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The Blackthorn Key #2
Mark of the Plague
BOILS, BLOOD AND A BURNING FEVER - THE BLACK DEATH HAS RETURNED TO LONDON . . .
As the dreaded sickness spreads through the city, striking down rich and poor alike, an unknown man arrives with a miracle cure. But when an assassin threatens the life of the city's new saviour, young apothecary Christopher Rowe and his faithful friend Tom must risk their lives to untangle another dark conspiracy.
And when the plague strikes close to home, the stakes are raised higher than ever before . . .
The breathtaking sequel to The Blackthorn Key - shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
As the dreaded sickness spreads through the city, striking down rich and poor alike, an unknown man arrives with a miracle cure. But when an assassin threatens the life of the city's new saviour, young apothecary Christopher Rowe and his faithful friend Tom must risk their lives to untangle another dark conspiracy.
And when the plague strikes close to home, the stakes are raised higher than ever before . . .
The breathtaking sequel to The Blackthorn Key - shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
448 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2016
265 people are currently reading
3432 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Sands
21 books976 followersSince 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 is the author of the bestselling The Blackthorn Key series. His brand new fantasy adventure, Children of the Fox, is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 540 reviews
September 19, 2016
Sept 6, 2016: The day I get to experience pigeon feels all over again. FLY INTO MY HEART, BRIDGET.
Sept 19, 2016: The day I realize I have to wait another year+ for more Bridget. Coo coo. I am heartbroken.
-- full review pending.
Sept 19, 2016: The day I realize I have to wait another year+ for more Bridget. Coo coo. I am heartbroken.
-- full review pending.
August 11, 2016
Huge thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC!
I LOVED The Blackthorn Key last year, and I still maintain that it is a million times better than Percy Jackson. Kevin Sands knows how to write a dark, twisted tale that still has a sense of wonderment and surprise, and Mark of the Plague definitely continues that trend.
There is so much action in this sequel, and I admit I got a little emotionally when the book frequently picked on Tom (he's my favourite). There's a larger mystery surrounding Christopher's old master, Benedict, and with people becoming ill with a plague, it makes for a very emotionally charged adventure. What makes this a terrific follow up is that it borrows all the elements of what made the first book so great -- putting the clues together to form the larger picture and uncover the larger mystery at hand. There was a lot of great twist and turns in the sequel that I thought were so perfectly timed, and it made for a fun and engaging read.
Plus the plague in this novel was so darn creepy, and I get that it's based on a medevael plague, but geez, it's nerve-wracking. There's this huge sense of dread in the story about contracting this plague and Sands really puts the read through the wringer at times with what happens with some of these characters and this surrounding plague. No spoilers or anything, but I was pretty worried through a lot of this book in terms of a certain character's fate.
This book is also much heftier in size compared to its predecessor, but it's five hundread pages that read lightning fast. Frankly, I am thrilled that The Blackthorn Key has become a series. I think Kevin Sands just pours so much creativity into this series, and I love the way he gets his readers thinking about how to crack codes and read inbetween the lines. I also adore Christopher and Tom, and I thought Sally was a delight as well. There's good, solid characterization here, and the adventure really makes it quite the thrill ride.
I LOVED The Blackthorn Key last year, and I still maintain that it is a million times better than Percy Jackson. Kevin Sands knows how to write a dark, twisted tale that still has a sense of wonderment and surprise, and Mark of the Plague definitely continues that trend.
There is so much action in this sequel, and I admit I got a little emotionally when the book frequently picked on Tom (he's my favourite). There's a larger mystery surrounding Christopher's old master, Benedict, and with people becoming ill with a plague, it makes for a very emotionally charged adventure. What makes this a terrific follow up is that it borrows all the elements of what made the first book so great -- putting the clues together to form the larger picture and uncover the larger mystery at hand. There was a lot of great twist and turns in the sequel that I thought were so perfectly timed, and it made for a fun and engaging read.
Plus the plague in this novel was so darn creepy, and I get that it's based on a medevael plague, but geez, it's nerve-wracking. There's this huge sense of dread in the story about contracting this plague and Sands really puts the read through the wringer at times with what happens with some of these characters and this surrounding plague. No spoilers or anything, but I was pretty worried through a lot of this book in terms of a certain character's fate.
