by Nadine Brandes
♦publisher: Thomas Nelson Books
♦release date: July 10th, 2018
♦hardcover, 448 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦stand-alone
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. 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.
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. 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.
{Becky's Thoughts}
For those readers out there that fall hard for a grand historical with an irresistible magical twist (me! me!!), Fawkes is definitely a must-read. This one really had so much to entwine readers into it's spell. I wasn't all that familiar with the true story of Guy Fawkes (aside from it being the inspiration for some wild bonfire gatherings in the UK--thank you Sherlock), but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of watching this creative take unfold.
17th century London finds itself enchantingly altered, as we follow Thomas Fawkes, son of the infamous Guido Fawkes through a journey to find his magic, his father, love, and finally, his true self.
Brandes fills this alternate London with such rich detail, from the terrifying Stone Plague that will cut Thomas' life short if he doesn't find a way to stop it's spread, to the complicated war between the Keepers and Igniters, both wielding a unique form of magic called color magic. I loved the idea that each person wielded a distinct and beautiful mask to control their power with---it gave the entire world an atmosphere that was like an ongoing masquerade on the dark gray streets of London.
Thomas was at times clever and clear thinking, but would often veer into petulant territory when it came to getting his mask from his father. His frustration was palpable and he definitely had me rooting for him, but yes, the whining was also a little grating. He struggles constantly with living up to his father's name, earning his respect, and being able to decide for himself what is right. Emma is an incredibly character, her story adding layers and layers to the romance, the diversity, the challenge and the danger of the entire plot. She was fierce with her magic and so smart but also kind. Many instances, I definitely thought she stole the show!
With a plot this is a satisfying labyrinth of twists and a romance that beckoned me to figure out if they could overcome their extreme differences to let love win out, Fawkes was a wonderful twist on history, and I'm absolutely looking forward to more historical magic from this author.
• About the Author •
Nadine once spent four days as a sea cook in the name of book research. She's the author of FAWKES and of the award-winning The Out of Time Series. Her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of soul-talk, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos. When she's not busy writing novels about bold living, she's adventuring through Middle Earth or taste-testing a new chai. Nadine and her Auror husband are building a Tiny House on wheels. Current mission: paint the world in shalom.
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