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Potion Masters #3
The Seeking Serum
Mezzarix has stolen the Vessel, the source of power for all potion masters, and is preparing to launch his final attack on the potion-making community—which includes his own family.
Gordy and his family have gone into hiding, but when his mom uncovers some new information, she takes Gordy into the underground network known as the Swigs, a haven for renegade potion masters and black-market potions, to secure support in the fight against Mezzarix. But when Scourges, rebel potion makers acting on orders from Mezzarix, attack the Swigs, Gordy barely escapes with his life and is forced to leave his family behind.
As the fight intensifies between B.R.E.W. and the Scourges, it falls to Gordy and his friends—Max, Sasha, and Adilene—to locate Mezzarix's hidden headquarters, retrieve the Vessel, save the world, and unite the potion-making community.
The world of Potion Masters is full of fantasy and adventure as Gordy and his friends learn the power of friendship and loyalty, and to trust in their own individual talents.
Gordy and his family have gone into hiding, but when his mom uncovers some new information, she takes Gordy into the underground network known as the Swigs, a haven for renegade potion masters and black-market potions, to secure support in the fight against Mezzarix. But when Scourges, rebel potion makers acting on orders from Mezzarix, attack the Swigs, Gordy barely escapes with his life and is forced to leave his family behind.
As the fight intensifies between B.R.E.W. and the Scourges, it falls to Gordy and his friends—Max, Sasha, and Adilene—to locate Mezzarix's hidden headquarters, retrieve the Vessel, save the world, and unite the potion-making community.
The world of Potion Masters is full of fantasy and adventure as Gordy and his friends learn the power of friendship and loyalty, and to trust in their own individual talents.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2020
22 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read
About the author
Frank L. Cole
17 books267 followersFrank L. Cole has lived in such exotic places as the Philippines and Kentucky, and currently lives with his wife and three children out west. While he strived for years to earn his publishing credits, Frank considers sharing his message of “Exercising Your Imagination” to over 100,000 kids across the country as his greatest accomplishment. Frank has been published with Cedar Fort Books, Delacorte Press, and Shadow Mountain Publishing. The Legend of the Last Library is Frank's 15th published book. You can learn more about his writing at frankcolewrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 17, 2019
THE SEEKING SERUM by Frank L. Cole is the third and final book in the Middle grade children’s fantasy Potion Masters series. I rated this one 3.5 stars and rounded down to 3 stars. The only reason that I rounded it down is that this is the only book in the series that I have read and I was completely lost in the beginning of the book. There are terms and categories of people that are unique to this fantasy world that were not initially apparent. As the book goes on, the reader gains the necessary knowledge, but it was somewhat bewildering to someone that had not read books one and two.
Our main protagonist is Gordy Stitser, an eighth-grade student with the ability to make potions. He and his family are hiding since his evil grandfather stole the Vessel which is the source of power for all potion masters. So, this is a fight of good versus evil with Gordy and his school friends playing major roles in the effort for good.
The plot is interesting and the goals of the characters are clear. Their interactions and motivations are believable and well-drawn. The battle scenes are described well and are mind-boggling. The scenes progress in a compelling manner with effective transitions.
Overall, this book was unique and interesting and I enjoyed it. The mechanical inventions and potions not only played a major role in the story, but were original and even somewhat strange. I would definitely recommend this book to those that enjoy this genre with the caveat that they read the series in order.
Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Frank L. Cole for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Our main protagonist is Gordy Stitser, an eighth-grade student with the ability to make potions. He and his family are hiding since his evil grandfather stole the Vessel which is the source of power for all potion masters. So, this is a fight of good versus evil with Gordy and his school friends playing major roles in the effort for good.
The plot is interesting and the goals of the characters are clear. Their interactions and motivations are believable and well-drawn. The battle scenes are described well and are mind-boggling. The scenes progress in a compelling manner with effective transitions.
Overall, this book was unique and interesting and I enjoyed it. The mechanical inventions and potions not only played a major role in the story, but were original and even somewhat strange. I would definitely recommend this book to those that enjoy this genre with the caveat that they read the series in order.
Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Frank L. Cole for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
October 10, 2019
Had so much fun writing this series. I'm sad to see it end, but excited for you all to read it!
