This story has a strange mix of true history and fantasy. Some of the events and characters were real. Guy Fawkes did take part in a gun powder plot to kill King James. But, in reality, there were no Keepers and Igniters who could control colour. There is even a different kind of plague in this story. This one turns a body to stone, rather than making someone sick. It was sometimes hard to keep track of what was real and what was fiction.

The war between Keepers (the people who only controlled one colour) and the Igniters (the people who controlled more that one colour) resembled the fight between Protestants and Catholics. They use the same information, in this case controlling colours, in different ways. Racial issues also came up multiple times in the story. Unfortunately, this separation of religions and races is still prevalent today, just as in the 17th century.

This book was good. I liked the way it rewrote history, with a fantasy twist.

Will ya just look at that purdy cover! Stunning! What really impressed me here is that it is obvious Brandes has carried out a great deal of research into the historical events that take place in this book. She then takes those events and mixes them with a magical fantasy world that is simply magnificent! This combination was unique, exciting and a work of creative genius. I didn't want to leave that amazing world once I had finished reading and found myself wishing I had read it much more slowly in order to savour it. Needless to say, I will be eagerly awaiting the authors next title.

The authors writing is effortlessly engaging - it transported me right to the heart of the action and I felt as though I was a part of the plot rather than just reading it. There are a lot of elements to the plot and I enjoyed the various different layers that seamlessly intertwined to create the story. Everything in this book is so vivid - the characters, the setting, and the historical events come alive! I loved how distinctive and memorable each characters was and I was heavily invested in the story from the first few pages.

This is easily one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I never really considered historical fantasy as a genre I would enjoy but I now know that if the premise is executed correctly, it can be absolutely breathtaking!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Okay, what to say first... I guess I'll just start off with I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!! *deep breath* Okay. Now that that's out of the way, let's jump into the actual review! 

I actually wasn't sure what I was going to think of this book... I've only read one of Nadine's other books so far and while I really enjoyed it, it wasn't necessarily a book that blew me away. (That being said, it was a buddy read and took forever to get through, so that could be why.) I was also in a pretty bad reading slump when I first started this book, therefore the reason this review is coming in a couple of days late, so while I was enjoying it, I only read pieces at a time and sometimes had to force myself to sit down and read. But once I actually started reading, I seriously couldn't stop. Especially once I hit that halfway point - whoa. Guys, stuff goes down starting at that halfway point!

One of the first things that hit me very early on in this novel was how incredible Nadine's writing style is! Her writing style is sometimes so poetic that it pulls you even deeper into the story. Other times, there's such a strong amount of sass from so many characters that it makes you laugh out loud (which I did, multiple times, including in the middle of a doctor's office waiting room). While I noticed this in A Time To Die, it really captured my attention in Fawkes! And the aspects of this book are seriously so unique! I'd never even heard of the concept of power over colors like this and I loved it!

Also, can I live in 1600s England?? Because the food sounds absolutely amazing... (like, seriously guys, I made multiple notes on how great the food sounds.) And a ring with a dial that tells you what time it is?! Gimme! Also, I seriously want a mask. Maybe I just really want to live in this book. Though, preferably without the impending stone plague. 

Now, back to seriousness, I am in love with the fact that this book turned out to be so much more than just a historical fantasy... There are so many issues addressed in this book that are still such big issues today and the way they were addressed and spoken about by the main characters was absolutely amazing. Thomas and Emma are both wonderful. (P.S. This little duo are two of the three main sources of sass in this book. I can't really tell you the third though, because spoilers.) 

Finally, let me just say that I love how much effort, research, and time Nadine put into making this book historically accurate. She posted in her Instagram stories about her notebook filled with research and even went so far as to tell us what was true and untrue at the end of the book. The fact that she put so much effort into making this book just makes it that much more amazing. 

To conclude my review, if you love stories of internal struggles over what's right and wrong, overwhelming amounts of sass, loads of action, twists, and turns, some tearful moments, and just a touch of sweet romance, then this book is definitely for you!

I’ve always been fascinated by the Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes so when I found out about Fawkes, I couldn’t get my hands on a copy fast enough. Fawkes absolutely lived up to its promise. It was a fun and entertaining story that also dealt with larger issues such as race, disability, and what it means to fit in. 

