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The Blackthorn Key #5
The Traitor's Blade
Christopher’s homecoming takes a sinister turn when a murderous conspiracy is uncovered in this fifth novel of the award-winning Blackthorn Key series.
Christopher, Tom, and Sally are back in London at last. Everyone is relieved at their return—the plague has ended, and the king, pleased with their service, offers a surprising reward. But trouble has followed them home...
First, an old friend is ambushed and left for dead. Then an anonymous letter arrives at Blackthorn—a mysterious warning hidden inside a riddle and secret code. As Christopher and his friends begin to investigate, they soon discover they’ve stumbled upon a plot to kill the king...and anyone else who dares stand in the traitors’ way.
Christopher, Tom, and Sally are back in London at last. Everyone is relieved at their return—the plague has ended, and the king, pleased with their service, offers a surprising reward. But trouble has followed them home...
First, an old friend is ambushed and left for dead. Then an anonymous letter arrives at Blackthorn—a mysterious warning hidden inside a riddle and secret code. As Christopher and his friends begin to investigate, they soon discover they’ve stumbled upon a plot to kill the king...and anyone else who dares stand in the traitors’ way.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 11, 2021
61 people are currently reading
1515 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 154 reviews
August 6, 2021
Loved it, just as I've loved all the books in this series. The acknowledgments at the back of the book said one more to go. So I'm thinking the next book might be the last in the series. While I'm sad that it is going to be coming to an end soon. I'm hoping that once it's finished, it will come out as a boxed series. I'm intending to own this entire series, that's how much I love it.
My favorite part of this book is when the spymaster is telling Christopher about how people find their own patterns in the world, even if we have to make them up. And any evidence to the contrary we ignore, looking only for that which supports what we believe to be true. I'm paraphrasing here of course. But that's the gist of it and I find this to be very true and relevant in our world right now.
The whole Christopher and Sally thing is super cute. I can't wait to see how that gets wrapped up in the end. All three of the characters have grown and changed so much since we had first met them. I think this book really shows how much. That ending though was killer.
How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
My favorite part of this book is when the spymaster is telling Christopher about how people find their own patterns in the world, even if we have to make them up. And any evidence to the contrary we ignore, looking only for that which supports what we believe to be true. I'm paraphrasing here of course. But that's the gist of it and I find this to be very true and relevant in our world right now.
The whole Christopher and Sally thing is super cute. I can't wait to see how that gets wrapped up in the end. All three of the characters have grown and changed so much since we had first met them. I think this book really shows how much. That ending though was killer.
How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
January 6, 2025
4 Stars ⭐ Naturally... What else would you expect from a solid middle-grade with intriguing mystery, high stakes, and a wholesome trio?
This book definitely had more of a middle-book syndrome to it, but that doesn't mean it was unimportant! It was just as pivotal as the rest, but you can definitely tell there is a slow build-up happening. I will never get over how Kevin Sands writes such dark and intellectual topics in a digestible and comprehensible way for younger readers.
Also some spoilers!
This book definitely had more of a middle-book syndrome to it, but that doesn't mean it was unimportant! It was just as pivotal as the rest, but you can definitely tell there is a slow build-up happening. I will never get over how Kevin Sands writes such dark and intellectual topics in a digestible and comprehensible way for younger readers.
Also some spoilers!
December 23, 2021
Best series EVER!!
I've loved this series from the 1st book. I've checked several times over the last year to see if there was another book written in the series, or if the author had written anything else. I feared I would have to be content with just the 1st 4 books, when I got the notice from Amazon that this was available.
So briefly about the series. Think of Sherlock Holmes in the middle ages. Christopher Rowe is an apothecary's apprentice in the 1660s with a brilliant brain, two loyal friends in Tom & Sally, a pigeon named Bridget, and a penchant for accidentally blowing things up.
Here's the opening of this book, which will give you an idea of what Christopher's life is like.
IT WAS AN ACCIDENT,” I said. The carriage burned with a bright orange flame. Fire raged across its body, the silk curtains fluttering through the windows in smoking tatters to the road. The frame turned charcoal black, while inside, the stuffing in the seats gave bright flashing bursts as buttons popped off the upholstery. Tom clutched his cheeks in horror. “I told you,” he said, staring at the slowly crumpling carriage, our boots sinking in the mud. “I told you.” The heat drove away the late winter’s chill, but I wouldn’t have felt it anyway. My face was burning with shame. “It was an accident.” “I told you.”
I've loved this series from the 1st book. I've checked several times over the last year to see if there was another book written in the series, or if the author had written anything else. I feared I would have to be content with just the 1st 4 books, when I got the notice from Amazon that this was available.
So briefly about the series. Think of Sherlock Holmes in the middle ages. Christopher Rowe is an apothecary's apprentice in the 1660s with a brilliant brain, two loyal friends in Tom & Sally, a pigeon named Bridget, and a penchant for accidentally blowing things up.
Here's the opening of this book, which will give you an idea of what Christopher's life is like.
IT WAS AN ACCIDENT,” I said. The carriage burned with a bright orange flame. Fire raged across its body, the silk curtains fluttering through the windows in smoking tatters to the road. The frame turned charcoal black, while inside, the stuffing in the seats gave bright flashing bursts as buttons popped off the upholstery. Tom clutched his cheeks in horror. “I told you,” he said, staring at the slowly crumpling carriage, our boots sinking in the mud. “I told you.” The heat drove away the late winter’s chill, but I wouldn’t have felt it anyway. My face was burning with shame. “It was an accident.” “I told you.”
October 20, 2024
What a delightful adventure. Pacing and characterization are excellent. There are puzzles and riddles and clues to work out, as usual. It’s on par with the previous books. Very well done, and I don’t want to give anything away. The places and many of the people in this historical fiction are real. Only one more book, sadly.
I GOT MY BOOK WET. I guess I’ll have to get another one.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: stabbings, sword violence, fist fights, death by arson, off-page murder; not graphic
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
I GOT MY BOOK WET. I guess I’ll have to get another one.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: stabbings, sword violence, fist fights, death by arson, off-page murder; not graphic
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
January 31, 2022
This book was written and laid out so well! Kevin Sands is a master at plot twists! He is great at connecting you to his characters and I will never get tired of Christopher blowing things up! His codes. puzzles and potions are amazing!
June 16, 2021
i am HOWLING at the whole christopher/sally thing
July 5, 2024
Excellent. I could read these books all day. I am especially fond of the fun detail where everyone asks whether Christopher has thought about marrying Sally. Wonderful.
May 24, 2021
Another amazing addition to the Series, but the book feels so much shorter than the others.
December 26, 2021
I read these book like two years earlier. But when I found that it will continue I was fricking happy! I wrote this book on my Chrismas wish list and yeah I got it! Story perfect, mystery perfect, everything perfect. I just love this series so much. I read it in two evenings.
It ended like we nothing know and we must wait for the sixth book. I'll wait.
Probably this is the one and only book that i like more the czech book design than the original. Only to have this beautiful book on bookshelf is luck.
+ I really feel that Christopher would be my bff (maybe a bf too🤣🤌)
Just masterpiece
⛪🔥🧨👑🔎⚔⚗🩹
It ended like we nothing know and we must wait for the sixth book. I'll wait.
Probably this is the one and only book that i like more the czech book design than the original. Only to have this beautiful book on bookshelf is luck.
+ I really feel that Christopher would be my bff (maybe a bf too🤣🤌)
Just masterpiece
⛪🔥🧨👑🔎⚔⚗🩹
January 15, 2024
Me: *stands up off the couch* “I finished it.”
My sister: “That’s good.”
Me: *distraught* “NO ITS NOT. ITS NOT GOOD AT ALL”
My sister: 😳
Me: “THERES ONE MORE.”
My sister: “That’s good.”
Me: *distraught* “NO ITS NOT. ITS NOT GOOD AT ALL”
My sister: 😳
Me: “THERES ONE MORE.”
June 12, 2021
This was a good read. Christopher receives more letters and needs to solve the puzzles. Things end up going differently than he had planned. Luckily everything is fine for now. However, the ending sets you up for another book.
May 30, 2021
This is a middle-grade series, but it has lots of crossover appeal for adults. Set in the 1600s, the old medical care, apothecary and chemist receipts, and world building are all very well done. The whole family enjoys the riddles and mysteries (easier to work out if you're reading the print or e-book versions) and the audiobook narrator is perfect.
This book was left open at the end for book six, but it wasn't a cliffhanger.
*FYI if your kiddo scares easily, all the books have murder and some violence.
This book was left open at the end for book six, but it wasn't a cliffhanger.
*FYI if your kiddo scares easily, all the books have murder and some violence.
September 18, 2022
Warnings
Drugs: no
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some
Other: n/a
Forever obsessed with how much research goes into these books and how well they are written. Every book is a great read. I love the main characters so much, too.
Drugs: no
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some
Other: n/a
Forever obsessed with how much research goes into these books and how well they are written. Every book is a great read. I love the main characters so much, too.
January 9, 2023
SO FREAKING EXCITED FOR BOOK 6
eight days 🗓️
eight days 🗓️
December 23, 2021
My son and I devoured this as soon as it passed our doorway! It's the much-anticipated sequel to Call of the Wraith. We first discovered Kevin Sands' series last year, also during my holiday Review-a-Day Holiday Picks, and were sucked in from the first book onward.
We were hoping in this, book 5, we'd get a peek and maybe even a showdown between the main character, Christopher Rowe, and the villain, The Raven, but…alas, that is not in this book. It is promised for future books, however, and like fish on the line, we'll take the bait and wait for the next one.
Christopher finds himself, once again, manipulated in a grand plot by The Raven, who has, if you remember, promised to hurt Christopher and all his friends, in the worst possible ways, for thwarting the Raven's plans multiple times now.
Vicomte Simon Chastellain staggers into the apothecary with a blade sticking out of his back. If not for Christopher's quick thinking, he'd be dead, but once he's saved, he brings good news -- the man they think is the Raven is dead.
Of course, it's a little too good to be true. And Christopher never quite buys it. Not that Simon's lying, not at all. Simon truly believes it, but with the Raven, everything is layers of manipulation, and nothing is as it seems.
King Charles II summons the trio of friends to the castle, and in appreciation for all they've done for England, makes Sally his warden, apprentices Christopher as a secret spy for the crown and as an apothecary, and Tom…ah, I won't say what the King offers Tom, as it's not revealed until the very end, and it's heart-breaking.
A scullery maid is discovered killed on the palace grounds, the second death in as many weeks connected to the King's household -- the first victim was found outside the palace, but still. Then notes start arriving for Christopher, written in cryptic fashion -- literally. But Christopher's new spy master helps him decode them and warns him against forcing the evidence to fit patterns that aren't there. Even if they haven't quite figured it out yet, it's clear there's a plot to kill the King.
At several points, Christopher believes he's figured it out. He convinces himself the notes are coming from the Templars' London cadre, and a Scottish faction clearly wants the King dead for reneging on an old oath / promise. He uncovers a mysterious door in the pantry and an attempt to poison the sugar before a large party, but it's all a little too easy.
Of course, there's a plot within a plot within a plot. The Raven is at work, and as usual, there will be multiple diversions, mis-directions and I truly can't say any more, for fear of ruining it!
Enjoy the ride and Christopher's eventual understanding of what's been done, and why, and by whom.
It's a heart-pounding read, and perfect, with the other four books in the series, for a gift under the tree or Menorah this holiday season.
And I'm really hoping for a showdown with the villain in the next book!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
We were hoping in this, book 5, we'd get a peek and maybe even a showdown between the main character, Christopher Rowe, and the villain, The Raven, but…alas, that is not in this book. It is promised for future books, however, and like fish on the line, we'll take the bait and wait for the next one.
Christopher finds himself, once again, manipulated in a grand plot by The Raven, who has, if you remember, promised to hurt Christopher and all his friends, in the worst possible ways, for thwarting the Raven's plans multiple times now.
Vicomte Simon Chastellain staggers into the apothecary with a blade sticking out of his back. If not for Christopher's quick thinking, he'd be dead, but once he's saved, he brings good news -- the man they think is the Raven is dead.
Of course, it's a little too good to be true. And Christopher never quite buys it. Not that Simon's lying, not at all. Simon truly believes it, but with the Raven, everything is layers of manipulation, and nothing is as it seems.
