Book Spotlight: Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

While planning my posts for November, I really wanted to do a bookish post that related to Bonfire Night. Earlier this year, I read the phenomenal wonder that is Fawkes by Nadine Brandes. I fell head over heels in love with this book and it still to this date remains one of my favourite reads of 2020. So, as it is based around Guy Fawkes I thought now was the perfect time to write a post dedicated to this fantastic book!

About The Book

Fawkes
By Nadine Brandes

YA – Historical Fantasy

Blurb:
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.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose 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.

5 Reasons You Should Read Fawkes

It’s the perfect November read! It’s set around the Gunpowder Plot so is the perfect Bonfire Night read!
There’s magic! One thing I was so surprised was to find the fantasy twist to this historical novel. I loved it. There’s coloured masks that give you power which I thought was awesome! This was my first historical fantasy book and it will not be the last.
It tackles prejudice! Although it’s set in the 17th Century when there was lots of racism and sexism it tackles these issues in the best way. There’s prejudice against the magic colours so it’s done brilliantly!
There’s a heartwarming romance! The romance is inter-racial and so very heartwarming. I loved every single moment of the romance.
It’s fast paced and epic! I couldn’t put this book down, it was just absolutely incredible. Right from the start I was obsessed with this story. It’s a must-read!

Interested? Check out my review of Fawkes HERE.