Fawkes

GIVEAWAY

BRANDES, NADINE
FAWKES

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 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 in 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 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.

My Review:

History and mystery clash in a fantastical tale of magic and mayhem! Loved the historical setting and the ingenuous color magic that brings an interesting edge to 17th century England. And the allegory behind the White Light is sheer brilliance. Political intrigue provides a convoluted plot full of action and danger as Thomas struggles to find his place in a society that scorns him. His desperate desire to belong leads him on a treacherous journey of self-discovery. Fawkes is written completely from his point of view which was an interesting switch for me as it's not often I read a book from just a male point of view...especially an adolescent male!

I listened to the audio version courtesy of my public library and the narrator is fantastic! Like watching a play only with your eyes closed. (lol) And excruciating at times when I wanted to go faster over a particularly exciting part. One of the perils of listening versus reading -- someone else sets the pace for you!

This is the first book I've read by Nadine Brandes -- I think that makes three new-to-me-authors in the last two weeks! -- but I'be heard fantastic things about her Out of Time series so I'll be hunting them down next. I do love me some great Young Adult fantasy and this author seems to fit the bill!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Fawkes, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 2 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!