January 25, 2020
The Seeking Serum is categorized as middle-grade fiction. I feel like it would appeal to anyone who loves a great adventure and lovable characters. This is the third book in a series. The whole series is well written and enjoyable. This book is the "icing on the cake."
Gordy has an amazing talent. He brews potions that can do some pretty incredible things. His talent is unprecedented for one so young. He comes from a family of potion masters, in fact his grandfather is the evil mastermind who wants to take down the rules of the community and dominate the world.
The book is told from several points of view. Gordy, his friends, and his grandfather. I loved seeing each of their thoughts and struggles. It brought the characters to life for me. The fantasy elements of the story are fun! Some kids who have unique talents turn into heros and save the day from evil. It is sure to be a hit with young readers.
This is a great conclusion to the trilogy. Make sure to read the books in order. It has been a while since I read the first two books and it took me a bit to get back into the world that Frank L. Cole created.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Gordy has an amazing talent. He brews potions that can do some pretty incredible things. His talent is unprecedented for one so young. He comes from a family of potion masters, in fact his grandfather is the evil mastermind who wants to take down the rules of the community and dominate the world.
The book is told from several points of view. Gordy, his friends, and his grandfather. I loved seeing each of their thoughts and struggles. It brought the characters to life for me. The fantasy elements of the story are fun! Some kids who have unique talents turn into heros and save the day from evil. It is sure to be a hit with young readers.
This is a great conclusion to the trilogy. Make sure to read the books in order. It has been a while since I read the first two books and it took me a bit to get back into the world that Frank L. Cole created.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
January 8, 2020
I’m so glad to find some great Juvenile fiction books out there! This series by Frank L Cole is such a well done one. Make sure to read books 1 and 2 first though! You don’t want to be lost.
Frank L Cole has woven a world in this series that is magical and amazing. I love all the detail, all of the extra characters that can do crazy things, and all of the imaginative things that happen in the plot. Kids and adults alike will find it magical.
This one is told from the perspectives of Gordy, Adilene and Mezzarix mostly. There are a few chapters from other perspectives. But I loved the way the reader knows a little bit about what the bad guy is doing. Not enough to spoil the plot, just enough to make the reader want to tell Gordy to be careful.
I loved that Adilene had some perspective chapters. She’s a great character, I loved seeing things through her eyes. And when Gordy was in hiding, it was nice to see what was going on in the outside world.
I love the way this book has the kids be the heroes. They each grow to be more themselves and to be okay with that as the book progresses. I especially loved that Adilene learned something about herself that she had always believed would never happen, because of things others told her.
The plot is fast moving. The reader won’t want to put it down until all the danger is over at the end. I am sad that this is the final book in this series, but what a great ride it’s been!
I was sent a copy of Potion Masters: The Seeking Serum as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Frank L Cole has woven a world in this series that is magical and amazing. I love all the detail, all of the extra characters that can do crazy things, and all of the imaginative things that happen in the plot. Kids and adults alike will find it magical.
This one is told from the perspectives of Gordy, Adilene and Mezzarix mostly. There are a few chapters from other perspectives. But I loved the way the reader knows a little bit about what the bad guy is doing. Not enough to spoil the plot, just enough to make the reader want to tell Gordy to be careful.
I loved that Adilene had some perspective chapters. She’s a great character, I loved seeing things through her eyes. And when Gordy was in hiding, it was nice to see what was going on in the outside world.
I love the way this book has the kids be the heroes. They each grow to be more themselves and to be okay with that as the book progresses. I especially loved that Adilene learned something about herself that she had always believed would never happen, because of things others told her.
The plot is fast moving. The reader won’t want to put it down until all the danger is over at the end. I am sad that this is the final book in this series, but what a great ride it’s been!
I was sent a copy of Potion Masters: The Seeking Serum as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 16, 2020
Tons of adventure and fantasy
This is a series that must be read in order to fully appreciate and understand. The Potion Masters is a fun middle grade fantasy that lovers of that genre will enjoy.
Gordy and his friends are embroiled in some impossible situations as they battle to stop Gordy's grandfather, Mezzarix, from his sinister attempts to spread evil abroad. As this adventurous story progresses, the characters grow by leaps and bounds. It's enjoyable to have this book told from a couple of points of view, as it rounds out the story line, giving the reader insights into multiple characters thoughts, helping them to understand courses of action and reasoning.
This book is one non-stop adventure and thoroughly entertaining!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
This is a series that must be read in order to fully appreciate and understand. The Potion Masters is a fun middle grade fantasy that lovers of that genre will enjoy.
Gordy and his friends are embroiled in some impossible situations as they battle to stop Gordy's grandfather, Mezzarix, from his sinister attempts to spread evil abroad. As this adventurous story progresses, the characters grow by leaps and bounds. It's enjoyable to have this book told from a couple of points of view, as it rounds out the story line, giving the reader insights into multiple characters thoughts, helping them to understand courses of action and reasoning.
This book is one non-stop adventure and thoroughly entertaining!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
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October 17, 2022My twins and I have really enjoyed reading this series together. This book doesn’t officially release until January. We didn’t want to wait that long to read it, so I was very glad to receive an ARC from Netgalley. When I told my twins that we got to read it early, they cheered.
This is book three in a series, and I recommend reading the books in order. Readers who enjoyed the first two books will definitely want to pick up this one. Fans of middle grade fantasy who haven’t read them should give the series a try (now that the last book is almost out, it’s the perfect time to start).
Gordy, his family, and his friends have big challenges as they try to prevent Gordy’s grandfather, Mezzarix, from unleashing chaos across the globe. I don’t want to go into the plot that much because I don’t want to spoil the book, but there were lots of high-stakes events that left my kids begging for another chapter (or two or three). The book included battles, surprising twists, a trip through the Swigs, and some exciting developments for some of the characters. Also, lots of characters with accents (I didn’t nail all of them as I read aloud, but I had fun trying).
This is book three in a series, and I recommend reading the books in order. Readers who enjoyed the first two books will definitely want to pick up this one. Fans of middle grade fantasy who haven’t read them should give the series a try (now that the last book is almost out, it’s the perfect time to start).
Gordy, his family, and his friends have big challenges as they try to prevent Gordy’s grandfather, Mezzarix, from unleashing chaos across the globe. I don’t want to go into the plot that much because I don’t want to spoil the book, but there were lots of high-stakes events that left my kids begging for another chapter (or two or three). The book included battles, surprising twists, a trip through the Swigs, and some exciting developments for some of the characters. Also, lots of characters with accents (I didn’t nail all of them as I read aloud, but I had fun trying).
August 1, 2019
I received this book as an ARC from Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Potion Masters is the most interesting sought out series we know and to hear that The Seeking Serum is the last installment of the series was both heartbreaking and motivating to read because when you read the last book in a series, you want it to be the best for last and this definitely was the best in the series. Gordy and his B.R.E.W. crew are in for the adventure of a lifetime when they are conflicted in a war between the Scourges lead by the evil Mezzarix who happens to be Gordy's grandfather. Gordy is set to find Mezzarix and put an end to all of his evil works and his plan to move to Florida to start his own evil empire. Gordy teams up and fights one last battle to ensure B.R.E.W. their rightful glory and the safety of his family.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
Potion Masters is the most interesting sought out series we know and to hear that The Seeking Serum is the last installment of the series was both heartbreaking and motivating to read because when you read the last book in a series, you want it to be the best for last and this definitely was the best in the series. Gordy and his B.R.E.W. crew are in for the adventure of a lifetime when they are conflicted in a war between the Scourges lead by the evil Mezzarix who happens to be Gordy's grandfather. Gordy is set to find Mezzarix and put an end to all of his evil works and his plan to move to Florida to start his own evil empire. Gordy teams up and fights one last battle to ensure B.R.E.W. their rightful glory and the safety of his family.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
January 22, 2020
Frank Cole is one of my favorite authors and for good reason. He weaves a wonderful story. His books are always full of adventure, heart, humor, and great characters. I was sad to see this series come to an end, but what a wonderful series it was! This book starts off with a bang and I turned the pages fast, eagerly (and not so patiently) wanting to see what could possibly happen next. I agree with other reviews, you will need to read the other two books first to appreciate the scope of what is taking place. Gordy is a favorite, but as always, the "secondary" characters in this book are just as solid and help deliver a great story. Adilene is fantastic. I love how Frank writes kids in his books to be capable and smart. This book (series for that matter) is a great example of that.
