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The Potion Experiment
The Potion Experiment is a middle-grade (ages 8-12) fantasy novel about friendship, self-discovery, and the surprising similarities between magic and science.
"I was not one to believe in make-believe. Not without evidence."
When thirteen-year-old scientist Ange is whisked from her home to the middle of a forest, she thinks she's cracked teleportation. Until she hears Eva's voice in her head, talking about magic and spells and a potion-gone-wrong.
Turns out Ange is stuck in Eva's body - in a world full of magic, where no one has heard of physics or chemical equations - while Eva is in Ange's world and a little too keen to start casting spells for the fun of it.
Now Ange needs to figure out how to swap back before they're found out. But if their constant bickering doesn't get in the way, Eva's habit of pranking and Ange's inability to catch toads just might.
"I was not one to believe in make-believe. Not without evidence."
When thirteen-year-old scientist Ange is whisked from her home to the middle of a forest, she thinks she's cracked teleportation. Until she hears Eva's voice in her head, talking about magic and spells and a potion-gone-wrong.
Turns out Ange is stuck in Eva's body - in a world full of magic, where no one has heard of physics or chemical equations - while Eva is in Ange's world and a little too keen to start casting spells for the fun of it.
Now Ange needs to figure out how to swap back before they're found out. But if their constant bickering doesn't get in the way, Eva's habit of pranking and Ange's inability to catch toads just might.
276 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2025
About the author
Elle McFadzean
1 book39 followersElle McFadzean is an author, architecture graduate and fiction worldbuilder living in Melbourne/Naarm.
She writes high-concept fiction that sparks the imagination – an interest developed while working on conceptual architecture projects – and creates intriguing characters with relatable motivations.
Her writing desk is buried under literary journals, design magazines, overgrown indoor plants, sketched plans of fantastical cities, diagrams of complex magic systems, and an eclectic assortment of too many books.
She writes high-concept fiction that sparks the imagination – an interest developed while working on conceptual architecture projects – and creates intriguing characters with relatable motivations.
Her writing desk is buried under literary journals, design magazines, overgrown indoor plants, sketched plans of fantastical cities, diagrams of complex magic systems, and an eclectic assortment of too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 20, 2025
When a mage-in-training and would-be scientist swap minds, they must work together to sort themselves out while living each others' lives.
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery. Receiving a copy for free has not impacted my review in any way. The review below is an honest review based solely on my personal opinion.**
Thirteen-year-old Eva, a slightly mischievous, free-spirited mage-in-training did not set out to brew a potion that would make her mind trade places with an alternate version of herself in another dimension. But when that's exactly what happens, she faces not only a foreign world, different values, and the chaos of living in someone else's shoes. She's also faced with deeper considerations of what life could have been like had she treated certain people in her own life differently.
Ange is an aspiring scientist, and believes the point of science to be proving things impossible. Having her mind swapped--beyond her control--by a complete stranger from another world (and a world where magic is a very real, tangible thing!) is almost more than her logical mind can process. But time spent living this other version of her life opens the doors to teach her that sometimes impossible things aren't quite as they seem, and that friendship and love truly can overcome any manner of obstacle.
I had very mixed feelings going into this tale. Doppelgangers pretending to be someone else (especially magic VS non-magic people in a school setting) isn't a new or technically 'original' concept by any means. However, seeing that taken deeper by adding in Nature VS Nurture themes and the impact that openness about love, familial support, and societal/cultural norms brought so much depth to this story.
I really appreciated the fact that despite it being clear that 'Evangeline' (the combined 'Eva' and 'Ange') is the same person, technically, that the subtle distinctions on what behaviors were encouraged vs repressed, what achievements were recognized vs ignored, and how much affection/approval they were shown or denied, crafted them into these two vastly different versions of themselves.
Eva could almost be described as a 'bully' in many ways, and it was unique to see a story through a bully's eyes. She plays hurtful, long-lasting pranks before trading places with Ange and after (despite knowing she's in Ange's body). For all her intelligence, she seems to want to manipulate authority for approval/sympathy (like 'crying' to Ange's parents about an incident at school, when very little had anything to do with her and the character in the moment was genuinely unbothered), something I'd think of as a bully's behavior (beating up on others to begin drama, then try to capitalize on said drama for attention).
