Royal Tour

The Potion Diaries #2

by Amy Alward

Sam Kemi is off on another Hunt around the world, chasing secret potions and magic diaries in the second novel of the “charming and humorous” ( Kirkus Reviews ) Potion Diaries series.

After winning the Wilde Hunt, things are looking up for Sam Kemi and her family’s potion business—until suddenly they aren’t...

When someone goes after her grandfather, stealing his memories and priceless knowledge, the Kemi’s Potion Shop is forced to close and Sam is left scrambling for answers—without her grandfather’s help. Part of Ostanes’s mind is trapped in those memories, and without them he’s lost and confused. And the more time passes, the worse his condition becomes.

Hoping to reverse the effect of dark potions on the body, someone is looking for the recipe for aqua vitae —an elixir that can cure any illness—lost in the pages of an old Kemi family diary. But aqua vitae could also be the key to bringing her grandfather back, and that’s all Sam really wants. Determined to find Ostanes’s memories and the recipe first, Sam finds herself on the most important and perilous Hunt of her life.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Magic, Adventure, Royalty, Young Adult Fantasy

432 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2016

About the author

Amy McCulloch (also known as Amy Alward) is a Chinese-White author, born in the UK, raised in Ottawa, Canada, now based in London, UK. She has written seven novels for children and young adults, and been published in over ten different languages.

Before becoming a full-time writer, she was editorial director for Penguin Random House Children’s Books. In 2013, she was named one of The Bookseller‘s Rising Stars of publishing.

When not writing, she loves travelling, hiking and mountaineering. In September 2019, she became the youngest Canadian woman to climb Mt Manaslu in Nepal – the world’s eighth highest mountain at 8,163m (26,781ft). Other addictions include coffee, ramen and really great books.

Reviews

[chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woop! That was a fun read - but I didn't like it as much as the first book in the series? RTC, stay tuned :)

[Ana Or'Lar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elixir es el segundo libro de la trilogía Pociones (The Potion Diaries). Los asuntos que vimos en Filtro, el libro anterior, tuvieron su conclusión, por lo que en esta secuela nuestros personajes ya conocidos han de embarcarse en una nueva aventura que ya se había mencionado antes aunque muy por encima.

En esta ocasión, Sam deberá buscar, con ayuda de sus amigos, el diario perdido de su bisabuela Cleo con el fin de salvar a su abuelo y, al mismo tiempo, evitar que caiga en manos de enemigos, unos conocidos y otros ocultos. De nuevo, los peligros y una buena cantidad de acción están asegurados.

Dando un vistazo general, Elixir me terminó gustando tanto como su predecesor, aunque no todo el tiempo pensé lo mismo. La primera mitad es mucho más pausada de lo que esperaba, y no es que no pasen cosas, sí que pasan, incluso hay un par de picos de acción, pero no me lograba emocionar, lo sentí como un arranque muy largo. Sin embargo, después de cierto suceso en adelante, por ahí de la mitad, adquirió un tinte mucho más movido y, ahora sí, emocionante.

Villanos haciendo sus maldades, complicaciones, giros, descubrimientos, ese ir de aquí para allá que tanto animó la aventura previa. Conocemos rincones distintos del mundo y hace su aparición un nuevo personaje decisivo y algunas criaturitas interesantes.
Eso sí, a diferencia de Filtro, este final no queda cerrado del todo, una parte sí pero otra ya nos deja con el conflicto servido para el último libro.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

As wonderfully whirlwind as the first, Royal Tour picks up shortly after we left off, but the problems are a mix of old and new. Evelyn's magic out of control, Sam's grandad in hospital and Emilia Thoth loose - it's mayhem!

I have no desire to spoil this wonderful second instalment in the Potion Diaries series, so I will say no more of the plot. I will however say that this book is gorgeously imagined, fun, bubbly and exciting. I love matter of fact and smart Sam, her loyal Zain and honourable lovely Evelyn.

Also? I can't wait to see where Amy Alward goes next!

[Becki]

Update: It finally came in the mail. 3 months later. And after release date. But I guess in this case better late than never.


Yippee I just won this in a goodreads giveaway. This was just the best news after having a tonsillectomy yesterday.

[Anabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puntuación: 4.5

Últimamente se ve que tengo suerte en elegir las lecturas, espero que siga la racha. Este libro ha sido increíble desde el principio, el primero me gustó mucho, pero es que este no se queda atrás para nada. El principio no tendremos mucha acción pero no quita que sea adictivo desde el mismo. A partir de cierta parte está repleto de acción y aventuras, tal y como me gusta de esta saga. Tendremos dragones, centauros y muchas más sorpresas que me han tenido en vilo toda la novela. El final es algo cerrado, pero el epílogo nos muestra que la tercera parte será increíble también.

[rachel, x · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could say that this book was as good as The Potion Diaries but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I think the biggest problem I had with it was that the plot did not have a clear end goal. Well, not like the first book did. The whole desperation surrounding Sam’s need to find her great-grandmother’s potion diary was lost on me. I felt that it was a little over-exaggerated. I understand that she needed to save her grandfather and the diary held a possible solution but it was not a guarantee so it felt like a half-hearted sort of reason to start such a quest? Also, the ending hinting that that the next book will focus on Sam and Zain finding a cure for Evelyn’s sickness) means that this entire book was simply setting that situation up. Does this make this book a little bit of a filler sequel? Yes - and that is a tad frustrating.

With that being said, this storyline was undeniably addictive. The alchemy of this world is one of my favourite types of magical systems. I love potion-making and scavenger hunts so Sam’s adventures speak to my soul. I loved that we expanded on the world and got to discover new creatures and ingredients. Some of the action was touch-and-go but I found the story enjoyable and engaging if a little simplistic.

Sam is also the kind of protagonist that I could never tire reading from the perspective of. She is one of the main reasons why this series is so enjoyable. I love her spunk and her tireless loyalty to her family/loved ones. She is the first to admit she has made a mistake but also always makes sure she is the one responsible for fixing them. I admire her dedication to her craft and how she insists on actively keeping up her mixing so she can improve; no matter how often she proves her skill in alchemy, she remains modest and willing to learn, shape and refine her talent.

I also really love Zain. I know he is not the most fleshed out character but he is just so adorable. I only wish that we had gotten more time with him in this story. I felt that he was strangely absent from the plot which meant that we did not get to explore his and Sam’s relationship as much as I would have liked.

Also:

• I liked that Princess Evelyn and Sam have maintained a friendship since the first book. It was nice to see Evelyn play a different role in this story than she did in the first book.
• Kirsty annoyed me so much. I don’t know what it is about her personality but she rubs me the wrong way. I really do not like her!
• The fact that we explored the ethicality of using animal parts as potion ingredients - and the benefits of synths, consequently - was very well-done. I think that this discussion links to a lot of contemporary issues raised by the rise in veganism (etc.) and would be great food for thought.
• I wish that Sam’s family had been in this story more.

Overall?

I think the plotline of this book was nowhere near as strong as the first book and it did let the story down. Instead of focusing on a scavenger hunt with a clear end goal, the plotline meandered for a bit and it did feel a little bit like a filler sequel at times. However, these characters are sweet and engaging. I love this cast - apart from Kirsty, ugh - and definitely want to see more of their adventures. I’m eagerly anticipating the third sequel now.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will admit that I didn't like this as much as I did the first book. I still like the main character. I was a little disappointed by some of the outcomes in the story. I'm hoping the next book will be better. However, I'm a little worried seeing how the author ended this book.

[Lilli Gilliam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guys! I am finally finished! I was trudging through this book very slowly. Eighteen days! It took me eighteen days to finish this book!
I was lost, considering how I just read the second book, and have never laid my hands on the first book. The romance part of this book was great. Overall, the book was an interesting read, but I had no idea what I was reading, who these characters are, and what is going on.

