The Blackthorn Key (Blackthorn Key, #1) (The Blackthorn)

by Kevin Sands

Follow the clues. Crack the code. Stay alive.

Potions, puzzles and the occasional explosion are all in a day's work for young apothecary Christopher Rowe. Murder is another matter.

It's a dangerous time to be the apprentice of Benedict Blackthorn. A wave of mysterious murders has sent shockwaves through London, and soon Christopher finds himself on the run. His only allies are his best friend, Tom, courageous Molly, and a loyal feathered friend, Bridget. His only clues are a coded message about his master's most dangerous project, and a cryptic warning - 'Tell no one!'

The race is on for Christopher: crack the code and uncover its secret, or become the next victim . . .

A brilliant, fast-paced adventure perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.

• ISBN10: 014136064X
• ISBN13: 9780141360645
• Publish Date: 3 September 2015 (first published 1 September 2015)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
• Imprint: Puffin
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[wyvernfriend]

Alchemy, plots, murder and a good dose of adventure.

Christopher Rowe is an apprentice apothecary, apprenticed to Beneedict Blackthorn. There are a series of murders happening in London, all to Apothecaries and their numbers are getting limited. Only with his friends will Christopher find out what's happening and save himself.

I liked it, well done, well-rooted in the period, engaging character in Christopher and Bridget is entertaining.

[tweetybugshouse]

This is a great middle grade adventure book cause it contains little puzzles that need to be figured out along with the character as the story progresses. I like this element in middle grade books as it keeps my child actively thinking as he reading along with the story. He feels accomplished if he figures it out before the characters does. I really like how all the aspects of this story fit together nicely and it was not to dumb down for the younger audience as an adult i was thoroughly entertained by the story.