The Blackthorn Key
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4.4 • 56 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
First-time novelist Sands has written an exciting and self-assured tale of alchemy and dark secrets set during the late-17th-century reign of King Charles II. Fourteen-year-old orphan Christopher Rowe is lucky to be apprenticed to a kindly apothecary, Master Benedict Blackthorn. But someone the Cult of the Archangel, it is rumored is murdering London's apothecaries, believing that members of the Apothecary's Guild are concealing a dangerous secret. Christopher is an easygoing boy, fond of pranks and experiments (the book opens with his ill-advised and ill-fated attempt at mixing up some gunpowder), but after Master Benedict is assaulted, he finds himself on the run, pursued by the murderous henchmen of a rival apothecary and the dangerous Lord Richard Ashcombe, His Majesty's Warden. Sands adeptly balances the novel's darker turns with moments of levity and humor, and fills the book with nicely detailed characters and historical background plus lots of explosions. It's a story that should have broad appeal, while especially intriguing readers with an existing interest in chemistry, history, and decoding puzzles. Ages 10 14.
Customer Reviews
Great Book!!
Totally an awesome read, recommend HIGHLY. This is a mystery novel for, I’d say, 13-15 would enjoy it best. Maybe 12, idk. I’m thirteen and the characters are 13 & 14 so. At first I thought it wasn’t a fantasy, because I like ONLY read fantasy, but it totally is!! It’s set in London in 1665 but Christopher Rowe being an apothecary makes it very magical and whimsical. I’d call it a child friendly murder mystery novel, but it’s pretty deep so not TOO child welcomed book. It mentions quite a bit about God and Christianity which super cool, but it’s not the main focus. I just loved following Christopher, Tom and Bridget on this venture and keep reading!!! The books get so better I’m telling you 📚📚📚
great book
exceeded my expectations
Wow
Wow this book is really interesting in so many ways and so many twists in the story,definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery!