Book Banter: The Blackthorn Key
Book Banter is back! I thought about calling it “What are you reading” Wednesday, but when we read all the time, I can’t be limited to a specific day of the week. My goal is that we can talk about 2 or 3 books a month!
SO...The number one thing I miss about being in the classroom is talking books with my kids. If you stick with me for a bit, you’ll find my favorite genres are fantasy/mythology, mystery and historical fiction. I’m a lover of all books, though, so I’m happy to hear suggestions and recommendations, as well as critiques if you’ve read any of the same books. Please don’t hesitate to leave comments or thoughts - my only request is to keep it polite. As a disclaimer, I am not being paid to write any type of review for any book that I read, but am only aiming to inspire thought and discussion about books.
The first book in my stack is The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands. As I was packing up my room, I separated the books I had read and the ones that were well loved. This is a book I received as a Scholastic Apple Teacher...in 2015...so I’m a little late to the game. It is suggested for grades 3-7. I would give it a PG rating and aim for grades 4-6.
The main character, Christopher Rowe, is an apprentice for the Master Apothecary, Benedict Blackthorn, in their town. This book hits all three of my favorites, as there is a magical element that is introduced in this London based tale in 1665 - what makes it even better is that Master Blackthorn is skilled at leaving codes, puzzles and mysteries in his tasks for his young apprentice! (The interactions sometimes reminded me of a more mature version of Chasing Vermeer. I liked being able to think about the puzzles with Christopher.) Unfortunately, the mystery turns deadly when Master Blackthorn is murdered (not a spoiler - it’s revealed on the back cover summary). The issue then is obviously the who and why of the grievous crime.
Christopher is quick witted and clever. He has a close friendship with the Baker’s apprentice, Tom, that reminds me of Harry and Ron at my beloved Hogwarts. If you have an interest in the Illuminati or secret societies, I think this book would interest you - even as an adult. My one “complaint” about the book would be there are off hand comments that weren’t necessarily needed for the telling of the tale. For example, as the apprentice, his jobs aren’t the best...cleaning the bird cages, mixing icky goo for the ailments of elderly patients...but he’s also quick to point out that he has to “unbutton his fly and piss into the cask” when making saltpeter (another “job of the apprentice”). This is the reason I would suggest the PG rating and aim for a more mature audience. There is violence from father to son, as well as those that are involved in the murders of the apothecaries. Nothing that hasn’t been seen on tv, though.
What I appreciated in reading the novel, is that it wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion if I wanted it to, but I also knew there was a sequel out there. You know those books that you want to go on, but don’t and you’re upset? Then you have books that it ended, and the story was good, but it’s ok if it’s done? That’s how I felt about The Blackthorn Key. Although enjoyable, I will not be rushing out to purchase the sequel today...maybe after I’ve finished off a few more in my stack. Would love to know if you’ve read The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands or even if you have enjoyed the entire series! What was your opinion of the book?
SO...The number one thing I miss about being in the classroom is talking books with my kids. If you stick with me for a bit, you’ll find my favorite genres are fantasy/mythology, mystery and historical fiction. I’m a lover of all books, though, so I’m happy to hear suggestions and recommendations, as well as critiques if you’ve read any of the same books. Please don’t hesitate to leave comments or thoughts - my only request is to keep it polite. As a disclaimer, I am not being paid to write any type of review for any book that I read, but am only aiming to inspire thought and discussion about books.
The first book in my stack is The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands. As I was packing up my room, I separated the books I had read and the ones that were well loved. This is a book I received as a Scholastic Apple Teacher...in 2015...so I’m a little late to the game. It is suggested for grades 3-7. I would give it a PG rating and aim for grades 4-6.
The main character, Christopher Rowe, is an apprentice for the Master Apothecary, Benedict Blackthorn, in their town. This book hits all three of my favorites, as there is a magical element that is introduced in this London based tale in 1665 - what makes it even better is that Master Blackthorn is skilled at leaving codes, puzzles and mysteries in his tasks for his young apprentice! (The interactions sometimes reminded me of a more mature version of Chasing Vermeer. I liked being able to think about the puzzles with Christopher.) Unfortunately, the mystery turns deadly when Master Blackthorn is murdered (not a spoiler - it’s revealed on the back cover summary). The issue then is obviously the who and why of the grievous crime.
Christopher is quick witted and clever. He has a close friendship with the Baker’s apprentice, Tom, that reminds me of Harry and Ron at my beloved Hogwarts. If you have an interest in the Illuminati or secret societies, I think this book would interest you - even as an adult. My one “complaint” about the book would be there are off hand comments that weren’t necessarily needed for the telling of the tale. For example, as the apprentice, his jobs aren’t the best...cleaning the bird cages, mixing icky goo for the ailments of elderly patients...but he’s also quick to point out that he has to “unbutton his fly and piss into the cask” when making saltpeter (another “job of the apprentice”). This is the reason I would suggest the PG rating and aim for a more mature audience. There is violence from father to son, as well as those that are involved in the murders of the apothecaries. Nothing that hasn’t been seen on tv, though.
What I appreciated in reading the novel, is that it wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion if I wanted it to, but I also knew there was a sequel out there. You know those books that you want to go on, but don’t and you’re upset? Then you have books that it ended, and the story was good, but it’s ok if it’s done? That’s how I felt about The Blackthorn Key. Although enjoyable, I will not be rushing out to purchase the sequel today...maybe after I’ve finished off a few more in my stack. Would love to know if you’ve read The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands or even if you have enjoyed the entire series! What was your opinion of the book?
Happy Reading!
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