• Blackthorn Key

  • By: Kevin Sands
  • Narrated by: Ray Panthaki
  • Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (398 ratings)

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Blackthorn Key  By  cover art

Blackthorn Key

By: Kevin Sands
Narrated by: Ray Panthaki
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Publisher's summary

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.

What listeners say about Blackthorn Key

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
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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.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Terrific Story of Intrigues and History

Author Sands has woven a tight mystery in 1660's London where superstition among apothecaries, ancient trade guilds and even some alchemical mystery provide the backdrop. Narrator perfectly delivers the entertainment.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Good book

It wus like I rote it and wus a good book in general you have to read it!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Love it

Love it a lot cant you can do that and i you can play it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Better than I expected

I started out reading this book for a school project but It turns out this is a gr8 book once you get into it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The description strokes a vivid picture

I fell in love with the story. The friendships & heartbreaks bring you to the brink of tears but it is fun and fantastical at the same time it is heart wrenching. I am ready to start book 2 again. It is a trilogy of stories that you can listen to more than once.

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