One of our Books of the Year 2015 - September 2015 Debut of the Month Set in the uncertain, dangerous days of 1665, this is a thrilling tale of alchemy, intrigue and murder! Christopher Rowe is an orphan, apprenticed to an apothecary. He can be reckless, even disobedient – the book opens explosively in fact with Christopher creating gunpowder – but loves and respects his master, Benedict Blackthorn. When Blackthorn is murdered, Christopher is determined to find out who committed the crime, and why. His master is not the only apothecary to have been targeted, and he’s left his clever apprentice a series of clues. Can Christopher solve them before his master’s sinister and ruthless enemies? Well-plotted, exciting and with a fascinating, original background and lively group of dramatis personae , this is a terrific read. ~ Andrea Reece
“In my fourteen years of experience in children’s fiction and even longer experience as a reader, The Blackthorn Key is without doubt one of the best historical novels I have come across” Amanda Punter, Publishing Director
London, 1665. 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.
“Magic, adventure, and things that go boom – three of my favourite things. Chocked full of rollicking adventure, the plot twists and writhes like a serpent’s tail. Hang on if you can.” Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl
Author
About Kevin Sands
Since escaping from university with a pair of degrees in theoretical physics, Kevin Sands has worked as a researcher, a business consultant and a teacher. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
