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The Blackthorn Key #4
Call of the Wraith
Christopher Rowe is back and there are more puzzles, riddles, and secrets to uncover in this fourth novel of the award-winning Blackthorn Key series.
Christopher Rowe has no idea who he is. After being shipwrecked in Devonshire, he wakes up alone, his memories gone. Villagers tell him he was possessed by an unseen evil, and only became conscious after being visited by the local witch.
As Christopher tries to get his bearings, he realizes his current state may be far from coincidence. Dark events have been happening in this corner of Britain—village children are disappearing without a trace. There are whispers that the malevolent ghost of the White Lady has returned to steal the children away, one by one, and consume their souls.
Thankfully, friends Tom and Sally find Christopher and help him reconnect with his unique skills and talents, even as his memories elude him. But as motives and secrets are revealed, Christopher finds himself in a desperate race to reclaim his memories and discover the missing children before it’s too late.
Christopher Rowe has no idea who he is. After being shipwrecked in Devonshire, he wakes up alone, his memories gone. Villagers tell him he was possessed by an unseen evil, and only became conscious after being visited by the local witch.
As Christopher tries to get his bearings, he realizes his current state may be far from coincidence. Dark events have been happening in this corner of Britain—village children are disappearing without a trace. There are whispers that the malevolent ghost of the White Lady has returned to steal the children away, one by one, and consume their souls.
Thankfully, friends Tom and Sally find Christopher and help him reconnect with his unique skills and talents, even as his memories elude him. But as motives and secrets are revealed, Christopher finds himself in a desperate race to reclaim his memories and discover the missing children before it’s too late.
Audio CD
First published September 25, 2018
159 people are currently reading
2057 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Sands
21 books970 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 271 reviews
April 18, 2022
I NEED MORE!!!!
I absolutely loved this book!!!!!! 1 year of waiting and i devoured it in less than a day :(((. This book, as the others, was full of suspense, action, mystery, plot twists and friendship. I love the idea of the witchcraft which was based on historic events ( Salem witchunt). I adore the use of latin and i can't wait for future adventures.
Thanks Kevin Sands for such an amazing series.
;))
I absolutely loved this book!!!!!! 1 year of waiting and i devoured it in less than a day :(((. This book, as the others, was full of suspense, action, mystery, plot twists and friendship. I love the idea of the witchcraft which was based on historic events ( Salem witchunt). I adore the use of latin and i can't wait for future adventures.
Thanks Kevin Sands for such an amazing series.
;))
February 21, 2019
In the 4th book of the Blackthorn Key series. Christopher finds himself in an unfamiliar place with no memories of who he is. He can remember facts such as apothecary recipes and who the king is, but anything personal at all is gone. When ever he starts to get close his head starts to give him pain. He's taken in by a friendly farmer from whom he learns that he was shipwrecked. He also seemed to have been sick or as the farmer believes, possessed by a demon. That combined with a mystery 5 year old girl and horrible nightmares makes the story from the very beginning an intense read.
Soon Christopher finds himself reunited with his friends Tom and Sally. Although he can not remember them. He is thrown into another dangerous mystery when he discovers that 5 different young children have gone missing from the area. A local legend claims it's a wraith (aka ghost) known as the White Lady that she won't be done till she has claimed 12 children total. So together Christopher and his 3 companions, Tom, Sally, and the mystery 5 year old girl they call Moppet, has to try and save the children.
I truely love series with all my heart. When I finally got my hands on this book I was overjoyed. It's fast paced, action packed, and an easy read. It grabs your interest from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I loved trying to follow along with the main character and figure out what was actually happening and who all was involved. While I can at somethings. Most of the time it blind sided me. Making it a very intriguing read. You really feel for the characters in the book. I laughed, my heartbroke, there where even times I had to look over my shoulder. The end wrapped everything from the story up nicely while leaving a little teaser that whispers a promise of still more to come. The book was a great ride and I'll be first in line for the next one of its series.
Soon Christopher finds himself reunited with his friends Tom and Sally. Although he can not remember them. He is thrown into another dangerous mystery when he discovers that 5 different young children have gone missing from the area. A local legend claims it's a wraith (aka ghost) known as the White Lady that she won't be done till she has claimed 12 children total. So together Christopher and his 3 companions, Tom, Sally, and the mystery 5 year old girl they call Moppet, has to try and save the children.
