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mbenzz's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars.
I really thought I would love this book, but it just fell so flat for me. It started out strong in the beginning, cause everything was new and exciting, but the middle just draaaaggggged. Not enough information is given about the plague or about how the color powers really work. The whole middle is just trudging along with Thomas while he navigates being involved in his fathers plot to blow up Parliament.
The idea of this story was really interesting. I feel like if less time had been focused on the inner-workings of the plot, and Thomas whining about wanting his mask and dealing his with conflicting feelings/emotions, and more on the use of color powers and the background about how all that came to be and why EXACTLY the Keepers and Igniters hate one another, then it would have been a better story overall. We're constantly TOLD how things are, but they're never really explained to us.
My biggest annoyance though came from the White Light. This book takes place in 1604-1605. The way the White Light converses with Thomas inside his head is ridiculous. For instance, on page 76 the White Light responses to Thomas with...
"Doesn't that make me sound awesome?"
Now, while the word 'awesome' did exists in 1605 (I googled it), I have NEVER come across it in any other stories set during this time period (and I've read a lot), nor would it be used in that context. I have no idea why the White Light was given the voice of a cocky 21st Century teenager, but it really took me out of the story.
Overall, this was definitely a disappointment. I didn't hate it, but I don't know that I would recommend this to anyone.
I really thought I would love this book, but it just fell so flat for me. It started out strong in the beginning, cause everything was new and exciting, but the middle just draaaaggggged. Not enough information is given about the plague or about how the color powers really work. The whole middle is just trudging along with Thomas while he navigates being involved in his fathers plot to blow up Parliament.
The idea of this story was really interesting. I feel like if less time had been focused on the inner-workings of the plot, and Thomas whining about wanting his mask and dealing his with conflicting feelings/emotions, and more on the use of color powers and the background about how all that came to be and why EXACTLY the Keepers and Igniters hate one another, then it would have been a better story overall. We're constantly TOLD how things are, but they're never really explained to us.
My biggest annoyance though came from the White Light. This book takes place in 1604-1605. The way the White Light converses with Thomas inside his head is ridiculous. For instance, on page 76 the White Light responses to Thomas with...
"Doesn't that make me sound awesome?"
Now, while the word 'awesome' did exists in 1605 (I googled it), I have NEVER come across it in any other stories set during this time period (and I've read a lot), nor would it be used in that context. I have no idea why the White Light was given the voice of a cocky 21st Century teenager, but it really took me out of the story.
Overall, this was definitely a disappointment. I didn't hate it, but I don't know that I would recommend this to anyone.
allyreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting premise and unique storytelling! At times it was a little slow and I found myself skimming, but I cared about the characters and the outcome! The author took time and care with historical facts and as a history teacher I loved that!
As far as fantasy goes it’s rather light. It’s more of a clean YA historical fiction. It’s full of moral messages and comments on social & family problems. I think many will find this relatable and enjoyable!
I look forward to future books by this author and I would definitely recommend this book to students!
Thank you netgalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!
As far as fantasy goes it’s rather light. It’s more of a clean YA historical fiction. It’s full of moral messages and comments on social & family problems. I think many will find this relatable and enjoyable!
I look forward to future books by this author and I would definitely recommend this book to students!
Thank you netgalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!
english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
'Fawkes' took an extremely interesting idea and concept: weaving a well-known historical event with fantasy elements to create a whole new and intriguing world for readers. I had sort of mixed feelings towards this story at the beginning, but ended up liking it quite a lot.
It was well written, used excellent world-building, and presented the struggle of the two teenage protagonists struggling to find acceptance and their place in the world very well. I felt it also conveyed some of the undercurrents of political unrest and mistrust of the time well.
However: this I can accept this story might not be according to everyone's taste. Some of the irreverent attitudes and behaviors might bother some, and the talk of 'magic' might put off some readers.
Don't let that put you off though, its very much fantasy/allegorical. Its based on the idea that 'The White Light' who I suppose is meant to be God, gives humans 'colour power', the ability to be able to control the movement of objects of a certain colour when wearing special masks. There are two groups. Keepers, who roughly correspond to Catholics, and Igniters to Protestants. Both sides think they are in the right, and are serving 'The White Light' in the way he wants, but 'none bothered to ask'.
There were also a few things which grated on my. Sometimes Thomas came over as whiny, and Emma as overly entitled. Also, whilst some of the modern language and Americanisms weren't very noticeable but I occasionally found myself jarred right out of the story with words like 'swell': and not used in the noun or verb form.
Given that this was Historical Fantasy, I think the reader can be forgiving in terms of historical accuracy and realism. However, there were one or two slip ups that kind of stood out. In one scene, when Thomas and his father were standing outside the Houses of Parliament, (also known as the Palace of Westminster), it is referred to as the House of Lords.