[Lulai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as fun as the first book, but it was still a fun reading. I like Samantha and Zain, they are so great together and their relationship is so healthy.
The book is really similar to the first book with a quest, travels ... but some new stuff get into this sequel and it's give me good feeling about book 3

[LeslecturesdeMylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

17/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

[Lesincele · Rating 4 out of 5]

La verdad es que me encanta el mundo que nos presenta y esta continuación deja con muchas ganas de continuar con el siguiente ya que el final es de los que impactan. La resolución de la trama me ha gustado mucho también. Entretenida pero sin duda lo mejor el mundo y las pociones.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun sweet book. Very imaginative.

The gang is back and now Sam is on tour with the princess and her boyfriend Zain. Her families shop is busy and everything seems to be good.

We have Sam being Sam in this book with some fun and quirkiness in her. Zain is sweet and just adorable. He doesn’t push or treat kami any way but with respect and support. They are too cute together.

Now the adventure is the Royal tour and what a tour this is. Sam is the one out of her element but also in danger and a quest. Same is in need of things to save her grandfather. All the while she is also saving the princess from guys with ill intentions. Only the reverse happens and Sam is the one needing saving and it is Zain who risks everything for her.

In the process, the princess does do something that shocks everyone and we see that she puts her life on the line at the same time. How? You need to read this fun, sweet and imaginative book filled with caves, dragons, knights in shining armor (aka Zain), potions, harrowing escapes, bravery at its finest and characters it is impossible not to love.

[Faith Lund]

Just finished the first book and I can't wait to see what happens next. So excited!!

[Kwan-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

why do i have a feeling that zain is based off zayn malik

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like this as much as the first book in this series, but I am planning to read the the next book. I thought this story was slower than the previous one. There wasn't a lot of romance in this book, either. The new information involving her great-grandmother was interesting. The MC made some stupid decisions, which frustrated me. Fortunatly, that didn't happen often in this story, and things ended up on the right side in the end. The potions and the mythical creatures were interesting, though.

[Arual Gallardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Elexir es la continuación de la saga pociones donde nos sumergiremos en una aventura mágica. Aunque su primera parte me gustó mucho más, no me importaría para nada leer su tercera parte. Si os gusta la Alquimia, las pociones, la magia y los dragones... os encantará."

Reseña completa: https://obsesionporlalectura.blogspot...

[Estefanía · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
Esta segunda parte me ha gustado pero hasta ahí. No me ha encantado como la primera parte, a pesar de que se lee super rápido no he llegado a conectar con los personajes, aún así estoy deseando leer la tercera parte y saber como termina la trilogía por fin porque la segunda parte se queda en un punto muy interesante!!!!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as fun as the first book! Love Zain & Sam. Also like Evie, Molly, Kristy, Grandad and Anita and Arjun. Something is wrong with Prince Stefan. Yes he is a bad guy. But I think he has a good heart underneath all that evil. Love that she found her great grandmother's potion diary and that granddad is oke. On to the next part.

[Jasmine]

It distracted me while I had a stomach ache, which was all I asked of it, but which also means I really didn't focus well enough to keep track of emotional beats.

I'm interested in the next book, where that charming villain is destroyed. Right? Right? That— *stomps off muttering curses*

[BookDragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam is going on a royal tour with Princess Evelyn and Zain. But when her grandad falls ill she is sent on a mysterious quest to find a long, lost piece of her family history.

I love how the book is a roller coaster ride; it has twists and turns at every corner.

[Zoë ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it all the way through but just when you think it is ending all fine, it gets you on the last line! Must read 3rd book asap!!!

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good. But it’s just so long for a sequel. And there’s a third one. But I’m committed.

[16Hedgesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Potion Diaries series is a good and interesting way of viewing magic and there is great adventure story line that keeps the book going.

