The thing that got me to read this book was the cover (and yes I am a judge a book by it's cover type of person). This book is historical fiction and fantasy put together and let me say I loved it since those are two out of my top three genres that I read. I loved the characters (especially after realizing the Guy Fawkes was in this book), the storyline, and how everything fit together, I honestly wasn't expecting much but boy was I wrong. Favorite thing? The masks/ power. Yeah, yeah, yeah something like that has been done before but this just was different in it's own way and if it's done right it can be done so many great ways like in the story.

Have you ever wanted something so bad and yet it’s just out of reach? Thomas wanted love from his father and to feel like he had a purpose. However, because of the plague he was shunned and looked down upon.
There is a strong message throughout this book of good versus evil and the struggles of those who want to do what’s best. Unfortunately, what appears right might not actually be right. Thomas searches for the truth and finds friendship with someone who has secrets of her own.
Nadine Brandes has written a wonderful story of struggles, hardships of war, biases, love, and acceptance, with a twist of fantasy. This story captured my heart and I felt like I was walking around with Thomas. I felt I was going through all his struggles with him. Nadine Brandes truly has a creative way of writing and I know this will not be the only book I read of hers.
If you want to get lost in a magical world with touches of history, then this is the book for you.
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

I found this book hard to get through because the pacing was so slow through the first 2/3 of the book. The concept was very intriguing, but the execution was dull and at times confusing, specifically the magic system, making it very easy for me to put this one down.

Thomas was juvenile and selfish and I did not feel connected to him or enjoy his point of view very much.

Overall this was just okay. The ending picked up some but it felt a little late at that point. Great idea, so-so execution.

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

My rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

Nadine Brandes’ latest YA book was an incredible allegorical take on the conflict during the Protestant Reformation. It zeroes on just one of the many conflicts that went on at that time, and presents it in a new way with a fantasy slant.

What I loved:

Color magic
Emma. She is such a brilliant, fierce character.
The romance. This is exactly how YA romances should be—a balance between two characters, where they support each other and help each other grow.
That ending (!)
All the heart in this book.
So many YA books these days lack warmth and heart, so it was refreshing to get to read a book where characters cared deeply, loved fearlessly, and were genuine.

What I didn’t love:

It took a long time to get started. I wasn’t properly “hooked” till about 2/3 through.
All the indecision. Thomas would voice a belief in one thing, and then flip-flop about it in the next scene. It was very frustrating that it took him so long to find conviction!
Some of the sentences used very modern vernacular, and it threw me off. It didn’t happen too often, but when it did, it was jarring.
While I can’t say I loved this book as much as some of Brandes’ other work, it was still a great novel that is well worth the read. (That ending, people! I am slayed.)

3.75 stars.

Sex: mention of prostitution, whorehouses. One non-detailed kiss. Mention of mistresses.

Language: some name-calling

Violence: semi-graphic descriptions of stone plague, injuries, executions. Some are fairly disturbing.

Cultural: Infrequent use of the word “negro” in keeping with the time period. Characters also described as African.Mention of slavery, and mistreatment of Africans. Thomas sees an African for the first time, and is startled. SPOILER: one main character is revealed to be of African and English descent. END SPOILER.

Sorry but I couldn't get into the book at all. I tried though, I'm so sorry for my ADD brain.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nadine Brandes for allowing me to read and review Fawkes. I really liked this book and will be recommending it to my friends :)

I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I always love a bit of historical fiction, but this was even better. We had magic along side of plot to kill the King, there was a whole barrel of action and adventure going on throughout the whole book.
They story plot itself was amazing, I particularly loved the twist about the plague. All I can say is I was hooked from the beginning. The book is written well and has plenty of action and description going on. It isn't overloaded with character speech and we are in the mind of the main character, Thomas. We get to view the world through his eyes, and what a world it is! 

I would recommend this book, particularly if you like a little bit of historical fiction, but with a twist thrown in. I do love a good twist! It's suitable for teens and young adults (or big adults).

