By Kevin Sands

Published: 2015

AR level: 4.6

AR points: 10.0

I suggest: fourth through eighth grade.

Maybe you like historical fiction, and maybe you don’t. But with Kevin Sands’ Blackthorn Key, it doesn’t matter, because the adventure and stakes are so grand, this book will appeal to anyone.

Set in 1665 during England’s Restoration period, this book follows an apothecary’s apprentice who is plenty good at finding trouble. When his beloved master is found murdered, however, Christopher Rowe has to go above and beyond what an apprentice is able to do in order to fight a villain with a very dark plan!

Here’s the description from B&N:

Following a series of murders, an apothecary’s apprentice must solve puzzles and decipher codes in pursuit of a secret that could destroy the world in this “spectacular debut” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

“Tell no one what I’ve given you.”

Until he got that cryptic warning, Christopher Rowe was happy, learning how to solve complex codes and puzzles and creating powerful medicines, potions, and weapons as an apprentice to Master Benedict Blackthorn—with maybe an explosion or two along the way.

But when a mysterious cult begins to prey on London’s apothecaries, the trail of murders grows closer and closer to Blackthorn’s shop. With time running out, Christopher must use every skill he’s learned to discover the key to a terrible secret with the power to tear the world apart.

In his stunning debut novel, Kevin Sands brings readers on a heart-stopping adventure rich with suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

Official book trailer: