Guy Fawkes’s son must join his father’s plot to kill the king if he’s to survive the plague overtaking his body in this reimagined fantastical history of the Gunpowder Plot. Remember, remember the fifth of November. In 17th-century London, two forces rule the people: the color powers and the Stone Plague. Brown masks can manipulate wood. Black masks control the night. And red masks . . . well, … . well, red is the color of blood.
Thomas Fawkes needs a gray mask so he can remove the stone that has invaded his body and will ultimately take his life. But when he fails his color test, his only hope is to track down his father, the infamous Guy Fawkes, and demand his color mask.
But his father has other plans: to kill the king.
Thomas must join forces with his father if he wants to save his own life. When his errands for the cause bring him time and again to Emma Areben, a former classmate, he is exposed to a whole new brand of magic.
Emma doesn’t control just one color–she controls them all.
And she wants to show Thomas the full power of color magic, but it goes against everything his father is fighting for.
If Thomas sides with his father, he could save his own life. But it would destroy Emma and her family. To save one, he must sacrifice 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.
Praise for Fawkes:
“An imaginative, colorful tale about choosing for yourself between what’s right and what others insist is the truth.” –Cynthia Hand, New York Times bestselling author of My Lady Jane
“Hold on to your heart as this slow burning adventure quickly escalates into an explosion of magic, love, and the truth about loyalty.” –Mary Weber, bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy and To Best the Boys
“A magical retelling that will sweep you back in time–to a divided England where plagues can turn you to stone and magic has a voice.” –Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author
“A must-read for all fantasy fans!” –Lorie Langdon, author of Olivia Twist
“Brandes turns 17th-century London into a magical place.” –Jill Williamson, author of By Darkness Hid and Captives
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What a fun book of history with a magical touch! Like a Merlin and Arthur tale. Here the renowned plotter Guy Fawkes and his followers have the added element of masks with different levels of power. I loved the twist on the historical event. I’d definitely read another of her books.
Intriguing concept for a young adult book, Fawkes mixes fantasy with a historical fiction plot. Imaginative and inspired, this plot contains enough content for several books. I think I would have enjoyed it more in a series rather than just the one, but then again, maybe that’s just because I want to read more. Thomas Fawkes’ story is one with many twists and turns, with not knowing who to trust, but in the end emphasizes the importance of truth, God and friends.
I was surprised by the amount of lessons and truths that were woven into this book. Some highlights include: the importance of truth; beauty of a soul vs. outer beauty; speak to God and He will respond; the lies of politics and the distortion of truth through lack of perspective; representing God without doing His will; racial differences and how we all have different gifts. Overall, this book is packed with hidden truths and morals that are great to emphasize to our young readers. There is a rather dark discussion throughout the book of killing off the King of England and some lesser characters are hung for treason at the end of the book, I think that it is important to highlight that.
*Potential Spoiler* I did find the construct of God speaking to Thomas rather jarring, because there are colloquial and non-time-period terms used such as “awesome” or “hot”. I think that God has a sense of humor and definitely tries to connect with people through their culture and language, but since the character was speaking in slightly more historically accurate language, these threw me off.
Nadine is an extremely gifted writer with an amazing mind. I look forward to reading her next book, Romanov. Young adult readers (both actual young adults and those of us young at heart) will enjoy this book.
If I was to hope one thing, that she might simplify it a little or extend it into a series. 🙂
If you know me well, you know that I’ve had my eye on this book ever since it came out in ’18. Seriously. I thought it was the most gorgeous cover ever, but I wasn’t going to buy it without having ever read anything else by the author, and neither of the local libraries carried it, soooooo I was doomed to a life of longing.
Until Christmas. I tore off the wrapping paper and literally went *ggggaaaaasSsSsSSSSSPPPP* when I saw that this beauty was FINALLY within my grasp.
*dramatic pause*
Well. I still think it’s one of the most gorgeous covers I’ve ever seen, and if possible, it’s even more beautiful in person.
I’m rambling, I know. Because I’m literally in love with a book cover.
