The Blackthorn Key, by Kevin Sands
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The Blackthorn Key, by Kevin Sands
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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 suspenseful debut novel.“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.
The Blackthorn Key, by Kevin Sands - Amazon Sales Rank: #90409 in Books
- Published on: 2015-09-01
- Released on: 2015-09-01
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 8.25" h x 1.50" w x 5.50" l, .0 pounds
- Binding: Hardcover
- 384 pages
The Blackthorn Key, by Kevin Sands From School Library Journal Gr 4–6—An auspicious debut middle grade novel. Set in the 1600s, the story revolves around Christopher Rowe, the apprentice to a Master Apothecary. After losing his master, Christopher begins to unravel a series of complex codes that his master had, unbeknownst to Chris, been preparing him to solve all along. The more that the protagonist uncovers, the more he finds himself in danger, along with his loyal-to-a-fault best friend. The story is well paced, managing not only to keep readers hooked but also second guessing everything they think they know. Sands integrates a series of fun and interesting riddles and codes with chemistry concepts—no easy feat. The ending is dynamic and rewarding, with just the right blend of the fantastical and realistic. One of the true triumphs is the author's ability to create a character who feels accurate for the time period, while also displaying a modern sensibility that will keep readers engaged. The action does get intense but would still be appropriate for upper elementary school students. VERDICT This is an excellent story for readers who enjoy puzzles, action, and fantasy; keep an eye out for future installments.—Chad Lane, Easton Elementary, Wye Mills, MD
Review "Captivating! A masterful page-turner brimming with secrets, traps, friendship, intrigue, pigeons, potions, loyalty, and explosions. Kevin Sands has created an engaging, kind-hearted, and humorous young hero in apothecary's apprentice Christopher Rowe. This thrilling adventure will keep you hooked." (Ingrid Law Newbery Honor and NYT bestselling author of Savvy)"Magic, adventure, and things that go boom--I love this book." (Eoin Colfer author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series)"First-time novelist Sands has written an exciting and self-assured tale of alchemy and dark secrets . . . 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." (Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW)"A spectacular debut." (Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW)An auspicious debut middle grade novel. Set in the 1600s, the story revolves around Christopher Rowe, the apprentice to a Master Apothecary. After losing his master, Christopher begins to unravel a series of complex codes that his master had, unbeknownst to Chris, been preparing him to solve all along. The more that the protagonist uncovers, the more he finds himself in danger, along with his loyal-to-a-fault best friend. The story is well paced, managing not only to keep readers hooked, but also second guessing everything they think they know. Sands integrates a series of fun and interesting riddles and codes with chemistry concepts—no easy feat. The ending is dynamic and rewarding, with just the right blend of the fantastical and realistic. One of the true triumphs is the author’s ability to create a character who feels accurate for the time period, while also displaying a modern sensibility that will keep readers engaged. The action does get intense, but would still be appropriate for upper elementary school students. VERDICT This is an excellent story for readers who enjoy puzzles, action, and fantasy; keep an eye out for future installments (School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW)"An auspicious debut middle grade novel . . . The story is well paced, managing not only to keep readers hooked, but also second guessing everything they think they know. Sands integrates a series of fun and interesting riddles and codes with chemistry concepts—no easy feat. The ending is dynamic and rewarding, with just the right blend of the fantastical and realistic. One of the true triumphs is the author’s ability to create a character who feels accurate for the time period, while also displaying a modern sensibility that will keep readers engaged . . . VERDICT This is an excellent story for readers who enjoy puzzles, action, and fantasy; keep an eye out for future installments." (School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW)"An inspired blend of action, adventure, science, history, and humor, filled with fascinating facts, clever codes, and wonderful characters." (Stuart Gibbs bestsellling author of the Spy School series)
About the Author Since escaping from university with a pair of degrees in theoretical physics, Kevin Sands has worked as a researcher, a business consultant, and a teacher. He lives in Toronto, Canada. The Blackthorn Key is his first novel.
