, Thomas. Thomas caught the Stone Plague about a year earlier, which turned his eye to stone- it seems to be dormant for now, but it could potentially kill him by turning him completely to stone. What Thomas is really upset about is that he is unable to declare a color power and thus wears a colorless mask. Everyone gets to declare a color when they become an adult which gives them certain powers. These people are called Keepers.

Igniters are the enemy of Keepers, as they wield the White Color Power to do untold damage- and supposedly, they created the Stone Plague (though the fault for this is less clear). There's propaganda on both sides with very clear divisions. Thomas soon learns that his distant father, Guy, is part of a revolution set on taking down the Igniter King. However, all Thomas really wants is to declare a color power.

Thomas was really hard to like- he comes across as self-involved, petulant, and petty. I had a really hard time getting into the story mainly because I didn't care for him much. He does seem to grow as the story continues, but I really had to force myself to keep going. I did love his romantic interest- she is fiercely independent and resourceful- I wish the story had been told from her point-of-view.

I also had a hard time really imaging the altered setting with color powers and why the Keepers/Igniters were so adamantly opposed. I almost would liked more background on this to explain it to me better. Overall, I think it was very promising, but I personally could not get into it as much as I hoped I would.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.