The Eternity Elixir

Potion Masters #1

by Frank L. Cole

For hundreds of years, all of our medical findings, our technological advancements, and even our weapons are a direct result of magical potions. Few people know about the truth because few people are aware of the hidden potion community known as B.R.E.W.--the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide.

Twelve-year-old Gordy knows all about the importance of cauldrons, flasks, and Bunsen burners. He has an extensive knowledge of hundreds of ingredients including Toadflax, porcupine quills, and catfish eyes because Gordy's mother is the Director of B.R.E.W., and he is an apprentice potion master with a secret lab in his family's basement.

When the world's most powerful potion--the Eternity Elixir--disappears and then mysteriously ends up in Gordy's possession, he must use all of his skills to protect the forbidden potion before enemies of B.R.E.W. find and use it to destroy the world as we know it.

Gordy recruits his two best friends, Max and Adeline, to assist him while his mother leaves to confront the most powerful elixirist of all time-the great Mezzarix-who happens to be Gordy's grandfather.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magic, Audiobook, Young Adult, Adventure, Fiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2018

About the author

Frank L. Cole has lived in such exotic places as the Philippines and Kentucky, and currently lives with his wife and three children out west. While he strived for years to earn his publishing credits, Frank considers sharing his message of “Exercising Your Imagination” to over 100,000 kids across the country as his greatest accomplishment. Frank has been published with Cedar Fort Books, Delacorte Press, and Shadow Mountain Publishing. The Legend of the Last Library is Frank's 15th published book. You can learn more about his writing at frankcolewrites.com

Reviews

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank L. Cole has crafted a fun fast-paced new middle grade fantasy story that children will absolutely not want to miss or even put down for that matter. It is filled with fun characters and exciting plot twists and turns throughout the story that will keep readers guessing what will happen next. There is plenty of adventure that all middle grade readers, both boys and girls, will thoroughly enjoy. Cole easily hooks readers from page one as they dive in and don’t want to put the book down until the last page is turned. Young readers will definitely want to get their hands on this exciting fantasy adventure novel!

Series: Potion Masters
Genre: childrens, fantasy, middle grade
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Publication date: January 2, 2018
Number of pages: 304

A review copy of this book was provided by the Shadow Mountain. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for a young reader. The main character is a 12 year old boy who gets to be the hero. He has amazing abilities at making potions and saving the day. Fortunately, he gets a lot of action from point "A" to point "B". He also has two sidekick friends that add a great aspect to the book. One is too curious and causes a little bit of chaos and humor.

The book is well written and flows well. I love the writing style and as I stated above, it's great for children. For most children, it will keep their interest and want them to turn the pages. I plan on having my reluctant teen read this for a book report coming up soon. He may just finish this one!

Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole has a great way of bringing a normal human being into a magical world and making it seem completely normal. Gordy is from a family of potion elixirists and has a natural talent for it. Although he's young, he's completely capable of fighting villains and doing what he can to protect his family and this secret world.

When an eternity elixir falls into his hands, he and his father and two best friends fight long and hard and at times, Gordy doesn't even know what or who he is going up against. There are still some mysteries left open and I'm curious to continue on with the series to discover the secrets along the way.

There are many fascinating and intriguing characters within these pages and it's not always apparent who is good and who isn't, but it's sure a fun adventure discovering this magical world and what role each character plays. It's a fun and entertaining story.

Content: mild violence

*I received a copy and voluntarily read and reviewed this book, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love this book and I did. I have enjoyed every book I read from this author. Frank's writing is very clever and extremely creative and he has proved time and again how talented he is, especially with this book. I can tell by his writing that he has a fantastic sense of humor. I loved the plot of this book and the characters were awesome. The potions and terms used were inventive and highly imaginative. There are many enjoyable twists and turns and fun little seeds of hints that are planted throughout that lead to a great adventure. I loved Gordy. I love smart, creative kids and he definitely fits that bill. All of the characters are so fun and very well written.

5 out of 5 stars. I can not wait for the next book!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that create a curiosity about other books the author has written. This middle-grade fantasy did just that. Gordy, Max and Adeline make a great team in a new world where potion masters aide our everyday technology. But watch out for those who misuse those potions. Gordy and his team might grow a third limb or make it so rats love you in order to defend themselves.

This is a fantastic read that anyone will love, especially youngsters that love fantasy. I enjoyed every page. Not only will I now look into other books by this author, but I will be reading this with my boys. I highly recommend it.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok. The concept was cool; it just moved too slow for me. I wanted to learn more about the potions and B.R.E.W. I felt like it just gave the bare minimum. Probably good for a MG series.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I am still reading this book at the moment as as I write this review I know I will be finishing it tonight, if not tomorrow morning. I wasn't feeling all that well and wasn't able to finish but I promised a post and I will update it when I am done.

I want to start out saying this is going to be a great start to a fun series. I honestly LOVE Gordy. He is such a fun character and the world he lives in is so much fun. Well it's actually our world but he can make potions. How awesome is that? I want to make potions. The beginning of the book had me laughing at a potion that didn't turn out so good. It was really funny and the mom's reaction was great. I also love that Gordy is super smart and it doesn't take him very long to figure things out. The only issue I am having is with the secondary characters, like his siblings and friends. They don't seem like they add anything to the story however, I am not done yet so that might actually change but at this point I sort of don't think they advance the story any. There are some secondary characters that I like and do add substance especially Mezzarix, he might be evil but I sort of like him.

Overall, I am enjoy thing this book so far and really think this will be a great series, I am not even finished and I already am looking forward to the next adventure. Totally recommend for all ages, this is a fun series, I can't wait to read more of.

Thanks for stopping by to check out my review.

Have a great day and Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young fantasy fans will enjoy this story about Gordy, a talented young elixarist and his best friends Max and Abilene. When Gordy's Aunt Priss get s mixed-up with an evil plot, can Gordy with the help of his nonmagical friends save Aunt Priss, his Mom and the fate of the world?
There are lots of fantasy series and stories with magic out there for young readers. What makes this one different is that its about the magic of potions. Give this one to those who can't get enough of the magical potions in Harry Potter. Gordy would be Snape's ideal student.

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, even though it hasn't been published, and it could be edited.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | (4.5) A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my thoughts in any way. You may also find this review here on Booked J.

A truly fun middle grade read and the perfect start to a brand new trilogy. The Eternity Elixir is for more than just its target audience--it's fun for all ages; sprinkled with charming characters, delightful humor and smartly woven into a high-stakes plot. Armed with a fascinating premise and a whole new world of Potion Masters (the crew at B.R.E.W. and most of main character Gordy's family are Elixirists) the story is impossible to put down.

From an essence of magic and science, to family (I love the Stitser family) and friendship (meet your new favourite trio: Gordy, Max and Adeline!) development, to the utter normalcy that other plot points bring into the story, and then straight to the tremendous significance the villains play into the story's central arch, The Eternity Elixir masters the art of storytelling. It has a little of everything, solidifying its versatility and appeal to its audience.

Cole has an undeniable amount of spark, mystery and thrills to his imagination. When he writes, you are compelled to continue reading. I found it impossible to put the book down because I was so drawn into it. An author's job is not finished if those consuming their work are not brought wholly into the story, but The Eternity Elixir is so fast paced and vivid, it's impossible to not feel like you are right there with Gordy.

I found that the humor was quite fun when mingling with the otherwise series and scientific moments within The Eternity Elixir. Something about its dry, subtle tone felt like it would be the perfect fit for fans of Alexandra Bracken's The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding. Beyond the similar sense of humor and balancing act, Cole crafts an incredibly vivid and unique tale that is unlike anything I've read in recent memory.

Overall, this was by far one of the most enjoyable books of the year and is can't miss! It sets the stage perfectly for future installments (especially after the final pages!) and I can't wait to see what else is brought forward in its sequels. Cole has a way with words and I'm completely hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next.

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a reader of any age, I highly recommend The Eternity Elixir. If I haven't sold you yet, here are some more things to note about the novel:

-An easy to read guide at the back of the novel to help out with any head scratching/confusion over various words in the book. The Glossary of Potions is here to help. And make you feel like you are learning the art of potion making right alongside Gordy.
-The friendship between Gordy, Max and Adeline is just so cute. They're each in that "YOU ARE A CUPCAKE AND I MUST PROTECT YOU!" category and it's impossible not to root for them. I haven't been this smitten by a trio of friends since Harry, Ron and Hermione. Yeah, I went THERE.
-When I said the family dynamics are fascinating, I meant it. I want to know EVERYTHING about Wanda, Priscilla and Mezzarix. I want to know what other tricks Mezzarix has up his sleeves, given his past and the general sketchiness of his entire being. Plus, I need more info on how he made Doll--who is an incredibly creepy but cool creation of his. I won't spoil it. I want to know why Priscilla confided in the wrong person, why they are all so distant but together. UGH, there's just something super intriguing about that dynamic.
-On a similar note, I liked Gordy's dad, Gordon. He was very light and minimal, despite having a pretty big part throughout the novel, but there's just something gentle and soft about him that I am LOVING. And want to see more of!
-THE VILLAINS. They are just... classic villains. A classic villainess and her crew. I dig it, because I love seeing the archetype that Esmeralda represents. She's timelessly evil and it's highly entertaining, and a little frightening. She's the perfect potential foe for the characters because she is just as smart as they are and her ambition is so high, it's almost admirable.
-The entire prospect of magic in science, as in potion making. We have a lot of magic that isn't explored enough in fiction and the science in The Eternity Elixir makes it standout in the genre. Because it's magical, but it's also got that hit of reality to it that makes a coherent tie between a secretive world and the world that we all know.

Basically, if you aren't reading, or at least buying The Eternity Elixir right now, you're missing out on something special. This is THE BEST Middle Grade release of 2018.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked to read the books we buy for our grandkids so we can share the experience. This was a quick, fun read and I know my grandkids will enjoy the characters, and the twists and turns of the plot. I especially liked Cole’s method of creating a lot of individuality with the characters, especially Gordy’s friends. Lots of fun magic, tense moments, and imagination.

[A.L. Sowards]

I read this to my twins and they loved it! It's a great novel for younger readers: good characters, good pacing, lots of tension, and an imaginative magic system. It also has some subtle, positive messages about teamwork, family, and the choices we make. I'm pretty sure we'll be picking up the second book in the series when it comes out.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Frank Cole book to date! So full of action and adventure, with characters I quickly fell in love with. I highly recommend for anyone who loves inventive, action packed, suspenseful, fun middle grade books.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let us just start with the cover. It's awesome. I always fall in love with a cover before I even look at what the book is about. Sometimes that is a good thing, and sometimes not. This time it is definitely a good thing. This book was so much fun to read.



This is great book for any age reader, but will probably be particularly good for middle grade. Although I am no longer in middle grade, and I loved the book...so I guess it's good for old people too :).



I read that this book was about potions, so I just assumed it meant it was about magic as well. I was wrong. I guess I just assumed they went hand in hand. Well, we all know what assuming does. I am happy to say that this is just about potion brewing, and it was so exciting. We all know how powerful potions can be.....and in this book we get to explore the world of potion making with Gordy. His love for brewing sends us on an exciting adventure.





Gordy is a 12 year old boy and is already a master potions-maker just like his mom Wanda. Wanda is an Elixirist, Fourth Class, and one of the greatest concoters of potions in the country.



Gordy learns that his mom works for B.R.E.W. and gets to visit work with her. There Gordy learns what his mother really does for work. When, Wanda gets an urgent message during Gordy's visit, they return home, and his mother leaves immediately.



Gordy has two great friends that accidentally learned about his ability to make potions during a dinner one night. Gordy, begged his mother not to erase all their memories, and allow him to share his gift with his two best friends, Max and Adilene. Although, Gordy's mom would rather him work with other kids like him, Gordy has convinced his mother that his friends are trust worthy. Good thing!



While Gordy's mother is away a strange package is delivered to their home, and Gordy decides to open it. I guess he wasn't taught not to open things that are not addressed to him. Once Gordy opens the package a world of chaos is opened upon his family and friends.



Who knew opening a package could be so dangerous?



The ride I got to enjoy with Gordy, his friends and family was so exciting. I read most of the book before bed one night. It is a fast, fun, and exciting read. If you or your kids like adventure, potions, mummies?, danger, and excitement this book is for you. Pick it up! Read it with your children, and enjoy the ride. I am so excited to see where the next book takes us. What an awesome beginning to a series!

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

My name is Gordy, and with my mother's help, I hope to become an Elixirist. She works for B.R.E.W., although I'm not exactly sure what she does. She lets me mix some potions in our basement, but I hope she doesn't find the secret ones I've created. She mysteriously left home again, and then my aunt sent a package to our house. I probably shouldn't have opened it, but I did. There were a couple of glass vials in it, and I now know one of them is an Eternity Elixir. I don't know what it does, but a woman named Esmeralda tried to force her way into our house. Luckily, my mom's wards guard against intruders, but something tells me Esmeralda is a resourceful person. What's so special about this potion, and why do I think it's terribly dangerous?

This book offered a new twist on a budding "superhero". Gordy didn't have unbelievable powers; his strength focused on special abilities to sense and blend ingredients. It wasn't a far stretch to predict his quirky concoctions would become important weapons. His grandfather became an interesting subplot. The man was powerful and cruel, and Gordy had no idea his mom and aunt had a huge conflict with their father. I assume this will create a problem in the sequel. The highlight of the book was the author's imagination with the potions. Some of them required common items, while more exotic ingredients were also used. Some of the potions were comparable to unusual inventions found in other books. Potions were used to capture enemies, cause explosions, control minds, and put characters to sleep. Max was Gordy's best friend and provided comic relief. He had no special talents other than an insatiable curiosity. He was determined to get a glimpse of the rotting mummy kept in Gordy's basement, even though Gordy warned him of its noxiousness. He offered brash and humorous comments despite the dangers he might have been facing. Overall, this was a fun book, and I suspect its sequel, The Transparency Tonic, will be added to my to-read list.

[Heidi]

Gordy Stitser's grown up knowing he has a gift for making potions. And to his benefit, his mother has the skills and authority to teach him how to harness those abilities. Gordy loves spending time in his mother's basement lab creating potions of his own. But things take a bad turn when Gordy discovers what his mother really does on all her trips. She works for the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (BREW) enforcing policies and rules among elixirists. But when Gordy's Aunt Priss sends a special package with the Eternity Elixir to Gordy's home when his mother's gone, his stable world explodes into chaos. Gordy and his friends Max and Adilene struggle to keep the enemy at bay, but the elixirist they are up against is far more powerful than they could imagine and time is not on their side.


Cole has created a series opener that is very appealing with likable characters, an interesting world premise, and plenty of action. The humor keeps the book from getting too scary. The wide variety of invented potions makes for a fresh new take on the 'chosen one' story. Plus, Gordy isn't on his own. It was refreshing to have his parents and other adults around to help him in his efforts. Too many fantasy books have either no parents or bad ones. This is a delightful new series that I look forward to continuing to read.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordy is not a normal 12 year old, he is an apprentice Elixirist and his mum is a powerful potion maker (although his dad has a normal, humdrum job). He has two good friends who are non magical and his younger twin siblings are not yet old enough to be involved in the 'family business'. All is not well in the magical community however and a very dangerous potion has been created. The Eternity Elixir is a fast paced story for younger children with plenty of adventure and humour with family conflict thrown in. Ends with a cliffhanger (as the best stories do!) and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Gordy's adventures.

[Dana Fontaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I had a hard time getting through the ending of this book. It was a great action packed series starter for middle grade kiddos. However, I think it could have been a little bit shorter. I thought the ending would never come. I liked the story lines and I think students would love picking this up.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explosions, hundreds of scurrying rats, magical potions, villains, good vs evil plots, and noxious smells. Great fun for fifth/sixth grade reader. Some high vocabulary but context clues and illustrations are helpful as well as glossary at end of book. Good start for a series.

[Emily Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for an author visit and was pleasantly surprised! A bit juvenile at times (it is a middle grade book), but overall solid plot! I was interested all the way through! I wanted more scenes with Adeline, but I have to admit Max grew on me by the end. I will for sure read book 2!

[Yalemi Morales]

A fun read with my third grader. Some of the vocabulary was quite advanced for her, but it was a good opportunity for growth.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, young adventure tale. Potions and survival thrills to be had, sweet friendships and solid family support. Would recommend if you are looking for a young light read.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Boil, boil, toil and trouble” is what Gordy Stitser got when he opened a mysterious package from his aunt that contained a powerful elixir. Soon, trouble shows up at his front door. As a gifted potion master, Gordy has to use his wit and skills to prevent the elixir from falling into the wrong hands; otherwise the world as he knows it will change forever. A fun, magical realistic adventure.

Recommended for grades 4-6. Lexile Level: NA
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I was reading this I was expecting it to be really cheesy because of the fact that it’s a middle grade book. But, the magic system in this book was very intriguing and I felt as if it was entertaining even at my age to read. I really loved the main character and all his friends. When they would have their detective sleepovers I would laugh because that would be something I would do. The book was definitely written very well and I feel like the plot was executed the way it was intended to. I will be continuing the series and can’t wait to see where everyone goes on this journey!

[Tiffany Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Eternity Elixer
Gordy Stitser is a very skilled Dram, with a mother that’s a 4-class Elixorist. . A British lady and a Russian man (unnamed) sit in their car watching an excavation site. The Russian man is getting bored, but finally one of the diggers produces a box. The box isn’t in the ladies' hands good before a boy snatches it up and runs off. The Russian man tries to gun him down, but the boy is able to escape. The British lady says he was sent by her. The British man asks weren’t measures taken to prevent this kind of thing, but the lady she’s she’s more powerful than she thought. The man says this could be a problem. The diggers will want payment and he hasn’t got any money. The British lady says it will but it will be his and drives off and leaves him.

Gordy sees his mother of to a conference. He asks her can he invite his friends over (Max and Adilene) to see the lab. At first, she says no but Gordy argues that he needs lab partners they’ve kept the secret. There was an incident where the door of the lab was accidentally left open when they came to dinner one night and Adilene came face to face with a worm the size of a Rottweiler). Finally mom caves. She warns him tho not to let his friends look inside a certain drawer or he’ll be banned from the lab until further notice.

Gordy gives his friends a tour of the lab and introduces them to Bawdry (the mummy his mom won). On night at dinner with his family, his mother tells Gordy he’ll have a half day off from school and she’s going to show him around the secret headquarters of B. R.E.W.

The world knows B.R.E.W as Somnium Fine Creams and Oils but it’s really The Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (the governing body of the potion community). They determine what potions are safe to be concted and which are in violation of the law. Gordy is introduced to Bolton one of the employees that works in Mechanics. B.R.E.W is divided into 4 floors (Management, Military, Machinery, and Medical). shows them his office (which looks like an automatic junk yard). What Bolton does is help others with things like hybrid cars. He gets a call from the lady who wasn’t in earlier (Zelda) in management and rather than stick around in his office Wanda and Gordy continue to the tour.

Wanda shows him her office on the Medical Floor. It’s normal and not what Gordy expected. But then she shows him another floor that holds “The Vessel”-the top secret chalice that powers B.R.E.W. It contains a glowing liquid that even Gordy can’t decipher. Then she drops the bomb that she’s really a bounty hunter for B.R.E.W. B.R.E.W seems to have made some enemies. Once they get back on the elevator and get off they see Bolton rushing past. He says he’s on the phone with Wanda’s sister Priss and there’s been an emergency. Wanda snatches the phone but can’t get much before the line is disconnected. Bolton says he heard the word Chicxulub,

Adilene discovers that Chicxluba isn’t a potion ingredient it’s a place in Mexico. It’s where an asteroid was that ended the dinosaurs supposedly. (Later we learn it’s the location where the Eternity Elixer was hidden).But it’s not in his mom’s book of significant places There’s a package sent from Aunt Priscilla and inside is a pair or oversized sweatpants. There’s a box that contains two vials. One of the vials is empty. The other has a pearly, cream-colored, liquid in it. Inside a pocket of the pants is the key. There’s also a letter from Aunt Priss apologizing and telling Wanda she did what she thought was best and that there was no time. It says also that she’ll explain later and mentions a war coming. As Gordy handles one of the vials he pricks his finger and the empty vial fills with a red liquid. He somehow knows that what filled it was his blood.

Priscilla makes a trip to the mountains to meet up with Mezzarix (her father) that was banished in a ritual ceremony. We find out a little later that he tried to kill ten members on the B.R.E.W board because he wanted to he in charge. He felt B,R,E,W needed to change, but Wanda and Priscilla stopped his attempt. We see that Gordy thinks his grandfather is dead. He has a picture of him in a hidden space in his room He tries to decipher what’s in the vial but can’t make it out.A law enforcer and her associate (Esmerelda Faustus)c omes noisying around the Stitser’s house and almost discover the secret lab. Even though Gordy’s father wants to find out all the charges she says she has against him, he tells not to come back without proof. Esmerelda is the unknown lady in the car and the Russian man is her associate Yeltzin.

While she and her father wait for Wanda, he introduces her to his creation “Doll” (a skeleton made of bones he found in cave). He explains that while he was banished after a while the banishment faded and it was only limited to the Forbidden Zone. Wanda binds her father and the story comes out from Prisicalla that she became “friends” with Esmerelda but she was only using her and used a “blotch” on her to find out about the Eternity Elixer (a powrful potion) which among its multiple uses has the ability to destroy (reverse) the power of the Vessel and would set all the banished free (which includes her parents). Priscilla says she found out about it and sent the potion to Wanda which blood confirmation specifying it had to be a relative and an elixirist. Wanda realizes that Gordy got to the potion and opened it.

.Gordy attempts to ‘Scrute” the potion by enhancing it but ends up destroying all of it. Yeltzin comes looking for the potion and is able to make it into the house, but the protection potion put on the house stops him in his tracks and makes him retreat. When Gordy’s Dad comes home he smells the burnt potion and punishes Gordy, Weirdly he tells Gordy he gave Faustus and Yetzin permission to searxch the house. Esmerelda and Yetzin prepare to put the next level of their plan into action and it starts with having someone scope out the house.

Since its snowing hard and Wanda and Priscilla are stuck there, with their father’s help they use a potion to send Dolly to go back and protect Wanda’s family. With another potion, they’ll disguise him as Wanda. Their father takes a particular interest in Gordy’s skills. With the help of Max, Gordy realizes his father has been “blotched” (put under the influence by a potion) and thinks of how Esmerelda give him her business card (which would be the object needed to make sure contact was held so the potions effects would last). Gordy goes down to the kitchen to search for the card, but it’s not there. He wonders how he can get it out of his Dad’s room. All of sudden he hears noises in the basement, before he can decide what to do his Dad comes upstairs and accuses him of trashing the lab. Gordy realizes what happens when he sees the card in his Dad’s pocket. He was searching the lab for something. Gordy’s father says as a punishment he’ll have to stay with his grandparents until his mom gets back. Gordy then apologizes and knocks his Dad out cold with a potion. Luckily, he’s able to destroy the card with Torpor Tonic which brings his dad out of the trance. He explains to him what happened when he asks who messed up the lab,

After school, Gordy finds the kitchen, living room, and lab trashed again, They all think it’s Gordy’s dad. So, Max suggests a stakeout with them taking shifts. On the stakeout, Max and Gordy tie up Dad and each take shifts watching him. While in the basement, they hear a noise in the basement with them and see Bawdry come to life. Max distracts him by throwing potions at him, while Gordy creates a potion “Ice Ball” that freezes him in place. They find out Esmerelda has been using Bawdry to spy on them. They tell her they don’t have the potion anymore (it was burned) but she doesn’t believe them. Just as Bawdry starts to unfreeze and come at them, Doll shows up. Doll and Bawdry rumble and Doll is the victor. Bolton and Zelda appear just as Gordy’s dad says they’ll have to leave. They confirm they sent Doll.

Wanda calls and tells Gordy everything, and says she’s on her way home. The phone cuts off before Gordy can tell her the potion is no more. Wanda and Priscilla discover there is no storm. They’ve been blotched by their father. Wanda knocks him out and demands to know how long he’s been working with Esmerelda. He says knew her family but not her personally. He just wanted his freedom. He says what he really wants is his family back. Wanda makes a deal with her Dad that if she agrees to let him see her and Gordy once a year when she gets the Eternity Elixer back he’ll destroy it for her. To prove he’s telling the truth he says he’ll take the Axium Application. He seems to know that Wanda doesn’t fully trust B.R.E.W to hand the potion over to. So the potion isn’t really destroyed because only her dad can destroy it since he made it.

. Doll disappears and Esmerelda makes her attack. The door explodes and the house is hit with a swarm of insects that start to take down the wards. As Bolter and Zelda try to block the wards, they start to burn the house down with their fire and explosions. Zelda disappears. Dad is injured in the attack and Bolton takes him a safe place and wraps him in a spell. With a potion, they’re able to put out the fires. Esmerelda’s army shows up and takes Max and Gordy. Esmerelda demands the potion and then she’s distracted. Max looks like he’s very ill. She’s about to get the potion from Bolter but something strikes her on the back. Estelada gets attacked by a ton of rats. During the scuffle, he realizes Max uses a couple of his potions “Extra Limb” and “Rat Magnet”.But Esmerelda gets free and uses a potion that starts to make her convulse. They all leave before they see the effects of what happens.

Esmerelda has taken a potion that turned her into Storm from the X-Men. She tells them to bring the potion to B.R.E.W. She’s holding Adilene and her family hostage. Esmerelda wants Gordy to make the potion and just as he is Wanda shows up. But there’s not much she can do with Esmerelda pointing a needle full of the brew at his neck. Adilene tho escapes with her family. When it’s time to pour in the potion, instead Gordy swallows it. He wakes up in the home of a man that says his vitals seem to be ok. The Stitser’s house is burned down tho and they’ll have to move. Gordy bonds with his Grandfather and he destroys the potion. Tho Wanda says she’ll test it at B.R.E.W and limits his powers again. As the book ends we see that he’s gotten a strand of Gordy’s hair.

My Thoughts:
I GOT NOTHING! I think this is a first. Interestingly I can’t think of one thing (good or bad) to say about this book. For a minute when Bawdry came alive it felt “Goosebump-ish”. I thought I’d’ like it better than I did because it was about someone creating potions. Potions can be pretty interesting! They do all kinds of cool stuff. And there were a lot of potions used in the story. There was lots of action. This is even the kind of story, I probably would have read to my cousin at the age of eight. Still, it just felt like something was missing.. Yet, I’ll give the other books in the series a chance. I guess all books just won't leave you with any insightful thoughts or at all even.

Rating: 5 It left off with a curious ending. I did wonder what Wanda's father would do with Gordy's hair.

[Jenni Frencham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordy comes from a family of potion masters, and he is in training to brew potions himself. His parents are impressed at his abilities to make excellent potions. While his mother is away on potion-brewing business, Gordy receives a package addressed to his mom and opens it. Soon after, mysterious people come to his house and attempt to steal the package. Thus begins a race between Gordy and his family and the villians who want what Gordy has received - the eternity elixir.

This book is an action-packed fantasy adventure perfect for fans of J.K. Rowling and Holly Black. The story reads similarly to the final chapters of the first Harry Potter novel: there isn't much world-building, but plenty of action and problem-solving. Fans of fantasy will enjoy the potion-making world and will be eager to read the next one. Recommended.

Recommended for: tweens
Red Flags: fantasy violence - people experience results of various potions (explosions, growing an extra limb, etc.)
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars

Read-Alikes: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Iron Trial, The Glass Sentence

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for the purposes of review.

[Sarah Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a trilogy I'm looking forward to reading the rest of! A fast moving, well paced fantasy book, perfect for fans of magic and mystery.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Cole has done it once again and written an exciting, and humorous middle grade book that kids of all ages are going to love along with adults. I loved the magical aspect of this story and the Potion Makers and the very unique potions that readers will find in this book.

Main character Gordy is so likable and capable. I say this because he more than once saves the day even with adults in the room with him. He's smart and talented and does what he needs to, even though his conscious gets the better of him at times, but this is good for kids to read. His two side kick friends are there for him, but I liked his friend Max the best. He provided some much needed comical relief when the story was getting too intense.

There are some truly scary and intense moments in the story and one is depicted on the front cover. I saw this playing out in my mind as it would in a movie. The front cover shows one of my favorite scenes from the book.
(Shh...I'm not telling you anything about what happens here. I don't want to spoil the surprise!)

One really cool thing that the author added at the back of the book, is a glossary of all of the potions that were in the book. I kept flipping back and forth while reading the novel so as to learn more about the potions when they were mentioned.

I'm excited for this new series and The Eternity Elixir is a great start to a fun, new world of potions, mayhem, and magic. Kids ages 8-13 will especially love this book.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eternity Elixir (Potion Master #1) by Frank L. Cole, 272 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2018. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some danger and fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Gordy, 12yo, has a bright future coming as an elixirist, a potion master. One day Gordy is working in the lab with his best friends, Max and Adilene, when they receive a package from his Aunt Priscilla. Gordy knows he probably shouldn’t open it, but he does any way. What he doesn’t realize is that he has started the race to posses The Eternity Elixir. Whoever controls the Elixir can also control The Vessel, the source of every potion maser’s power.

There are many amusing details in Cole’s world-building, but also some absurd ones. Like Max – who is highly annoying for me as an adult. But the adventure, danger, and excitement outshines the minor problems. I now need to get my hands on the next two in the series!

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great middle grade book for boys! They will love the action and adventure in it, and they'll love the hero, Gordy!

The way this book is written, you most things through Gordy's eyes, there are a few parts where he's not present that you see it through someone else's eyes, but not very many. Gordy is a great character, he's smart and funny and he's seriously good a mixing potions. Better than many adults even.

This book uses so much imagination, I love that! Gordy is able to mix potions and do crazy things like have an extra limb appear or make himself into a crazy creature to scare his friends for Halloween. It's a great skill to have, and I'm sure the kids reading this book will be envious!

The plot is just right, it's full of action and adventure and Gordy...and sometimes his friends have to work hard to save the day several times.

This is a great middle grade book that boys and girls alike will want to read again and again!