(And this should tell you the state of my mental capacity. *Ross Geller voice* I’m fINE!)(for real though, I just never outgrew my obsession for pretty book covers and I’m okay with that)
So let’s just get out of the way why this nugget of unmatched beauty with the creepy mask on the front got 4 stars instead of 5.
The real answer? BOREDOM. Seriously. For the first 150-200+ pages, it. was. boring. Learning about the color system and all was fascinating, but the majority of that first half was a combination of “Oh look the people are being oppressed by the other people” and “PooR ThOMaS DoeSN’t hAVe HiS MAsK” and while I liked Thomas, he was just kinda…a brat. Don’t get me wrong: it was very well-written. Just slow and not quite what I’m used to. 😉
BUT. The SECOND half.
Guy Fawkes was…my favorite. *grins* The dad learning to be a dad. Complex. Secretive. And it’s so obvious that he cares even when Thomas can’t see it, and the lengths he goes to are just…ACK. All the blubbery feels.
All the other characters were great, but let me just take a moment to appreciate Emma. Emma has a secret that she doesn’t let anyone else know about, and it holds her captive. (those that have read the book know what I mean *smirks*) But I love her strength. I love her nature. She’s a strong female character; very strong. But I. loved. it.
And, of course, we can’t forget Thomas. *grins* Like I said, he was just a general brat at the beginning. But his character arc was *chef’s kiss* The struggles he went through were so real and relatable, and the hardest decision he ever had to make in his life was just *cries*
So then we get to the BATTLES and the SOURCE of the MYSTERY and everyone’s screaming and pointing fingers and Thomas is grappling for control and the *censored for spoilers* is there to help him and *flails*
AND THEN THOSE LAST COUPLE OF CHAPTERS. I’M NOT OKAY. I REPEAT: I. AM. NOT. OKAY.
I’m soooo glad I didn’t fully read any reviews. ‘Cause I was expecting a little bit of heartbreak, but then I got sucked into the story and kinda forgot about it.
I halfway knew what the end would be. It was inevitable, really. But…like…that ONE SCENE and then he SAW WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO *again, censored* AND I WAS CAUGHT SO BY SURPRISE THAT I LITERALLY WAS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS.
Seriously.
*deep breath*
That. Ending. Scene. Though.
*incoherent fangirl noises*
My first Brandes novel is complete. And I’m still fighting a literary hangover.
Will I read more by this author?
Bring it on.
(for real though, I’m kinda sorta DYING to read her Out of Time trilogy)
A compelling story with wonderful characters! The colour magic system was so unique and kept me fascinated all the way. I especially loved the mix of historical and fantasy, and *may* have cried a tiny bit in the end. I brought the hardcover and have to say it’s one of the most gorgeous books I own.
Just finished this book and I will read it again! The writing is wonderful and not “simplified” (no terrible sentence structure and words that don’t flow) for YA readers as some books in YA fiction have seemed to me recently. I enjoyed this book, and I believe anyone and everyone from all backgrounds would enjoy this book! I could go on and on, but this is a book to take a chance on if you are on the fence!
Buy it! Read it!
I loved the characters in Fawkes, and the world-building is also excellent. The theme around listening to other viewpoints, while not overdone, is particularly relevant today.
Historical fiction and fantasy collide in Fawkes as people with abilities to manipulate color intersect with a real life plot to assasinate King James.
Imagine England in the 1600’s. Now imagine people wearing masks that harness their color power. Tensions rise among Keepers who wish to protect “White Light” by harnessing the power of only one color and Igniters who use White Light’s power to manipulate all colors.
Our hero, Thomas Fawkes, is a keeper stricken with the stone plague. When his father learns of his affliction, he abandons him, refusing to give him a mask to harness his color power. Thus sets off a chain of events in which Thomas is kicked out of school and travels to London as a social outcast…a plagued keeper…in search of his father to demand his mask.
In London, Thomas gets involved in the plot to assasinate the king. But in his adventures, he learns more about White Light and racial injustice. All he learns threatens his place with his father and the other plotters. Will he betray his king and country or his father and his fellow keepers?
