Potion Masters: The Seeking Serum by Frank L. Cole

Gordy’s life has drastically changed. His entire family is on the run from a newly corrupted B.R.E.W. and from his grandfather’s henchmen. It’s an incredibly tense time knowing that Mezzarix has the Vessel—the beating heart of the potion world. With that kind of power, Mezzarix could overthrow anyone or anything. With no official aid from B.R.E.W., Wanda and Aunt Priss make an unusual alliance with the Swigs—a resistance group of underground potion-makers—to help fight against Mezzarix’s growing forces. Wanting to help during this precarious period, Gordy, Adilene, Max, and Sasha try to brew a seeking serum to find Mezzarix. After several failed attempts while being continually attacked by Mezzarix’s followers, the friends finally succeed at locating him. 

Cole’s final book in his Potion Masters trilogy is a satisfying conclusion to a wonderfully imagined and expertly crafted fantasy. What makes this fantasy so deep and complex are the real-life problems that youth face during times of war and unrest. This includes living life as a refugee, finding allies in unlikely places, and uncovering skeletons in a family’s past. Cole shows that even during times like this, Gordy and his friends discover an inner strength to face it all, including facing the man behind the war. This confident strength comes from knowing that their priorities are pure and right. So by combining their individual gifts, Gordy and his friends are able to stop a war and help rebuild a promising future. With such richness in Cole’s writing, readers will definitely be clamoring for more adventures with Gordy, Adilene, and Max. A fun-filled, action-packed fantasy series great for ages 12 and up.

Potion Masters: The Transparency Tonic by Frank L. Cole

Life has somewhat calmed down for Gordy and his friends since stopping Esmeralda from overthrowing B.R.E.W. (Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide). Because of his potion-mixing skills, Gordy is working on becoming an Elixirist with the help of his two best friends, Max and Adilene. While concocting his potions, Gordy goes into a hypnotic state or “Blind Batching” and unknowingly creates some destructive brews. Because of this, Gordy’s mother loses her job at B.R.E.W. and it’s Chamber President eventually puts a warrant out for Gordy’s arrest.

Cole’s second book in the Potion Master’s series is a thrilling read full of dilemmas and betrayals, but it is also a story about the power of consequences. All Gordy wants to do is hone his natural potion-making skills to become a master Elixirist. While trying to impress the snotty daughter of the new Chamber President by Blind Batching, his actions lead to disastrous consequences. Like many who are naturally gifted, Gordy’s decision to Blind Batch is two fold: to test his limits and gain acceptance from others. Even though Gordy is confident in his skills, it doesn’t mean he’s confident emotionally. Gordy’s closest friendships get sorely tested as he rises too quickly from exploiting his talents. Luckily, Gordy doesn’t fall too far from grace because the consequences of his actions directly affect his family. His unshakeable love for them and his friends’ loyalty help Gordy realign his priorities for using his gifts. This well-written and well-developed book will have readers anxiously anticipating Cole’s next book in his Potion Masters’ series.

Potion Masters: The Eternity Elixir by Frank L. Cole

Gordy Stitser is gifted in the art of potion making. Most twelve-year-olds are clueless about potion-makers—known as Elixirists. Luckily, Gordy’s mother, Wanda, is a master Elixirist and she nurtures Gordy’s talent. While Wanda is out-of-town, Gordy opens a package intended for her. Inside is a potion labeled the Eternity Elixir. After Gordy runs tests to identify the potion, an eccentric woman named Esmerelda and her henchman come enquiring about the parcel. After being turned out from the Stitser home, Esmeralda attacks the house so she can take the potion.

Cole has created a fascinating fantasy series that approaches the richness and depth found in the works of J. K. Rowling, Brandon Mull, and Rick Riordan. Cole introduces readers to Gordy Stitser and the Elixirist community: a secret society that uses potions to help the world run a little smoother and safer. Gordy is not a newbie to the society, nor does he have to hide it from his friends. These are two themes not commonly found at the start of a fantasy series. But these additional elements allow readers to delve more deeply into Cole’s world to face such personal dilemma’s like the history behind Gordy’s evil grandfather. Excellent character development, intense action, and great humor all create an intensely tactical world any readers would enjoy. For ages 12 and up.

Check out the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wv5q7VOKCU&feature=youtu.be