Response 13

What is your overall opinion of the book? What did you enjoy about it? What did you not enjoy about it? On a 1-5 star rating what would you give it with 1 star being the worst you can give and 5 being the best.

Response 12

The theme of a story is the central message the author is sending. Books often have several possible themes. Some themes of The Blackthorn Key could be home, loyalty and good vs. evil. What do you think the theme of it is? You can pick one of the options I listed or choose one of your own. Please support your opinion of theme with examples of where that theme is in the book.

Response 11

We learn that there were people who intended to use the Fire to "make the world a better place." Basically, there was a fight for power and who should have the most and the villains inteded to abuse it. Can you think of something in our world today that reminds you of the Fire (something that everyone wants the "recipe" to so they can be all-powerful or overthrow others?). There are so many acceptable examples here....just be thoughtful and explanatory.

Response 10

It takes Christopher time to figure out who the real villains are. Describe characters who seem like they might be the wrongdoers and those who really are. What would the story be like without villains?

Response 9

Codes and symbols appear throughout the book. Christopher declares that when he has his own shop, “I’m putting everything in code.” Why does Master Benedict use codes? Give examples where codes and symbols are important in the plot.

Response 8

In chapter 31 Christopher is very conflicted about what to do with the power of the Archangel’s Fire. What would you do if you were left in charge of the Archangel’s Fire?

Response 7

After reading to about chapter 25 make a prediction on who you think is behind the murders of the apothecaries. DON’T ANSWER THIS AFTER YOU FINISH! It’s a prediction and can’t be a spoiler.

Response 6

How does Master Benedict change Christopher’s life? Talk about what you consider the three most important things that he does for Christopher. Describe what kind of person Master Benedict is.

Response 5

In chapter 8 Master Benedict becomes very angry with Christopher and hits him. He also calls him “useless”. Did this surprise you about Master Benedict? Why or why not? What evidence is in the text that can back up your response?

Response 4

Make a brief prediction about why you think apothecaries in London are being murdered. Remember, predications are just educated guesses based on what you've already read. Why do you think what you think? What evidence is in the book so far to drive you to make that prediction? Please don’t wait until the end to answer this and spoil it for others.

Response 3

Christopher is an apprentice to an apothecary in England in the 17th century. It was common in those days to serve as an apprentice to someone who was considered a master in a certain trade. Some examples are bakers, carpenters, silversmiths and apothecaries. If you were had been an apprentice at this time in history what trade would you like to serve in? Why? This may require some research to find out other options!

Response 2

Why is the apothecaries’ motto “I am called throughout the world the bringer of aid”? Describe the work of an apothecary. How is the job related to medicine and science? How is it related to cooking?

Response 1

Reread “A Warning,” which opens the book and the one page after the first section title. What do they foreshadow about the story? How do they set the tone? Discuss why the author chose to include them before the first chapter.