I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My review below is honest and the views are completely my own.

This historical fantasy retelling of the Gunpowder plot with an added original magical caste system was interesting. Guy Fawkes' son, Thomas, suffers from the Stone Plague and wants nothing more than to receive his mask from his father so he can come of age in the magical world. Thomas finds himself thrust into the world of treason as Guy Fawkes rallies around a group of fighters looking to assassinate the King. The plot was a lot, with the Gunpowder plot, along with so many characters, not to mention the romance plot... it somehow felt rushed and yet slow at the same time.

Though slow at times, the second half of the book had tension built upon each chapter. It took me quite a while to get through it, and I found myself putting it down a lot.

While weak with the pacing, I would recommend Fawkes to YA and fantasy readers who are interested in historical fiction.

From the blurb, you’ll gather there are two major magical factions. Both believe absolutely that their viewpoint is right and that if they don’t prevail, disaster will overtake the country. This point of view also sums up the attitudes of the religious differences prevailing at the time, which was the underlying cause of the Gunpowder Plot and is a nifty way of generating added interest in the religious divide that fractured the country for generations, but that our modern secular society finds difficult to understand. However, I did find it a bit of a problem. While I knew all about the differing beliefs of the Catholics and Protestants of the time, I wasn’t clear exactly how the colour system of magic operated. As James, the main protagonist, isn’t a magic-user, he doesn’t have an intimate knowledge of how it works and while I realised that white magic is the dealbreaker, I wasn’t sure what happened with the likes of teal and crimson, for instance. I was able to let this go for the sake of the story, but I did feel it was a weakness.

James’ determination to search out his absent father and persuade him to craft him a mask which would allow him to access his magical ability, snagged my sympathy – especially as that father happened to be Guido Fawkes. And once James tracks down his father, as we already know, his problems are only beginning. Elements from the actual plot are woven into this tense historical thriller, which I really enjoyed. But the character who really stole the show for me was Emma.

Personally, I would have preferred to have had the story told from her viewpoint as I think she was a stronger, feistier character who pinged off the page and whose story arc is more interesting than James. The problem with James is that he is only ever on the edge of the plot and spent much of the story grappling with the plague. I felt that Brandes got a tad overwhelmed with the sheer richness and complexity of the elements in her story and consequently, there was a stronger, more coherent version struggling to surface.

Nonetheless, Brandes is clearly a skilful, capable writer with an interesting tale that has had me pondering many of the elements since I finished reading it. Recommended for readers interested in fantasy with a historical twist.
7/10

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Publishing, for the read of “Fawkes”. A big thank you to Nadine Brandes for a cleverly written novel.
I loved this novel. How Nadine Brandes took the November 5, 1605 Guy Fawkes Gunpowder Plot historical facts and used it to create a YA Fantasy, was extremely clever. The writing is excellent. The characters interesting. The plot, great!..and then wait... and then ok. Everyone is to earn a mask to control magic power over a colour. Brown controls earth, mud…blue controls water – you get the idea. Everyone but the plagued. Thomas Fawkes, son (fictional or non, not sure) of the infamous Guy Fawkes, is infected with the stone plague and sans mask. And I found him not a very strong, likeable fellow. But there are enough other characters and plot lines that I didn’t mind much. The world-building was impressive; it was easy to get swept up in the story, but at the same time, it left me with a few questions regarding the mask magic. Like, what happens when the mask cracks, breaks or is stolen – as they are in the novel? Is there a mask repair shop? Do you get another mask? If yes, where?
The other characters were great. Emma, Thomas’ love interest, is portrayed as a modern day heroine, facing modern day challenges, in a 1605 setting. I won’t give any Emma away because it was one of my favorite surprises in the novel but you’ll see what I mean when you read it.
But, I really enjoyed this book. It was a unique, entertaining read. I highly recommend this book and it is definitely one I will order for our library must reads.

“I couldn’t let her shape my decision just because I cared about her. And I couldn’t let Father shape my decisions just because I wanted his approval.”

That quote sums up a lot of the story and Thomas’ character growth. I’m not the type of reader to really analyze what a book is trying to say but it’s impossible to miss in Fawkes. I thought its a historical fiction fantasy story about 🎭 masks and magic with a plague and overthrowing a tyrant. Fawkes is about overcoming prejudice, thinking for yourself instead of what society is shoving down your throat, and standing up for what is right not based on belief or popular opinion but at the source as it applies to everyone despite race or gender.

