Fawkes ~ Nadine Brandes

spoilers for Fawkes contained in this post

This is my favorite book of 2019.

I cannot imagine another book captivating, inspiring, and convicting me so much. I felt Thomas’ brokenness. I understood the plotters’ belief in what they thought was right and, at times, their desperation. I was inspired by Emma’s faith in the White Light. I felt my faith and understanding of the ‘White Light’ strengthen. Perhaps that is why this is my favorite book that I have read this year. It displayed the power of the White Light, a power that is separate from me and yet available to me; not to use as my own, but instead to let myself be used by it – to listen and obey, not to force it or use it to further my own desires and expectations.

Thank you, Nadine, for reminding us that the White Light speaks to all of us. It is only our fault if we do not listen.

White Light is not always stern or commanding, angry or condemning. It is kind, helpful, uplifting, and encouraging. It can be sassy at times. A lot of the time, actually.

Bonding with White Light is an adventure. One in which we can grow and become who we were created to be. Not because of ourselves or what we can do. But because of what it can do through us.

As I started this book, I wasn’t expecting such a theological lean to it. Perhaps I would never have noticed if I hadn’t accidentally stumbled upon a brief paragraph on Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, explaining his reasons and beliefs. It opened my eyes and I didn’t continue reading the book the same way that I had started it. Up to that point, I had sought to understand what allegorical meaning Nadine had put into her story … and embarrassingly enough, I couldn’t find it. Once my eyes were opened, however … it literally felt like I had been blind and then I saw. Kind of like … a lot like Thomas, actually. Except less radically life-changing.

And yet, my life has changed because of the White Light. Like Thomas’ life, and Emma’s, and even Guy’s. It may be less obvious than masks and color power make known, but no less powerful.

And these reasons are why Fawkes is my favorite book of 2019. For the truth contained in its pages.

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alright, now for a more fun and flailing review 😛

• so I thought I wouldn’t like Thomas that much. first-person narration can be difficult to relate to, especially if that narrator is of the opposite gender. AND YET. I liked Thomas. I was able to relate him and understand and be sympathetic towards him. nice.

• Emma, y’all. stars above, she was absolutely incredible and so intelligent and capable and womanly and just ugh, I loved her. she and Thomas made such a good couple, even when they were just friends or whatever when he was escorting her all around London. and her TWIST?!? I didn’t see it coming until that same chapter and wow, so amazing. so fantastic, I am such a freaking fan.

• just all the twists, okay?!? with the plague and everything, I was kept on the edge of my seat. and I’m also really proud of myself that I didn’t read ahead at any point. go me 😛 *pats myself on the back*

• the man himself, Guy Fawkes. I thought he was amazing and I loved witnessing his love and care for Thomas, even though their relationship was strained most of the time. and THE ENDING?!?! WOW.

• Catesby was a trip. I liked him and then I was like, oh, more recruits, huh. that doesn’t seem very smart. and then he kept doing it and I was like, yup, unstable, just as Thomas said. YOU HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL, DUDE. WHY’D YOU SCREW IT UP.

• don’t even get me started on Wintour </3

• the whole color system was so intriguing and interesting. I loved the whole conflict with the White Light. and the White Light itself was so sassy and yet not rude or condemning. I felt filled with White Light myself when I read about its power.

• the allegory and the inclusion of history was so well done! I didn’t know much about the history behind the Gunpowder Plot, so that was cool and the way Nadine included the allegory was very enlightening and helpful.

I loved this book. I generally don’t buy books, but this was worth the money and more. it will hold a place of honor on my bookshelf. now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to buy Romanov 😉

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have you read Fawkes? talk to me in the comments!

also, yes, I know it’s been 6 months. it took this book for me to emerge from my dark hiding place. I may continue with this blog and I may not. but I probably will. I love you all, if any of you even stuck around XD