The Blackthorn Key (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781481446518)

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.

"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.

Author: Kevin Sands
ISBN-10: 1481446517
ISBN-13: 9781481446518
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Language: English
Published: 09/01/2015
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 1.40d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.6
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 176195 / Blackthorn Key

Award: Edgar Allan Poe Awards - Nominee
Award: Parents Choice Awards (Fall) (2008-Up) - Gold Medal Winner
Award: Cybils - Finalist

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/29/2015
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2015
School Library Journal 08/01/2015 pg. 91
Booklist 09/15/2015 pg. 65
New York Times Book Review 11/08/2015 pg. 29
Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books 11/15/2015 pg. 87
PW Children's Starred Reviews 12/02/2015 pg. 79
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2015

About the Author
Since escaping from university with a pair of degrees in theoretical physics, Kevin Sands has worked as a researcher, a business consultant, and a teacher. He lives in Toronto, Canada. He is the author of the award-winning and bestselling Blackthorn Key series.

Antonio Javier Caparo is a Cuban-born illustrator and designer. Although much of his early career was spent in graphic design, his passion for animation and comics led him to devote himself to illustration--both traditional and digital. He has been published around the world and has won numerous awards in multiple countries. He lives in Quebec, Canada.