I truely love series with all my heart. When I finally got my hands on this book I was overjoyed. It's fast paced, action packed, and an easy read. It grabs your interest from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I loved trying to follow along with the main character and figure out what was actually happening and who all was involved. While I can at somethings. Most of the time it blind sided me. Making it a very intriguing read. You really feel for the characters in the book. I laughed, my heartbroke, there where even times I had to look over my shoulder. The end wrapped everything from the story up nicely while leaving a little teaser that whispers a promise of still more to come. The book was a great ride and I'll be first in line for the next one of its series.
September 24, 2023
4+ stars
This was another fun adventure in the series. Christopher is returning from France when he is shipwrecked with amnesia. Even when his friends find him, he decides he can’t leave until he solves a mystery involving missing children, blamed on a ghost.
Christopher: I have an idea.
Everyone else: Oh no.
The pacing is great, the characters are memorable, the setting is vivid, the plot is exciting, the writing is smooth and pleasing — there is really nothing to criticize here, just praise.
Language: Mild
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Some fights with swords and bows and arrows. Injuries are treated. Not graphic.
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
This was another fun adventure in the series. Christopher is returning from France when he is shipwrecked with amnesia. Even when his friends find him, he decides he can’t leave until he solves a mystery involving missing children, blamed on a ghost.
Christopher: I have an idea.
Everyone else: Oh no.
The pacing is great, the characters are memorable, the setting is vivid, the plot is exciting, the writing is smooth and pleasing — there is really nothing to criticize here, just praise.
Language: Mild
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Some fights with swords and bows and arrows. Injuries are treated. Not graphic.
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
October 1, 2018
This series is so fantastic. Sands has created three of my all-time favorite characters: Christopher, Tom and Sally. Their interactions and devotion to one another are instructive, as is their determination to help others and stand for good.
November 5, 2018
The lack of puzzles in this book was disappointing, but I did enjoy the mystery. I also liked that things weren't what they appeared to be, and the journey to the truth was an interesting one. It involves witches, ghosts, and pirates. The ending is bittersweet but satisfying.
March 26, 2020
«Nihil autem opertum est, quod non reveletur; neque absconditum, quod non sciatur – But there is nothing covered up, that shall not be revealed; an equally hid, that shall not be known»
Review in English | Reseña en español (abajo)
I discovered The Blackthorn Key Series four years ago and I have enjoyed each instalment equally. For those of you who don’t know the series, they are middle-grade (10-14 years-old) historical-fiction novels set in 1665 England, with doses of fantasy and magic, supernatural elements, and a lot of riddles and puzzles to solve.
Call of the Wraith starts off a few days after the ending of The Assassin’s Curse –you can read my non-spoiler review here–: we are back in England with our main character, Christopher Rowe, alone and without his memories after a shipwreck. While he will try to discover what had happened to him, the villagers tell him the White Lady has been stealing their children, and that there is a cunning-woman living nearby that can help him recover his memories. Thankfully, he will shortly find his pet Bridget and his friends Tom and Sally, even though he has no idea who they are. And so it starts an adventure where witchcraft, ghost tales, secrets, piracy and riddles are intertwined.
Call of the Wraith has been, like the previous novels, a feel-good book that deals with the value of friendship and trust in others. The entire series is entertaining even though the plot and logic are sometimes foreseeable if you aren’t the intended audience. I especially like the historical setting of 17th century England and Europe.
Completely recommended for youngsters –and even adults if you want a light, entertaining read.
- - - -
«Nihil autem opertum est, quod non reveletur; neque absconditum, quod non sciatur – porque nada hay encubierto, que no haya de ser descubierto; ni oculto, que no haya de ser sabido»
Descubrí la saga El Enigma de Blackthorn hace cuatro años y he ido disfrutando cada libro por igual. Para quienes no conozcáis estos libros, son novelas de ficción histórica middle-grade (10-14 años) ambientadas en la Inglaterra de 1665, con dosis de fantasía y magia, elementos sobrenaturales y muchos acertijos y rompecabezas para resolver. En español están publicados los dos primeros libros: El Enigma de Blackthorn y La señal de la plaga.
Call of the Wraith comienza unos días después del final de The Assassin's Curse –podéis leer mi reseña sin spoilers aquí–: estamos de vuelta en Inglaterra con nuestro personaje principal, Christopher Rowe, solo y sin sus recuerdos después de un naufragio. Mientras intenta descubrir qué le ha sucedido para perder la memoria, los aldeanos le dicen que la Dama Blanca ha estado robando a sus hijos, y que hay una bruja viviendo cerca que puede ayudarlo a recuperar sus recuerdos. Afortunadamente, pronto encontrará a su mascota Bridget y a sus amigos Tom y Sally, aunque no tiene idea de quiénes son. Y así comienza una aventura donde la brujería, los cuentos de fantasmas, los secretos, la piratería y los acertijos están entrelazados.
