Christopher is an easygoing boy, fond of pranks and experiments (the book opens with his ill-advised and ill-fated attempt at mixing up some gunpowder), but after Master Benedict is assaulted, he finds himself on the run, pursued by the murderous henchmen of a rival apothecary and the dangerous Lord Richard Ashcombe, His Majesty’s Warden. But someone-the Cult of the Archangel, it is rumored-is murdering London’s apothecaries, believing that members of the Apothecary’s Guild are concealing a dangerous secret. Fourteen-year-old orphan Christopher Rowe is lucky to be apprenticed to a kindly apothecary, Master Benedict Blackthorn.

( )įirst-time novelist Sands has written an exciting and self-assured tale of alchemy and dark secrets set during the late-17th-century reign of King Charles II. This book is a first to a series and without a cliffhanger and most things wrapped up I'm not sure what to expect in the next book, which leaves any number of wonderful possibilities. It was easy to follow and immerse myself in. I fell in love with the characters and the plot. It also reminded me of adventure/hidden objects games that I enjoy playing from time to time because Christopher needs to use his knowledge of codes and puzzles plus be resourceful with the items he has on and/or around him. Parts of it made me cry and feel for Christopher. It reminded me a lot of National Treasure with its codes and puzzles, not to mention being chased and by both the good and bad guys. Together Christopher and his good and loyal friend Tom must figure out a secret worth killing for. However before he knows it, Christopher Rowes life comes crashing down, and now its in danger as well. He's learning not only how to create recipes but how to make and decipher codes. It's the hands-and the heart-of the one who wields it.”Īs always my reviews are based off of my true and honest opinion and I do my best to keep all reviews spoiler free.Ĭhristopher Rowe is an apprentice to the apothecary Benedict Blackthorn.

The blackthorn key book 6