Summary: “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.
Thoughts: This was a really fun piece of historical fiction. While the historical part is mostly the setting and time period (not necessarily the events) it was a great look into old England and specifically at the work of the apothecary. The writing was really good; told from the view of a thirteen year old boy, Christopher, we quickly get swept up into his adventure of mystery and intrigue.
The plot was really good, a little slow paced in the beginning but kept interesting with some humorous mishaps, btw don't ever shoot a cannon inside. As the story moves on it takes a definitely darker turn. Murder, cults, and many chases and near death escapes keep us riveted until the very end!
The characters all started out well and developed even better. I particularly loved the friendship between Christopher and his partner-in-crime Tom. Never a dull moment when those two were involved!
Content: Like I mentioned above, this book quickly turns dark with some really bloody and gory murders and deaths. Aside from this there's a lot of fighting and explosion and resulting wounds aren't pretty. The descriptions aren't overly graphic but they get the point across that the deaths were messy. There's at least one potion in here that is fictional and can be seen along the lines of magic.
Aside from violence this is a fairly clean book so if you're not too easily grossed out I would definitely recommend this book to middle graders and above looking for a really great adventure!
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