Fawkes

Fawkes is the first ever book I've read by Nadine Brandes. I read it for a college course, and it turned out to be way better than I suspected. I am not usually interested in history, but Fawkes provides a romantic and heroic tale about a young man caught in the real-life Gunpowder Plot. Thomas Fawkes is the main character who sets on a journey to discover his color power and why his father wouldn't give him his mask. These colored masks allowed the owner to control any object the same color as the mask. Thomas soon finds himself in a war between Keepers and Igniters, who share different opinions about the White Light. The White Light rains overall colors, and its power is immense. The story shows some interesting characters, like Benedict Norwood (Thomas's best friend), Emma Areben (Thomas's crush), Guy Fawkes (Thomas's father), Catesby (leader of the plotters), and some other becoming characters. It's interesting how the book shows how African Americans dealt with racial discrimination in the 1600s. Also, how different opinions brought war and genocide to two groups. Clearly, a lot of research went into making this book. It was enjoyable because of the creativity of the stone plague, Thomas's bonds with other characters, and how different points of view change a person. I hope Nadine Brandes writes more interesting historical fiction. I might give them a read.

I love an author that takes something you've heard about a million times and puts a whole new spin on it! That's exactly what Brandes has done with Fawkes. The story of a son trying to forge some sort of meaningful bond with a father while being pulled in the opposite direction towards the girl of his dreams? All while attempting to figure himself out in the process!? Okay, the outcome in general is known just due to it being historical, and the villain is a tad predictable. Regardless of this, I found it an enjoyable read and would definitely recommend if you like romance, fencing, plagues, and plots!