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halfpennywren's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Violence
Minor: Physical abuse
kellerko's review
4.0
I loved this clever kids book about an orphan turned apothecary’s apprentice trying to solve a string of murders with some chemistry, cryptology, and loads of wits and pluck. I can’t remember which of my nephews recommended it, but it is a winner!
liakeller's review
3.0
Perfect adventure fantasy for middle schoolish readers (and me!)- codes, fighting (a bit of gore), with a smart lad who wants to be an apothecary.
celinejaneway's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Gore, and Blood
wyvernfriend's review against another edition
4.0
Alchemy, plots, murder and a good dose of adventure.
Christopher Rowe is an apprentice apothecary, apprenticed to Beneedict Blackthorn. There are a series of murders happening in London, all to Apothecaries and their numbers are getting limited. Only with his friends will Christopher find out what's happening and save himself.
I liked it, well done, well-rooted in the period, engaging character in Christopher and Bridget is entertaining.
Christopher Rowe is an apprentice apothecary, apprenticed to Beneedict Blackthorn. There are a series of murders happening in London, all to Apothecaries and their numbers are getting limited. Only with his friends will Christopher find out what's happening and save himself.
I liked it, well done, well-rooted in the period, engaging character in Christopher and Bridget is entertaining.
deschatjes's review
4.0
#crime #mystery #historical
somewhat confusing in the beginning, but good whodunit for the younger crowd, takes place in 1660. Gripping story, could have done with some historical context, preferably in a preface to the book.
somewhat confusing in the beginning, but good whodunit for the younger crowd, takes place in 1660. Gripping story, could have done with some historical context, preferably in a preface to the book.
uselesspirateraven's review
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Xenophobia and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Vomit
nikasbookcollection's review
4.0
I entered this book entirely blind and I left wowed. The Blackthorn Key follows Christophe Rowe who apprentices under Master Benedict Blackthorn in his apothecary store. A cult shrowded in mystery begins to hunt stores like his across London leaving murders in their wake. When the cult is coming knocking at Master Blackthorn's door, Christopher has to use the skills learned under his master to find the key that holds a terrifying power.
Wow. I flew through this book. The author has such an easy yet engaging writing style that made it a struggle to put the novel down. I was halfway done with the book when I noticed time had passed. The plot was thrilling, full of mystery and turns. The pacing was impeccable; the right speed to have suspense but kept the plot coming right at you.
The characters were engaging and Christophe was an interesting main character who utilized what he had learned in the apothecary in exciting ways to combat the troubles that came his way. He was intelligent and held his master's teaching to heart. I enjoyed following his journey while wholeheartedly hoping he would succeed at his tasks.
There were a few darker and more disturbing moments that I personally felt fine with as they were well done and added to the plot BUT this is a Middle Grade novel. That might be something to keep in mind for this age range. In conclusion, I devoured this book and enjoyed its simple yet exciting nature that kept me flipping those pages.
Wow. I flew through this book. The author has such an easy yet engaging writing style that made it a struggle to put the novel down. I was halfway done with the book when I noticed time had passed. The plot was thrilling, full of mystery and turns. The pacing was impeccable; the right speed to have suspense but kept the plot coming right at you.
The characters were engaging and Christophe was an interesting main character who utilized what he had learned in the apothecary in exciting ways to combat the troubles that came his way. He was intelligent and held his master's teaching to heart. I enjoyed following his journey while wholeheartedly hoping he would succeed at his tasks.
There were a few darker and more disturbing moments that I personally felt fine with as they were well done and added to the plot BUT this is a Middle Grade novel. That might be something to keep in mind for this age range. In conclusion, I devoured this book and enjoyed its simple yet exciting nature that kept me flipping those pages.
blooms1996's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
reads_mei's review
5.0
Wow, this book was so good! The author must be some kind of chemist to write this book. All the recipes for various components were just mind boggling awesome. It was extremely sad when Christopher’s master died, but he was a crazy smart master. They were all very smart inside the book. So read it and judge it yourself!