Take a photo of a barcode or cover
191 reviews by:
lyricalreads
[ 4/5🌟]
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.
---
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!!
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.
---
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!!
[ 2.75🌟 ]
The Hating Game was really what I needed at the time I was reading it. I was nearing the end of my summer school program, and after reading 4 Jane Austen novels in four weeks, my poor brain was just kind of done. This book grabbed my attention automatically because of its easy to read writing style, and I was especially feeling the hate-to-love trope.
In the end, The Hating Game was really not my cup of tea (in terms of smuttiness, which is kept at a relative minimum). Lucy and Josh’s “love” didn’t seem unfounded, but it also escalated more quickly than I would’ve expected. Lucy’s voice didn’t bother me, but it also wasn’t my favorite. If I went through some of my marks I made on my kindle, I could find more specific examples but some comments just felt...off.
Overall, The Hating Game is not a bad read, and it was the (somewhat) fluffiness that I desperately needed at the time.
The Hating Game was really what I needed at the time I was reading it. I was nearing the end of my summer school program, and after reading 4 Jane Austen novels in four weeks, my poor brain was just kind of done. This book grabbed my attention automatically because of its easy to read writing style, and I was especially feeling the hate-to-love trope.
In the end, The Hating Game was really not my cup of tea (in terms of smuttiness, which is kept at a relative minimum). Lucy and Josh’s “love” didn’t seem unfounded, but it also escalated more quickly than I would’ve expected. Lucy’s voice didn’t bother me, but it also wasn’t my favorite. If I went through some of my marks I made on my kindle, I could find more specific examples but some comments just felt...off.
Overall, The Hating Game is not a bad read, and it was the (somewhat) fluffiness that I desperately needed at the time.
[ 4.5🌟]
One of my new favorite books!! I don’t think I’ve felt as strongly about a novel as I do this one.
First of all, Madeline Miller has a beautifully lyrical writing style that made me fall in love immediately. The story itself was heartbreaking, especially as the familiar scenes from the Iliad came into play, but the ending was absolutely heartwarming, although it took only a sentence to resolve the story.
By writing The Song of Achilles from Patroclus’ view, Miller gave readers a new insight into the great hero’s character, flaws, and growth. She weaved the novel from the unknown concerning the background of Achilles and his lover, Patroclus. Miller also shows the why of Hector’s death. Achilles often shrugged how Hector had done nothing against him; thus, he had no reason to kill him on the battlefield...
As I thought about The Song of Achilles, I realized Miller’s insightful and refreshing perspective on the Achilles’ “heel.” It was very interesting to consider but to elaborate on these musings would lead to spoilers, so I will refrain from doing so.
I enjoyed the pacing of this novel, as the slow and steadiness of the beginning gradually led to the more heart-racing pace of the ending and the introduction of the Trojan War.
Miller explores themes of the price of honor and reputation and the its weight compared to being a good person. I really liked how Miller focuses on the unlikely heroes (also seen in her second novel, Circe), and I think that by doing so, she strengthens the already known stories.
Overall, I highly recommend, especially if you are someone who loves Greek mythology and excellent storytelling!!
One of my new favorite books!! I don’t think I’ve felt as strongly about a novel as I do this one.
First of all, Madeline Miller has a beautifully lyrical writing style that made me fall in love immediately. The story itself was heartbreaking, especially as the familiar scenes from the Iliad came into play, but the ending was absolutely heartwarming, although it took only a sentence to resolve the story.
By writing The Song of Achilles from Patroclus’ view, Miller gave readers a new insight into the great hero’s character, flaws, and growth. She weaved the novel from the unknown concerning the background of Achilles and his lover, Patroclus. Miller also shows the why of Hector’s death. Achilles often shrugged how Hector had done nothing against him; thus, he had no reason to kill him on the battlefield...
As I thought about The Song of Achilles, I realized Miller’s insightful and refreshing perspective on the Achilles’ “heel.” It was very interesting to consider but to elaborate on these musings would lead to spoilers, so I will refrain from doing so.
I enjoyed the pacing of this novel, as the slow and steadiness of the beginning gradually led to the more heart-racing pace of the ending and the introduction of the Trojan War.
Miller explores themes of the price of honor and reputation and the its weight compared to being a good person. I really liked how Miller focuses on the unlikely heroes (also seen in her second novel, Circe), and I think that by doing so, she strengthens the already known stories.