I think the author has conflated the House of Lords, which is an institution , with the Houses of Parliament, which is a building. Sort of like referring to the US Capitol building as the 'Senate'.
Also, the characters seemed to be under the impression that Parliament consisted of the Lords and the King: it has actually consisted of two Houses since its foundation in Medieval times.
The Lords and the Commons. Both of whom meet in the Houses of Parliament in two separate Chambers. Maybe I'm just verging on the pedantic though as a Brit who likes to see our governing institution accurately represented.
That said, the geography of 17th century Britain is probably more accurate in this novel then other novels which are not fantasy. Readers might be interested to note that the building shown on the cover is in fact the Tower of London, and not Parliament.
All in all though, I enjoyed Fawkes more than I thought I might. Its a good choice, perhaps for those who don't want straight out fantasy or are relatively new to the fantasy genre.
I requested this title from the publisher via BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
It was well written, used excellent world-building, and presented the struggle of the two teenage protagonists struggling to find acceptance and their place in the world very well. I felt it also conveyed some of the undercurrents of political unrest and mistrust of the time well.
However: this I can accept this story might not be according to everyone's taste. Some of the irreverent attitudes and behaviors might bother some, and the talk of 'magic' might put off some readers.
Don't let that put you off though, its very much fantasy/allegorical. Its based on the idea that 'The White Light' who I suppose is meant to be God, gives humans 'colour power', the ability to be able to control the movement of objects of a certain colour when wearing special masks. There are two groups. Keepers, who roughly correspond to Catholics, and Igniters to Protestants. Both sides think they are in the right, and are serving 'The White Light' in the way he wants, but 'none bothered to ask'.
There were also a few things which grated on my. Sometimes Thomas came over as whiny, and Emma as overly entitled. Also, whilst some of the modern language and Americanisms weren't very noticeable but I occasionally found myself jarred right out of the story with words like 'swell': and not used in the noun or verb form.
Given that this was Historical Fantasy, I think the reader can be forgiving in terms of historical accuracy and realism. However, there were one or two slip ups that kind of stood out. In one scene, when Thomas and his father were standing outside the Houses of Parliament, (also known as the Palace of Westminster), it is referred to as the House of Lords.
I think the author has conflated the House of Lords, which is an institution , with the Houses of Parliament, which is a building. Sort of like referring to the US Capitol building as the 'Senate'.
Also, the characters seemed to be under the impression that Parliament consisted of the Lords and the King: it has actually consisted of two Houses since its foundation in Medieval times.
The Lords and the Commons. Both of whom meet in the Houses of Parliament in two separate Chambers. Maybe I'm just verging on the pedantic though as a Brit who likes to see our governing institution accurately represented.
That said, the geography of 17th century Britain is probably more accurate in this novel then other novels which are not fantasy. Readers might be interested to note that the building shown on the cover is in fact the Tower of London, and not Parliament.
All in all though, I enjoyed Fawkes more than I thought I might. Its a good choice, perhaps for those who don't want straight out fantasy or are relatively new to the fantasy genre.
I requested this title from the publisher via BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
ultimateplay3r's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK. i never knew about the gunpower plot and thanks to this book, i know so much about it.
cmitchell2781's review
4.0
Recommended
I enjoyed Thomas and Emma's story. However, I felt like the story dragged a little bit, as new pieces were being introduced, but we weren't getting anywhere solution wise. And then, when we did get to the resolution, it was unsatisfying for me. I was glad to see Thomas come to his own opinions as opposed to following blindly, and Emma gain a freedom that she was missing, but overall, I dont think they succeeded in changing anything for the better.
The book was well written and it was easy to envision each character and all of the locations in London, which made it all the easier to get sucked into the story, even if it took a while to conclude.
I enjoyed Thomas and Emma's story. However, I felt like the story dragged a little bit, as new pieces were being introduced, but we weren't getting anywhere solution wise. And then, when we did get to the resolution, it was unsatisfying for me. I was glad to see Thomas come to his own opinions as opposed to following blindly, and Emma gain a freedom that she was missing, but overall, I dont think they succeeded in changing anything for the better.
The book was well written and it was easy to envision each character and all of the locations in London, which made it all the easier to get sucked into the story, even if it took a while to conclude.
votesforwomen's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so first of all, a MASSIVE thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book!!!!!
Now let's talk review.
Wow! I read the Out of Time series not long before blasting through Fawkes, and while they're both very different (and I think that in general I liked OoT a little better) they both have a distinctive Nadine feel to them. So that was really awesome.
The premise of this book is the Gunpowder plot, a real event in England in the early 1600s where a group of plotters discontent with the king (he was a Protestant; they were Catholic; the Protestant church at that time did shameful thing to Catholics.) Guy Fawkes was one of the leaders of that plot, and November 5th in England bears his name. If you don't know anything about the Gunpowder Plot, don't look it up before you read this book. I, I'm afraid, knew a little bit about it, so some of what happened didn't come as a surprise. But! It was still a great book!!!!
LIKES
-Guy Fawkes himself. Like just HOLY WOW. Talk about the complex dad character. You kind of have to read the thing to know exactly how awesome he is, and his character arc...man, this is my kind of character.
-EMMA. I can't really say anything about her because SPOILERS HAHA HER EXISTENCE IS A SPOILER but still. I loved her so much. <33333
-The fact that the real plotters were the characters of this book!
-While there's both Keepers (the side Thomas and his father are on) and Igniters (the side Emma and her family are on) within this story, both are portrayed as having major faults and not being totally in the right OR the wrong. Keepers are a persecuted minority, and Thomas and his father fight for them, but Brandes still shows that there are fundamental flaws with them that cannot be explained away simply because they're the minority. Igniters are in power and technically, supposedly, in the right, but their method of holding onto power and the way they torment anyone different is not once depicted as a good thing. Which I LOVED. Both sides were wrong, but neither side was TOTALLY wrong. This made it complicated. And I loved that.
-Just the whole historical fantasy aspect. That was so cool.
-The color masks/powers! I found that whole concept amazing.
-THE VILLAIN. I will not tell you who it was or anything about them...but holy cow it was so so neat when VILLAIN is revealed and I just start shrieking. Heh heh...I totally didn't scream in the middle of the doctor's office or anything like that....
DISLIKES
-So, Thomas himself really was whiny and selfish for a long time? He does have some character development, but since this is a standalone where there's already a TON happening he doesn't get a ton. I didn't HATE him...I just didn't love him, either.
-The whole White Light thing just kind of weirded me out a bit. This is probably just a matter of taste, in all honesty, but it was still a little weird to me.
-The book was a TEENSY bit slow in the middle.
All in all, four stars, and I definitely recommend this one! Thanks again to Netgalley for providing a free copy! All opinions are my own.
Now let's talk review.
Wow! I read the Out of Time series not long before blasting through Fawkes, and while they're both very different (and I think that in general I liked OoT a little better) they both have a distinctive Nadine feel to them. So that was really awesome.
The premise of this book is the Gunpowder plot, a real event in England in the early 1600s where a group of plotters discontent with the king (he was a Protestant; they were Catholic; the Protestant church at that time did shameful thing to Catholics.) Guy Fawkes was one of the leaders of that plot, and November 5th in England bears his name. If you don't know anything about the Gunpowder Plot, don't look it up before you read this book. I, I'm afraid, knew a little bit about it, so some of what happened didn't come as a surprise. But! It was still a great book!!!!
LIKES
-Guy Fawkes himself. Like just HOLY WOW. Talk about the complex dad character. You kind of have to read the thing to know exactly how awesome he is, and his character arc...man, this is my kind of character.
-EMMA. I can't really say anything about her because SPOILERS HAHA HER EXISTENCE IS A SPOILER but still. I loved her so much. <33333
-The fact that the real plotters were the characters of this book!
-While there's both Keepers (the side Thomas and his father are on) and Igniters (the side Emma and her family are on) within this story, both are portrayed as having major faults and not being totally in the right OR the wrong. Keepers are a persecuted minority, and Thomas and his father fight for them, but Brandes still shows that there are fundamental flaws with them that cannot be explained away simply because they're the minority. Igniters are in power and technically, supposedly, in the right, but their method of holding onto power and the way they torment anyone different is not once depicted as a good thing. Which I LOVED. Both sides were wrong, but neither side was TOTALLY wrong. This made it complicated. And I loved that.
-Just the whole historical fantasy aspect. That was so cool.
-The color masks/powers! I found that whole concept amazing.
-THE VILLAIN. I will not tell you who it was or anything about them...but holy cow it was so so neat when VILLAIN is revealed and I just start shrieking. Heh heh...I totally didn't scream in the middle of the doctor's office or anything like that....
DISLIKES
-So, Thomas himself really was whiny and selfish for a long time? He does have some character development, but since this is a standalone where there's already a TON happening he doesn't get a ton. I didn't HATE him...I just didn't love him, either.
-The whole White Light thing just kind of weirded me out a bit.
Spoiler
So, I know that the Keepers are supposed to stand in for Catholics and Igniters for Protestants, but because of that I kept thinking that eventually the White Light was going to be revealed as the Holy Spirit. Which was kind of happening, but I just wasn't feeling it...something about it was weird. Especially how sassy it was. I'm sure it's just that my expectations and the fantasy side of things collided, but it was weird, especially since Thomas and the others have to basically find salvation by coming to the White Light.-The book was a TEENSY bit slow in the middle.
All in all, four stars, and I definitely recommend this one! Thanks again to Netgalley for providing a free copy! All opinions are my own.