Nadine Brandes grounds her story in some fantastic historical details, I felt like I could see the streets of London. (I’m still trying to figure out how I can get a pastry from Emma’s favorite shop, they sounded delicious). The amount of research she did was evident in even the smallest details. But Brandes also made this world entirely her own. The magic system was interwoven seamlessly with the history, I could almost believe this alternate history actually happened. I loved how Brandes brought this history alive, how she made it so I could clearly understand the motivations of each character. Plus, I also adored how the Black Death became the stone plague.

If you know the basics of the Gunpowder Plot, you know the general outline of this story. But Fawkes is one of those rare books that is just as good even if you know some of the major events. Some parts were so fantastical that I didn’t think they could be real (I was wrong). By focusing on one of the conspirator’s sons and introducing magic, she was able to present an entirely fresh take on this story. Fawkes was equal parts historical fiction, family drama, and coming-of-age tale. The conspirators did all slightly blend together for me, possibly because there were just so many of them. However, most of the other secondary characters were distinct and well-developed. Emma was my absolute favorite, I adored her strength, perseverance, and quiet bravery. 

Fawkes was a delightful YA historical fiction novel that seamlessly integrated magic with the Gunpowder Plot. And yes, there’s romance. I’d recommend for fans of political intrigue, YA fantasy, and historical fiction.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The backbone of this story revolves around the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, with a fantasy twist. In this world people can choose to command seven different colors after they get their mask. For example, brown can command brown things such as dirt, wood and anything else of that color, sort of like magic. There are two factions; Keepers and Igniters. Those who stick to using one color and those who made use of several. The differences between the two factions is what fuels most of the events of the story and ultimately the plot to kill King James. Whether you know the historical facts or not, this story is enthralling, complex and full of unexpected turns. The characters and their relationships are very organic and realistic. They change and grow and so does their bonds. Thomas was a great main character but Emma was just as great, she is wise and have guts.

I’m specially fond of fiction that can offer more than just entertainment and this title gave me a lot of food for thought. It also gave me feels, like, tons of them. I hated some characters, I wanted to slap others on the face, I cheered for their success and I shed tears, not like “awww sad” but more like “dammit!!! nooo!”. They really grew on me. At the end of the book, Nadine Brandes shares with us which parts of the story are true facts (heads up: most of the characters are based on real people) and 7 questions that can help you relate to the feelings and actions of the characters. I did that throughout the entire book anyway, but this list ensures that anyone can find some food for thought and something to relate to.

Already said how much I love this story; the setting, the action and fights, character growth, their relationships, many plot twists, potential for reflexion and existential questions… oh! and also, it might make you want to read History books!. *I got an eArc (but on the hunt for a signed copy)

I received this book as an ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

My favourite thing about this book is probably that Emma was a strong character who could look after herself and beat half the boys at their own game.

I really loved the idea of how the colour masks and Colour Test worked. The book is set in 1604, but doesn't have the 'ye olde english' feel to the words. Plus I adore this cover as it's so pretty.

There being a White Light as one of the colours was an interesting point to include in the book and how every colour apparently stemmed from it. I also loved its sass and how it sounded like a best friend would a couple of times. A couple of times I guessed that Guy Fawkes or Emma may have been White Light users too, but we do find out whether they actually are or not.

If someone, somewhere, somehow, can also make a Lady's Ball like how it was described in Fawkes then I will be very grateful as it sounded beautiful and definitely makes me want to go. Well, maybe make it without a few of the pieces we're told about.

I also cringed pretty hard at the end though when we find out how they attach the mask to the Gunpowder Plot plotter's faces. Plus the information we find out at the end of the book about the true story behind the book is pretty fascinating stuff too.

There has always been fear. There will always be fear. It's up to us to stand tall, even when the fear demands we bow to it.

Spoilers!

Norwood's death wasn't as sad as I sort of hoped it would be, but I still felt bad for Thomas.

I also guessed that Emma was black when my White Light idea didn't pan out, but it still surprised me.

Big question here though: How and why did Dee learn about and spread the Stone Plague?

But I loved that Thomas' mask was made from the same Stone Plague that had haunted him and been connected to him for years after he was freed from it.

End Spoilers!

In the book Fawkes, author Nadine Brandes follows a young man named Thomas Fawkes. Thomas is training for his color mask but will he get it before he turns to stone? Can joining his father’s group of rebels and killing the king stop the stone plague? Who is really behind the plague and who can be trusted?
I would recommend this book! This was an interesting historical fiction book that was fast paced and easy to read. I found the color masks to be a strange concept. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing! Every now and then a book comes along that is so much better than many of the books I have read in recent months that I want it go on and on, or at the very least become part of a series. I’d love to find out what happens next in the lives of Thomas and Emma. How about a sequel?