If you enjoy historical fiction and fantasy with depth of social injustices, assasination plots, familial tensions, unique abilities, betrayal, and danger waiting around every turn, pick up Fawkes.
This is my favourite kind of story: history, magic, mystery, suspense, danger and choices that seem impossible to make. Superimposing a magical overlay onto real historical events made this book absolutely fascinating and gave it a very strong sense of originality and intrigue. The drama built slowly and steadily throughout each complication and challenge, drawing the reader deeper and more intricately into both Thomas’ life and challenges and the Gunpowder Plot itself.
The main characters were well-rounded and likeable, even if it was not always possible to like or condone some of the things they felt compelled to do, and the problems they faced were well-designed and skillfully developed. The way in which the author breathed both life and magic into historical figures, events and places made them seem so real that the audience really does begin to feel as though they are there, looking over Thomas’ shoulder and equally as swept along by the action of the story as it unfolds as he is.
This beautifully crafted story completely captivated me.
Being a long time history fanatic, going into this book, I knew a fair bit about the Gunpower Plot.
When I found out that there was a historical retelling of the Plot with a fantasy twist, I knew I had to jump all over that! I remained hopefully optimistic that I would enjoy Fawkes, and then I read the first chapter…
Seriously. THAT is how to start a story. I knew after just a few pages of glorious descriptions and already likeable characters that I wouldn’t be able to put this book down. Thomas stole my whole heart immediately and I loved reading his story.
I find so often that YA books are mostly told from the female perspective, or a multiple POV situation; so, I was really happy to have a full book with a male POV. Thomas is charming and funny and, as I said, completely likeable. You root for him the entire time. Your heart aches when his aches. You’re happy when he’s happy. Brandes did a flawless job with having us connect with him.
A fantasy world-building within a historical setting can sometimes be tricky to pull off, but Brandes did so stunningly. It was almost completely believable. I felt like I was starting to rewrite 17th century British history in my head because I so wanted her world to be true. I won’t give anything away because I honestly wouldn’t be able to do it justice. Brandes does a beautiful job at laying out the powers in her world.
Knowing so much about the actual Gunpowder Plot, I appreciated the obvious effort and (what I can assume was) tireless research that went into all of the historical truths that were instilled throughout the story. I found it delightful.
I can’t help but hope and wish that Nadine Brandes will continue writing historical retellings with a fantasy twist. It’s apparent after reading Fawkes that she truly shines with capability.
Exceptionally inventive world building with the backdrop of London and the surrounding cities. Loved the historical + fantasy blend. A unique, but uncomplicated magic system made this story extremely enjoyable and fun to read. The action packed plot kept me turning pages. A must read for YA readers and adults alike who love that historical fantasy blend
A fascinating mix of history and fantasy, with a romance subplot that felt unusually realistic. The ending is definitely not a happily-ever-after, but bittersweet–though still very satisfying. It also provides a fascinating but balanced look at human divisions, showing how often neither side is wholly wrong.
Fawkes is a taste of history with a garnish of fantasy and a side of spiritual depth that can speak to everyone. This story is dished up with a complement of well drawn characters and a setting so real I wanted to cringe. Well, done, Nadine Brandes. I look forward to more of her books.
Come explore the magical streets of London in this book set during the Gunpowder plot of 1605.
Thomas Fawkes wants his mask. It’s his right and, hopefully, it will finally give him the power to remove his plague.
However, on the day of his test, the unthinkable happened and Thomas is expelled. Maskless and plagued? That’s the worst lot anyone can carry.
So off he runs to London in search of the only person who can help him, his father Guy Fawkes, England’s bravest and fiercest soldier. Blinded by his selfishness, Thomas is capable of doing anything to achieve the mask. And so he’s seen mixed up in the plot to take down the crown and install a new monarchy under a Keeper. To prove his worth and belief in the cause, Thomas looks for employment in an Igniter home, only to be forced to spend time with the girl who once called his attention.
In a world divided between Keepers and Igniters, power and control, Thomas will be tested at every corner not to fall for the powers of White Magic and to see people for more than they appear to be. Because, then, only then, might he find out what it really means to fight for a bigger than self. And this might just not be what he thought at first.