In Eva's body, we see the shock and horror Ange has of her counterpart's treatment of others, and the lack of communication between Eva and her parents, too.
In both cases, both as an observer in Eva's mind while her body's hijacked, and living in Eva's body simultaneously, Ange is a strong, self-assured main character. Her confidence and refusal to stand back silently instead of calling Eva out makes her a perfect mirror for Eva, and actively changes the way Eva sees the world on the page by the end.
I did find myself wishing there'd been just a bit more resolution for Eva's side before the switch. Primarily to see if she'd do things differently to redeem herself after the experience and make her life better in the future. This is the primary reason I'm giving the book a 4 instead of a solid 5.
The characters are just out of middle-grade themselves, so they're tackling more YA themes. Parents should use their own discretion when determining whether this is a good piece for their child. It is eye-opening and thought-provoking even as an adult.
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery. Receiving a copy for free has not impacted my review in any way. The review below is an honest review based solely on my personal opinion.**
Thirteen-year-old Eva, a slightly mischievous, free-spirited mage-in-training did not set out to brew a potion that would make her mind trade places with an alternate version of herself in another dimension. But when that's exactly what happens, she faces not only a foreign world, different values, and the chaos of living in someone else's shoes. She's also faced with deeper considerations of what life could have been like had she treated certain people in her own life differently.
Ange is an aspiring scientist, and believes the point of science to be proving things impossible. Having her mind swapped--beyond her control--by a complete stranger from another world (and a world where magic is a very real, tangible thing!) is almost more than her logical mind can process. But time spent living this other version of her life opens the doors to teach her that sometimes impossible things aren't quite as they seem, and that friendship and love truly can overcome any manner of obstacle.
I had very mixed feelings going into this tale. Doppelgangers pretending to be someone else (especially magic VS non-magic people in a school setting) isn't a new or technically 'original' concept by any means. However, seeing that taken deeper by adding in Nature VS Nurture themes and the impact that openness about love, familial support, and societal/cultural norms brought so much depth to this story.
I really appreciated the fact that despite it being clear that 'Evangeline' (the combined 'Eva' and 'Ange') is the same person, technically, that the subtle distinctions on what behaviors were encouraged vs repressed, what achievements were recognized vs ignored, and how much affection/approval they were shown or denied, crafted them into these two vastly different versions of themselves.
Eva could almost be described as a 'bully' in many ways, and it was unique to see a story through a bully's eyes. She plays hurtful, long-lasting pranks before trading places with Ange and after (despite knowing she's in Ange's body). For all her intelligence, she seems to want to manipulate authority for approval/sympathy (like 'crying' to Ange's parents about an incident at school, when very little had anything to do with her and the character in the moment was genuinely unbothered), something I'd think of as a bully's behavior (beating up on others to begin drama, then try to capitalize on said drama for attention).
In Eva's body, we see the shock and horror Ange has of her counterpart's treatment of others, and the lack of communication between Eva and her parents, too.
In both cases, both as an observer in Eva's mind while her body's hijacked, and living in Eva's body simultaneously, Ange is a strong, self-assured main character. Her confidence and refusal to stand back silently instead of calling Eva out makes her a perfect mirror for Eva, and actively changes the way Eva sees the world on the page by the end.
I did find myself wishing there'd been just a bit more resolution for Eva's side before the switch. Primarily to see if she'd do things differently to redeem herself after the experience and make her life better in the future. This is the primary reason I'm giving the book a 4 instead of a solid 5.
The characters are just out of middle-grade themselves, so they're tackling more YA themes. Parents should use their own discretion when determining whether this is a good piece for their child. It is eye-opening and thought-provoking even as an adult.
February 20, 2025
This book contains so much whimsy, fun and heart. The blend of fantasy and science works so well, and really strengthens each other. The dynamic between the girls, especially how it grows and deepened, makes me certain I’ll reread this book again soon.
My favourite part are definitely the notes and illustrations, and the ending—I find it so satisfying and it really brings the story full circle.
I recommend this book to older primary school students, or anyone who’s hankering for the kind of satisfying reading experience they felt they haven’t had since they were thirteen and devouring books in secret under their duvet.
My favourite part are definitely the notes and illustrations, and the ending—I find it so satisfying and it really brings the story full circle.