Call of the Wraith ha sido, al igual que los libros anteriores, una historia feel-good que trata el valor de la amistad y la confianza en los demás. Toda la saga es entretenida a pesar de que la trama y la lógica a veces son previsibles si no eres el público previsto. A mí me gusta especialmente el entorno histórico de la Inglaterra y Europa del siglo XVII.
Completamente recomendado para jóvenes y niñxs, e incluso adultos si buscáis una lectura ligera y entretenida.
July 15, 2019
Book #4 of The Blackthorn Key series finds Christopher Rowe shipwrecked in Devonshire with no memory of who he is nor how he got to a friendly farmer's hut, joined by a young abandoned girl, who refuses to speak. Everyone in the town is worried about some missing children, and Christopher is told that his memories will be returned by a demon, if he rescues them. As he heads off to see the local healer (witch?) and the local baronet for answers, his longtime friends Sally and Tom are thrilled to find him (as is his pigeon, Bridget.) Common wisdom is the mythical wraith (White Lady) is stealing the children, but Christopher confronts the healer and baronet, forcing the truth, only to find himself and his friends with long odds of success. Fast-paced, good continuing story of camaraderie, without the tremendous leaps of faith in puzzle-solving from the earlier books. The Raven is still seeking to punish Christopher so at least one more book coming.
April 18, 2019
This author has not disappointed me yet. Have to say, though, that I was as confused as a character in the book at the beginning of the story but little by little the story all came out.
Adventure, action, friendship, fantasy and the good guy winning over the bad one is always a good story.
Adventure, action, friendship, fantasy and the good guy winning over the bad one is always a good story.
October 2, 2018
A series that always leaves me satisfied and wanting he next one to come soon.
January 31, 2022
This book started off slower than the first three books but the suspense and plot twist endings no doubt still had my heart pounding!
October 2, 2018
Just as enthralling and page turning as the last three books, 'Call of the Wraith' does not disappoint! I love the uncertainty that is placed upon Christopher and the reader themselves. I honestly began to doubt some things and certain people and had no clue what was going on (in a good way; everything came together in the end) or who the culprit was, making this a brilliant, suspenseful read (just like all the others, haha).
Definitely pick this book up if you enjoyed the others! Or, if you picked up this book and enjoyed it, definitely go and pick up the last three! The writing, plot, and characters are all well thought out and get you immersed in their time and world. And as always, I love the bit of historical background and research put into these books. Can't wait for the next one to come out!
Definitely pick this book up if you enjoyed the others! Or, if you picked up this book and enjoyed it, definitely go and pick up the last three! The writing, plot, and characters are all well thought out and get you immersed in their time and world. And as always, I love the bit of historical background and research put into these books. Can't wait for the next one to come out!
June 23, 2021
I loved this book Kevin Sands never disappoints even though it has been awhile since I have read the other three books this series is always easy to get into. I really love the characters even with Christopher losing his memory it just added more to him as he slowly remembers his life before he ended up where he did. I still loved the other characters the ever loyal Tom and spunky and opinionated Sally. I really loved the plot it started with Christopher waking up somewhere unknown without his memories it moves on to a kidnapping case to solve and for Christopher who does not know his own name at this point to solve this all while regaining his memory. So overall I loved this book and will read the next book in this series soon.
November 21, 2018
This series is just SO good! I love the friendship between Christopher and Tom. They’re so ride or die for each other in the best ways!
July 18, 2019
Damn, that was a good one.
January 31, 2022
Don't you dare die on me.
"Ok. I'll die over there."
You are unbelievable.
"Ok. I'll die over there."
You are unbelievable.
June 2, 2024
YALL. This is another BANGER. Like I literally am shook and need to scream in excitement about this to someone. Pirates, witch trials, missing children, daring escapes, gun fights, faking identities, lost memories, Thomas literally being THE CUTEST with a child, like ahhhh!!!!!! Read. Go.
May 19, 2019
i'd rate this book 4.5 stars, but since the last one had some odds and ends, i'll rate it 4 instead of 5.
The series is still 5 stars on teh whole, because it is quite an adventure.
The downgrade isn't due to the writing (which is fantastic and felt less DanBrown, which is apositive, and more uniquely to the writer), its more to do with how this story adds to the overall series.
Given the path the first 3 books took, i'm not sure book #4 relates - other then character building it felt tangential - eventhough the Raven was sort of in this story. If the author's goal was to write
about various infliction on england at the time, then i can see this book as part of the series
, similarly to how these 2 books contributed to their respective serise
1) J Stroud's Bartimaeus's Ring of solomon
2) ND Wilsons Door Before for 100 Cupboards / Ashtown burials
---
however since the author has stated he has 3-4 more books worth, this is comparable to Delaney's Wardstone chronicles / Last Apprentice, i felt all those (11) books contributed to the overall Wardstone story compared to "call of the wraith" for ChristopherRowe...but a final comparison can only be done when Sands finishes writing those other books (which i hope he does!!)
----------
On the positive, i did like the adventure and the ending was great. Christopher and his gunpowder and fire.
==============
second reading just as good as the first. I really enjoy reading this series as much as J.Strouds & Brandon Mull's Series
The series is still 5 stars on teh whole, because it is quite an adventure.
The downgrade isn't due to the writing (which is fantastic and felt less DanBrown, which is apositive, and more uniquely to the writer), its more to do with how this story adds to the overall series.
Given the path the first 3 books took, i'm not sure book #4 relates - other then character building it felt tangential - eventhough the Raven was sort of in this story. If the author's goal was to write
about various infliction on england at the time, then i can see this book as part of the series
, similarly to how these 2 books contributed to their respective serise
1) J Stroud's Bartimaeus's Ring of solomon
2) ND Wilsons Door Before for 100 Cupboards / Ashtown burials
---
however since the author has stated he has 3-4 more books worth, this is comparable to Delaney's Wardstone chronicles / Last Apprentice, i felt all those (11) books contributed to the overall Wardstone story compared to "call of the wraith" for ChristopherRowe...but a final comparison can only be done when Sands finishes writing those other books (which i hope he does!!)
----------
On the positive, i did like the adventure and the ending was great. Christopher and his gunpowder and fire.
==============
second reading just as good as the first. I really enjoy reading this series as much as J.Strouds & Brandon Mull's Series
January 16, 2019
This was another good read in the series. In this one Christopher loses his memory. He of course tries to get it back. While this is going on there is a big mystery at hand. Children are disappearing. They want you to believe that a ghost is behind it. However, when you read it you will soon find out that who or what is actually behind it.
January 31, 2019
Prosim ďalšiu!
January 7, 2023
screaming crying
September 7, 2024
First reread, January 2023
I read this in a day the first time apparently. I don't doubt it.
My memory is so bad that not even two years later and it almost feels like I'm reading it for the first time again. I remembered some key things (some of them a few pages before the reveal) and, even knowing the ending, STILL cried after chapter 49 (it was painful). And it's held up. My original review is dramatic but true: it IS an incredible series. I think everyone should read it.
I do have a complaint, for once. I don't like how every book ends the same way; as in, conflict-resolution-wise. I understand, it's a good way to wrap up violent plotlines (some of them get pretty violent). But book 4 easily could have ended differently. Yes, it made sense with his character, but it just as easily couldn't have happened. I'm curious to see how Kevin will handle wrapping up the plot with the Raven.
My last thought: my friend and I have been rereading the series together in anticipation of book 6, and have been trading predictions on who the Raven might be (because we believe it's someone who we've either met in the books or has been mentioned at some point; my current best prediction is But our predictions have continued to get more ridiculous. My friend accused Lord Ashcombe and King Charles (I almost murdered her) and I joked that Benedict is behind all of this, he just faked his death and Christopher is the ultimate unreliable narrator because we only know the man through his eyes. Anyway. Thank you Esther for going on this journey with me. It ends in 11 days.
I've loved this series since the seventh grade and I'm in my first year of college. I don't know if I'm ready.
First read, August 2021
Ho. Ly. Crap. This was very good. Like very very good. The entire series is good. So good I can't pick a favorite book. That doesn't happen often. Anyway. Please read this series if you can. Yes, it's middle grade, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. It has pirates and explosions and codes and mysteries. It has a plague and conspiracies and assassins. It has a trio of best friends: a giant boy with a heart of gold, a sharp and kind girl, and a boy with a heart for mischief who always protects his friends. There's something for everyone.
You'd be surprised at how much you can learn from a middle grade book series. I learned so much about the 1660s, the plague, apothecaries, the templar's treasure, even folktales. Please, give this book a try. It's a hidden gem. I've read few books at this level. (and I've read many, MANY books.) I promise, you won't regret it.
I read this in a day the first time apparently. I don't doubt it.
My memory is so bad that not even two years later and it almost feels like I'm reading it for the first time again. I remembered some key things (some of them a few pages before the reveal) and, even knowing the ending, STILL cried after chapter 49 (it was painful). And it's held up. My original review is dramatic but true: it IS an incredible series. I think everyone should read it.