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

*Warning: possible spoilers ahead*

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. (Summary courtesy of Goodreads)

Cons (we’ll start with the bad and end with the good)
The first two-thirds were really slow
I didn’t like the ending
Thomas was very boring - like cardboard
Some parts were slightly cliche. For example, a character dies and then, through a convenient loophole, comes back to life. Seriously? That’s never been done before.
The plot is kind of sloppy, and just flounders on for most of the book.
What is it with the damsel-in-distress trope when they want the wimpy guy to look like a man? Making someone weak to make the other look strong - yeah. Not good.

Other
Why did Emma stay so loyal to Henry? I’ve always wanted to know what she saw in him.
I never really connected with the setting, but I can’t put my finger on why.
For some reason I thought Thomas had to choose between his girl and his father, but that’s not true. It’s not even her family. It’s just some guy who is trying to force Emma to marry someone she doesn’t want to, and who isn’t particularly nice for most of the book. Then, when Thomas needs some internal conflict, this guy gives him a job and Thomas suddenly grows a conscience.
Which brings me to another point. It was never really Thomas’ choice. I can’t say more - because, spoilers.

Pros
The last third was awesome
There were some great plot twists, which I can’t mention because of spoilers
Emma was really cool - one of those plot-twists I was talking about
And that plot twist at the end! Awesome stuff.
The colour magic thing was cool, but there were a few problems that were never really explained.
There were some really cool allegorical elements with the White Light and colour powers, etc

It was disappointing as I have been eager to read this book since I heard about it, and it didn’t come even close to what I thought it would be like. I have read another book by Nadine Brandes - A Time To Die - and I loved it. This one just wasn’t as good. All that said, I did enjoy it enough to buy a copy when it comes out. Maybe I will get more out of it the second time through.

I've been very eagerly anticipating Nadine Brandes' newest release. Her Out of Time series was so good, so impactful. Those books have stayed with me and I'm still thinking about them. So to say I've been excited to see what Brandes had in store next, would be a vast understatement.

First off, how absolutely stunning is that cover? It's so eye-catching and perfectly fits the story! I love, love, love it!

The world building is so fascinating, unique, and intricate. It did take me a minute to get acclimated to the world, but once I did... oh my gosh... I was completely immersed and didn't want to surface back to the real world anytime soon.

And the characters! Wow! So multifaceted! Thomas did get on my nerves at times in the beginning, but I could understand where his bad attitude was coming from. He really grew as the story progressed and I loved watching that growth. By the end of the story he became one of my favorite male protagonists that I've read about lately. And Emma! I really admired her. She's a fierce, independent, strong, and kind young lady. She's awesome.

One of my favorite quotes from the book was, “You can't judge an entire group of people by the actions of a few.” It symbolizes, what I felt to be, one of the core messages of the book and an apt reminder for us right now.

I can't say enough good things about Fawkes! It's all kinds of awesome. It's a book I know I'll want to reread again and again. I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Interesting premise and unique storytelling! At times it was a little slow and I found myself skimming, but I cared about the characters and the outcome! The author took time and care with historical facts and as a history teacher I loved that!
As far as fantasy goes it’s rather light. It’s more of a clean YA historical fiction. It’s full of moral messages and comments on social & family problems. I think many will find this relatable and enjoyable!
I look forward to future books by this author and I would definitely recommend this book to students!

Thank you netgalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

A work of staggering and ineffable imagination, Fawkes bursts like a kaleidoscope of gunpowder and colour blasting a perfectly rendered London with indelible aplomb.

An endearing and all too fallible hero shoves away his famous father's shadow to become the hero of the moment. Dizzying and immensely gratifying, Fawkes balances romance, redemption, friendship and sacrifice in a brilliantly evocative way.

My brain hurt in the best way at the complicated threads of this tapestry and in a lesser voice, it might well have fallen apart. Lucky for us, Brandes builds her world in deft and careful bricks so that the intersection of fact and fiction is seamlessly ingrained. I was so excited for this tale and now I can see why.

I haven't read anything like this for a long time. .. and I doubt I will again.

A book to sit and savour in a dark corner by candlelight while the world fizzes away and a fictional one replaces its ordinary canvas.