December 24, 2019
This is a fantastic conclusion to the POTION MASTERS series, although, I secretly hope that there will be more from the same characters. My heart jumped, dropped, pounded, and ached throughout the entire book. The twists, turns, trials, and triumphs keep me turning the pages. It is such a fun adventure that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves magic, potions, adventure, and hereoism. It is a great way to start of the year with an explosion.
October 2, 2019
Book 3 of the Potion Masters series is a fast paced race between the Mezzarix's Scourges and the remaining members of B.R.E.W. The lessons learned in Book 2, the value of friendship, the need for flexibility in thinking, and the peril of over confidence continue to be explored.
As Gordy has grown as a hero, he has become more independent from his parents. Much of the story involves Gordy and his team interacting with various villains, including some found from previous books.
The potions created by Gordy and others continue to be amazing and funny at the same time. Who would think someone could find a use for a combination of passionflower, ant pheromones, tungsten shavings and sulphured molasses? A well trained Potion Master who thinks 'outside the box' can.
Bolter's mechanical savvy plays a strong part in the plot. Here his combo cat and car, Estelle, has been transformed to a sentient loyal motorcycle. Bolter has also created a giant eagle shaped flying machine named Roseanne. She (it?) has a key role in the end game . Bolter is good secondary character. It was nice to see he had a larger role in this story.
The final battles which take place both in Gordy's home town, and on the mysterious island are both tumultuous and exhilarating. Gordy must make some very hard choices. Will he prevail?
The conclusion is satisfying leaving enough room for further adventures with Gordy and perhaps some new Potion Masters.
Recommended
Full disclosure: I received this ARC copy from netgalley and Shadow Mountain in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for the opportunity.
As Gordy has grown as a hero, he has become more independent from his parents. Much of the story involves Gordy and his team interacting with various villains, including some found from previous books.
The potions created by Gordy and others continue to be amazing and funny at the same time. Who would think someone could find a use for a combination of passionflower, ant pheromones, tungsten shavings and sulphured molasses? A well trained Potion Master who thinks 'outside the box' can.
Bolter's mechanical savvy plays a strong part in the plot. Here his combo cat and car, Estelle, has been transformed to a sentient loyal motorcycle. Bolter has also created a giant eagle shaped flying machine named Roseanne. She (it?) has a key role in the end game . Bolter is good secondary character. It was nice to see he had a larger role in this story.
The final battles which take place both in Gordy's home town, and on the mysterious island are both tumultuous and exhilarating. Gordy must make some very hard choices. Will he prevail?
The conclusion is satisfying leaving enough room for further adventures with Gordy and perhaps some new Potion Masters.
Recommended
Full disclosure: I received this ARC copy from netgalley and Shadow Mountain in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for the opportunity.
January 17, 2020
When I was asked if I wanted to read this last book I couldn’t pass it up. The Potion Masters series is one of my favorite MG Series. While some of the characters still get on my nerves, I do over all love the world and was excited to be able to find out what happened after book #2. If you have not read this series, please jump down to the over all section of this review to avoid any spoilers because as much as I going to try, it’s hard to avoid them when it’s a 3rd books.
This books follows after what happened in book two, Mezzarix is free, has the vessel, B.R.E.W. is disbanded sort of and Gordy’s family is in danger. The main goal is to stop Mezzarix from following through on his plans. There is a world wind of action in this books from exploring the Swigs (which reminds me of diagon alley), drives on a crazy scooter, crazy hot air ballon and lots of bad guys. I mean LOTS of bad quys. It seems those that were banished are back for revenge. Mezzarix wants a free world with no limitations and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. It would totally be up to Gordy and his friends to save the world because I don’t know about you but I think they can do it. I would be happy to have those 4 on my side.
Gordy is my favorite, he is just such a patient and mature kid for his age. He knows right from wrong but still makes kid decisions which is great.
I love this entire world, I love the idea of potion makers and I love the secrets, at times it reminds me a little of the world of Harry Potter.
