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The Blackthorn Key is a 17th Century Treasure Hunt of Alchemy and Murder
The Blackthorn Key is a top notch historical adventure, full of madmen, murderers, loyal friends, and plenty of explosive chemicals!
In 17th century London, the Puritans of Oliver Cromwell have been ousted and King Charles II returned to the throne, and a fourteen-year-old boy named Christopher has been plucked from an orphanage and chosen to be an apothecary’s apprentice, learning to mix elements together to make cures (and, behind his master’s back, explosives). Apothecaries were the chemists and pharmacists of that time period, constantly experimenting and investigating. Christopher is lucky to be taken on by Master Benedict Blackthorn, who is willing to overlook his workshop’s being slightly damaged by illicit experiments on Christopher’s part (the book starts with a literal bang of home-made gunpowder that is not kind to Master Blackthorn’s taxidermied bear), and who teaches Christopher not just how to mix chemicals, but how to solve puzzles.
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There is an urgency to the puzzle solving lessons that Christopher isn’t aware of. The mysterious Cult of the Archangel is striking down the apothecaries of London, rather horribly. When Master Blackthorn is added to the list of victims, Christopher is suspected of his murder. Hidden by his good friend, the baker’s son, Christopher has to use all the puzzle solving skills he was taught to follow a trail of cryptic cyphers and hints left by his master, searching for the secret that Master Blackthorn was hiding: a secret so powerful it could change the world. And in the meantime, he has to struggle to keep himself alive, because not only is he wanted by the king’s men, and the Apothecaries Guild, but because he has become the murderer’s next target!
This smart, fascinating mystery is excellent reading in its own right, made even better by the tremendously appealing characters and the historical background, which is vividly brought to life without ever feeling like a history lesson. It is fast and fun, balancing physical danger (brutal fights, one which is rather vividly gory, as well as explosions) with intellectual cunning. Give this one to any kid interested in chemicals, but do warn them not to try 17th century chemistry at home! Also give it to any kid interested in puzzle and ciphers, mysteries, or the history of science. And give it to a young fantasy reader, to broaden their horizons–there is no actual magic, but the 17th-century setting and the alchemical hijinks make the story feel almost magical. And of course the plucky orphan fighting for his life against more powerful enemies will be a familiar friend to fantasy readers! Give it to the kid who has found historical fiction dull up till now, and watch the pages turn.
And as a grownup, it was rather nice to see that Master Blackthorn was a compassionate, caring guardian—middle grade books are full of absolutely horrible parents, so this was a refreshing change. It is very sad for both the reader and for Christopher that he gets murdered, and this adds nice emotional weight to the story.
The Blackthorn Key is one of my favorite books of the year so far (out of the 250 or so I’ve read). It’s Kevin Sands’ first book, and I can’t wait to see what he does next!