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avada_kedavara's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book in the Poison Masters series. There is nothing better than a really good book to start a series. I had such an enjoyable time reading this book. It even helped me with my reading slump.
I love that Gordy is such a relatable character. He is so curious but smart as well. As this is the first book in this series, there was not a lot of details provided about BREW and all of the enemies. So, I can't wait to read the next book to get to know more about BREW. Plus, it was nice that Gordy's father was "normal". Meaning that he had brain smarts but when it came to potions the only thing that he could contribute was being a guinea pig for potions. One of the rules of BREW is to test potions on yourself before administering to others.
Gordy's friends, Max and Adeline were the type of friends you want. They had Gordy's back and were not afraid to help fight bad guys. Even if those bad guys might be a mummy. My nephews will have a blast with this book. Poison Masters: The Eternity Elixir will be sure to delight all readers!
I love that Gordy is such a relatable character. He is so curious but smart as well. As this is the first book in this series, there was not a lot of details provided about BREW and all of the enemies. So, I can't wait to read the next book to get to know more about BREW. Plus, it was nice that Gordy's father was "normal". Meaning that he had brain smarts but when it came to potions the only thing that he could contribute was being a guinea pig for potions. One of the rules of BREW is to test potions on yourself before administering to others.
Gordy's friends, Max and Adeline were the type of friends you want. They had Gordy's back and were not afraid to help fight bad guys. Even if those bad guys might be a mummy. My nephews will have a blast with this book. Poison Masters: The Eternity Elixir will be sure to delight all readers!
rkiladitis's review against another edition
4.0
A brand new adventure/fantasy series for middle graders! Potion Masters introduces us to 12-year-old Gordy Stitser, a budding Elixirist. Elixirists are potion masters; think of them as modern-day alchemists with more than a little touch of magic, who use their gifts to contribute to society by pushing for advancements in medicine, technology, and, yeah, even weapons tech. Gordy inherits his gift from his mom, who's on the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (B.R.E.W.), while his Muggle dad (no, they don't call them Muggles; it's my usage) is content to hold down things at home with Gordy and his twin younger siblings. But Gordy intercepts a package meant for his mother while she's away on a "business trip", and finds himself - and his family and friends - in the sights of an evil Elixirist who's bent on destroying B.R.E.W. and destroying the world. It's a fun fantasy read, with positive adult role models and friends who work together to save the world. This book disappeared from the shelf the day I put it on display, and hasn't been back yet, so I'm calling this a win right now. Fantasy fans who love a good series can start with this one and claim they read it before it was cool.
channywax's review against another edition
This was fantastic! I loved the characters, the interesting world of potions and the adventure! Can't wait for the next one in the series!
amalies's review against another edition
3.0
I saw this in a ton of stores at Christmas and decided to check it out. Gordy Stitser is a 12 year old boy who has grown up in a family that brews and creates potions. While his father, doesn't have the ability, his mother is one of the current greatest elixers. The story is about a mysterious package that arrives while Gordy's mom is out of town. Once he opens the box, the rest of the story unfolds. We quickly find ourselves in the middle of a potion war with Gordy, his father and Gordy's 2 friends Max and Adilene. It was a fun book, perhaps a little short. I kind of felt like there could have been a bit more development. However, it was fun. I probably wouldn't have put the 2nd book on hold since it is a current 6 month wait, but the epilogue pulled me in and I would love to listen to what happens next.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
5.0
If you have a child (or even if you) like YA/Middle Grade fantasy books, this is one to pick up and read.
The author did a great job of making this an enjoyable and captivating read for me. I liked the concept, the characters, and the action. There is a good balance of good and evil to add enough tension for the reader to wonder what might happen next and how certain situations would resolve themselves.
The main character, Gordy, is a talented potion maker and is leaps and bounds ahead of those around him. He is perhaps even better than his mom. He is also smart and is able to figure out a few things when situations become tense all looking for the Eternity Elixir. This is a fantasy book, so you do have to suspend reality when they talk about various potions and what they can do, but that isn't hard at all.
I had a hard time putting the book down and can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
The author did a great job of making this an enjoyable and captivating read for me. I liked the concept, the characters, and the action. There is a good balance of good and evil to add enough tension for the reader to wonder what might happen next and how certain situations would resolve themselves.
The main character, Gordy, is a talented potion maker and is leaps and bounds ahead of those around him. He is perhaps even better than his mom. He is also smart and is able to figure out a few things when situations become tense all looking for the Eternity Elixir. This is a fantasy book, so you do have to suspend reality when they talk about various potions and what they can do, but that isn't hard at all.
I had a hard time putting the book down and can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
javablue's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ronniewest's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to this with the kiddos on a road trip. Not my favorite, but it wasn’t horrid and it was great to keep my mind off the long drive.
limabean74's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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
embingham's review against another edition
3.0
This book was written for young readers, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could enjoy it as well (even though my young reader days are long past). The plot was fun and had some unpredictability to it. The characters were likeable (all except for the friend, Max, who drove me crazy!) This is definitely a book I would recommend to one of my middle-school students who was looking for something fun to read.