What an absolutely phenomenal read!!

Nadine Brandes and her work "Fawkes" places readers back in time to 1605 through apt narrative and vivid descriptions in the heart of one of the biggest plots in history that had the potential of shaking a country to its core. It also conveys a rare kind of magic...the kind that makes you read all through the night because the words are spellbinding. Even the next day, the words don't release their hold, but rather entice you even more into the story that you're left with no option than to re-read.

Thomas, Emma, Guy, and all of Brandes characters burst forth from the page directly into your imagination and relentlessly follow you though the story. One of the elements I liked the most about "Fawkes" is that there is not a single character that falls into a 'type.' Everyone from main to supporting is well rounded and infused with a dose of mystery and the unexpected.

Would HIGHLY recommend "Fawkes" to all readers. Just be warned.....prepare yourself to finish this book the moment you start!

This book was a bit slow for me and took me a while to finish. I felt bored and would pick it up and put it down many times.

Thomas Fawkes is turning into stone. The Plague is upon him, and his only chance of cure lies within the plot that his father, Guy Fawkes, is a part of: the King must die.

England, 1600s. The world is much different than what we know.

People have the ability to control colors. But the world is divided ; the Keepers control only one color, whereas the Igniters control all of them. The Keepers believe that White Light, the source and beginning of all color power, should be kept hidden. The Igniters believe White Light should be used. Both parties bold in their beliefs, it doesn't take long for violence to break out.

The king is an Igniter, persecuting every Keeper that refuses to either be converted, or flee the country. And this is how it all starts for Thomas.

Thomas Fawkes will soon find himself in the middle of two powers within his conscience. Are his father and their team right about this? Is violence really the only way? As the White Light starts talking to him, he finds himself wondering whether that power is actually evil. Is it possible that he has made the wrong decision? Or is the White Light a cunning, lying source of power?

This is an inventive retelling of the story of Guy Fawkes, as seen from his alleged son's perspective. With original powers set on the story, it becomes much more than historical fiction. Imaginative, smart, and emotionally provoking, this is a very interesting book to read.

If there is something to take from this intelligent story, is the messages hidden along the way. If you follow blindly - whether what you follow is an idea or a person- things can turn really bad. Question yourself and others, the beliefs, the traditions. Be sure that what you believe in feels right. Make educated decisions.And, above all, remember that violence is never a solution.

All these thoughts flow easily through the reader's mind as they follow Thomas Fawkes through this turbulent time, which adds even more value to the book. Fawkes was not only entertaining, but also thought provoking and full of wonderful life lessons.

A book to certainly be excited about, Fawkes is definitely recommended, for fans of all genres.

First of all, the cover is absolutely beautiful! When I read the synopsis of this book, It really caught my attention. Here is something that is new and intriguing! When I actually started reading though, it was very hard for me to follow. color power? I really wish that whole story concept was left out of the book or maybe even explained better. i was really confused. For me it took away from the plot and I actually couldn't finish reading the book. I was disappointed because the author thought of a new idea to bring the guy fawkes story into light.

This YA novel centers around two brilliant premises. The first is the setting, England on the eve of the Gunpowder Plot (1605) and the origin of Guy Fawkes Day. The second involves a fascinating new system of magic in which power arises from the various colors, focused by specially constructed masks, constructed by the practitioner’s same-sex parent. A third strength arises from the protagonist narrator, son of the conspirator Guy Fawkes, and his inner turmoil as he is drawn deeper and deeper into a plot to blow up King James I’s Parliament.
Therein, however, lie the book’s weaknesses. Few Americans, unless they are English History buffs, are familiar enough with the Gunpowder Treason Plot to appreciate the cultural, political, and legal aspects. The plot in the book follows the historical order fairly closely but not always in the most logical fashion. Magic is tacked on to historical events; practitioners use their powers only when they don’t change the way things really happened. But any world in which people wield those powers is going to operate very differently than ours, and that requires careful working through all the implications of those powers, which I see little here.
The attempt to translate the historical Protestant-Catholic struggle into a battle between those who adhere to the color system (“Keepers”) and those devoted to the primal White Light (“Igniters”) is awkward and often confusing. The real struggle was based not only in religious dogma but in politics, arising from the establishment of the Church of England with King Henry VIII and consequent independence from Rome. Queen Elizabeth, Henry’s daughter, did much to establish religious tolerance, although even her emphasis on secular loyalty could not eliminate the plots to restore a Catholic ruler. Without the context of the struggle, the rift between Keepers and Igniters, each hating the other for no apparent reason, come across as superficial. This is all the more so because for most of the story, I had trouble remembering which side was which. Everyone has access to the White Light (which is a snappy, smart-ass voice, quite apart from any references to direct experience of the divine, which also strikes me a reversal of the Catholic-Protestant quarrel). Anachronisms of speech and social attitude added to the confusion.
Besides the system of magic, this story includes a supernatural “Stone Plague” that infects the victim and gradually ossifies both skin and internal organs, resulting in death. Somehow Igniters have concluded that the plague is the fault of the Keepers and the only way to bring it to a halt is to slaughter all of them. Since no one offers any other explanation for how this disease works, and apparently the magical healers are just as ignorant and incurious, this persecution is arbitrary and baffling.
Despite its significant shortcomings, this novel has many appealing moments. If it sends readers to the history books to find out what really happened, or generates conversations about prejudice and religious persecution, so much the better.

I really enjoyed this book. It had a unique plot that infused fantasy and magical elements with historical events. This book was very absorbing and I found myself unable to turn away needing answers and on the edge of my seat waiting to find out how the events would all come together. I had no knowledge of the historical events so for me it was all a surprise but I enjoyed the infusion of important quandaries about morality and beliefs.

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


A retelling of the Guy Fawkes story?! Yes please! I was so psyched to read this book. I've also been following the author on Instagram for a while, and she's lovely. I wanted to like the book because I like her.


But I don't think much of the writing. It's bland and rather amateurish, and could definitely use a few more rounds of editing polish. The dialogue, too, is weak; predictable, peppered with cliches, and too much on-the-nose. The descriptions are also disappointing. The language is never quite suitable, and they're too bizarre to actually work. Examples: "I put on a burst of speed, broke from the crowd, and bowled into the two guards." - "It rose upon its hill like an unslain dragon."
See what I mean? They're slightly... Off. It's like she's using the wrong words to describe what she's describing. And perhaps that's one of the reasons why the setting doesn't ever come alive.

The plot is very weak. It's kinda predictable, and the start of the story is way too rushed. The whole colour magic system takes a while to get a grip on, but that aspect is good. It's very unusual. I also love how not black and white the politics of the plot are and how there's good and bad on either side of the rebellion; it's not all cut and dry. That's realistic.
But my main issue with the plot is how loose it is. The scenes don't tie together properly, and most of them don't seem to tie to the overarching purpose of the story. Incidents happen, but they're random. Thomas, as the protagonist, should be moving the plot in one direction, but he never does. He stumbles along on other people's decisions and choices and knocks into events that are completely coincidental. It is so frustrating.

The characters are walking cliches and they aren't three-dimensional. Thomas' voice as narrator is childish, and he literally has no personality. Other characters like his father or Henry or any other members of the secondary cast are stereotypes and completely flat. They have no personality. Emma, who's the heroine, is the only person I actually like, but even then all the girl power coming from her feels preachy and forced.


Fawkes is a cliche, untidily plotted story with stereotypical, flat characters and boring writing. Its politics are intriguing, but overall the book is a disappointment.

My sister recommended this book to me after I had seen the cover and quickly moved on. After her recommendation I picked this up and I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. For being a (somewhat embellished) historical true story, I must give it credit. I admire the author's attention to historic detail.

Having said that, I wasn't that impressed with the story line. For a book about using color power to manipulate objects, I would have preferred more instances in which color power was used. The conspiracy theory was interesting enough but I would have liked color power to be used more than just casually mentioned and rarely seen.

I recommend this book for ages 13 and up for some violence.
But I do give this book a three star rating.