The Eternity Elixir

September 1, 2017

Gr 5-7-Gordy Stitser is an accomplished potion maker despite his young age. His mother is an incredibly gifted Elixirist and keeps a lab in their home, which no one is supposed to talk about (especially not the mummy in the zip top bag). Shortly after a trip to the headquarters of B.R.E.W., the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide, where Gordy learns a life-changing secret, and a strange phone call to his mother, a mysterious package arrives addressed to Gordy's mom from Aunt Priss. Despite his best judgment and at the urging of his friends Max and Adeline, Gordy opens the package and examines the contents. Shortly after, the world's most powerful potion, the Eternity Elixir, vanishes, and Gordy, Max, and Adeline must work together to keep the potion from falling into the possession of those who might use it to destroy B.R.E.W.-and the world along with it. This first installment in a new trilogy has all the hallmarks of a grand adventure: an unknown treasure, an all-powerful enemy, and a host of secrets revealed. Adeline and Wanda both present strong supporting cast members, and Gordy's adventure is a memorable one. VERDICT Fans of the archetypal hero's journey will keep turning pages. A solid addition to large collections where fantasy circulates well.-Wayne R. Cherry Jr., St. Pius X High School, Houston

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
Twelve-year-old Gordy is already a gifted Dram, an adolescent brewer of potions, but it will take all of his talent, his training, and the help of his friends if he is going to save the Elixirist community. But what chance does an inexperienced Dram have against a mummified Mesopotamian king, a band of evil potion masters, and the world's most notorious Elixirist? But while Gordy might be weak in training, he is strong in creativity, developing potions such as Rocket Vomit, Extra Limb, and Rat Magnet. His inventions are not exactly approved by B.R.E.W (that's the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide to the uninitiated), but they are effective. Even with the help of two experienced Elixirists and a magically animated skeleton, it is unlikely they will succeed, but Gordy learns that a sense of humor, the willingness to be bold, and his love for his family and friends might win the day. While the worldbuilding is vague and the enemies are familiar, wackiness and suspense keep the pages turning. The primary characters are white Americans, but secondary characters hail from El Salvador, Russia, Great Britain, and more. A glossary of potions highlights some of the incredible brews, while an epilogue hints that there are more adventures to come.A solid if not spectacular beginning. (Fantasy. 10-13)

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November 15, 2017
Grades 5-8 Gordy is the son of one of the world's most powerful Elixirists, though most of the world doesn't know such people exist. Lucky for Gordy, he exhibits the characteristics of a Draman apprentice of potionsand his best friends, Max and Adeline, are in on the secret. Soon Gordy finds himself in possession of a package from his aunt Priss, which some very evil Elixirists are out to retrieve. The Eternity Elixir is one of the most powerful potions ever, and it was created by Gordy's allegedly dead grandfather. Gordy will have to rely on his budding powers and unconventional brews, such as Rocket Vomit, to save the day. While Cole's new series doesn't add anything spectacularly new to the magic genre, there is the pleasant addition of Gordy's parents as strong secondary characters (his dad finds himself often cast in the role of the damsel in distress), and some background hints that the so-called good guys aren't always so squeaky clean. Fast-paced and humorous, this should have easy appeal for fantasy fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)