Overall, I highly recommend, especially if you are someone who loves Greek mythology and excellent storytelling!!
[ 4🌟 ]
With Circe (besides its absolutely gorgeous cover for both the US and UK editions...I’m totally not shallow👀), I particularly enjoyed seeing the gods/Titans from another perspective, although, technically, Circe was one of them, and yet, she was also an outsider.
Also, no surprise, I loved Miller’s lyrical writing, and I hope that my writing may ebb and flow like hers.
I had no idea how the story was going to be structured because, unlike The Song of Achilles where I was a little more familiar with Achilles’ story, I didn’t know much about Circe (except that I thought that she turned men into pigs, but even then, I kept doubting my knowledge). I liked the progression and the inside look the novel gave into Circe’s character and the restriction of her divinity. It convinced me how lucky I am to be mortal with a set beginning and end.
Overall, I think I liked The Song of Achilles better, but Circe was still an amazing story as I especially loved the unexpected ending.
With Circe (besides its absolutely gorgeous cover for both the US and UK editions...I’m totally not shallow👀), I particularly enjoyed seeing the gods/Titans from another perspective, although, technically, Circe was one of them, and yet, she was also an outsider.
Also, no surprise, I loved Miller’s lyrical writing, and I hope that my writing may ebb and flow like hers.
I had no idea how the story was going to be structured because, unlike The Song of Achilles where I was a little more familiar with Achilles’ story, I didn’t know much about Circe (except that I thought that she turned men into pigs, but even then, I kept doubting my knowledge). I liked the progression and the inside look the novel gave into Circe’s character and the restriction of her divinity. It convinced me how lucky I am to be mortal with a set beginning and end.
Overall, I think I liked The Song of Achilles better, but Circe was still an amazing story as I especially loved the unexpected ending.
[ 3.5🌟 ]
I listened to most of this book through an audiobook and read the last section. I loved Neil Gaiman’s style of storytelling and the ways he painted the Norse gods. Loki was probably my favorite, no surprise.
I listened to most of this book through an audiobook and read the last section. I loved Neil Gaiman’s style of storytelling and the ways he painted the Norse gods. Loki was probably my favorite, no surprise.
[ 3.75🌟 ]
I started reading this late last night, and it definitely did not take me long to finish!! Leah’s dry and sarcastic voice is very relatable, and I found myself cracking up over some of the things she said.
Also...SIMON AND BRAM. I WAS LIVING.
I’m so glad that we were still able to see familiar characters but from another voice and perspective, and Leah’s was the perfect one.
I need another book about what happens at the end, thank you very much.
Becky Albertalli is amazing for many many reasons, and multiple times, I found myself cheering because Becky is that great.
I started reading this late last night, and it definitely did not take me long to finish!! Leah’s dry and sarcastic voice is very relatable, and I found myself cracking up over some of the things she said.
Also...SIMON AND BRAM. I WAS LIVING.
I’m so glad that we were still able to see familiar characters but from another voice and perspective, and Leah’s was the perfect one.
I need another book about what happens at the end, thank you very much.
Becky Albertalli is amazing for many many reasons, and multiple times, I found myself cheering because Becky is that great.
[ 4🌟 ]
I WANT MORE.
I’m so late to the Fangirl party, but I loved this story, and if I read this during my first semester of college (which is when I actually bought my copy), I think i would’ve burst into tears.
So relatable (although Cath and Wren got on my nerves a bit, and I wanted to know more about Cath’s writing for her fiction class), and I think Fangirl will forever be my “comfort book.”
Also...I want a Levi. Is that too much to ask?
I WANT MORE.
I’m so late to the Fangirl party, but I loved this story, and if I read this during my first semester of college (which is when I actually bought my copy), I think i would’ve burst into tears.
So relatable (although Cath and Wren got on my nerves a bit, and I wanted to know more about Cath’s writing for her fiction class), and I think Fangirl will forever be my “comfort book.”
Also...I want a Levi. Is that too much to ask?
[ 4.25🌟 ]
Review to come! I loved this story, and although the ending is a little too perfect of an ending (we do need those happily ever afters however), it’s a novel I will forever keep on my shelf!!
Review to come! I loved this story, and although the ending is a little too perfect of an ending (we do need those happily ever afters however), it’s a novel I will forever keep on my shelf!!
