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.

Author website: https://nadinebrandes.com

My Review

The story follows Thomas- the son of Guy fawkes and the fight between the Color Powers Group and the Stone Plague group. Thomas’s greatest desire is to get rid of the plague that has been bothering him but it’s not as simple as that.

Whenever I hear someone talk about Color wars, this book is the first thing that comes to mind. 🙂 I loved this book! Before reading this book, I had stayed away from fantasy and speculative novels. This story is based on the real events of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot. It read like a historical novel but had magical and fantasy aspects to it. This story opened up a whole new world for me.

I know it’s not actually historcally accurate but it really made it easier to understand the conflict between the two groups. It made me want to dive deeper into the historical event. I really got swept into the story. I think that there is so much the reader can learn along with the characters. Thomas has to decide for himself what he believes and will stand for. The decisions he maded not only affected him but those around him. The story between Emma and Thomas is sweet. I love a good love story!

The magical and fantasy aspects were weaved throughout so well. I felt like it added to the story organically and not feel forced. I liked how the different colors had different magical abilities.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

This book was purchased by me. This review is my own honest opinions about book. All views expressed are my opinions and no one else.