Frank L. Cole brews up exciting adventure in The Eternity Elixir

THE ETERNITY ELIXIR, by Frank L. Cole, Shadow Mountain, Jan. 2, 2018, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

It’s always fun to discover a new series with wide appeal. The Eternity Elixir, the first book in Frank L. Cole’s Potion Masters trilogy, has all the makings of a fast-paced and enjoyable middle-grade fantasy.

Most people don’t believe in magic. Most people don’t believe in potions. Gordy Stitser is not most people. In fact, the 12-year-old is anything but ordinary. Gordy not only knows potions are real; he knows how to brew them, too.

You see Gordy is one of a select group of people who know about the secret society of potion masters. His mom happens to be on the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (B.R.E.W.), and she’s been training Gordy since the moment he showed aptitude.

And while Gordy’s mom tries to rein him in, Gordy can’t help but invent his own potions. His creativity pays off when a mysterious package containing an unmarked potion arrives at his home.

What Gordy doesn’t know is the potion he’s received is the extremely rare “Eternity Elixir,” and it’s more than a little bit dangerous. When nefarious characters arrive at his house to take the elixir, Gordy quickly finds himself in over his head. Lucky for him, Gordy isn’t alone. With the help of his parents, and his best friends, Max and Adeline, and his superior ability to think on the fly, Gordy just might be able to thwart an all-out potion war.

The Eternity Elixir is a fast-paced read — I read it in one sitting — with the familiarity and accessibility fans of the Fablehaven series will immediately recognize.

Gordy is likeable, his friends plucky and his parents both involved and interesting. Throughout the book, Gordy interacts with both kids and adults, and all interactions feel natural. He learns and teaches in both settings, which is refreshing to see.

The Eternity Elixir celebrates learning and education. Gordy learns from recipes and trial and error, serving as a great foundation for further reading. Humor is laced throughout, making The Eternity Elixir a great choice for fans of all genres.