I recommend this book to older primary school students, or anyone who’s hankering for the kind of satisfying reading experience they felt they haven’t had since they were thirteen and devouring books in secret under their duvet.
May 16, 2025
What a fun mix of fantasy and science! I loved seeing the similarities and differences between the two worlds and how the main characters' relationship evolved throughout the book.
The pages of handwritten notes and illustrations were a nice touch after each chapter - I looked forward to seeing what would be at the end of the next chapter.
A lovely debut novel, that reads very easily. Can't wait to see what Elle writes next.
The pages of handwritten notes and illustrations were a nice touch after each chapter - I looked forward to seeing what would be at the end of the next chapter.
A lovely debut novel, that reads very easily. Can't wait to see what Elle writes next.
April 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much from a debut author - Elle McFadzean. It was a whimsical story which I really enjoyed. It’s a fantasy novel about friendship, self-discovery and the players crossing between magic and science. A really fun read.
July 20, 2025
Such a fun and charming read! The story is full of clever twists, great characters, and just the right mix of magic, humour, and heart. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning the pages and leaves you smiling at the end. Highly recommend!
July 18, 2025
So cleverly written, what an adventure! Would recommend to middle-graders, especially those with a love of science and fantasy.
September 29, 2025
✨Magic meets science for younger readers!! ✨
I read this and knew I had to gift it to my 10 year old niece… I loved the dynamic between the two heroines, Eva and Ange, and their trusty side-kick (and cousin), Theo. A fun read with magical mischief and clever characters.
I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!!
I read this and knew I had to gift it to my 10 year old niece… I loved the dynamic between the two heroines, Eva and Ange, and their trusty side-kick (and cousin), Theo. A fun read with magical mischief and clever characters.
I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!!
July 10, 2025
A great story that pits science against magic. Young readers will enjoy the book. The main characters find themselves in an unbelievable situation and work hard to find a solution to resolve it.
April 15, 2025
An endearing story of two girls who accidentally swap minds - one is a modern day scientist in the making and the other an ancient magician in training…
They must swap back before anyone notices but their worlds and approaches are so different, how will they find a common ground and be able to work together to find a solution?
A story about how our differences can sometimes be our strengths and what brings us together, and importance of understanding yourself and how your actions can impact people around you.
Through their journey the girls learn many important lessons like patience and teamwork, and get a glimpse into whole other world and reality!
They must swap back before anyone notices but their worlds and approaches are so different, how will they find a common ground and be able to work together to find a solution?
A story about how our differences can sometimes be our strengths and what brings us together, and importance of understanding yourself and how your actions can impact people around you.
Through their journey the girls learn many important lessons like patience and teamwork, and get a glimpse into whole other world and reality!
March 19, 2025
This book is such a wonderful whimsical story and truly just a joy to read. No matter your age, it’s so easy to fall in love with the world that Elle has created, and fun seeing the two main characters navigate being thrown into a world that is the complete opposite of everything they have every known. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are in life, there is always more to see, more to learn, and that we should never lose our passion and determination.
April 14, 2025
Such a fun and fantastical read! Two beautiful characters finding themselves in different worlds.
Great work by the author!
Great work by the author!
April 14, 2025
Fantastic book and story line. Really good gift for any young adults. Hopefully there is a book02 coming soon!
April 29, 2025
Four out of five stars! I had a great time reading this book, and really enjoyed the different interesting takes on magic and science!
December 27, 2025
The Potion Experiment by Elle McFadzean is an absolutely enchanting, fun-filled adventure for middle-grade readers that cleverly mixes magic with science in unexpected (and hilarious!) ways. The story follows thirteen-year-old scientist Ange, who is suddenly transported to a magical world…into the body of her new mischievous spell casting counterpart, Eva! Talk about science and magic gone haywire! Ange must now quickly figure out a way to switch them back before they get caught. They must learn to set their differences aside and combine their talent, intelligence, and imagination together to get them back to safety.
This charming story teaches young readers a great lesson about the importance of friendship, teamwork, hard work, believing in yourself, and how different perspectives can complement each other in surprising– and magical– ways. A lot of people don’t believe that science and magic can co-exist, but this creative story uses the power of the imagination and rich world building that is believable and puts the reader front and center of the storyline.
Children will love the whimsical and vibrant atmosphere that will transport them into another world. The story flows effortlessly and has a nice, fast pace to it that’s full of excitement, wit, and plenty of plot twists that will keep children guessing until the very last page. It’s age-appropriate and relatable to middle-grade readers, and they will love the friendly bantering amongst the two main characters.
The two main characters’ mismatched personalities and perspectives create a very entertaining and surprisingly heartfelt dynamic. Ange’s intelligence, practicality, and determination perfectly balance out Eva’s spirited personality and creativity. Many friendships in real life are like this as well (opposites attract!). Despite their humorous disagreements, you can see that they care about each other.
The bright and detailed cover design and small sketches throughout this story do a great job of capturing the whimsical, vivid atmosphere as well. They are very well-detailed and full of life!
I like how the story also explores themes of identity, seeing life through another person’s eyes, and nature vs. nurture. It’s written in a way that young readers can understand, and it really makes you think. It will spark their curiosity and make them eager to learn more about the characters and their home environments.
I highly recommend The Potion Experiment by Elle McFadzean to all middle-grade fantasy lovers who are looking for a fun and entertaining adventure with a twist of science, empathy, and self-discovery.
This charming story teaches young readers a great lesson about the importance of friendship, teamwork, hard work, believing in yourself, and how different perspectives can complement each other in surprising– and magical– ways. A lot of people don’t believe that science and magic can co-exist, but this creative story uses the power of the imagination and rich world building that is believable and puts the reader front and center of the storyline.
Children will love the whimsical and vibrant atmosphere that will transport them into another world. The story flows effortlessly and has a nice, fast pace to it that’s full of excitement, wit, and plenty of plot twists that will keep children guessing until the very last page. It’s age-appropriate and relatable to middle-grade readers, and they will love the friendly bantering amongst the two main characters.
The two main characters’ mismatched personalities and perspectives create a very entertaining and surprisingly heartfelt dynamic. Ange’s intelligence, practicality, and determination perfectly balance out Eva’s spirited personality and creativity. Many friendships in real life are like this as well (opposites attract!). Despite their humorous disagreements, you can see that they care about each other.
The bright and detailed cover design and small sketches throughout this story do a great job of capturing the whimsical, vivid atmosphere as well. They are very well-detailed and full of life!
I like how the story also explores themes of identity, seeing life through another person’s eyes, and nature vs. nurture. It’s written in a way that young readers can understand, and it really makes you think. It will spark their curiosity and make them eager to learn more about the characters and their home environments.
I highly recommend The Potion Experiment by Elle McFadzean to all middle-grade fantasy lovers who are looking for a fun and entertaining adventure with a twist of science, empathy, and self-discovery.
November 19, 2025
An interesting, well-written book with an original plotline, The Potion Experiment compares and contrasts the real, scientific world, with a magical, intuitive one. Both have positives and negatives, though the magic world comes off rather better, I thought.
Ange, living in this world, is swapped with Eva from the magic world because of a mistake with a Move Location Potion. Both girls are the same person (a clue here is Ange’s full name, Evangeline) although they have different areas of interest and expertise. While Eva is a prankster Ange is more serious. They discover they can communicate mentally with each other. Some of these internal dialogues are very funny, especially when Eva has her first ride in a motor car. The noise and speed shock her. She calls the car a moving metal-death-speed-thing.
Parents, teachers, school friends and enemies physically look the same in the parallel universes, though with slightly different names and characters. In both worlds a boy called Theo is their cousin and greatest support.
The only way for the girls to be swapped back is for Ange to make and drink the Move Location Potion. Collecting the ingredients takes some doing, and a night for Ange hunting frogs, but by following Eva’s advice, the potion is brewed. It’s discovered what (and who) altered the first experiment and caused the mix-up. Everything returns to normal leaving both girls sad to have lost a close friend but glad they met each other.
This is a book that will encourage readers to see the wonder of both science and magic. Elle McFadzean’s story is carefully structured with alternate chapters written by Ange and Eva. Integral to its success are Adele Dunand’s excellent drawings and diagrams. Recommended for thoughtful readers 10-13.
Ange, living in this world, is swapped with Eva from the magic world because of a mistake with a Move Location Potion. Both girls are the same person (a clue here is Ange’s full name, Evangeline) although they have different areas of interest and expertise. While Eva is a prankster Ange is more serious. They discover they can communicate mentally with each other. Some of these internal dialogues are very funny, especially when Eva has her first ride in a motor car. The noise and speed shock her. She calls the car a moving metal-death-speed-thing.
