Fawkes

Publication date: July 10, 2018
*an advanced digital copy received by the publisher and Net Galley for an honest review

My thoughts:

It is England in 1604. King James of Scotland is on the throne after his cousin Queen Elizabeth dies after 45 years on the throne. The Plague settles in. Catholic associates, including Guy Fawkes plot to murder Protestant King James as well as Parliament. That is the cut and dry facts of history, but what makes history so enticing is that below the facts are real people that fought and loved and hoped and suffered. 

This story combines the facts of the Gun Powder Plot in London but tells a human story through the eyes of young Thomas Fawkes, fictional son of Guy Fawkes. It takes on issues of human rights, intrigue, class wars but adds in a sprinkling of fantasy and magic. I realize I am a sucker for a good fantasy book and the Harry Potter series is evidence that millions of readers love to read about young characters finding their own magical powers. 

Finally, the fantasy element added to the historical element will hopefully get readers to want to read more about this time and seek out those primary sources that tell more stories about the real people living in those times. The one thing that is missing that I would have liked to see are resources of primary sources to learn more about Fawkes, his co-conspirators, the Plagues and the monarchy as there are teachable moments packaged in an engaging story.

Description:

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 it. 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.

June reading challenge: Father Knows Best: read a book that features a father