The Eternity Elixir

by Frank L. Cole

Overview

Twelve-year-old Gordy Stitser is one of the few people who knows the truth about the secret society of potion masters, because not only is Gordy’s mom on the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (B.R.E.W.), but she has also been training Gordy in the art of potion-making.

Gordy is a natural, and every day he sneaks down to the basement lab to invent new potions using exotic ingredients like fire ant eggs, porcupine quills, and Bosnian tickling juice.

One afternoon, Gordy receives a mysterious package containing an extremely rare potion known as “The Eternity Elixir.” In the right hands, the Elixir continues to protect society. But in the wrong hands, it could destroy the world as we know it.

Now, sinister potion masters are on the hunt to steal the Eternity Elixir. It’s up to Gordy, his parents, and his best friends, Max and Adeline, to prevent an all-out potion war.
 
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629723587
Publisher:	Shadow Mountain Publishing
Publication date:	01/02/2018
Series:	Potion Masters , #1
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	655,272
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.90(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	10 - 18 Years

About the Author

Frank L. Cole lives with his wife and three children out West. When he's not writing books, Frank enjoys going to the movies and traveling. He is the author of nine books. He is an active promoter of reading and using your imagination and has been to more than 120 schools presenting to kids. His philosophy is "With a good imagination you can solve any problem you ever come up against in life!"

Read an Excerpt

One of the guards nodded at Gordy's mom. She held up her security badge. "This badge does more than let someone onto the property. This is an all-access pass. It is linked to my body signature. Anyone trying to enter B.R.E.W. without security clearance, will be arrested and possibly imprisoned. That's why I had to file paperwork to have you cleared to accompany me today." Wanda nodded toward the glass room. "Anyone trying to enter there without this pass, could face something much, much worse."

"Like what?" Gordy whispered.

"Death for starters. If you're lucky." His mom grinned and Gordy couldn't tell if she was being serious or not. Something told him that she was only half joking.

"What's in there?"

"That room contains the Vessel." His mom pointed to a glowing chalice behind the glass. Resting on a crystal pedestal, the chalice looked like a large golfing trophy, with handles on either side, and a wide mouth filled with some sort of liquid. It was the liquid producing the silver light and Gordy marveled at its surprising brilliance. "It is the source of our power here at B.R.E.W. The Vessel grants authority to all members of the Board, including me." She clasped a hand on Gordy's shoulder. "It's how we've been able to make such impressive developments in society. All of our medical findings, our weapons, and technological advancements. Even Bolter's lonely floor of automotive improvements can be linked to the Vessel."

From inside the room, the potion remained in a state of constant activity. Gordy wondered what made it move so much. It wasn't resting atop a cauldron or any source of heat, nor was it hooked to a centrifuge. And yet the Vessel's contents never settled. The surface ceaselessly rippling.

"That mixture is the most important potion ever invented," Gordy's mom said. "Thus the reason for such heightened security. It needs to be protected."

"From who?" Gordy wondered.

Wanda licked her lips and sighed. "Unfortunately, B.R.E.W. has its share of enemies."

Editorial Reviews

"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 Dram—an apprentice of potions—and his best friends are in on the secret. Soon Gordy finds himself in possession of a package 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. Pleasant addition of Gordy's parents as strong secondary characters (his dad hilariously finds himself cast in the role of the damsel in distress), and some background hints that the good guys aren't always so squeaky clean. Fast-paced and humorous, this should have easy appeal for fantasy fans."

Booklist

"Most compelling when it explores how certain members of the potion community—including Gordy’s nonconformist aunt and his exiled grandfather—have justifiable concerns about the B.R.E.W.’s policies and potential abuses of power...Uses realism effectively to establish a world of complicated family ties and devoted friendships."

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

2021 nominee, Grades 6-8

Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice

"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 Dram—an apprentice of potions—and his best friends are in on the secret. Soon Gordy finds himself in possession of a package 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. Pleasant addition of Gordy's parents as strong secondary characters (his dad hilariously finds himself cast in the role of the damsel in distress), and some background hints that the good guys aren't always so squeaky clean. Fast-paced and humorous, this should have easy appeal for fantasy fans."

Booklist

09/01/2017
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

School Library Journal

2017-09-18
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)

Kirkus Reviews