Parents, teachers, school friends and enemies physically look the same in the parallel universes, though with slightly different names and characters. In both worlds a boy called Theo is their cousin and greatest support.
The only way for the girls to be swapped back is for Ange to make and drink the Move Location Potion. Collecting the ingredients takes some doing, and a night for Ange hunting frogs, but by following Eva’s advice, the potion is brewed. It’s discovered what (and who) altered the first experiment and caused the mix-up. Everything returns to normal leaving both girls sad to have lost a close friend but glad they met each other.
This is a book that will encourage readers to see the wonder of both science and magic. Elle McFadzean’s story is carefully structured with alternate chapters written by Ange and Eva. Integral to its success are Adele Dunand’s excellent drawings and diagrams. Recommended for thoughtful readers 10-13.
July 20, 2025
A Brilliant Blend of Magic and Science!
This book is an absolute gem! The way it seamlessly combines the wonder of magic with the excitement of science is nothing short of brilliant. The characters are relatable and adventurous for children (but also entertaining for adults), and the world-building is imaginative and flows through the tiniest details (even in the small drawings throughout the novel which are a treat on their own).
This novel will never fail to entertain me with its small ongoing jokes that bring so much personality to the storyline (including Eva mistaking backpacks for 'backbags'). There were so many hidden lessons in this novel, not only in science, but in respect of being kind to others, taking accountability for your mistakes and also to not take life so seriously!
I was truly captured by the themes of nature versus nurture and the interactions between all of the characters which were so realistic and made me feel as though I was truly listening in on their conversations. I thought I was able to predict the ending but was completely taken off guard by the turn of events which rarely happens and was an absolute delight!
A must-read for young readers who love exploring new worlds!
This book is an absolute gem! The way it seamlessly combines the wonder of magic with the excitement of science is nothing short of brilliant. The characters are relatable and adventurous for children (but also entertaining for adults), and the world-building is imaginative and flows through the tiniest details (even in the small drawings throughout the novel which are a treat on their own).
This novel will never fail to entertain me with its small ongoing jokes that bring so much personality to the storyline (including Eva mistaking backpacks for 'backbags'). There were so many hidden lessons in this novel, not only in science, but in respect of being kind to others, taking accountability for your mistakes and also to not take life so seriously!
I was truly captured by the themes of nature versus nurture and the interactions between all of the characters which were so realistic and made me feel as though I was truly listening in on their conversations. I thought I was able to predict the ending but was completely taken off guard by the turn of events which rarely happens and was an absolute delight!
A must-read for young readers who love exploring new worlds!
July 13, 2025
fantasy full of girl power, magic, and friendship!
I absolutely loved The Potion Experiment! It’s a fun, fast-paced read full of twists, turns, and strong female characters. Ange, a 13-year-old science nerd, somehow swaps minds with Eva—her magical twin from another realm—and the chaos that follows is so entertaining. Their journey is packed with humour, heart, and girl-power vibes. I honestly couldn’t put it down and really hope there’s another adventure in the works soon!
Perfect for middle-grade readers who love magic, friendship, and a touch of science.
I absolutely loved The Potion Experiment! It’s a fun, fast-paced read full of twists, turns, and strong female characters. Ange, a 13-year-old science nerd, somehow swaps minds with Eva—her magical twin from another realm—and the chaos that follows is so entertaining. Their journey is packed with humour, heart, and girl-power vibes. I honestly couldn’t put it down and really hope there’s another adventure in the works soon!
Perfect for middle-grade readers who love magic, friendship, and a touch of science.
October 26, 2025
Elle McFadzean has created more than a fun fantasy, The Potion Experiment feels like a quiet celebration of curiosity itself. The contrast between Ange’s scientific mind and Eva’s magical instincts gives the story real heart and insight. It’s witty, imaginative, and unexpectedly thoughtful, the kind of book that reminds you how discovery, in any world, begins with believing you can.
July 14, 2025
This is a must-read. Great story and gripping writing.
January 5, 2026
A wonderful story of two worlds colliding. Highly recommend reading both middle grade and for adults who love a bit of magic.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews