Blackthorn Key

Great plot, perfect pacing, diverse interesting characters... really all the elements needed for an awesome read. But as historical fiction this book really disappointed me. Given the political climate of the setting, not nearly enough was made of it. And we sell kids short when we assume that historical context is not of interest to them.

A big fat thank you to Simon & Schuster for the advance reading copy. I really did enjoy it, but if there's a sequel: please bully Mr. Sands into making it more historical-y.