Blackthorn Key

De: Kevin Sands

Narrado por: Ray Panthaki

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 suspenseful debut novel.

Christopher Rowe, apprentice to master apothecary Benedict Blackthorn, is learning all his master's secrets - like how to decipher complex codes and puzzles and how to transform simple ingredients into powerful medicines, potions, and weapons.

Christopher's beloved master guides him with a firm, steady hand - a confidence even more vital as Christopher learns of a mysterious cult preying on London's apothecaries. The murders grow closer and closer to Blackthorn's shop - until Christopher is torn from his home with only a cryptic message and a warning from his master: "Tell no one what I've given you".

Aided by his best friend, Tom, Christopher must race to decipher his master's message - and follow a trail of deceit toward an unearthly secret with the power to tear the world apart.

©2015 Kevin Sands. All rights reserved. (P)2015 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Entertained and warm fuzzied.

Twisty-turny! Limited swearing, and no lewd content. Good principles of loyalty and endearment. Great read for my teen and I.

A real page turner...even the audiobook!

What made the experience of listening to Blackthorn Key the most enjoyable?

Great narrator and wonderful story that had tantalising cliffhanger after cliffhanger.

What does Ray Panthaki bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Brings the character to life. And his accent suits the story perfectly.

Any additional comments?

Was really impressed by this first book in the series. And loved the historical tidbits in the background.

Great book.

Great road trip book. Only thing that was annoying to us was the reading of codes.

Good story

I found this book a nice listen, not captivating but good. Interesting story line with historical references, though when the codes are read rather long and involved but does not make much sense until main character tells you what it all means.

Mesmerizing!

Was absolutely a Wonderful listen...
Would listen again
Have recommended to many
Snuggle up and listen but be warned.. you won't want to stop

Review from Callie: 6th grader

The book was very good but it wasnt as nice in the beginning (or chapter 1-26) It got REALLY intense and amazing at the end (or chapter 27-38) and I liked the intense ending alot. I would highly recommend if you like really intense books.

Excellent for any age

This story has excellent character development , flow , and intrigue. It is my hope that the author plans to do a second story in which Christopher, Tom and even some of the secondary characters like Tom's sisters and Sally would be seen growing up. The historic pieces, the fundamental chemistry segments and puzzles described as the story develops add an element of participation to the overall story which helps the reader to see things from the perspective of a 12 year old of the 17th century. The performance by the reader was outstanding! I highly recommend this story for any age.

Wonderful!

Amazing story with the perfect narrator! I can’t wait to listen to the 2nd one! So glad the narrator stayed the same!

How well the book was written.

I was impressed how much the narrator sounded like a young boy and how well he portrayed each character.

Surprisingly Great

I have to admit that I downloaded this book on accident a while back. For whatever reason, I kept it in my library, not giving it much thought. Maybe when I needed something to fill space I would give it a listen.
Why did I wait?
This is a great book. The characters are fun, the subject matter is interesting and action packed, and overall the story is a whole lot of fun - for YA and adults alike. Panthaki does wonderful work with the reading too.
Highly recommend!