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anajuana2's review against another edition
5.0
I didn’t care for the last book (call of the wraith) so I had low expectations going into this. But it was true to the magic of the first few that I loved. Christopher and Tom’s friendship, puzzles and surprises twist! Super fun!
sheppardmf's review against another edition
5.0
The Traitor’s Blade by Kevin Sands is the 5th book in the Blackthorn Key series. This was a fun new book that I liked much more than the last one, I rated it 4.5 stars.
I like the characters in this series and thought that Christopher and Tom both were great and did seem a bit older and more mature than in other books. I liked that they both had longer term careers to think about, rather than just going on a fun adventure
I loved the plot setup of a threat against the king, and a traitor in his court. This book in particular reminded me so much of the Lady Grace Mysteries because of the historical settings being in the 16th and 17th centuries, the court life during this time, and the main plot being a potential assassination of the monarch. The similarity this book had to Lady Grace may be why I enjoyed this one so much.
I liked that I didn’t have to reread the other books before this one to remember what was going on. Each story is well contained although there definitely are overarching plot lines and characters, so definitely read them in order, but the author does a good job at incorporating summaries of characters into the books.
I love the historical setting during the reign of Charles II of England. There aren’t enough books set during the 17th century in my opinion. It can feel a bit modern at times, but this doesn’t bother me too much because complete historical accuracy isn’t the objective.
There wasn’t enough of Sally in this book, but that’s true of the whole series. I think her character has so much unused potential and she doesn’t have quite the same depth to her character as Christopher and Tom.
This was such a fast paced book, I read it in almost one sitting and definitely helped me get out of the reading slump I’ve been in lately. I wish there was another book out because I want to read more! Hopefully it doesn’t take 3 years for the next one to come out!
Read my full review with spoilers here: https://nebulousreading.wordpress.com/2021/08/11/the-traitors-blade-review/
I like the characters in this series and thought that Christopher and Tom both were great and did seem a bit older and more mature than in other books. I liked that they both had longer term careers to think about, rather than just going on a fun adventure
I loved the plot setup of a threat against the king, and a traitor in his court. This book in particular reminded me so much of the Lady Grace Mysteries because of the historical settings being in the 16th and 17th centuries, the court life during this time, and the main plot being a potential assassination of the monarch. The similarity this book had to Lady Grace may be why I enjoyed this one so much.
I liked that I didn’t have to reread the other books before this one to remember what was going on. Each story is well contained although there definitely are overarching plot lines and characters, so definitely read them in order, but the author does a good job at incorporating summaries of characters into the books.
I love the historical setting during the reign of Charles II of England. There aren’t enough books set during the 17th century in my opinion. It can feel a bit modern at times, but this doesn’t bother me too much because complete historical accuracy isn’t the objective.
There wasn’t enough of Sally in this book, but that’s true of the whole series. I think her character has so much unused potential and she doesn’t have quite the same depth to her character as Christopher and Tom.
This was such a fast paced book, I read it in almost one sitting and definitely helped me get out of the reading slump I’ve been in lately. I wish there was another book out because I want to read more! Hopefully it doesn’t take 3 years for the next one to come out!
Read my full review with spoilers here: https://nebulousreading.wordpress.com/2021/08/11/the-traitors-blade-review/
acidmeringue's review against another edition
5.0
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!
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.
Spoiler
I also loved how Tom even turned down being a knight for Christopher. I love my boysThis 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
Spoiler
her becoming the King's ward and getting to apprentice with Isaac and eventually take over the libraryI 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
Spoiler
one wild goose chase in the endmaddox22's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sherean's review
5.0
Amazing
This is what my twelve year old wrote. Keeps you into the book the whole way, when it starts getting a little boring you get back in by a twist. At 50% it is very engaging. Would recommend reading previous books, but you don’t have to. I haven’t read the previous books in a while but caught on. Those books are great too, must reads. There isn’t as much apothecary stuff in this book so if you don’t want that there isn’t as much. Must read this.
Hope my twelve year olds description helps!
This is what my twelve year old wrote. Keeps you into the book the whole way, when it starts getting a little boring you get back in by a twist. At 50% it is very engaging. Would recommend reading previous books, but you don’t have to. I haven’t read the previous books in a while but caught on. Those books are great too, must reads. There isn’t as much apothecary stuff in this book so if you don’t want that there isn’t as much. Must read this.
Hope my twelve year olds description helps!
hoosgracie's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic addition to the series. Christopher, Tom, and Sally continue on their adventures serving King and country. New puzzles (from whom?) are introduced. Very enjoyable.
barusykorova's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ettegoom's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5