Full of twists and turns, this book will surprise and astound you through each turn of the page. The most amazing part might just be how solid the historical facts are even though the plot is set in a fantasy world.
Very much looking forward to more from this author.
“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.”
Color magic, treason, and young love. Nadine Brandes, historical fantasy novel, Fawkes is a creative fictional tale of a historical event. The book tells the fictional tale of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1608 and one of the group’s members, Guy Fawkes.
I love the historical nature of this story and how it paints a picture of a bleak and often unappealing London. While the slow pace of the book was consistent throughout, I found it helped to create the atmosphere for the settings and reflected the time period the story was set in. Brandes world building also defined the era; creating a city fraught with mistrust, darkness, strife, and pain. A London that echoed the discontent and fear of those persecuted because of their beliefs.
Her characters were interesting and representative of those in history. The fictional characters were also appealing, although I did have a difficult time initially connecting with Thomas Fawkes. I often found his petulant and self-absorbed attitude unlikable. His own needs often interfered with those of others to both their detriments.
The color magic concept was the fantasy element that I loved the most. Seeing how the magic intertwined with the natural environment was interesting and it added so much depth to the characters and the story. The fact that Thomas desired his mask and color power more than anything else, drove his character into often undesirable situations and results. While I enjoyed the concept and magical system associated with color power, I had a slight issue with the tone of White Light. As one of the oldest entities in this magical world, I feel like the White Light would have a voice that reflected its infinite age. Instead, I found it spoke like a wise-ass teenager, which I found often problematic to my enjoyment of the story as I often kept asking myself—why?
Overall, Brandes, historical fantasy was an enjoying adventure through the past and a read that I would definitely recommend.
Harry Potter meets historical fiction.
Fawkes is a unique take on the old story of Guy Fawkes. The author blended true history with a little fantasy in order to create a magical universe deeply grounded in fact. Quite creative!
This is a YA book and I think it would be good for the readers of Shawn Smucker’s The Day the Angels Fell series or Mary Webber’s Sofi Snow series. While there is quite a bit of violence and sword play (along with magic), it’s clean. No language or “adult situations” to worry about here!
One misstep and it could all go up in flames…
I fell in love with Nadine Brandes’s fiction with her dystopian Out Of Time series so when I heard that her next book would be a historical fantasy, fantasy historical, well, whatever it is, I knew that it was going to be good. But Fawkes wasn’t good…..it was great! It was wonderful! It was Amazing! Can you tell that I loved this book? With the absolute perfect blend of historical detail, Jacobean era England, and fantasy this book was exciting and so very hard to put down.
To be honest, I was so immersed in the story and what was happening to Thomas that I was quite a ways into the book before I realized that there was a lot more going on than just the obvious. The story was a fun and fantastical retelling of the Gunpowder Plot, which I actually had heard of before, and all of the religious controversy that marked the era.
Nadine Brandes may be a YA author but her books, Fawkes included, will definitely appeal to readers if all ages. Her intriguing characters, action-packed prose, and the light dusting of romance, in Fawkes made for a fun read that I found nearly impossible to put down. At nearly 450 printed pages this book is a fairly long one but it sure didn’t seem that way while I was reading it, I kept turning the digital pages on my Kindle so fast my fingers were almost smoking. This is definitely a book I would recommend for any reader, boy or girl, YA age or not…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The premise of this book is really interesting; it’s essentially of retelling of the Gunpowder Plot with a fantasy element. I enjoyed both the historical bit (I don’t know too much about this specific bit of history, so I can’t say whether people who do will be irked) and the world-building around the fantasy layer. The story is self-contained and gives you some protagonists to root for (including Guy Fawkes himself), and it just has some really interesting ideas. It’s not a hard read by any means (being a YA), but I would recommend it to people who like historical/fantasy novels.
Great Historical YA Book
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a wonderful historical ya novel. I love how it was written to give such graphic visualization of the time that it was written. This is the first book I have read from Nadine and look for to reading other books from her. I plan on sharing this with my 15 old niece I think she will enjoy it as much as I did.
I couldn’t get into it.