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The Alchemist's Cipher Series

This series plunges readers into 17th-century London, where a young alchemist's apprentice navigates a world brimming with mystery and intrigue. Each installment delivers a thrilling adventure as the protagonist uncovers ancient magic and deciphers cryptic messages. It's a captivating journey filled with unexpected twists and historical depth, perfect for fans of puzzles and arcane secrets.

The Raven's Revenge
The Traitor's Blade
Call of the Wraith
The Assassin's Curse
Mark of the Plague
The Blackthorn Key, 1

Recommended Reading Order

  1. The Blackthorn Key, 1

    • 400 pages
    • 14 hours of reading

    Following a series of murders, an apothecary’s apprentice must solve puzzles and decipher codes in pursuit of a secret that could destroy the world in this “spectacular debut” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). “Tell no one what I’ve given you.” Until he got that cryptic warning, Christopher Rowe was happy, learning how to solve complex codes and puzzles and creating powerful medicines, potions, and weapons as an apprentice to Master Benedict Blackthorn—with maybe an explosion or two along the way. But when a mysterious cult begins to prey on London’s apothecaries, the trail of murders grows closer and closer to Blackthorn’s shop. With time running out, Christopher must use every skill he’s learned to discover the key to a terrible secret with the power to tear the world apart. In his stunning debut novel, Kevin Sands brings readers on a heart-stopping adventure rich with suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

    The Blackthorn Key, 11
    4.2

  2. Mark of the Plague

    • 529 pages
    • 19 hours of reading

    As the plague decimates London in 1665 and an assassin threatens the apothecary's life, apprentice Christopher Rowe and his faithful friend Tom, following a trail of puzzles, riddles, and secrets, risk their lives to untangle the heart of a dark conspiracy.

    Mark of the Plague2
    4.7

  3. The Assassin's Curse

    When Christopher Rowe's code-breaking uncovers the true target of an assassination attempt, he and his friends are odered to Paris to investigate a centuries-old curse on the French throne.

    The Assassin's Curse3
    4.5

  4. Call of the Wraith

    • 512 pages
    • 18 hours of reading

    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.

    Call of the Wraith4
    4.6

  5. The Traitor's Blade

    • 384 pages
    • 14 hours of reading

    "In 1666, after four months away, friends Christopher Rowe, Tom, and Sally return to London triumphantly but, guided by coded riddles, face a conspiracy that threatens Christopher, as well as the King himself." --

    The Traitor's Blade5
    4.7

  6. The Raven's Revenge

    • 512 pages
    • 18 hours of reading

    Christopher finally uncovers the Raven’s identity in this sixth novel of the award-winning Blackthorn Key series.The stakes are higher than ever when the Raven sets Christopher up for a horrible crime, leading him to be locked away in London’s most notorious prison. This terrible act is the first in a series of games the Raven plans to play with Christopher…games that are as dangerous as they are challenging. Once free from prison, Christopher, Tom, and Sally engage in a cat and mouse game with the Raven that takes them all over London. Can Christopher outwit the Raven one final time and finally unmask him? And what price might he have to pay to achieve that? This is the thrilling conclusion to the Blackthorn Key series that fans have been waiting for!

    The Raven's Revenge6
    4.6