Publication Date: July 2018
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.
What To Expect:
Fawkes is a Christian YA historical fantasy surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Readers can expect a glimpse into 1600s London life, including fear of plague, political tumult, warring sides, and a fight for truth. The story includes clean teenage romance.
Content Warnings:
Language: None
Sexual Content: Closed Door – Brief kissing
Violence: Moderate – Sword fights, war violence, street assaults, mistreatment of prisoners, and hangings. None is overly graphic but there are lots of mentions of blood.
Substance Use: Mild – One or two instances of drinking and drunkenness (not underage)
Prejudices: The two sides in this story (Keepers and Igniters) represent the brutal clash between Catholics and Protestants during this era. To a lesser extent, prejudice against blacks is also shown.
Religious Themes: This is a work of Christian fiction, however the religious themes are metaphorical so it may not be immediately obvious. Characters speak of prayer and fighting for the truth.
Other Topics: The horrors of the plague portrayed
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