The Blackthorn Key - Book Review

The Blackthorn Key - Book Review

Kevin Stands

MG Historical

Book #1 in The Blackthorn Series

UK Publisher: Puffin

Synopsis:

London 1655. Fourteen-year-old Christopher Rowe is apprenticed to master apothecary Benedict Blackthorn. In Blackthorn’s shop, Christopher learns the delicate secrets of transforming simple ingredients into powerful medicines, potions and weapons. His beloved master guides him with a firm, steady hand - instilling him with confidence and independence that prove increasingly vital as Christopher learns of a mysterious cult preying on the most learned men in London.

The murders are growing closer and closer to home and soon Christopher is torn from the shop with only a page of cryptic clues from his master and the unambiguous warning: Tell no one!

Helped by his best friend, Tom, Christopher must decipher his master’s clues, following a trail of deceit towards an unearthly secret with the power to tear the world apart. 

Review:

A fantastic and brilliant MG read! Christopher’s character charmed me from the start with his curious nature, a nature that always seems to get both him and his best friend into trouble. This book is a really great start to what promises to be a very enjoyable new series.

Apprenticed to a master apothecary, Christopher spends his days learning the delicate art of brewing medicines, mixing potions and experimenting with his masters more powerful and dangerous formulas. But when a cult begins killing off other apothecaries throughout London, it is only a matter of time before they find their way to Christopher’s door.

Now accused of a crime he didn't commit, Christopher’s learning is really put to the test. Using his skills to hide himself within the streets of London, he has only the help of his best friend and a page of cryptic clues to help him prove his innocence. 

But can he crack the clues and follow the trail  his master left for him before its too late? Yet as each piece of the puzzle falls into place, Christopher finds himself in the centre of more trouble, as clue by clue, he uncovers a secret that could change the course of the future. For the power to wield death is now in Christopher's hands…

I really enjoyed this story. Christopher is a fun and resourceful character who faced trial after trial with every chapter. I’m curious to learn more about his past, something that I hope will be explored more in the next book, however the beauty with this first book was that with every new catastrophe, Christopher’s future looked more and more uncertain. It is a story that will be enjoyed by both boys and girls alike.

The plot is fast paced and full of historical fact and things of interest - I love learning when it doesn't feel like learning - and I think the author did well in keeping true to the time period. Also the book held plenty of mystery. With indecipherable clues, secret societies, hidden passages and bodies turning up left right and centre, this books certainly keeps you on your toes.

My only criticism was the ending. While I enjoyed it, and certainly didn't see it coming, I was a little confused over how some parts came to be. But maybe its just me not connecting all the dots… However everything came to a satisfying conclusion and I will most definitely be reading the next book. 

Overall a gripping adventure that will leave you thirsting for more, I give The Blackthorn Key 4 stars!