I knew basically nothing about the history of Guy Fawkes until this book. (That being said this is, in no ways, a history textbook. Just going to throw out that warning right here. But if this is what happened, it’d be so amazing – and would make more sense than some things in history do to me). I have, however, always been fascinated by the event – an assassination plot gone wrong? Count me in. And then you throw in magic and I’m sold. Who can I give my money to before I leave?

I adored the leading lady, the heroine, the masked companion that is Emma. She was all about empowerment. Not only was she strong, especially in a fight, but she was also honorable. I really enjoyed Thomas. Yes he can kind of stick his foot in his mouth sometimes, but what I loved about him was his journey. The magic is amazing here. The magic is combined with politics and social justice. There’s so much more to the magic and to the implications. You felt fully immersed in the world. In the way that you know a bit, don’t know a lot, and spend some time lost in the middle. But there’s so much, dare I say it, color to this world.

It could have been a 5-star read, but as always execution of premise could not be the way I wanted it or probably less confusing.
Times of Guy Fawkes, magic, secret love, power play, a lot of action and complicated connections - what not to love here? Right?
Well - due to lack of good explanations about what each faction can do or what colors of their mask represent (like Brown can do...). That made that read much more confusing than it should have been and disturbed the reading pace as I tried to cover it with my imagination.
Needs that added so readers won't be that confused!

This was a book that got my interest because it's a blend of many things: fantasy ,historical fiction and a great cover! In general I enjoyed the book, but there are aspects of it that was lacking in my opinion.
I found the idea of people wearing masks and control the color that coincides with their mask. The world building was unique and there were twists to the original historical story, which was good.
It could be even better if the writer explained the original historical characters and events a bit more, as I assume not everyone knows and it would bring more attention from the reader if explained.
The magic aspect was a bit messy, I wish there was more structure to it. Also, it wasn't so well thought and explained. The world setting and magic system need to be really set up well to make a great fantasy book.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but at the same time I really think it could be much better if these issues were met.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for granting a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

When I first saw the title of this book I though I knew the story of Guy Fawkes and what to expect. This story about Guy Fawkes’ son, Thomas is so much more than historical fiction mixed with magic! This book uses magic and the plot of treason to cause the reader to question where their loyalty lies. Not just governmental loyalty, but the loyalty to themselves. Without spoiling things, Thomas has to decide if he will follow his father’s lead or question things and make his own decisions.
The magic system in this book is quite interesting. When you come of age, your mother or father gives you a mask they have made for you that will bond with you and you will be able to use “Color magic”. Color magic controls things that are that color, for example blues control water and browns control dirt. It is part of the political intrigue because there are two schools of thought, the Keepers who believe each person should control only one color and the Ignitors who want to control multiple colors. This idea of one strength or using multiple strengths is something I see people struggle with in our daily lives, do we focus on one skill or do we multitask? This book will make you think about that.
Give this book a read because I walked away feeling like I need to figure out where I stand in life and what I want to be, and as an adult I thought those feelings were behind me, but Thomas and his friends have made me reinvigorated to pursue my true purpose.

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes is a young adult historical fantasy novel set in the time and events of the Gunpowder plot. Thomas Fawkes is dying, a magical plague is turning him to stone, literally. The only thing he thinks can save him is his color mask. Once he is able to connect to color magic through it he thinks it will save him. The only problem is that his father, the famous Guy Fawkes, is the only one who can carve his mask, and Guy has not been an involved father for Thomas. Thomas goes in search of his father and gets pulled into the political intrigue of magic and politics and a plot, the real version of which is still celebrated today.

For me Fawkes was a lot of fun. Blending the real people who were involved with some unique added characters and concepts that make the story all its own. Thomas as a character is still really learning and trying to find himself. He is pulled and pushed by the events and people around him, not really sure who is leading him in the right path. He wants to impress his father but also Emma who he finds a greater and greater connection to. The story from start to finish leads us along a complex path as Thomas is exposed to more and more of the world around him

Overall I recommend Fawkes by Nadine Brandes as a well conceived blend of real events and people with fantasy, romance and adventure. As the characters learn that there is more that meets the surface going on, in so many instances and ways, the twists and turns we are presented with keeps us feeling for the characters and wishing everyone could win somehow. I also enjoyed the afterward where Ms. Brands gives us the historical context behind the characters, who was real, what they actually did, and where the ideas for other characters were drawn from.

(I voluntarily reviewed an advance review copy of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)

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)

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.

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.