Why I loved this: The details the author, Nadine Brandes, adds to the book are incredible. I was completely transported to England in the early 1600’s. The author has a way of describing things that made me feel as if I could lift my eyes from the page and see the scene being played out in front of me. The people were so carefully constructed that I felt as if I knew them.

It took me awhile to realize that the book was actually historical fiction with a magical touch of fantasy added, since it was listed as fantasy and sci fi. After certain names and things like the plague kept popping up, I had one of those light bulb moments where it occurred to me that some of this was actually based on things that happened in the past . I started doing internet searches to see if I was right, and I was. Nadine includes information in the back of the book about the historical events she used which added an extra layer of enjoyment for me.

This book is definitely 5 stars, and is worth reading.

I received an advanced readers copy of this title from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

My two favorite genres are Fantasy and Historical Fiction, so when I heard about Fawkes which combined the two I had to request a copy. Alas, life has been so crazy that I couldn’t read it earlier, but I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to meet this sweet author and enjoy this book.

My final rating is 3.75 stars. I loved the concept, which was the retelling of the story of Guy Fawkes with a fantasy twist. It was such a cool plot (pun intended) and I really loved the execution of the fantastical concept. Despite loving the story though, it was a bit too slow to receive a full 5 stars. I also wasn’t sold on the main character, Thomas, or Emma until about a third of the way through the book.

However, loads of praise to the author who landed some amazing character development. By the end, I adored these two main characters. Being able to see how they grow and understanding the depth of their character was an awesome experience. The understanding into their minds and hearts was a slow but accurate process. Brandes did a great job with showing, not telling.

Something else that I adored about this book was how it addressed diversity. There has been a huge need for that, and it makes me so happy to see YA authors responding. But something I loved about this book specifically is the way cultural diversity is addressed. I did not expect a book about the gunpowder plot to include a POC character, but the way it did was AWESOME. Please read this book, for the aspect in itself is worth it. It was a wonderful surprise to be able to see the way this Author addresses racism and the need for equality.

All in all, this was a really cool book, and you should snag a copy fresh off the presses.

This was essentially a DNF for me. I skimmed the last 50% of this book. This book sounded amazing. I love fantasy, magic, historical fiction, plus I really wanted to read a book from a male protagonist POV, but this book just didn't work for more. I was bored reading this, I felt that the book just jumped around a lot and found myself lost at times wondering how we got to there.

Thomas lives a life of caution and fear. Everywhere he goes he is discriminated against for having the stone plague. Yet all Thomas wants is to earn his color mask, and the only person who can craft it for him is his father--the infamous Guy Fawkes. First Thomas must find his father, and when he does, it turns out his father is in the thick of a plot to assassinate the King. A bargain is set: help assassinate the King and Thomas will earn his mask. However, as time goes on, Thomas begins to trust the feisty Emma. Trust evolves into love and Emma, as it turns out....well, its a bit of a spoiler. But I very much enjoyed this book. The magic system was fantastic. Guy Fawkes as a father figure was heavily complex and awesome. And just as a book in the historical fantasy genre in genre, I absolutely loved it. Nadine Brandes did a fantastic job, in my opinion.

In 17th century England, Thomas Fawkes is coming of age to receive his colour mask but he is also turning to stone. The stone plague has claimed many lives and continues to spread. The Igniters believe the Keepers caused the plague while the Keepers believe the opposite, but Guy Fawkes, Thomas' father, is part of a plot that believes the key to ending the plague is to assassinate the King of England and he wants Thomas to help them.

Thomas is a complex young man seeking his father's approval and a cure for the stone plague, though his goals and beliefs change many times until he finds his own truth. He has to battle prejudice and illness everywhere he goes and, once he learns of the plot, he must battle his own doubts and the mysterious White Light that keeps reaching out to him. Regardless of his circumstances, Thomas is kind and has an admirable amount of strength, in more ways than one. 

Guy Fawkes is strong in many ways too, with his will matching his physical strength. His name is legend and he seems to be regarded as one of the most important men in the plot. However, he could do with some improvement in the area of being a father.

Emma Areben is an admirable character. A young woman hidden behind her mask and ward to a Baron, but she knows Thomas' secret and does not seem to mind his ignorance of the way the world works. There is much more to Emma than meets the eye and there was definitely some personal growth that improved her, but she was by far my favourite character.

