Brian, the Alchemist & the Silver Dragon

by P.J. Taylor

Magic lessons are starting up for Brian: a much-needed distraction from the tragedy over the summer. But the dead rising from their graves is perhaps too much of a distraction. Now Brian and his friends must work out what is happening and why. Does it have something to do with the Stone of Surzaal, a fabled emerald with the power to grant near-immortality? Who is the six-fingered man? And what exactly is the 'silver dragon'?

346 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2016

About the author

P.J. Taylor was born in Kent in 1971 and educated at Ramsden School for Boys, where he spent far more time playing computer games and watching films than concentrating on lessons.

After facing a number of serious health challenges in his twenties and thirties, he began writing during a long stay in hospital. It was there that he started work on his first novel, Brian, His Granddad & the Cup of Ages.

P.J. Taylor now lives in Surrey, where he continues to enjoy computer games, films, and writing spooky and imaginative fantasy adventures for children.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed revisiting these characters for another adventure, this one was a little gorier in places so would recommend parents read first if child of the more sensitive nature but I'm sure most children would probably flinch less than I did 😉
Could have done without Ben's habit being described in as much detail but again kids will probably find it more amusing than I did as an adult reader.
Lots of interesting twists and turns in the mysterious storyline to keep you guessing, in fact it kept me guessing longer than most adult thrillers do.
Now to await book three to see if what Brian was told was true or not???

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun children's book, especially for those that like books about magic. This book continues where the first book left off, so I would recommend reading the first book before reading this one. This book would be an excellent book for parents to read with their children. There are some parts that younger children may find scary, but older children would have no problems with. I highly recommend this book, especially to people who are looking for books involving children in magical worlds.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow on to to part 1 in the Brian series.. Real character growth within the intrepid band of young adventurers! Thrills, spills and chuckles all the way.. Plus some very well named supporting cast members! 😁

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian, the Alchemist & the Silver Dragon by PJ Taylor


Brian is at it again.
The book begins with a bus crashing through Grandma & Grandpa’s house. There’s a strange conversation downstairs that Brian and his friends are not supposed to hear, but do, with the help of a huge spider. It really gets crazy from there.


Brian is the best kind of hero. The kind that doesn’t realize he is a hero- or what he can do to help others. He doesn’t do the things he does for the recognition, he does what he knows is right and it helps others in the end. He also doesn’t try to do things by himself. He is smart enough to recognize the importance of the abilities of his friends and “letting” them help.


I think Brian, the Alchemist & the Silver Dragon would be a good stand-alone book, but it was so enhanced by knowing Brian’s history from the first book, Brian, His Granddad & the Cup of Ages. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Brian and his friends get into next. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves an adventure with a little magic thrown in! I already can’t wait for book 3! Definitely a 5 star read.


I was given a copy of Brian, the Alchemist & the Silver Dragon by Phillip Taylor in exchange for an honest review.