Parents' Guide to

The Assassin's Curse: Blackthorn Key, Book 3

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Teen heroes spy on court of Louis XIV in gripping volume.

Book Kevin Sands Historical Fiction 2017
The Assassin's Curse: Blackthorn Key, Book 3 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 11+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Lukecathie
Lukecathie Parent of 11-year-old
October 26, 2019
age 10+

Full of action and adventure

My 11 yo says: “This book is really interesting because it’s full of french history. Some parts are a bit worrying with some scary bits, but those parts are short and turn out okay. Overall it’s really good!”
Fry
Fry Adult
December 30, 2018
age 11+

It’s great

Amazing book that always keeps you at the edge of your seats. Just as good as the rest of the series!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

What is THE ASSASSIN'S CURSE -- and who are the shadowy figures hell-bent on wiping out the royal family of France? Seventeenth-century English teens Christopher, Tom, and Sally and the brave pigeon Bridget, tasked by Charles II himself, are soon on their way to the court of Louis XIV to find out. It all seems to have something to do with the Knights Templar. And a famous painting. Also a poem written in cipher. Our heroes face many dire perils en route to a conclusion that suggests their troubles are just beginning.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (1):

Author Kevin Sands delivers another harrowing, hilarious, heartrending page-turner set in the 17th century, this time with his teen protagonists sent to spy on the court of Louis XIV. The Assassin's Curse delivers a bit about deciphering codes, the history of the Knights Templar, and just the right chemicals for dissolving gold. There's lots of historic detail, suspenseful intrigue, and opportunity to cheer the appealing heroes -- who need all the help they can get.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about The Assassin's Curse as historical fiction. Do you think it makes history more relatable if you can see it through the eyes of a fictional character, or would you rather stick to the facts?

  • If your family originally spoke a language other than English (like Sally's family in the story), and then started speaking English, do you still speak the original language, or have you forgotten it?

  • Do you think cemeteries are really interesting, or just creepy?

Book Details

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