I will admit it took me a few chapters before I began to enjoy it, but once the story reached London it flowed and the story became quite interesting. The Stone Plague, the colour power, the masks, the plot, the diversity, the self-discovery, the personal growth and a desire for the truth - all of these elements made every chapter intriguing and enjoyable. I like that the story and many of the characters are based on history as it is told in history books but with a fictional and somewhat magical twist. I cannot think of anything that would have increased my enjoyment of Fawkes. I loved this book and look forward to reading more by Nadine Brandes in the future.

So I’ve been ruminating over this book for a couple of weeks now. I was eager to read Fawkes because it’s written by Nadine Brandes. Totally one of those reads that goes into your TBR pile simply because of who wrote it. I mean, I LOVED the Out of Time series.

The other thing that clinched the deal was the cover. Seriously, gorgeous. I could stare at it for minutes. And once I started reading the story I fell in love with the cover even more.

But by the time I closed the book, I wasn’t sure what to think. The writing isn’t horrible –no surprise considering who wrote it. The story isn’t without it’s exciting parts–oh the intrigue and romance within. But now that it’s over, I can’t say that I love it like I’ve loved all her other books.

And for some reason, I can’t figure out why. My only thought could be that all the hype raised my expectations so high that the story didn’t meet it. Because that’s the only thing that makes even a smidgen of sense. Because I love fantasy, 17th century England, a twist of the unexpected, romance, and sword fighting. This has everything I love, but I wouldn’t give it a 5 star and it guts me.

However, I would read another book written by Ms. Brandes and in the end, I think that’s what matters.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers via NetGalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Title: Fawkes
Author: Nadine Brandes
Pages: 448
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction (with a Fantasy twist)
Rating: 4/5🌟

I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I was drawn to the premise of Fawkes because of historical angle, but I devoured the story because of the fantastical elements. Nadine developed an amazing and unique concept where the divides in 17th Century English society align with whether you are a “Keeper” or an “Igniter” (versus the Catholic/Protestant divide that actually occurred). This division is based on the issue surrounding “color power.” The Keepers believe in using only one color and protecting the White Light (which is the source of this color power). The Igniters, on the other hand, employ the power of all the colors via the White Light. The color power is channeled through a person’s mask which is created by a parent. This is Thomas’, the protagonist, main problem throughout the novel: he wants his mask, and his father, Guy Fawkes, will not give it to him.

Nadine studies this idea of masks equating respect and honor in an incredible way. In this altered English society, one is not truly accepted into society until they prove that they are mature enough for a color power and a mask. When I personally think of a “mask,” I automatically associate the word with someone hiding something or secrets. Thus, it creates an interesting dichotomy.

And then there is the issue of the Stone Plague (and the fact that Thomas may die from it). The Keepers believe that the Igniters caused it, while the Igniters believe that the Keepers caused it. When the story opens, readers know immediately that Thomas suffers from the Plague. So far, it has been dormant in his eye, but at any moment, it could become lethal again. The reality of the Stone Plague creates some unexpected problems for Thomas…

The background of this novel, of course, centers on the Gunpowder Plot (November 5, 1605), but there is definitely more of an emphasis on fantasy although readers do get a dash of history mixed in there. Also, the actuality of Thomas’ existence is a little unsteady, but you’ll have to read Nadine’s note in the back of the book to learn more!😉 But back to the plot: somehow the plotters got it into their head that BLOWING UP THE KING AND PARLIAMENT WAS A GOOD IDEA. It definitely was not.

Okay, brief interjection because it is random story time: I ended up getting to a part that mentioned the Tower of London, and while I was reading it, I also happened to be looking right at it! (If you are wondering, I was reading on the deck of the HWS Belfast…great view, I do have to say). My mind was just a little bit blown.🙌 Interruption over.

Thomas, for me at least, was a bit younger of a protagonist than I was expecting, but he is at a relatively ideal age for a YA novel. The pacing of Fawkes was on the slower side in the beginning, but it may be more accurate to say that it has a steady pace. The story grows a bit faster as Thomas does and the stakes increase. I do have to say that things got quite tense in the last 20% of the book, so it is worth reading on about the turn of events in the end.

Thomas’ character was not my favorite at the start of the novel as he was very focused on obtaining his father’s approval and his mask. It was refreshing, however, to see the evolution of his character, though not without the help of Emma Areben (we will get to her soon😉). He has multiple realizations throughout the novels, which I know because I literally wrote “realization” or “big realization!” about a bajillion times. In the end, all of these realizations helped him sort out who he truly was as an individual.

