Comments (31)

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Nov 29, 2023kalpanalr rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
“The Blackthorn Key” by Kevin Sands is an absolute gem! It’s a historical adventure that takes you back to 17th-century London. The protagonist, Christopher Rowe, is an apprentice to an apothecary named Benedict Blackthorn. Christopher is…
Nov 20, 2023blue_shark_5698 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
"The Blackthorn Key" by Kevin Sands is a riveting historical mystery that seamlessly blends alchemy, intrigue, and a coming-of-age story. Set in 17th-century London, the novel follows Christopher Rowe, an apothecary apprentice, as he…
Dec 04, 2022Nategee324 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The Blackthorn Key is a mysterious, medieval-based novel with a brilliantly incorporated magical element that made this a very unique story. Orphan Christopher Rowe is enjoying his life as an apprentice until his world and the entire…
Apr 08, 2022Yanebelle rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I found this book incredibly enjoyable. I read it for the first time several years ago. It's funny and the characters are different enough to make the book interesting. One important note; this book has a fair bit of violence in it.…
Mar 14, 2022Daniel_39 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
one of the best books I know with a lot of plot twists
Dec 03, 2021Evelyn_b0Ok_Reviews rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
🔑👑💙🖤BLACKTHORN KEY🔑👑💙🖤 All of the city of London, all the Apothecaries have been mysteriously murdered one by one. When Christopher Rowe master and beloved father-figure Benedict Blackthorn, is murdered with one last message to…
Sep 03, 2021navy_cheetah_739 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
One of the greatest books I have ever read.
Jul 29, 2021kesterci rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is a very good book. it starts off a very good series that I have read hundreds of times. Its a very mystery/riddle lined book that takes place in the medieval ages. I really liked every part of it because the author keeps us enticed…
Apr 16, 2021AMB_4 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Oh my gosh, every now and then a library run will uncover a book that's just so very, very good and we're so grateful we found (even though perhaps we're a few years late discovering it!). This book is just excellent, a real…
Mar 09, 2021
Book #1 (of 5) in the series.
Oct 18, 2020labraden rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
In 1665, Christopher Rowe is working for Benedict Blackthorn as an apothecary apprentice. Several apothecaries including one of Master Benedict's closest friends have been murdered and Christopher fears for Master Benedict, especially when…
Oct 17, 2018
This book was a great surprise! I lead the Grade 5-6-7 Book Club here at WPL, and I don't always love the middle grade books we read. But, The Blackthorn Key was a stand-out: the characters were great, I was immediately gripped by the…
Jul 11, 2018melteh rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book was incredible and it had many different and interesting characters. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and magic.this book had many different potions and codes that were used by the characters:)
Jul 08, 2018WardenScythe rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Wow, this is an amazing book! It was so interesting I couldn’t stop reading. The characters were great and the puzzles were all so cool! My teacher was definitely right, this book is awesome! Best Book Ever!!!!!!
Mar 08, 2018TEENREVIEWCREW rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Blackthorn Key brings a story of alchemy, codes and puzzles, mystery, and cults, Kevin Sands does wonders as he details the struggle of Christopher Rowe. With his master gone, this apprentice takes it upon himself to uncover the truth.…
Feb 27, 2017JCLChrisK rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A gritty historical setting, a murderous cult, puzzles and codes to decipher, and explosively destructive science, all packaged within a fast-paced mystery that keeps the protagonist and readers off-balance. I'm requesting the sequel as…
Feb 16, 2017akzfineart rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
THE BLACKTHORN KEY is a well-written, entertaining novel that is great for both introducing readers to science and puzzles but also to history and myths. Kids love to learn but not every child does well in a classroom setting, so I think…
Nov 28, 2016ssmartin7 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
An aweaome historical fantasy based set in London in the late 1600's. Mystery, alchemy, treachery and lots of explosions make it a book that is very hard to put down: make sure you had enough sleep the night before you start it.
Aug 26, 2016PMPL_AnaC rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Very interesting setting and plot for a children's book. Unlike anything I've read before. Mystery, adventure, friendship.
Aug 11, 2016Eric_23 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Full of suspense and action .
Aug 09, 2016samcmar rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
If I'm being honest, I didn't really know what I was getting into when I started The Blackthorn Key. I hadn't heard any buzz, so I went into this book without expectation, though I had heard mild rumblings that this was going to be on par…
Jul 29, 2016lynx_girl rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
An amazing race against time and mysterious story.
Jul 19, 2016
This book involves a lot of mysteries and puzzles, but it is definitely a great book. I never thought I'd love a book with apothecary, pigeons, and explosions! This book reminds me of "Nicholas Flannel, The Alchemist." Both books have…
natalie_g
Jul 16, 2016natalie_g rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
If I had to compare this one to something, I'd say National Treasure - but WAY better. The characters are incredibly well written and their relationships are so thoughtful. While the book offers well-thought out mystery and…
Jul 08, 2016Mardoch rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is a very well written debut