The Blackthorn Key (The Blackhorn Key #1)

by Kevin Sands (Author)

Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
Series: Blackthorn Key
In 1665 London, fourteen-year-old Christopher Rowe, apprentice to an apothecary, and his best friend, Tom, try to uncover the truth behind a mysterious cult, following a trail of puzzles, codes, pranks, and danger toward an unearthly secret with the power to tear the world apart.
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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

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. Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. (Sept.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

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

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Magic, adventure, and things that go boom—I love this book."—Eoin Colfer "author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series "
Kevin Sands
Since escaping from university with a pair of degrees in theoretical physics, Kevin Sands has worked as a researcher, a business consultant, a teacher, and a professional poker player. He is the author of Children of the Fox and the bestselling Blackthorn Key series. He lives in Ontario, Canada.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781481446518
Lexile Measure
630
Guided Reading Level
X
Publisher
Aladdin Paperbacks
Publication date
September 01, 2015
Series
Blackthorn Key
BISAC categories
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
Library of Congress categories
History
Great Britain
Friendship
Supernatural
Paranormal fiction
Apprentices
17th century
London
Pharmacists
Secret societies
Charles II, 1660-1685
Cybils
Finalist 2015 - 2015
Edgar Allan Poe Awards
Nominee 2016 - 2016
Parents Choice Awards (Fall) (2008-Up)
Gold Medal Winner 2015 - 2015

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