I do have a complaint, for once. I don't like how every book ends the same way; as in, conflict-resolution-wise. I understand, it's a good way to wrap up violent plotlines (some of them get pretty violent). But book 4 easily could have ended differently. Yes, it made sense with his character, but it just as easily couldn't have happened. I'm curious to see how Kevin will handle wrapping up the plot with the Raven.
My last thought: my friend and I have been rereading the series together in anticipation of book 6, and have been trading predictions on who the Raven might be (because we believe it's someone who we've either met in the books or has been mentioned at some point; my current best prediction is But our predictions have continued to get more ridiculous. My friend accused Lord Ashcombe and King Charles (I almost murdered her) and I joked that Benedict is behind all of this, he just faked his death and Christopher is the ultimate unreliable narrator because we only know the man through his eyes. Anyway. Thank you Esther for going on this journey with me. It ends in 11 days.
I've loved this series since the seventh grade and I'm in my first year of college. I don't know if I'm ready.
First read, August 2021
Ho. Ly. Crap. This was very good. Like very very good. The entire series is good. So good I can't pick a favorite book. That doesn't happen often. Anyway. Please read this series if you can. Yes, it's middle grade, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. It has pirates and explosions and codes and mysteries. It has a plague and conspiracies and assassins. It has a trio of best friends: a giant boy with a heart of gold, a sharp and kind girl, and a boy with a heart for mischief who always protects his friends. There's something for everyone.
You'd be surprised at how much you can learn from a middle grade book series. I learned so much about the 1660s, the plague, apothecaries, the templar's treasure, even folktales. Please, give this book a try. It's a hidden gem. I've read few books at this level. (and I've read many, MANY books.) I promise, you won't regret it.
December 9, 2020
This fourth book in the series so far lays the groundwork for another book (which I found out via Bridget the Pigeon is in the works! Pre-order The Traitors Blade May 11, 2021.).
It's the slowest starting of the four, but it's a nice change of pace, and is in fact caused by what the author does to Christopher -- throws him overboard on the ship ride back to England from his mission in France and washes him up on the English shore suffering from amnesia.
In his quest to figure out who he is, Christopher is thrown into a plot by a local, greedy lord to sell the village's children to Barbary pirates as slaves. But I get ahead of the story.
Christopher wakes up warm and in the presence of small waif, a girl hiding under the covers in the same room. He recognizes witch's marks on the linte, warding off evil spirits, and still retains his apothecary's knowledge and training -- but he doesn't know who he is.
He's dressed as a Lord with lots of gold in his purse, which the farmer who discovered him and called the local healer woman to care for him during his illness, dutifully returns to him. And he hears a voice in his mind, one he can't identify -- but he desperately wants to.
The farmer tells him of the legend of the White Lady, who's supposedly stealing the village's children and making them vanish. Five are missing, so far. At the same time, this frightened girl shows up, half-frozen to death, speaking gibberish or at least, not English at all.
Christopher's friends, Tom and Sally, finally find him, but he has only snippets of his memories of them. The strange girl latches onto Tom and his sword like a drowning sailor to a life vest.
They approach the local witch, who tells Christopher he's the only one who can solve the mystery of the missing children and the White Lady, but not for the reasons Christopher thinks. And when they approach the local Baron for help, they soon realized they've stepped out of the fry pan and into the fire.
It's up to Christopher and his friends to save the children, regain his memories, and stop a pirate invasion of the village. With a little help from dear old Uncle Ashcrombe. (Hint, hint, wink, wink).
We loved this book, and like I said at the top, we sincerely hope the fifth reveals the Raven (intimated from Book 3 and this one), Christopher's greatest nemesis!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
It's the slowest starting of the four, but it's a nice change of pace, and is in fact caused by what the author does to Christopher -- throws him overboard on the ship ride back to England from his mission in France and washes him up on the English shore suffering from amnesia.
In his quest to figure out who he is, Christopher is thrown into a plot by a local, greedy lord to sell the village's children to Barbary pirates as slaves. But I get ahead of the story.
Christopher wakes up warm and in the presence of small waif, a girl hiding under the covers in the same room. He recognizes witch's marks on the linte, warding off evil spirits, and still retains his apothecary's knowledge and training -- but he doesn't know who he is.
He's dressed as a Lord with lots of gold in his purse, which the farmer who discovered him and called the local healer woman to care for him during his illness, dutifully returns to him. And he hears a voice in his mind, one he can't identify -- but he desperately wants to.
The farmer tells him of the legend of the White Lady, who's supposedly stealing the village's children and making them vanish. Five are missing, so far. At the same time, this frightened girl shows up, half-frozen to death, speaking gibberish or at least, not English at all.
Christopher's friends, Tom and Sally, finally find him, but he has only snippets of his memories of them. The strange girl latches onto Tom and his sword like a drowning sailor to a life vest.
They approach the local witch, who tells Christopher he's the only one who can solve the mystery of the missing children and the White Lady, but not for the reasons Christopher thinks. And when they approach the local Baron for help, they soon realized they've stepped out of the fry pan and into the fire.
It's up to Christopher and his friends to save the children, regain his memories, and stop a pirate invasion of the village. With a little help from dear old Uncle Ashcrombe. (Hint, hint, wink, wink).
We loved this book, and like I said at the top, we sincerely hope the fifth reveals the Raven (intimated from Book 3 and this one), Christopher's greatest nemesis!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
April 14, 2019
holy hades
the fourth instalment in the blackthorn key series did NOT disappoint.
christopher rowe, apprentice to master benedict blackthorn wakes someplace he does not know after he was thrown from his ship during a storm. he has no memories of the storm, or even who he is. when it is revealed that he arrived just after kidnappings of children in the town of Seaton had begun, christopher and his friends must save them in exchange for his memories, leading them on probably their most dangerous quest yet.
characters:
christopher- an ambitious protagonist for whom my love is infinite. he always puts others before himself, and is intelligent in general. all around a joy to read.
tom- tomtomtomtomtom. he is what shows if you search for ‘pure kindness’ on google. thomas bailey’s loyalty is unlike any other, and really is such an important character. hes so raw and real that every line he says makes you either laugh or cry.
sally- sally deschamps is what strong female characters should be. yes, she does her fighting and needs to man, but this doesn’t stop her from actually having feelings and caring for people. strong female character does not mean rude and sassy. it means unafraid to show your colours in a book of nearly all men. shes so great.
everything about this book was perfect, to the mystery kevin sands never fails at making IMPOSSIBLE to decipher on your own, to the dialogue and subplots. this was just as good as all the other books in the series, if not better. here is a list of things that make this over 100%.
-christopher and tom’s friendship. literally nothing compares. i could be fluent in every language and still not have the words to say how perfect and well-developed this friendship is.
-the pacing was dhdkshfksjfjskfk. the twists were spaced out wonderfully and was constantly keeping me on the edge of my seat.
-no romantic subplot
-LITERALLY EVERYTHING
IT MADE ME TEAR UP OKAY
READ THE BLACKTHORN KEY SERIES GODDAMNIT
the fourth instalment in the blackthorn key series did NOT disappoint.
christopher rowe, apprentice to master benedict blackthorn wakes someplace he does not know after he was thrown from his ship during a storm. he has no memories of the storm, or even who he is. when it is revealed that he arrived just after kidnappings of children in the town of Seaton had begun, christopher and his friends must save them in exchange for his memories, leading them on probably their most dangerous quest yet.
characters:
christopher- an ambitious protagonist for whom my love is infinite. he always puts others before himself, and is intelligent in general. all around a joy to read.
tom- tomtomtomtomtom. he is what shows if you search for ‘pure kindness’ on google. thomas bailey’s loyalty is unlike any other, and really is such an important character. hes so raw and real that every line he says makes you either laugh or cry.
sally- sally deschamps is what strong female characters should be. yes, she does her fighting and needs to man, but this doesn’t stop her from actually having feelings and caring for people. strong female character does not mean rude and sassy. it means unafraid to show your colours in a book of nearly all men. shes so great.
everything about this book was perfect, to the mystery kevin sands never fails at making IMPOSSIBLE to decipher on your own, to the dialogue and subplots. this was just as good as all the other books in the series, if not better. here is a list of things that make this over 100%.
-christopher and tom’s friendship. literally nothing compares. i could be fluent in every language and still not have the words to say how perfect and well-developed this friendship is.
-the pacing was dhdkshfksjfjskfk. the twists were spaced out wonderfully and was constantly keeping me on the edge of my seat.
-no romantic subplot
-LITERALLY EVERYTHING
IT MADE ME TEAR UP OKAY
READ THE BLACKTHORN KEY SERIES GODDAMNIT
December 20, 2018
Another great installment of this historical-fantasy-mystery series! I like that it feels 'real', but then there's this odd 'fantasy-ness' to it...like a bird that acts rather like a sentient character, yet it's not so entrenched in fantasy that the bird is talking or magical...However, I don't know about Master Benedict's voice...is that supposed to be him ACTUALLY talking to Christopher from beyond the grave? Cuz then that's just creepy. I just read it as his conscience, or maybe even the Holy Spirit's promptings, but has taken on the voice of Benedict because he was such a father figure/advisor to Christopher. It did seem like it was getting a little mystical there for a while, with ghosts and curses, but then it all made sense in the end. Anyway, I've enjoyed all these books, with their discovery of clues , often getting conflicting information, leading up to the final revelation of what really transpired. It's always quite misleading, and then there's a surprise. It's fun to try to figure it out myself, but I never get it right. This one didn't have any codes to break though...but that's OK, I guess if that's done in EVERY book, it would get repetitive and stale.
As always, I really loved Lord Ashcombe's scenes. Whenever he comes into the story, it's always a great moment in the book! (I get the same feels when Poseidon and Percy interacted in the Percy Jackson series) I also love the loyal friendship between Tom and Christopher. It's kinda hard for me to picture them as 14 years old though (which was mentioned in this book...before I had thought they were maybe 16, but knowing they're 14, it feels a little off now, but that might just be because I spent 3 books thinking they were older). Overall, it was a genuine pleasure read, that really didn't have any slow parts, and just kept me hooked until the end.
As always, I really loved Lord Ashcombe's scenes. Whenever he comes into the story, it's always a great moment in the book! (I get the same feels when Poseidon and Percy interacted in the Percy Jackson series) I also love the loyal friendship between Tom and Christopher. It's kinda hard for me to picture them as 14 years old though (which was mentioned in this book...before I had thought they were maybe 16, but knowing they're 14, it feels a little off now, but that might just be because I spent 3 books thinking they were older). Overall, it was a genuine pleasure read, that really didn't have any slow parts, and just kept me hooked until the end.
November 1, 2018
In this installment Christopher Rowe wakes up in an unfamiliar place with no memories. He pieces together his own back story while also trying to solve the mystery of the White Lady and the associated disappearance of local children. He works with his old (unremembered) friends as well as locals and a silent foundling child whom no one recognizes.
I very much enjoy the historical elements (witch trials and Barbary Pirates) as well as the legends and folk tales of the time (The White Lady). I enjoy Sands writing and character development and listened to the audio book for this one. The reader does a descent job, but his female voices (particularly Sally) are a bit annoying and some of his supporting character voices are a bit stilted. Overall, I'd rate my actual reading experience with the Blackthorn Key books a little higher than my listening experience (having read/listened to previous books)
Is this the first Blackthorn Key book where no one got kicked (or hit by something) in the crotch? I think these books might be getting more intelligent (not to say I didn't enjoy the others immensely too). I didn't miss the crotch brutality, but I was greatly relieved to find an explosion or two. There has to be an explosion!
I expected this story to deal with the hook tossed out at the end of book three, however while it does come up, it is not the subject of this story. The story of the raven and his vendetta with Christopher is yet to be told. Next time, maybe?
I very much enjoy the historical elements (witch trials and Barbary Pirates) as well as the legends and folk tales of the time (The White Lady). I enjoy Sands writing and character development and listened to the audio book for this one. The reader does a descent job, but his female voices (particularly Sally) are a bit annoying and some of his supporting character voices are a bit stilted. Overall, I'd rate my actual reading experience with the Blackthorn Key books a little higher than my listening experience (having read/listened to previous books)
Is this the first Blackthorn Key book where no one got kicked (or hit by something) in the crotch? I think these books might be getting more intelligent (not to say I didn't enjoy the others immensely too). I didn't miss the crotch brutality, but I was greatly relieved to find an explosion or two. There has to be an explosion!
I expected this story to deal with the hook tossed out at the end of book three, however while it does come up, it is not the subject of this story. The story of the raven and his vendetta with Christopher is yet to be told. Next time, maybe?
August 22, 2021
4.5 stars really. This is the first book in the series that I actually read instead of listening to and I found it didn't really change my experience much. Actually it may have been better to read the other ones and listen to this one because there were far less number/letter puzzles. Don't get me wrong there were still puzzles, but they were mostly images (so maybe reading it was a better idea anyway). The story in this one was really unique, it took a turn from the other books for sure (but in a good way). I was on the edge of my seat the whole time trying to figure out what was goin on. I really loved the additional characters of Moppet and Wise. I think there was a lot of character growth in this one from the core group as well, Christopher in particular. He is really growing up as the series goes along. I started reading this series last year at the beginning of the pandemic and it has really been a nice staple for me. The characters are fun and enjoyable, and very real too. The plots are intricate and always keep me guessing. I'm just really impressed with this series overall and I can't wait to read the next one!
