The Blackthorn Key

I do not read a lot of YA adventure, but I read a review of "Blackthorne Key", an historical-teen-mystery novel, and first in a series by Kevin Sands, and the review lured me by suggesting the book is kind of a teen-targeted intro to the field of Semiotics. Semiotics is the study of how signs and symbols fill in as language and communicate meaning. "Blackthorne Key", set in the 17th century, is about a teenage apprentice who is the wrong boy accused of involvement in a mystical anonymous cult methodically killing the great apothecary masters of London. To figure out the real murderers and reveal a caballed plan to acquire an esoteric chemical formula for use in world domination, the apprentice calls upon his emerging skills at recipeing show more chemicals, solving puzzles, untangling conspiracies, and deciphering complex codes. Blackthorne's bloody trail of Medievally-assassinated scholars, liquid-key door holes, and encrypted messages led my mind back to a paradigmatic novel illustration of semiotic theory, Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose": a 14th-Century detective-like friar and his teenage apprentice investigate a string of gruesome monk deaths at a Medieval library. I do not know if Sands drew from NOTR as an inspiration, but there are clues: both murder plots disclose tips written in code by the victim's themselves; each story is propelled by the investigators using crude science to outwit becoming the next victims; and the climaxes both sneak in through a secret underground mausoleum leading to the quilting point of all signified clues–and to where the mastermind villain monologs, in Freudian terms: I have an entitlement to be an exception and disregard moral scruples to acquire power. But combining clues that lead up to a keynote final confession is not really Semiotics. The who done it in Name of the Rose is less important than the theme of how one interprets truth when the same evidence produces different interpretations of the truth, according to who done the interpreting–NOTR is a mystery about the multiplicity of signs. Plot-wise, "Blackthorne Key" is a Muppet Babies reproduction of "The Name of the Rose", but I might not teach it in 7th-grade level Deconstruction of Ideology and Signification. I would put it on supplemental reading lists for any tween to adult. The novel is still an exciting, scary, knowledge adventure that treats its teenager characters and readers as important, intuitive, and smart. show less

Fabulous fast paced thriller for the middle grade reader (and for those of any age who just enjoy a well written adventure) The Characters are likeable, the story interesting and deftly written and the setting , absolute perfection. I could go on and on about the shop and the Library (Yeah, I know I am a Librarian - a description of an ancient library is a beautiful thing) I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship between Christopher and Tom and the dialogue is crisp, honest, and often funny. A perfect tale for the avid middle grade reader. Heads up more boy friendly - not a lot of female characters

Favourite Quotes

"What you must always remember is that they are only that: tools. They can heal, or they can kill. It's never the tool itself that show more decides. I't the hands-and the heart-of the one who wields it." show less

When I started 'The Blackthorn Key' I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. My mother bought it while browsing a book shop and, since the cover intrigued me, I decided to pick it up and read it for myself. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted with the story!

First off, I want to point out that I'm normally not a big fan of historical fiction. However, this book really hit the mark with me. I was actually a bit shocked that a middle-grade read could be so implanted in history and actually be accurate without being boring. I was able to instantly fall into the time period and enjoy the story. Its not something that is usually done with such finesse!

In addition to being impressed with historical accuracy, I show more was also impressed by the main character. Typically, books for younger audiences tend to have less depth in main characters since the focal point of the book is more centered on the story (not always, of course). However, Christopher was a character that I immediately took a liking to and could see growing throughout the series. It was easy to root for him and want him to succeed which was great.

Overall, I would say that 'The Blackthorn Key' is no typical Middle Grade read! If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure then I recommend picking it up immediately! show less

First of all, thanks to the publisher and goodreads for a free copy of the Blackthorn Key. Looks like I'm hooked on a new series now!

I've always been fascinated with stories about apothecaries and alchemists, so I knew I was going to enjoy the Blackthorn Key. And it still exceeded all of my expectations.

The opening scene is easily one of my favourites. (I want to make a joke about starting with a bang, but I'll refrain myself.) The plot has just the right amount of twists and surprises. And Christopher and Tom... they have a fantastic friendship that seems like equal parts Frodo and Sam and Merry and Pippin.

A fantastic and kind of ingenious read. I can't wait to find some readers to recommend this to.

Great plot, perfect pacing, diverse interesting characters... really all the elements needed for an awesome read. But as historical fiction this book really disappointed me. Given the political climate of the setting, not nearly enough was made of it. And we sell kids short when we assume that historical context is not of interest to them.

A big fat thank you to Simon & Schuster for the advance reading copy. I really did enjoy it, but if there's a sequel: please bully Mr. Sands into making it more historical-y.

I enjoyed this YA thriller set in 17th century about Christopher Rowe, an apprentice apothecary whose master is murdered. Christopher has learned enough that he is able to decipher a message from his master and identify the cult involved. Exciting and interesting. I would have loved this book when I was young.

Set in 1600s, Christopher is apprentice to an apothecary at a time when Science is viewed as being against God and there are rumors afoot that of secret societies where strange things are done to dead bodies in the name of the advancement of knowledge. After a couple of murders in their London district, Christopher's master behaves oddly and then things suddenly take a terrible turn for the worst. Christopher and his friend Tom ( a local baker) must scour the clues they have been left to work out who is behind the sinister dealings in town. Who is killing all the apothecaries? Is it a rival gang? Has Christopher's master been involved in Black magic?
Fast paced book set in an unusual time for a young adult book to be set. Characters show more were very likeable and made me want to read on. show less