Nominees:   2022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001

2017 Nominee
Voted 3 out of 20

Blackthorn Key

Written by Kevin Sands.
Published in 2015 by Aladdin.

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.

Read Canadian Materials Review


18 thoughts on “Blackthorn Key

  1. Senator Buchanan

    I like the mystery of this book.
    I also like that the story gets deep…
    But it is sad when some of the people die in this book.

  2. Westglen School

    I like how the characters are in detail i would give it 5 stars but i dot think grade 4 would enjoy it because there is a lot of word and pages. D.C.

  3. Westglen

    I think this book fits into action and adventure. I think the author did a good job writing this book. I wouldn’t change anything.
    I think this book awesome. I would rate this book 5 stars because there is puzzles, action and it’s a little gory. I would recommend this book to a 13 or 14 year old.
    G.L

  4. St.Jerome.

    I loved following the adventures of young Christopher Rowe. After his master dies, Christopher is skeptical and tries to discover the secrets hidden within. Alchemists, betrayers and of course, codes and puzzles. Truly inspiring. ¨Thank you master.¨

  5. Hillhurst School

    I think that this book is amazing because I like the way the book makes the reader think with all the puzzles and mysteries included in it. It’s also useful information if you were ever wondering what happened in London, England during the 1600’s.
    One problem is that a lot of people think that this book is violent but the good thing is that not everyone thinks that it’s super violent. Another thing I thought was that the author should have put some extra information about the time that the book takes place.
    This book also helps us understand the seriousness of murder and shows us the crazy reasons why certain people do certain things.
    I might vote for this book because it is really interesting and eye catching, it really convinces me. It has puzzles and not just puzzles that the character has to solve but some hidden puzzles that the character might give you.
    I really like the author’s style of writing because it’s very clear and easy to understand. Also the font the he used fits the time period because the story takes place in the 1600’s and the font looks like it is very olden.
    I will highly recommend this book because it is very action packed, full of excitement and mystery.

  6. Springbank Middle School

    A fun read with lots of adventure, horrible advice, good humour and crazy murderers!

  7. Springbank Middle School

    I gave this book 5/5 because it had an interesting plot with a twist of action and a sprinkle of fantasy.

  8. Springbank Middle School

    The Blackthorn Key was a great suspenseful mystery story. I gave it 4.5 / 5. I loved the plot twists and that the chapters often ended on cliffhangers.

  9. nicholas sheran community school

    this book is a book with lots of adventure clues and riddles. I recommend this book from grades 4 and up.

    by sadikshya

  10. Springbank Middle School

    I loved it because it was very adventurous and mysterious. It also grabs your attention quickly.

  11. St. Jerome

    It is a great mystery I loved the ending and would recommend this to anyone in grade 4 and up.

  12. Hillhurst

    This is the best book I ever read in my life. It was amazing, but I don’t agree with the age recommendation.

  13. Hillhurst School

    i think that the book is grate for any age above 10 it is very sad but it is really good i am on the second one Mark of the Plague it is a really good series and i recomed it to everybody 10 and older


Review This Book