Publisher's Synopsis
Following a series of murders, an apothecary’s apprentice must solve puzzles and decipher codes in pursuit of a secret that could destroy the world in this “spectacular debut” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
“Tell no one what I’ve given you.”
Until he got that cryptic warning, Christopher Rowe was happy, learning how to solve complex codes and puzzles and creating powerful medicines, potions, and weapons as an apprentice to Master Benedict Blackthorn—with maybe an explosion or two along the way.
But when a mysterious cult begins to prey on London’s apothecaries, the trail of murders grows closer and closer to Blackthorn’s shop. With time running out, Christopher must use every skill he’s learned to discover the key to a terrible secret with the power to tear the world apart.
In his stunning debut novel, Kevin Sands brings readers on a heart-stopping adventure rich with suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters.
“Tell no one what I’ve given you.”
Until he got that cryptic warning, Christopher Rowe was happy, learning how to solve complex codes and puzzles and creating powerful medicines, potions, and weapons as an apprentice to Master Benedict Blackthorn—with maybe an explosion or two along the way.
But when a mysterious cult begins to prey on London’s apothecaries, the trail of murders grows closer and closer to Blackthorn’s shop. With time running out, Christopher must use every skill he’s learned to discover the key to a terrible secret with the power to tear the world apart.
In his stunning debut novel, Kevin Sands brings readers on a heart-stopping adventure rich with suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters.
Our Reviews
, puzzlesThis book was recommended for middle school level students and read to me like a younger reader’s DaVinci Code. The story is about Christopher who has been plucked from an orphanage to become apprentice to the apothecary, Benedict Blackthorn. When a number of apothecaries are brutally murdered, Christopher finds himself on the run with nothing but the riddles and codes left him by his master to try to determine who is behind the killings and put a stop to it. Christopher is a delightful main character; he's thoughtful, caring, loyal and very intelligent. The author did a great job of painting a picture of historical though fictionalized London. I particularly enjoyed the description of the daily lives and experiences of the people. All of this combined with a fast paced plot, plenty of explosions, loyal sidekick and a clever main character mean that The Blackthorn Key is the kind of book I'd happily have on the shelves for my students. This book would appeal to boys or girls who like adventure, mystery, puzzles or historical fiction.-- 4.5 stars M. Vannoni
The Blackthorn Key is the story of Christoper, an orphan who has been selected to be apprentice to an apothecary. After a series of murders in which all the victims are apothecaries, Christoper is left to solve the puzzle. His master has left behind ingredients and clues to guide Christoper in solving the mystery. Christoper's adventures are exciting and keep you on the edge of your seat, although there is some graphic violence at one point. Because of this, I would recommend this for more mature middle school students. 4 stars ~Donna DeLuca
For students who like a story with mystery, codebreaking, plenty of plot twists, and the occasional explosion, The Blackthorn Key will be a welcome addition to the reading list. Orphaned Christopher is a young apprentice to a 17th century London apothecary. When a serial killer targets local apothecaries, Christopher becomes a suspect, and is forced to flee. He must rely on his wits, and the support of his loyal best friend, to unravel the mystery. I enjoyed this book and will definitely recommend it to my middle school readers. Christopher is a likeable and believable character with intelligence and a mischievous side. The description of the life of an apprentice and the work of apothecaries will interest many readers. Although many middle school students will not have background knowledge about the political climate that comes into play, I do not believe this will hinder their enjoyment of the story. 4.5 stars--Sheila Tobin Cavooris
The Blackthorn Key is a story that is set in the 1600s and revolves around Christopher Rowe, the endearing main character, who is a Master Apothecary’s apprentice. Sadly, the Master Apothecary dies and Christopher begins a journey to discover the murder of his Master (and father-like figure) along with other murders. Christopher has the kind of loyal best friend that everyone wants and inadvertently finds himself and his best friend in much trouble. All of the characters in this story are realistic and “easy to get to know.” There are times in the story that the reader can feel as though he or she is directly next to the characters and feeling the emotions that they may be feeling. This story is easy to read due to the dangerous situations the reader wants to see resolved. It is an excellent story for those readers who love suspense, scientific riddles and codes, and solving puzzles. This book appears to be the first of a series and it is with great anticipation that I wait for the sequel. 5 stars Aija Haynes