Henry Parker is annoying, mean, a bully, and a blackmailer, so I am not wasting my words on him. All you have to know is that he is everything you do not ever want to see in a person.

Now to Emma Areben. Meet my new favorite female character. To put it simply, she is BADA**. One is particularly curious about her because no one has ever seen her without her mask on. The only other character who has kept their mask on is Thomas’ father, Guy Fawkes. Ahh…you have got to love secrets. With Emma’s character, however, there are a lot of amazing mic drop and “GO EMMA” moments! I have highlighted so many of her quotes, and I probably fist pumped the air multiple times because she deserved that. You will just have to read the book to find out what kinds of things she said 😏. Emma is the definition of a strong individual regardless of the odds stacked against her. I admire her personal courage, cleverness, and resolve!

Overall, I would definitely recommend Fawkes to those YA readers who have an interest in history! Also for those who love magical systems! And those who love strong characters (and especially strong women)! Because who does not love strong individuals?

Thank you, Nadine, for writing this incredible story!!

This book was brilliantly! It drew me in, played with my feelings and did everything a magnificent book does. It took a historic event and gave it a greatly unique story.

The first thing that struck me about this book was its stunning cover. Even if we don’t intend to, we all judge books by their covers. I am so glad this drew me in because beneath this cover lies a unique and stunning story.

Thomas Fawkes is a brilliant main character. He is not perfect and we struggle alongside him as he looks for answers to so many questions. Questions he has had for a lifetime and some he hasn’t even thought of asking yet. All of the characters have a depth and the world that Nadine Brandes creates is vivid and truly intriguing.

Nadine Brandes takes a historic event – the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 – and creates a unique story with a fantasy twist. I knew little about the plot before I started reading this book and as soon as I finished it, I went and did some fact checking. From what I learned she did an amazing job at researching the Gunpowder Plot and turned this knowledge into a story that was so uniquely her own.

I loved everything about this book and I think that anyone with a love for history and fantasy will find the perfect balance when reading Fawkes.

Loved the elaborate world building of this novel! It is so obvious that the author did a great deal of research into the historical facts of this story.
Yes, this is a fantasy book and guess what, I could actually follow it and it kept me very interested throughout. That's saying something, because I often get VERY lost when it comes to fantasy, my brain doesn't get it.
Loved the characters of Thomas and Emma, and I adored how the author included a spiritual message that will shine for those who want to find it, but won't overpower the story if the reader is looking for a straightforward fantasy novel.
Themes of racism, acceptance, finding your worth, and learning how to listen are resonant throughout.

I was intrigued by this book after reading @booksinthevillage’s review on it a few days back. So I immediately requested a copy for review and to my surprise, it was accepted equally quickly.
What I liked about this book was the concept. The way the author showed actual history in an entirely different light by mixing it with fantasy was something I had never seen before in a book and it was very refreshing. Another major plus for me was the character of Thomas. He was an adorable mess of a boy. He was a confused, naive boy who only wanted his father to notice him and show some sign of approval. He had a lot of flaws, makes a tonne of mistakes and is completely blind to what’s happening around him. But there is growth in his character eventhough most of it is only visible in the second half of the book. He was the only character I truly connected to in the entire book.
Now to the parts I didn’t like so much. First and foremost, the details. I am usually someone who doesn’t like long drawn out explanations for everything. But this book could have been so much better with a bit more detailing. Very little background info is given and we are suddenly plunged into this fantasy world with very little preparation. It was like getting plunged in ice cold water. I was left clueless and numb for about half the book. I couldn’t understand what was happening or why it was happening.

Another major problem was the lack of character development. Except for Thomas, who was the protagonist, none of the characters have any kind of depth to them. Their actions, reactions and motivations still remain a mystery even after completing the book. The lack of complexity to the characters made it difficult for me to continue reading.

So overall, a book with a great concept but poor execution. If you are a history buff and looking for a quick, easy read maybe give this one a try. It is releasing on the 10th of July.
Rating : ⭐️⭐️.5

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

When I first heard about this book, I was so intrigued! A Guy Fawkes historical fiction with magic? Yes please! This book had everything I want in a book. Dark plots, intrigue, villains, magic, and a character to fall in love with! I can not say how much I love this book. I was hooked right from the start. Thomas really stole my heart! That cinnamon roll was truly such a well rounded character. His journey to self discovery completely touched my heart.

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes is one of those books that draws you into a world, enlightens you with its magic, and then sends you back to reality, so you can enlighten others while you glow!