[Ana Beatriz · Rating 3 out of 5]

a mesma coisa do outro livro, ele é infanto juvenil é muito bom 3,8

[DaYukie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depois de tudo o que Sam enfrentou e vencer a Caçada Selvagem em A Poção Secreta, agora temos uma Sam envolvida em um grande problema familiar e enfrentando novos desafios para ajudar seu avô. Em A Poção Perdida, Sam enfrenta novos desafios, novas criaturas e descobre coisas importantes sobre si mesma e sua família.
Novamente contado sempre em primeira pessoa, acompanhamos a Sam se preparando para o Tour ao lado da princesa, além dela estar procurando uma forma de ajuda-la com uma poção e assim resolver o problema de Evelyn, quanto ao seu problema em não casar logo e consequentemente o poder que ela tem estar cada vez mais forte e precisar de alguma forma ser contido. Ou seja, as coisas para Sam estão boas, mas não maravilhosas. Ela ainda não é uma mestra alquimista, mas está batalhando e aprendendo cada vez mais para um dia poder ser. Sam continua tendo apoio de sua melhor amiga, no entanto, agora ela tem mais alguém ao seu lado, Zain, seu namorado.
Sam só não contava com o vilão ressurgindo das trevas e ainda conhecer alguém que aparenta ser bem pior, consequentemente causando sofrimento em seu avô, somente para ser capaz de encontrar a poção mais poderosa do mundo. A poção que provavelmente sua bisavó criou e escreveu em seu diário, o mesmo diário que se encontra perdido e é neste momento, principalmente para ajudar seu avô, que Sam começa a caçada para encontra-lo e assim poder salvar a vida do seu avô e consequentemente salvar Nova. Sam agora se vê envolvida com diversos perigos, mas o principal deles não são os que ela enfrenta para encontrar algum material para a poção, mas sim os vilões que a querem somente para encontrar a Aqua Vitae.
Novamente me vi apaixonada por Sam e suas aventuras. Uma garota leal, amiga e totalmente dedicada. Quando ela tem um objetivo, vai até o fim, principalmente se for para salvar quem ama. Se ela vê que causou algum dano, Sam corre atrás do prejuízo e tenta consertar, mesmo que a culpa não tenha sido dela. Também pudemos conhecer melhor os outros personagens. O lado doce e leal do Zain, além de ser meio protetor. Queria que ele tivesse mais presença durante a história, mas espero ver mais dele no próximo livro. Também conhecemos melhor Evelyn, a princesa. Longe da poção do amor, ela mostrou mais de sua personalidade. Forte, determinada, um pouco mandona, mas amiga e fiel. Fiquei com raiva dela, por conta das escolhas que ela tomou, principalmente em meio ao caos em que Sam se encontrava? Sim, fiquei, no entanto, espero mesmo que no terceiro livro, ela consiga me cativar novamente como tinha feito no começo do livro.
A autora soube misturar a magia, com a alquimia e a modernidade, transformando Sam em uma adolescente moderna, mas com uma alma antiga, que gosta de manter certas tradições. E diferentemente do primeiro livro, que a busca era devido a Caçada Selvagem, agora temos a busca pelo diário de Cleo Kemi. Além disso, a autora soube introduzir os vilões e deixar em aberto o final para o terceiro livro, criando uma certa expectativa e teorias para o que vai acontecer.
A capa do livro é MARAVILHOSA! Mantendo a mesma identidade visual do primeiro livro, a editora conseguiu me conquistar só pela capa, junta a uma diagramação e revisão espetacular e pronto. Já me vi apaixonada novamente pela Sam e pela história. Agora me vejo roendo a unha para ler o terceiro livro e descobrir o destino de Sam e seus amigos.

https://goo.gl/iyVDhA

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and reviewed the first book in this series earlier this summer. Royal Tour, the sequel, actually isn't available in the United States yet, but if you are impatient like me it can be ordered via amazon UK.