King Charles II summons the trio of friends to the castle, and in appreciation for all they've done for England, makes Sally his warden, apprentices Christopher as a secret spy for the crown and as an apothecary, and Tom…ah, I won't say what the King offers Tom, as it's not revealed until the very end, and it's heart-breaking.
A scullery maid is discovered killed on the palace grounds, the second death in as many weeks connected to the King's household -- the first victim was found outside the palace, but still. Then notes start arriving for Christopher, written in cryptic fashion -- literally. But Christopher's new spy master helps him decode them and warns him against forcing the evidence to fit patterns that aren't there. Even if they haven't quite figured it out yet, it's clear there's a plot to kill the King.
At several points, Christopher believes he's figured it out. He convinces himself the notes are coming from the Templars' London cadre, and a Scottish faction clearly wants the King dead for reneging on an old oath / promise. He uncovers a mysterious door in the pantry and an attempt to poison the sugar before a large party, but it's all a little too easy.
Of course, there's a plot within a plot within a plot. The Raven is at work, and as usual, there will be multiple diversions, mis-directions and I truly can't say any more, for fear of ruining it!
Enjoy the ride and Christopher's eventual understanding of what's been done, and why, and by whom.
It's a heart-pounding read, and perfect, with the other four books in the series, for a gift under the tree or Menorah this holiday season.
And I'm really hoping for a showdown with the villain in the next book!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
September 9, 2022
I read the book The Traitor’s Blade by Kevin Sands. I think the theme is perseverance will always help you in the end because the protagonist perseveres to save the king after he realizes what happened. This book is the 5th book in a 5 book series.
In this mystery novel, Christopher Rowe is an apothecary’s apprentice in London sometime in the 1600s. He finds a strange envelope with his initials on it which is a clue. Eventually, one of these clues is a warning that Christopher and his friends named Tom and Sally have to figure out. They realize that this warning is warning them that the king of England is about to be poisoned and luckily, they save the king. However, they decide to move the king to a location in which they believe is safe from the enemies called covenanters trying to assassinate the king but isn’t. Christopher solves yet another clue which tells him that the king is riding to his death. He is faced with an important decision whether to save the king or follow people he believes are covenanters. He also blames himself for not realizing sooner.
This book was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. I personally like learning about the different cipher devices and different ciphers in this story. For example, the Vigenere’s square cipher. I loved this book as it was almost impossible to put down because of the suspense. I loved following the path of an apothecary’s apprentice and his friends. I liked how Christopher and his friends solved the clues and figured out exactly what was about to happen.
I would recommend this book to middle schoolers and maybe high schoolers. This book is very long so elementary kids might not be able to read it. This story has a flowing plot and I rate it 5 stars because I couldn’t put it down!
In this mystery novel, Christopher Rowe is an apothecary’s apprentice in London sometime in the 1600s. He finds a strange envelope with his initials on it which is a clue. Eventually, one of these clues is a warning that Christopher and his friends named Tom and Sally have to figure out. They realize that this warning is warning them that the king of England is about to be poisoned and luckily, they save the king. However, they decide to move the king to a location in which they believe is safe from the enemies called covenanters trying to assassinate the king but isn’t. Christopher solves yet another clue which tells him that the king is riding to his death. He is faced with an important decision whether to save the king or follow people he believes are covenanters. He also blames himself for not realizing sooner.
This book was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. I personally like learning about the different cipher devices and different ciphers in this story. For example, the Vigenere’s square cipher. I loved this book as it was almost impossible to put down because of the suspense. I loved following the path of an apothecary’s apprentice and his friends. I liked how Christopher and his friends solved the clues and figured out exactly what was about to happen.
I would recommend this book to middle schoolers and maybe high schoolers. This book is very long so elementary kids might not be able to read it. This story has a flowing plot and I rate it 5 stars because I couldn’t put it down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2021
AWESOME!!!!! This is the best one yet, although it ends in a terrible cliffhanger.
October 25, 2021
4.5 stars. Start with the first book-The Blackthorn Key, but keep reading. I Love the characters in this series! Set in 1666 in London with Christopher Rowe an apothecary apprentice is back from Paris, and there is more intrigue and attempts on King Charles’s life.
Fun mystery with cryptograms and historical fiction during this memorable English Era.
Fun mystery with cryptograms and historical fiction during this memorable English Era.
May 20, 2021
It was the long-waited fifth volume and I really enjoyed it - from the first sentence, it was exactly as expected! (As always, Christopher loves explosives too much..!) I personally like the King’s character and can’t stop smiling though there are a lot of twist and turns as always.
June 9, 2021
This takes place shortly after the previous book ends. The story involves a series of riddles, a secret, and murder. There is plenty of action to keep things interesting and a hint of a future romance or two. The way this ended has me excited for the next book. Most of the mystery in this book was resolved by the end, but a few things were left open--the Raven.
April 9, 2024
4.5 Stars
October 5, 2022
4.5
It's been a long time since I've gone to a physical library and checked out a physical book and read said physical book just for fun. This one was a great one to restart that with. Christopher, Tom, Lord Ashcombe, and the King are as lovable as ever, and the codes and riddles are always fun. I loved the balance of new developments paired with the same essence as the rest of the series. The ending felt rather abrupt, but it does have to set up for the last book in the series, so I'm not too upset about it.
It's been a long time since I've gone to a physical library and checked out a physical book and read said physical book just for fun. This one was a great one to restart that with. Christopher, Tom, Lord Ashcombe, and the King are as lovable as ever, and the codes and riddles are always fun. I loved the balance of new developments paired with the same essence as the rest of the series. The ending felt rather abrupt, but it does have to set up for the last book in the series, so I'm not too upset about it.
June 28, 2021
I just love these books. They are quick and interesting reads and I feel like the characters pop off the page. I read it in 6 hours because I couldn’t put it down. Ha ha.
October 5, 2024
Second reread: Oct 2024
This is my first time reading this book after finishing the series. I can't believe that I now know what i know. It makes the entire mood of this book completely different and so much more sinister. Incredible as always.
First reread: Jan 2023
I was supposed to finish this tomorrow, but I just couldn't wait. Also, I never realized I didn't actually review this book the first time around.
It's definitely not my favorite of the series, but not my least favorite either. It's definitely better than Mark of the Plague, my current least favorite (I still love it, just slightly less than all the others). But I think the other three are better than this one.
Anyway, a lot happens in this book. It's the only one to actually end in a kind of cliffhanger-not quite an actual one, but all the others end with an air of finality that this one doesn't have. It leaves us with anticipation for the final book, which I'm sure was intended. I'm so scared and excited to read it.
I love how, in this book, a little bit of romance is finally introduced through Christopher and Sally. Going back through a second time, I paid attention to all the little things between them, and it's obvious Christopher adores her. He just doesn't know it yet. And the added humor of literally everyone around him suggesting they get married is just the icing on the cake. I'm excited to see where their story ends.
I love the character growth we see in Tom. Christopher notices it too, and points it out at the end. It's amazing to see how much he's grown. I also love how the friendship between the two boys has grown, and how close they've become. The last book definitely helped that along.
This book takes the misdirection to another level. The twists have higher stakes and they're also more intense and on a bigger scale. I loved the tension.
I'm excited for Sally, both for
I loved the interactions between Christopher and Walsingham and how much he reminded Christopher of Benedict. And Lord Ashcombe is iconic, I love him.
The riddles were fun to solve, even if it ended up being I'm both excited and scared to see what the next book has in store. Nine more days!
This is my first time reading this book after finishing the series. I can't believe that I now know what i know. It makes the entire mood of this book completely different and so much more sinister. Incredible as always.
First reread: Jan 2023
I was supposed to finish this tomorrow, but I just couldn't wait. Also, I never realized I didn't actually review this book the first time around.
It's definitely not my favorite of the series, but not my least favorite either. It's definitely better than Mark of the Plague, my current least favorite (I still love it, just slightly less than all the others). But I think the other three are better than this one.
Anyway, a lot happens in this book. It's the only one to actually end in a kind of cliffhanger-not quite an actual one, but all the others end with an air of finality that this one doesn't have. It leaves us with anticipation for the final book, which I'm sure was intended. I'm so scared and excited to read it.