This book is also much heftier in size compared to its predecessor, but it's five hundread pages that read lightning fast. Frankly, I am thrilled that The Blackthorn Key has become a series. I think Kevin Sands just pours so much creativity into this series, and I love the way he gets his readers thinking about how to crack codes and read inbetween the lines. I also adore Christopher and Tom, and I thought Sally was a delight as well. There's good, solid characterization here, and the adventure really makes it quite the thrill ride.
October 2, 2021
This is the second of the Blackthorn Key series. You can start with this book without being too lost, though I don’t know why you’d want to. It’s London 1665ish. The Plague is up and running; people are social distancing and using face coverings with little success.
All kinds of charlatans are selling fake cures. One dude in a plague doctor mask predicts who will get the plague next, and the predictions are coming true. I thought he was fishy from the start.
An apothecarist also shows up, claiming to have a cure that he will give away for free, and victims do seem to be recovering with his cure. Naturally Christopher and Tom get involved.
There is a big mystery and conspiracy and some puzzles and codes. It kept me guessing until the end. Highly entertaining overall. There are a few explosions because that’s what Christopher is good at.
Excellent audio narration by Ray Panthaki.
Language: None
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Stabbing, punching/kicking
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
All kinds of charlatans are selling fake cures. One dude in a plague doctor mask predicts who will get the plague next, and the predictions are coming true. I thought he was fishy from the start.
An apothecarist also shows up, claiming to have a cure that he will give away for free, and victims do seem to be recovering with his cure. Naturally Christopher and Tom get involved.
There is a big mystery and conspiracy and some puzzles and codes. It kept me guessing until the end. Highly entertaining overall. There are a few explosions because that’s what Christopher is good at.
Excellent audio narration by Ray Panthaki.
Language: None
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Stabbing, punching/kicking
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
June 14, 2017
Bereits der erste Teil des Blackthorn Codes konnte mich komplett begeistern, dementsprechend waren meine Erwartungen an den zweiten Teil ziemlich hoch. Ich kann mich freuen, dass meine Erwartungen komplett erfüllt wurden.
"Die schwarze Gefahr" bringt ebenfalls eine Geschichte voller Spannung, historischen Ereignissen und dem Knacken von Codes. In diesem Teil hat die Pest die Stadt London unter seiner Kontrolle, dies fand ich ein sehr interessantes und spannendes Setting. Das Drumherum konnte also auf jeden Fall wieder überzeugen, ebenso wie die Pest in die fiktive Geschichte eingearbeitet wurde.
Schnell sind Christopher und seine Freunde in mysteriöse Machenschaften verwickelt. Zwar mag man daran zweifeln, dass 12-jährige in der Lage sind solche Fälle aufzuklären, aber diese Frage stellt sich mir gar nicht, da ich das Buch einfach unglaublich unterhaltsam finde.
Auch der zweite Teil der Reihe konnte mich wieder komplett überzeugen und hat mir sehr spannende Lesestunden beschert. Der Schreibstil des Autors ist wieder sehr flüssig und angenehm zu lesen. Ich freue mich auf weitere Abenteuer mit Christopher.
"Die schwarze Gefahr" bringt ebenfalls eine Geschichte voller Spannung, historischen Ereignissen und dem Knacken von Codes. In diesem Teil hat die Pest die Stadt London unter seiner Kontrolle, dies fand ich ein sehr interessantes und spannendes Setting. Das Drumherum konnte also auf jeden Fall wieder überzeugen, ebenso wie die Pest in die fiktive Geschichte eingearbeitet wurde.
Schnell sind Christopher und seine Freunde in mysteriöse Machenschaften verwickelt. Zwar mag man daran zweifeln, dass 12-jährige in der Lage sind solche Fälle aufzuklären, aber diese Frage stellt sich mir gar nicht, da ich das Buch einfach unglaublich unterhaltsam finde.
Auch der zweite Teil der Reihe konnte mich wieder komplett überzeugen und hat mir sehr spannende Lesestunden beschert. Der Schreibstil des Autors ist wieder sehr flüssig und angenehm zu lesen. Ich freue mich auf weitere Abenteuer mit Christopher.
September 4, 2017
How awesome (and ransom) is it that the third book in this trilogy is being released tomorrow?
Master apothecary Benedict Blackthorn died in the first book, leaving his home and business to his apprentice, orphan Christopher Rowe, who is stymied because he is not licensed. It's London, 1665, and a plaque descends. More than a thousand people are dying every day, when a plaque doctor begins to build popular support against the ruling magistrates and a miraculous cure is developed. Chris smells a rat, and with this two trusty friends (Tom the baker's son) and Sally, another orphan, tries to gather the proof needed to thwart his plans. I liked this one better than the first installment, which I thought suffered from unexplained leaps of faith to solve puzzles. Here, author Kevin Sands provides fewer puzzles and the solutions are more believable. Nice ending.
Master apothecary Benedict Blackthorn died in the first book, leaving his home and business to his apprentice, orphan Christopher Rowe, who is stymied because he is not licensed. It's London, 1665, and a plaque descends. More than a thousand people are dying every day, when a plaque doctor begins to build popular support against the ruling magistrates and a miraculous cure is developed. Chris smells a rat, and with this two trusty friends (Tom the baker's son) and Sally, another orphan, tries to gather the proof needed to thwart his plans. I liked this one better than the first installment, which I thought suffered from unexplained leaps of faith to solve puzzles. Here, author Kevin Sands provides fewer puzzles and the solutions are more believable. Nice ending.
January 18, 2019
This book was just as good if not better than the first in my opinion. Our main character Christopher is in the middle of a plague. The story centers around him, his best friend Tom, and the orphan girl they take in, Sally.
There is a prophet who is predicting the next plague victim and Galen an apothecary who seems to have discovered the cure and can prove it. But someone is trying to murder Galen, the prophet seems off to Christopher, and worse of all, the prophet predicts that someone Christopher loves is next. To top it off his former master had left behind a treasure for him to find, after figuring out the clues of course.
The book was full of adventure and mystery. More puzzles and codes. Christopher is obviously a really smart kid to figure out everything that he does. Sally is such a happy spirit to be around she lightens the mood and that great. However my favorite character in both books is Tom. He is suppose to be the big giant looking kind of a guy, but who is a 'mouse'. Hes loyal to a fault and very funny in an accidental kind of way.
There is a prophet who is predicting the next plague victim and Galen an apothecary who seems to have discovered the cure and can prove it. But someone is trying to murder Galen, the prophet seems off to Christopher, and worse of all, the prophet predicts that someone Christopher loves is next. To top it off his former master had left behind a treasure for him to find, after figuring out the clues of course.
The book was full of adventure and mystery. More puzzles and codes. Christopher is obviously a really smart kid to figure out everything that he does. Sally is such a happy spirit to be around she lightens the mood and that great. However my favorite character in both books is Tom. He is suppose to be the big giant looking kind of a guy, but who is a 'mouse'. Hes loyal to a fault and very funny in an accidental kind of way.
July 10, 2020
The year is 1665, and the Black Death has London in its deadly and terrifying grip, claiming its defenceless victims in ever increasing numbers.
Understandable then, that people are drawn to both a masked stranger who seems to be able to prophesy who will die next, and a mysterious apothecary who claims to have a cure.
Meanwhile, Apothecary’s assistant Christopher Rowe and his friend Tom, are struggling to survive after the demise of Christopher’s mentor Master Blackthorne.
They find themselves battling the privations of living in a city besieged by plague, when things take a more sinister turn after Christopher’s shop is broken into, and they becomes involved in a deadly conspiracy.
These are desperate times for the boys, but they, and their friend Sally use ever bit of their ingenuity, skill and tenacity to solve a riddle, decipher a secret code, make sense of a mystery, and try to save the day.....great stuff for anyone who loves wonderful characters and an exciting plot.
Understandable then, that people are drawn to both a masked stranger who seems to be able to prophesy who will die next, and a mysterious apothecary who claims to have a cure.
Meanwhile, Apothecary’s assistant Christopher Rowe and his friend Tom, are struggling to survive after the demise of Christopher’s mentor Master Blackthorne.
They find themselves battling the privations of living in a city besieged by plague, when things take a more sinister turn after Christopher’s shop is broken into, and they becomes involved in a deadly conspiracy.
These are desperate times for the boys, but they, and their friend Sally use ever bit of their ingenuity, skill and tenacity to solve a riddle, decipher a secret code, make sense of a mystery, and try to save the day.....great stuff for anyone who loves wonderful characters and an exciting plot.
January 31, 2022
It’s hard to beat the first book but I think this did it! These are books that only need one gene in them for it to be awesome. Mystery. With a lot of plot twists!
September 29, 2017
El Enigma de Blackthorn me había gustado mucho y me había sorprendido por igual. Ahora que leí ésta segunda parte he quedado maravillada con la historia. La Señal de la Plaga supera por mucho a su antecesor, vemos a Christopher, Tom y a un personaje nuevo, apoderarse de la historia.
Las páginas están repletas de misterios y enigmas más complejos, pero no abrumadores, es una trama muy interesante, no te dejará indiferente. Los personajes son inolvidables y hay plot twist lo cual agradezco esos giros. El último capítulo me sacó una lagrimilla por lo bonito que es, y la portada...¡Gracias editorial Océano por conservar la portada original! En serio, esa portada es una pasada.
Ya, ya, no diré mucho más, pronto escribiré la reseña completa y podré fangirlear. Me encantó la historia y sí, será uno de mis favoritos de este año.
Las páginas están repletas de misterios y enigmas más complejos, pero no abrumadores, es una trama muy interesante, no te dejará indiferente. Los personajes son inolvidables y hay plot twist lo cual agradezco esos giros. El último capítulo me sacó una lagrimilla por lo bonito que es, y la portada...¡Gracias editorial Océano por conservar la portada original! En serio, esa portada es una pasada.
Ya, ya, no diré mucho más, pronto escribiré la reseña completa y podré fangirlear. Me encantó la historia y sí, será uno de mis favoritos de este año.
September 5, 2017
dit is toch wel zo'n knettergoed verhaal, ongelooflijk! soms durfde ik niet verder te lezen omdat het zo spannend is. heerlijk. jammer dat de nlse editie zo'n spuuglelijk omslag heeft, anders verkocht ik er het dubbele van.
November 19, 2021
It’s always hard to follow up on a fantastic first book in the series like The Blackthorn Key was, but this book managed it perfectly!
The plot was cleverly written and the mystery managed to surprise me by being so unexpected yet making sense in the end. Although one thing I never understood and which was never addressed even during the final confrontation, was That's not a perfect explanation, but probably the only one I'll ever get.
There was some repetitiveness in the way Christopher and his friends spent so much time reading through books and researching things. I appreciated that that was an accurate way of portraying a mystery being solved, but it became a little tedious to see their version of the “to the batmobile” call being “to the textbooks”. However, all minor gripes aside, it did help them solve the mystery in the end, so I guess I should give the textbooks their dues.
The character dynamics were fantastic! In particular, Christopher’s relationship with his dead mentor, Benedict Blackthorn, was a thing of beauty. I understood they had a deep connection in the first book, but continuing it on in this book and still giving the ghost of Blackthorn a large presence in Christopher’s mind was constantly heart-wrenching to see. And the confirmation we all needed at the end of their father-son relationship was so moving it made me cry. Just this quote, in particular, was enough to push this book from 4 to 5 stars:
And not only that, Christopher and Tom’s friendship shone brighter than ever before in this book. When the stakes were raised, their loyalties remained steadfast and true which was touching to see. Also, the character Sally was a great new addition and she added an appealing yet completely different dynamic. I definitely can’t wait to see her relationship develop with Christopher even more (*wink wink*). I’m not reading into nothing, there were definitely some hints of possible romance and the way Christopher was so sad because of missing his master in this book, I think he honestly deserves some happiness in future instalments. So I won’t be surprised if this is something that crops up again in The Assassin's Curse!
The plot was cleverly written and the mystery managed to surprise me by being so unexpected yet making sense in the end. Although one thing I never understood and which was never addressed even during the final confrontation, was That's not a perfect explanation, but probably the only one I'll ever get.
There was some repetitiveness in the way Christopher and his friends spent so much time reading through books and researching things. I appreciated that that was an accurate way of portraying a mystery being solved, but it became a little tedious to see their version of the “to the batmobile” call being “to the textbooks”. However, all minor gripes aside, it did help them solve the mystery in the end, so I guess I should give the textbooks their dues.
The character dynamics were fantastic! In particular, Christopher’s relationship with his dead mentor, Benedict Blackthorn, was a thing of beauty. I understood they had a deep connection in the first book, but continuing it on in this book and still giving the ghost of Blackthorn a large presence in Christopher’s mind was constantly heart-wrenching to see. And the confirmation we all needed at the end of their father-son relationship was so moving it made me cry. Just this quote, in particular, was enough to push this book from 4 to 5 stars:
And not only that, Christopher and Tom’s friendship shone brighter than ever before in this book. When the stakes were raised, their loyalties remained steadfast and true which was touching to see. Also, the character Sally was a great new addition and she added an appealing yet completely different dynamic. I definitely can’t wait to see her relationship develop with Christopher even more (*wink wink*). I’m not reading into nothing, there were definitely some hints of possible romance and the way Christopher was so sad because of missing his master in this book, I think he honestly deserves some happiness in future instalments. So I won’t be surprised if this is something that crops up again in The Assassin's Curse!
August 28, 2017
Когато говорим за апокалиптични картини най-често си представяме опустошената планета Земя след жесток катаклизъм, ядрени експлозии или други заплахи. Или пък си спомняме за далеч по-реалните и далеч по-страшни снимки и филмов материал, документиращи смърт и човешко страдание от многобройните въоръжени конфликти от началото на XX век насам. И може би именно заради липсата на снимки и фотографии, май на много малко хора им хрумва мисълта, че подобни сцени са се случвали и в доста по-далечно минало. Един от тези хора обаче е Кевин Сендс, който ни пренася в 1666 година, когато върлува чумна епидемия, а Лондон бива опожарен до основи. Най-накрая дългоочакваното продължение на „Ключът на Блекторн” най-накрая е тук! Днес говорим за романа „Знакът на чумата”, издаден от „Егмонт България”. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле":
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https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
November 13, 2019
This was a fun story and a quick read. There was an interesting mystery and a lot of action. The puzzles are still my favourite thing about this series.
I still like Christopher and Tom. Although, I do prefer Tom. I think he's amusing. I also like Sally. She's as interesting as the boys.
The setting was creepy. London during the Great Plague is frightning. Although, any plague in any city at any time would be scary.
I still like Christopher and Tom. Although, I do prefer Tom. I think he's amusing. I also like Sally. She's as interesting as the boys.
The setting was creepy. London during the Great Plague is frightning. Although, any plague in any city at any time would be scary.
July 12, 2018
Úžasné, fantastické, napínavé, krásne dobové! Prosím nech táto séria nikdy neskončí! Ja ju zbožňujem!
A okrem samotného čítania ma baví aj obálková provokácia spolucestovateľov :) Nikoho nenecháva chladným!
A okrem samotného čítania ma baví aj obálková provokácia spolucestovateľov :) Nikoho nenecháva chladným!
September 23, 2017
No hay mejor lugar que Londres para que sucedan cosas extraordinarias. Así debió pensar el autor de las dos novelas cuya segunda parte acabo de leerme (junto a mi madre, he de puntualizar, pues ella es fan total) y de disfrutar como una niña.
Si hay enigmas y paisajes a lo British, yo me apunto sin dudarlo :o).
Lo primero que me ha gustado de esta historia es la atmósfera pizpireta de buen humor y torpeza desenfadada que se respira entre Christopher, el ingenioso aprendiz de boticario, y Tom, su fiel y esforzado amigo. Pronto, la promesa de acertijos, secretos, peligros y tesoros en medio de Londres en el siglo XVII despertó mi más exploradora curiosidad.
Christopher, Tom, Sally y la paloma Bridget afrontan una ciudad asolada por la peste mientras tratan de sobrevivir con pocos medios y muchos interrogantes. La gente muere a miles, la superstición y el miedo campan a sus anchas, y el mundo parece abocado al apocalipsis.
Me ha gustado mucho moverme por la botica y sus ingredientes, hierbas y frascos, teñida por la añoranza de su anterior dueño. Se aprende también sobre los estragos de una plaga que aún asombra tras siglos de su erradicación. ¿Cómo pudo segar tantas vidas y de forma tan truculenta?
La peste no es sólo motivo de devastación para los ciudadanos de Londres, también es objeto de controversia y conspiraciones. La situación algo precaria del protagonista como joven aprendiz de boticario se alía de forma muy interesante con el caos que revuelve la ciudad. Enfermedad, personajes insidiosos, autoridades que ignoran o desprecian a los jovenzuelos sin poder, un gran secreto que se va desenvolviendo con suma intriga y una amistad inquebrantable suponen los pilares de esta entretenidísima novela. La forma en que se entrecruzan los acontecimientos y Christopher enlaza pistas para descifrar códigos produce una descarga de adrenalina intelectual.
Me declaro fan de Bridget y su plumosa personalidad, de la indispensable Sally, del inteligente Christopher, del bueno e incansable de Tom y de la escritura pegadiza del autor. El desenlace de este genial libro está sembrado de audacia, despampanantes revelaciones, terribles sacrificios y, menos mal, algo de tierna alegría y justicia. Toda una aventura de misterio y amistad, escrita con humor, donde los enigmas se enredan con ingenio y estilo adictivo, y cuyos personajes terminas adorando (paloma incluida). El retrato de la peste y sus efectos sociológicos encoge el corazón. Tenéis que echar un vistazo al documento real incluido entre las ilustraciones del libro. Es escalofriante.
Espero que el autor siga creando tramas para la botica de Blackthorne. Son estupendas :-D
Citas favoritas:
Cuando sabes el secreto, cualquier cosa es sencilla. Lo que tienes que recordar es que pocos podrían siquiera imaginar el secreto.
Ese año Londres había estado dolorosamente carente de milagros.
Opinión original de Babel en Torre de Babel http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
Si hay enigmas y paisajes a lo British, yo me apunto sin dudarlo :o).
Lo primero que me ha gustado de esta historia es la atmósfera pizpireta de buen humor y torpeza desenfadada que se respira entre Christopher, el ingenioso aprendiz de boticario, y Tom, su fiel y esforzado amigo. Pronto, la promesa de acertijos, secretos, peligros y tesoros en medio de Londres en el siglo XVII despertó mi más exploradora curiosidad.
Christopher, Tom, Sally y la paloma Bridget afrontan una ciudad asolada por la peste mientras tratan de sobrevivir con pocos medios y muchos interrogantes. La gente muere a miles, la superstición y el miedo campan a sus anchas, y el mundo parece abocado al apocalipsis.
Me ha gustado mucho moverme por la botica y sus ingredientes, hierbas y frascos, teñida por la añoranza de su anterior dueño. Se aprende también sobre los estragos de una plaga que aún asombra tras siglos de su erradicación. ¿Cómo pudo segar tantas vidas y de forma tan truculenta?
La peste no es sólo motivo de devastación para los ciudadanos de Londres, también es objeto de controversia y conspiraciones. La situación algo precaria del protagonista como joven aprendiz de boticario se alía de forma muy interesante con el caos que revuelve la ciudad. Enfermedad, personajes insidiosos, autoridades que ignoran o desprecian a los jovenzuelos sin poder, un gran secreto que se va desenvolviendo con suma intriga y una amistad inquebrantable suponen los pilares de esta entretenidísima novela. La forma en que se entrecruzan los acontecimientos y Christopher enlaza pistas para descifrar códigos produce una descarga de adrenalina intelectual.
Me declaro fan de Bridget y su plumosa personalidad, de la indispensable Sally, del inteligente Christopher, del bueno e incansable de Tom y de la escritura pegadiza del autor. El desenlace de este genial libro está sembrado de audacia, despampanantes revelaciones, terribles sacrificios y, menos mal, algo de tierna alegría y justicia. Toda una aventura de misterio y amistad, escrita con humor, donde los enigmas se enredan con ingenio y estilo adictivo, y cuyos personajes terminas adorando (paloma incluida). El retrato de la peste y sus efectos sociológicos encoge el corazón. Tenéis que echar un vistazo al documento real incluido entre las ilustraciones del libro. Es escalofriante.
Espero que el autor siga creando tramas para la botica de Blackthorne. Son estupendas :-D
Citas favoritas:
Cuando sabes el secreto, cualquier cosa es sencilla. Lo que tienes que recordar es que pocos podrían siquiera imaginar el secreto.
Ese año Londres había estado dolorosamente carente de milagros.
Opinión original de Babel en Torre de Babel http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
December 31, 2022
AHHH 🥺🥺😭
July 27, 2024
58/ 2024
LA SEÑAL DE LA PLAGA
Estamos ante una historia de aventuras, acertijos y secretos ambientada en Londres en plena peste negra.
Como aspectos positivos, destaco que está muy bien escrita, los personajes están muy bien perfilados, es una lectura juvenil también apta para adultos y, a pesar de ser parte de una saga, se puede leer perfectamente de forma independiente, sin sentir que te estés perdiendo nada.
Por contra, hay expresiones no muy acertadas por parte del traductor y cierta tendencia a repetir información o explicar algo que ya había deducido el lector.
Estos dos aspectos son los que hacen que se quede en una lectura de notable en lugar del sobresaliente que se merecía la historia.
LA SEÑAL DE LA PLAGA
Estamos ante una historia de aventuras, acertijos y secretos ambientada en Londres en plena peste negra.
Como aspectos positivos, destaco que está muy bien escrita, los personajes están muy bien perfilados, es una lectura juvenil también apta para adultos y, a pesar de ser parte de una saga, se puede leer perfectamente de forma independiente, sin sentir que te estés perdiendo nada.
Por contra, hay expresiones no muy acertadas por parte del traductor y cierta tendencia a repetir información o explicar algo que ya había deducido el lector.
Estos dos aspectos son los que hacen que se quede en una lectura de notable en lugar del sobresaliente que se merecía la historia.
September 29, 2019
Sequels can often be flat in plot and motion compared to the initial book. This one, however, is equally as engaging and fast paced as the first Blackthorn Key book.
After his first intensely dangerous adventure filled with code breaking and mysteries to unravel, Christopher's new adventure involves plague remedies, more codes to decipher, and a host of confusing questions to answer. Really enjoy the author's writing that keeps you turning page after page.
After his first intensely dangerous adventure filled with code breaking and mysteries to unravel, Christopher's new adventure involves plague remedies, more codes to decipher, and a host of confusing questions to answer. Really enjoy the author's writing that keeps you turning page after page.
September 10, 2017
El primer libro me gustó, así que para este tenía las expectativas bastante altas y aun así ha logrado sorprenderme: me ha resultado sumamente interesante el contexto en el que se ambienta, además de todo el misterio que rodea la trama; por supuesto, reencontrarme con los personajes y descubrir qué ha sido de sus vidas/cómo van creciendo es un plus que me ha encantado.
June 21, 2019
This was fun. I listened to the audio in between a bunch of other books and audios. These reads are like old friends. Always nice to come back to. I will definitely try the next in the series. There were a few sections that seemed a little long in this one and it took a bit longer than necessary to reveal the true mystery. Overall though, good characters and enjoyable. 3.5 stars
January 13, 2021
Ein unglaublich spannender zweiter Teil.
Ich war ab Seite 1 in der Geschichte und bin nur so durch die Seiten geflogen. Mir hat Teil 1 schon wahnsinnig gut gefallen, aber dieser Teil war finde ich noch besser.
Ich bin schon wahnsinnig gespannt auf den letzten Band ❤
Ich war ab Seite 1 in der Geschichte und bin nur so durch die Seiten geflogen. Mir hat Teil 1 schon wahnsinnig gut gefallen, aber dieser Teil war finde ich noch besser.
Ich bin schon wahnsinnig gespannt auf den letzten Band ❤
September 13, 2017
4.5 really! Fantastic finish! Loved it! Can't wait to read #3.
Read
September 22, 2022Siendo sincera no me gustó, puede q tengo q ver con q me compré el segundo libro y no el primero (culpa mía), pero mientras leía el libro no logro engancharme en ningún momento y todo lo que leía eran palabras y no una historia 🧑🦲
January 16, 2025
2025/01/15 Notes:
Yay for libraries!
A great continuation of the series with danger, mystery, puzzles and strong bond of chosen family.
Yay for libraries!
A great continuation of the series with danger, mystery, puzzles and strong bond of chosen family.
March 20, 2019
Taková příjemná jednohubka (ale dost napínavá, o tom žádná) :)
August 18, 2016
Even more 16th century adventure, action and mystery awaits in the second volume of the The Blackthorn Key series! The stakes are amped up and so is the action in this sequel, which manages the rare trick of being even more enjoyable than its predecessor. The plot involves a lot of twists and turns that will keep readers on their toes, plus information about making real-life codes that will appeal to anyone's inner "secret spy".
The introduction of a female character, Sally, is a nice expansion of the cast, although she's definitely in a secondary role compared to the two main male characters, Christopher and Tom. Historical details are woven in so smoothly that readers will pick up a good sense of life in 16th century London without even noticing that they're learning facts along with enjoying a thrilling story!