This book had a lot of the same bubbly energy as the first. The plot was fun, and we got to see more of the world that Alward has created. I do wish we could see even more of it, because I'm a nut for cool worldbuilding, but I'll be content with the knowledge that this is a series so we will likely see more as more books come out. With many of the scenes, I felt like we could have spent a little longer in them and gotten more detail, and in that way things did sometimes feel a smidge rushed, especially given how much was going on in the plot! Perhaps the author was limited in her word count based on the expected target audience for this book. The plot clips along at a modest pace, and there were several twists that I did not see coming. I appreciated being surprised because I have read a lot of YA fantasy and am usually genre savvy enough to work out what's going to happen.

I still don't love the romance between main character Sam and Zain. It's hard to pinpoint why exactly I don't quite buy it, but I think part of it is that a lot of their interactions involved talking about how much they loved each other and how awesome the other person was. Sam claims that they've grown very attached quickly due to a situation where they were placed in mortal danger together in the first book, but I wish we could see some scenes of the two of them hanging out and talking about shared interests. Part of this stems from the quick pace of the book - most of their conversations are plot related (or a scene where midway through Zain is suddenly missing his shirt so we can hear about how hot he is), but a few words here and there about a shared interest other than potion making or each other would go a long way to adding more realistic chemistry to this couple. I'm still holding out for Evelyn/ Sam since their interactions feel much more natural and interesting, but given the teen based audience I think it's unlikely that this will happen.

Speaking of the twists I mentioned earlier, I don't want to give too much away but I was very intrigued by what Alward did with Emilia's character. Rather than the wholly black or white version of her that we saw in the first book, this one offers a few more shades of grey to her character.

I was glad we got to see Anita and Arjun again. They were a little neglected at the start of the novel and I was worried that now that Sam had a sparkly boyfriend and a princess best friend, she would drift from bff Anita. Luckily, these characters were brought in a little later and served a very important role. Also, shout out for diversity in YA literature!

The book ended on a cliffhanger. Of course. Why can't Sam have nice things? Here's to waiting for the third book to come out next year.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hodnocení: 2,5/5

Královské turné v sobě spojuje prvky young adult dobrodružné fantasy s pohádkovým příběhem pro děti, proto bych ho doporučila mladým slečnám kolem deseti let. Pro starší čtenáře už je Královské turné příliš jednoduché, povrchní a nedotažené. Konec přinesl vyřešení hlavní dějové linky, ale zároveň zůstal otevřený, takže čtenáři, kteří dospěli až sem, pravděpodobně sáhnou i po dalším dílu, protože přece jen budou chtít vědět, jak to s princeznou Evelyn dopadne.

Celou recenzi najdete zde: http://www.suzannesworldofbooks.cz/cl...

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this book still was a good read, it doesn't bring out such a strong feeling as the first one. Maybe it's because the entire worldbuilding is mostly done, and there's not much of an idea of originality left - the world has already been set and explained, and that's it.

Points for Alward for making Sam a tall girl (I always feel there should be more of those in books), but apart from that, her character seemed less rounded than in the first book. And the same goes for Zain - both he and Sam seem to have had their character development in Book 1, and now it's all downgraded a bit. On the other hand, Princess Evelyn's role in this book because much bigger and more important, and also her relationship with Sam is given attention - that's a very good thing.

The story itself is... okay, I guess, but that's it. It's fine, it's funny at times, it's exciting at times, but I had expected more.

All in all, this is a fine novel, but nothing more than that. One of those novels that suffers from Book 2 Syndrome, if you ask me - a good start, a fine middle, and - hopefully - a good ending. Still worth your time, but don't expect it to be as good as Book 1.

7/10

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! It was even better than the first one, the Potion Diaries! I became really good friends with Sam and adored Princess Evelyn! What I admired most about this book--and the series overall--is the unique world Amy Alward has built, her ability to write about magic in a modern day society as if it's something normal, as if it's actually real. And I could never predict what was going to happen next, once adventure and one trouble after the other, on every chapter. I was holding my breath the whole time and I enjoyed it SO MUCH.
I wish I lived in that world. I wish I could become a chemist. I wish magic--the magic Amy talks about in her books--existed in our world.

*SIGH*