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lyricalreads 's review for:
Fawkes
by Nadine Brandes
[ 4/5š]
Title: Fawkes
Author: Nadine Brandes
Pages: 448
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction (with a Fantasy twist)
Rating: 4/5š
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 āKeeperā or an āIgniterā (versus the Catholic/Protestant divide that actually occurred). This division is based on the issue surrounding ācolor power.ā 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 personās mask which is created by a parent. This is Thomasā, 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 āmask,ā 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 Thomasā¦
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 Thomasā existence is a little unsteady, but youāll have to read Nadineās note in the back of the book to learn more!š 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 Belfastā¦great view, I do have to say). My mind was just a little bit blown.š 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.
Thomasā character was not my favorite at the start of the novel as he was very focused on obtaining his fatherās 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 soonš). He has multiple realizations throughout the novels, which I know because I literally wrote ārealizationā or ābig realization!ā 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 Thomasā father, Guy Fawkes. Ahhā¦you have got to love secrets. With Emmaās character, however, there are a lot of amazing mic drop and āGO EMMAā 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 š. 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!!
Title: Fawkes
Author: Nadine Brandes
Pages: 448
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction (with a Fantasy twist)
Rating: 4/5š
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
---
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 āKeeperā or an āIgniterā (versus the Catholic/Protestant divide that actually occurred). This division is based on the issue surrounding ācolor power.ā 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 personās mask which is created by a parent. This is Thomasā, 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 āmask,ā 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 Thomasā¦
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 Thomasā existence is a little unsteady, but youāll have to read Nadineās note in the back of the book to learn more!š 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 Belfastā¦great view, I do have to say). My mind was just a little bit blown.š 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.
Thomasā character was not my favorite at the start of the novel as he was very focused on obtaining his fatherās 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 soonš). He has multiple realizations throughout the novels, which I know because I literally wrote ārealizationā or ābig realization!ā 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 Thomasā father, Guy Fawkes. Ahhā¦you have got to love secrets. With Emmaās character, however, there are a lot of amazing mic drop and āGO EMMAā 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 š. 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!!