October 27, 2018
Call of the Wraith (Blackthorn Key #4) by Kevin Sands, 494 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2018. $19
Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some fighting)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
On his way back from France, Christopher Rowe and his friends are caught in a huge storm and tossed up on England’s shores – only Christopher is alone and he has no memory. Slowly things come back to him, but not before he is confronted with a greater mystery – children are disappearing. For some reason he is determined to help, even if it puts himself and his friends, when they find him, in mortal danger.
Plenty of danger and explosions and mystery. Even some smart sword play and pirates. Just one small problem for me --- how can Christopher have a mortal enemy (The Raven) and not encounter him in this book? I got over it, because the adventure is so good, but that doesn’t stop me from wondering.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some fighting)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
On his way back from France, Christopher Rowe and his friends are caught in a huge storm and tossed up on England’s shores – only Christopher is alone and he has no memory. Slowly things come back to him, but not before he is confronted with a greater mystery – children are disappearing. For some reason he is determined to help, even if it puts himself and his friends, when they find him, in mortal danger.
Plenty of danger and explosions and mystery. Even some smart sword play and pirates. Just one small problem for me --- how can Christopher have a mortal enemy (The Raven) and not encounter him in this book? I got over it, because the adventure is so good, but that doesn’t stop me from wondering.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
March 20, 2023
This book starts with Christopher waking up in a strange room, with no memory of who he is.
This was my least favorite book in the series because it employs some of my less preferred tropes - including sudden-and-complete memory loss, and blaming ill happenings on the supernatural. Also, the guidance-giving voice of Master Benedict in Christopher's mind seemed less of an occasional reminder of simple lessons, and switches more into the role of a separate being speaking more complex things in Christopher's head, which felt weird. Additionally, this story took place in a new area, introducing a new cast of characters. Other than this, the characters were consistent as they encountered their new strange situation. Christopher was clever with parsing and solving riddles, Tom was uncertain yet loyal, and Sally was clever and willing.
For those already in the series, I would not recommend against this book, but I would not suggest this series to anyone on the merit of this individual book.
This was my least favorite book in the series because it employs some of my less preferred tropes - including sudden-and-complete memory loss, and blaming ill happenings on the supernatural. Also, the guidance-giving voice of Master Benedict in Christopher's mind seemed less of an occasional reminder of simple lessons, and switches more into the role of a separate being speaking more complex things in Christopher's head, which felt weird. Additionally, this story took place in a new area, introducing a new cast of characters. Other than this, the characters were consistent as they encountered their new strange situation. Christopher was clever with parsing and solving riddles, Tom was uncertain yet loyal, and Sally was clever and willing.
For those already in the series, I would not recommend against this book, but I would not suggest this series to anyone on the merit of this individual book.
September 6, 2021
Am in love with this series, I mean what not to beloved about Christopher Rowe, the novel as always fast paced and a page turner, I can't wait for the next installment, it finishes tooo quickly, and I am finding myself not remembering anything from the previous ones, but glimpses, I think cos I read it too fast to recall it, which good cos i can re-read and enjoy it alll over again
Sep 2021
and here I am re-reading the whole series again, as if it is the first time. as much as I am concerned about my mind cos it does not remember, am happy that am reading this as if it is the first time and re-enjoying it again, I simply love this series. and again I confirm it was a fast read, and am sure I will forget it yet again, actually I do hope so, I don't mid reading it for again, and again ,and again.
Sep 2021
and here I am re-reading the whole series again, as if it is the first time. as much as I am concerned about my mind cos it does not remember, am happy that am reading this as if it is the first time and re-enjoying it again, I simply love this series. and again I confirm it was a fast read, and am sure I will forget it yet again, actually I do hope so, I don't mid reading it for again, and again ,and again.
January 2, 2021
I really find it amazing how Kevin Sands writes these books with stunning consistency. For a moment, I thought this would skid into a complete different genre but no, it stuck to its historical genre and done it with more grace and information. I'm really happy I read this while it's still ongoing. I'll surely read this series until the 6th book is out. Also, I finished reading this on Dec 31st and it just happened that the book ended in the Yuletide season. Thank you for making my reading experience more magical!
The only thing that made me rate it 4 instead of 5 stars is that the historical themes tackled in this book is a bit excessive (considering the book's length) and the villains are underdeveloped. I felt like I didn't know the Darcy's very well so their outcome didn't have an impact on me that much(it is written like it was an afterthought too).
The only thing that made me rate it 4 instead of 5 stars is that the historical themes tackled in this book is a bit excessive (considering the book's length) and the villains are underdeveloped. I felt like I didn't know the Darcy's very well so their outcome didn't have an impact on me that much(it is written like it was an afterthought too).
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