I love how, in this book, a little bit of romance is finally introduced through Christopher and Sally. Going back through a second time, I paid attention to all the little things between them, and it's obvious Christopher adores her. He just doesn't know it yet. And the added humor of literally everyone around him suggesting they get married is just the icing on the cake. I'm excited to see where their story ends.
I love the character growth we see in Tom. Christopher notices it too, and points it out at the end. It's amazing to see how much he's grown. I also love how the friendship between the two boys has grown, and how close they've become. The last book definitely helped that along.
This book takes the misdirection to another level. The twists have higher stakes and they're also more intense and on a bigger scale. I loved the tension.
I'm excited for Sally, both for
I loved the interactions between Christopher and Walsingham and how much he reminded Christopher of Benedict. And Lord Ashcombe is iconic, I love him.
The riddles were fun to solve, even if it ended up being I'm both excited and scared to see what the next book has in store. Nine more days!
September 7, 2021
This book is so good I am looking forward to more from this series I am really looking forward to it. I always love the characters especially Christopher and Tom their friendship is one of the best aspects of this series for one Tom is always there to make sure Christopher does not get himself killed in the situations he not always by his own fault situations he gets himself into. I love Christopher for how his mind works he solves things other things happen and he is always in the thick of so many other things. The other characters are interesting as well Lord Ashcombe is fun to read about as was the King never a dull moment when he is around. I loved the plot it starts with an incident where Christopher sets a carriage on fire which is an accident by the way other things happen and Christopher and company are on their way to solving riddles and saving the King also with the way it ended poor Bridget looking forward to where the story will go from here.
September 13, 2021
An ok addition to the series, but it seemed to be missing something (book 3 is still my favorite). My main disappointment was that Sally- the only female character in the entire 5 book series- was hardly in this book at all. Her role was so diminished in this book that she mostly just ran errands for Christopher, and took care of (and cleaned up after) the men around her. I'm hoping the developments at the end will give her more page- time in the next book, and more importance in the story (other than the fact the she is pretty and marriageable, which was brought up repeatedly by various characters. Sigh.). As the only female character, she deserves better. The romance development felt forced, especially since the two in question hardly had any time together, and no time alone.
February 23, 2022
After the third book in this series, the urgency seems to have really been drained from the overarching series storyline. Call of the Wraith left me disappointed that the Raven cliffhanger was practically dropped (filler episode book??), and while this book kinda picked up that thread again, the level of danger and intrigue that was palpable in the first three books just feels absent in this one. In other words, I think I read all four previous books (even filler book 4) within about 24 hours. I had to make myself finish this one before my library hold expired.
July 25, 2022
I had trouble getting into this one for a while, though it eventually picked up the pace. It was nice to have puzzles again, though the villain's plot seemed like it could have gone wrong soooooo many ways if Our Heroes had misunderstood or not solved the cryptic hints in time, of not found the small well-hidden notes/keys. Also, why try to kill Christopher that one time if he was integral to the other plots succeeding? And Sally really got short-changed this book. Well, the series is still fun, and there's only one more book, so I'll finish it when it comes out.
October 29, 2021
I still love the stories but this one disappointed me. I'd have to reread it to properly organize my thoughts but most of Sally's existence is as a potential wife and I feel like Sands didn't do her justice. Here's hoping this is improved for book 6!
April 22, 2025
These books are so strange to me. I can't find many markable differences between them, but some just work so much better for me! So far the good ones have been #1, #2, and this one, #5. (although #1 was mostly because Benedict's death hit so hard throughout the whole book). The humor and character moments/growths were doing really well in this, and the plot managed to be intriguing without overwhelming all the setup for the next and last book. I really enjoyed Blossom, the new animal sidekick, but it was almost DIABOLICAL when I thought Bridget was going to die at the end. Some of the mystery dragged a teeny bit in the middle, but from them finding the map all the way to the end of the book was straight gas, completely unputdownable. I especially enjoyed the final fight in this one, a truly harrowing last stand that kept me right there in the thick of it, very cinematic. Oh, I also really really liked the new spy master character, his way of thinking is fun, quirky, and a little mysterious and I am totally here for it. No one will ever replace Benedict, but he is similar in many ways and teaches Christopher very well. Overall an awesome book and I really hope the last one is just as good...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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