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Most helpful customer reviews
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful. Engaging and Imaginative - For All Ages By Talvi The Blackthorn Key is an engaging middle grade historical/mystery that reads very much like a 12-year-old-friendly version of an Umberto Eco book. Set during the English Restoration (17th century, when Charles II was restored to the throne after Olive Cromwell's puritan revolution/civil war) the book has wonderful historical perspectives on the times that aren't overbearing or obtrusive to the story. But at heart, this is a book about a boy's adventures in London trying to solve the mystery of his apothecary master's mysterious nightly excursions.Story: Christopher Rowe was saved from the orphanage when a apothecary guildmember noted his mixing skills. Apprenticed to Master Blackthorn, a gentle and kind person boss, Christopher is learning valuable skills that will elevate him above his humble beginnings. But when fellow apothecary guild members begin turning up dead, and with a rumor of a mysterious "cult of the Archangel" behind the killings, Christopher and friend Tom will have to use all their courage and mettle to survive.The Blackthorn Key makes great use of astronomy, botany and especially chemistry to solve puzzles that will lead to the source of the murders. Christopher is intent on saving his master, Blackthorn, from the deadly cult - one intent on discovering an alchemical reaction that could change the course of British (and perhaps the world) history.There are several surprises along the way and certainly Christopher and Tom have great adventures that middle graders will love. But this is also a book that adults can appreciate - from the historical details/milieu, a touch of supernatural mystery, to some great twists and turns.The characters are true to the era as well as their ages. Combined with a very easy and fast read, this is a book that achieves much and rewards on several levels. Certainly, as an adult I enjoyed reading this and then passing it to my 12 year old. It led to some interesting discussions about the English Civil War and the Restoration period.Recommended for all ages. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A DaVinci Code for kids By Janet Hamilton Summary: Apothecaries around London are being murdered. Christopher Rowe, apprentice to apothecary Benedict Blackwell, isn’t too worried…until his master sends him on a wild goose chase errand, and he returns to learn that Blackwell has become the latest victim. Overwhelmed by grief, Christopher discovers an encoded message in the apothecary’s ledger and sets out to decipher it. When he realizes Blackwell has named his killer in the message, Christopher knows he is in great peril. Slowly, he uncovers the dangerous secrets of the Cult of the Archangel, and learns of his master’s involvement in activities designed to unleash the power of God himself. Ultimately, Christopher must make certain that these powers don’t fall into the hands of the evil men who are seeking them…and rapidly closing in on Christopher. Grades 5-8.Pros: Set in 17th-century London, this murder mystery/historical fiction thriller is a DaVinci Code for kids. It took me awhile to dig into a book about an apothecary from the 1600’s, but Christopher is given a humorous, modern voice, without taking away from the historical authenticity. With an escaped evildoer, uncertainty about Christopher’s next master, and the plague pushing against London’s borders, a sequel is surely part of the plan.Cons: The final showdown gets pretty gory. Someone loses half his fingers, a couple eyes are put out, and two characters will move into the next installment with a good portion of their faces gone.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. but I have to say that this book was really good. The story is about Christopher who has been ... By Nancy Williams This book was pitched at middle grade so immediately one's point of reference is the Harry Potter series. Of course, comparing anything to that is somewhat unfair, but I have to say that this book was really good. The story is about Christopher who has been plucked from the orphanage to become apprentice to the apothecary, Benedict Blackthorn. It is the seventeenth century, Charles II had returned to the throne after the period of the Interregnum, but there are still puritans in London and splinter groups who seem to be pursuing their own, nefarious goals. 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. Unlike so many teenage protagonists in books nowadays, he's thoughtful, caring, loyal and intelligent. I warmed to him immediately. For the age level this book is pitched at, I thought he was perfect. He still had a sense of mischief and got up to various tricks, which you would expect from a 14 year old boy, but overall his personality was delightful. His resourcefulness in terms of what he has learned during his apprenticeship is what carries him through and it makes for both interesting and fun reading.The author did a great job of painting a picture of historical London, albeit fictional. I particularly enjoyed the description of smells and sounds which differ so much from what we know today. I also liked the historical accuracy in terms of the ingredients used - in particular, the blithe handling of mercury was absolutely accurate. Although we know it is poisonous today, in the seventeenth century no-one would have through twice about tipping it into a cup and putting one's finger in it. All of this combined with a fast paced plot, plenty of explosions and a pretty clever main character meant that The Blackthorn Key was the kind of book I'd happily have on the shelves for when my children are old enough to appreciate it.
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