Nadine used the history of Guy Fawkes and the failed attempt to blow the parliament as a base to her story, that follows Guy Fawkes’s son, Thomas, into an incredible magical journey.

‘’A foundation of truth represents what life was intended to be.’’

Thomas is about to get his mask, that is supposed to make him control one colour. He also happens to be affected with the plague, that turns his face into stone. His family are all Keepers, and he, by default is a keeper too. But things are never that simple. What will happen when he might not get his mask, and the plague is about to kill him?

We follow the journey of Thomas through a first - person perspective. He feels incomplete when he has the plague, and all his life he is waiting to get his mask, and to be able to control a colour. Any colour, even though he prefers Grey.

Only with my mask could I bond with a color.

But on the day when he is about to receive his mask from his dad, he learns that his father is in London, and is not willing to come.

Scared for his life, and angry at his father, he goes into an adventure to find him. His father is Guy Fawkes, a Keeper that is involved in a Gunpowder plot, which will kill the whole parliament, and most importantly, the king of England, who is the cause of the plague!

Thomas joins the plot, knowing that this is the last chance for him to survive the plague! If the king is dead, the plague would be gone. But will it?

I never imagined a single moment of acceptance could reverse a year of bitterness and prejudice.

Through Thomas’s eyes, we see a war between the Keepers and the Igniters. It might be a metaphor for the Catholics and Protestants, but I won’t go into this now. The Keepers were loyal to one color only, and Igniters wanted to control all colors. Igniters used the White Colour as a source to control all power. But White Color doesn’t obey like other colours do - the White Color makes people go crazy for power and glory. Something similar to the ring in Lord of The Rings.

‘’Igniters believe that for each Keeper that dies, one person is cured of the plague’’.

We see Thomas caught between two sides - the keepers want to be free of oppression, and the Igniters want to be free to use color speech as they wanted. On such a crossroad, Thomas wants to find the truth for himself. But there is no time, and not many people that he can trust.

‘’You’ve given me your truth. I have to find it for myself for it to become mine. And curiosity is the first step’’.

On his journey, his relationship with Emma becomes stronger. She is an Igniter, and they share different beliefs, and she also knows he has the plague. But she is still around, and she accepts his as he is. And Thomas, taught to always hide his face, because otherwise he would be killed by the Igniters, is able to relax around Emma. This will teach him to accept Emma as she is, once she tells him her secret.

I loved the character of Emma. She is a strong person, but unable to show her true self due to the fact that she is not like the others, that she is not the same. In this book it is also shown quite well how women were underestimated in the 17th century. How they were thought to be unworthy. The only bit I didn’t like about Emma is that, even though such strong character, she would have never fought for herself if Thomas wasn’t there to ‘’save’’ her.

This book is a lovely story about Thomas, and how he finds his true self, how he is not afraid to stand up for the things he believes in, how he learns that he shouldn't be hiding his true self anymore and embrace his fears, as they might turn out to be the best things that ever happened in his life.

‘’Take a breath, Thomas. There has always been fear. There will always be fear. It’s up to us to stand tall, even when the fear demands we bow to it.’’

So yes, my lovely readers, I loved this book so much! I loved the magical moments, I loved how it turned out to be an amazing plot, based on real history events. I loved Thomas’s character, and I loved Emma. I loved Guy Fawkes as well, especially in the end of the book.

If you happen to love these types of books, please get your copy as soon as you can. You won’t regret it at all!

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

First of all the setup is great.  You are given a lot of information up front, but in a way that doesn't just feel like an information dump.  It makes sense in the context of the story, and so often in fantasy, there is a boring information dump at the beginning of the story. It also seemed more like historical fiction with light fantasy thrown in, the fantasy aspects while ever-present never seemed to be at the forefront of the story.

I liked Thomas, he seemed like a typical adolescent on the crest of adulthood. Other characters, however,  I'm just going to say it Guy Fawkes is an ass.  It wasn't until the very end of the book that I even liked him a little, and because of that, I had a hard time understanding Thomas's loyalty to him, even if he is his father.   Emma is great and her relationship with Thomas is even better.  Thomas respects Emma for her abilities and I really loved that.

The story is pretty easy to guess.  This is set against the infamous plot to blow up parliament by Guy Fawkes, except this time it isn't about religion, it's about how to use color magic.  The historical elements lend themselves well to this fantasy world.  The plot (no pun intended) kept my interest and even though I knew basically how it would end, there was so much more at stake that I just had to know.