Note: this review is based on a free ARC provided at ALA by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The introduction of a female character, Sally, is a nice expansion of the cast, although she's definitely in a secondary role compared to the two main male characters, Christopher and Tom. Historical details are woven in so smoothly that readers will pick up a good sense of life in 16th century London without even noticing that they're learning facts along with enjoying a thrilling story!
Note: this review is based on a free ARC provided at ALA by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2016
The story: It's 1665, and the black plague has hit London with a vengeance. A unexpected message from Christopher's dead master, apothecary Blackthorn, reveals that there's a treasure hidden somewhere in the house...but Christopher can't seem to find it, and money is getting tight. Even worse, friends are falling victim to the plague, and a mysterious plague "prophet" has predicted that Christopher's best friend, Tom, will be among the next to die...
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBT content G; adult themes (manipulation of public fear for gain) PG; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: I'm a big fan of "The Blackthorn Key", and thought this one was really good as well--although a little less like a Dan Brown book for kids, and a little more like the historical fiction that it is. Even so, there are puzzles to crack and mysteries to solve, and fans of book one will like book 2 also.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBT content G; adult themes (manipulation of public fear for gain) PG; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: I'm a big fan of "The Blackthorn Key", and thought this one was really good as well--although a little less like a Dan Brown book for kids, and a little more like the historical fiction that it is. Even so, there are puzzles to crack and mysteries to solve, and fans of book one will like book 2 also.
January 2, 2021
Wow. I really enjoyed this. The main characters of the book are interesting and likeable, as well as just plain cool. I love the way Christopher has so much knowledge of almost any plant he encounters, the faithful loyalty of Tom, even though "this is a bad idea," and the general cheerfulness and resilience of Sally, despite all she's been through.
The plot had lots of twists and turns that made me not want to put it down. I love that I can guess and make predictions and follow the plot, but I'm still surprised at several of the twists the story takes.
I also liked how the interaction between the characters is often very lighthearted and funny. It helps lighten up the book a bit, because it can be a bit dark.
In all, this is an engaging and exciting book with lots of action and mystery, as well as likable and funny characters.
The plot had lots of twists and turns that made me not want to put it down. I love that I can guess and make predictions and follow the plot, but I'm still surprised at several of the twists the story takes.
I also liked how the interaction between the characters is often very lighthearted and funny. It helps lighten up the book a bit, because it can be a bit dark.
In all, this is an engaging and exciting book with lots of action and mystery, as well as likable and funny characters.
October 13, 2017
The child in me simply adored this story. The mystery is interesting throughout and I've now grown firmly attached to the main characters of this series. Also, there were quite some funny lines in this installment that made me chuckle out loud a few times. The best part (to me at least) was definitely the ending - it was unexpectedly moving.
The adult in me has always been interested in the plague though for some unknown reason I've never delved into its history. I intend to rectify this sooner rather than later. In the meantime I learned more about it in this story than I expected to.
Whether you be a child or an adult, I bet you'll enjoy this series if you are into an engaging mystery sprinkled with a little history and told through the eyes of a entirely lovable character.
The adult in me has always been interested in the plague though for some unknown reason I've never delved into its history. I intend to rectify this sooner rather than later. In the meantime I learned more about it in this story than I expected to.
Whether you be a child or an adult, I bet you'll enjoy this series if you are into an engaging mystery sprinkled with a little history and told through the eyes of a entirely lovable character.
August 28, 2016
"This is a terrible idea," Tom said.
"I didn't even say anything," said Christopher.
Every time I read that I get excited to see what scheme Christopher has worked up!
The sequel to The Blackthorn Key did not fall sort at all. You fall more in love with the friendship between Christopher and Tom.
The plot line was a little bit predictable with who was the villain, but I did get fouled like Christopher and did not excepted the true mastermind.
I highly recommend these books to anyone the characters are so life like, the plot draws you in and the codes nag at you until solved. Seeing the pieces finally fit in to place in Christopher's mind is a thrill to read!
"I didn't even say anything," said Christopher.
Every time I read that I get excited to see what scheme Christopher has worked up!
The sequel to The Blackthorn Key did not fall sort at all. You fall more in love with the friendship between Christopher and Tom.
The plot line was a little bit predictable with who was the villain, but I did get fouled like Christopher and did not excepted the true mastermind.
I highly recommend these books to anyone the characters are so life like, the plot draws you in and the codes nag at you until solved. Seeing the pieces finally fit in to place in Christopher's mind is a thrill to read!
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