Max and Sasha pretty much still drive me completely insane. I had hoped Max would have “grown-up” a little or at least realize the seriousness of the situation but he hasn’t. While I think he is a great friends to Gordy he gets on my nerves. Sasha is just a mean girl and needs to be knocked off that pedestal she stands on.
Mezzarix is just evil and I love a good evil.
Lots of action in this story and the “Big Battle” I was not able to put the book down.
The book is told is a few different POV. So you do switch around a lot which I liked. It was good to be able to see the entire picture and what was going on from all sides of the action.
This was such a great book and I am so loving this series. It is one I would recommend to anyone that likes a little magic and action. The world is great, the characters are fun and I think a Middle Grader would devour this series. I do hope there will be more. I recommend this book and series to anyone that loves a good adventure with lots of action and some seriously nasty bad guys. I will miss this series. A must read!
This books follows after what happened in book two, Mezzarix is free, has the vessel, B.R.E.W. is disbanded sort of and Gordy’s family is in danger. The main goal is to stop Mezzarix from following through on his plans. There is a world wind of action in this books from exploring the Swigs (which reminds me of diagon alley), drives on a crazy scooter, crazy hot air ballon and lots of bad guys. I mean LOTS of bad quys. It seems those that were banished are back for revenge. Mezzarix wants a free world with no limitations and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. It would totally be up to Gordy and his friends to save the world because I don’t know about you but I think they can do it. I would be happy to have those 4 on my side.
Gordy is my favorite, he is just such a patient and mature kid for his age. He knows right from wrong but still makes kid decisions which is great.
I love this entire world, I love the idea of potion makers and I love the secrets, at times it reminds me a little of the world of Harry Potter.
Max and Sasha pretty much still drive me completely insane. I had hoped Max would have “grown-up” a little or at least realize the seriousness of the situation but he hasn’t. While I think he is a great friends to Gordy he gets on my nerves. Sasha is just a mean girl and needs to be knocked off that pedestal she stands on.
Mezzarix is just evil and I love a good evil.
Lots of action in this story and the “Big Battle” I was not able to put the book down.
The book is told is a few different POV. So you do switch around a lot which I liked. It was good to be able to see the entire picture and what was going on from all sides of the action.
This was such a great book and I am so loving this series. It is one I would recommend to anyone that likes a little magic and action. The world is great, the characters are fun and I think a Middle Grader would devour this series. I do hope there will be more. I recommend this book and series to anyone that loves a good adventure with lots of action and some seriously nasty bad guys. I will miss this series. A must read!
February 6, 2020
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
Oh man this was such a fun adventure. Like, I know this is the third novel in the series and I really should have remembered to read the rest of the books first but I was pulled in to this one from the beginning that I don’t even think I was too worried about it. I think people need to really give some more props to Middle Grade novels, because those ones have been some of my favorite books lately, and I think people just think that “well it’s young.” or whatever, and yet THEY GO THROUGH SOME CRAZY STUFF okay?!
It’s such a bummer that this book is also the final book in this series, but I think that Cole ended it perfectly. The craziness that Gordy and some of the other swigs have to deal with, how Gordy isn’t alone in this and actually has his family – most especially his mom – to be there and guide him during this journey, just really made me feel like this book was wholesome. Yes, things got intense for Gordy and the swigs, and wow, I can’t imagine how stressful this could have been for an eighth-grader to deal with, but man was it a fun ride.
I will say read the first two novels first, especially since this is the final book and a lot of what happened in the first two won’t be explained in detail in this one. You need to know what happened so you aren’t completely lost, but you may be able to infer. Either way, I recommend this one.
Oh man this was such a fun adventure. Like, I know this is the third novel in the series and I really should have remembered to read the rest of the books first but I was pulled in to this one from the beginning that I don’t even think I was too worried about it. I think people need to really give some more props to Middle Grade novels, because those ones have been some of my favorite books lately, and I think people just think that “well it’s young.” or whatever, and yet THEY GO THROUGH SOME CRAZY STUFF okay?!
It’s such a bummer that this book is also the final book in this series, but I think that Cole ended it perfectly. The craziness that Gordy and some of the other swigs have to deal with, how Gordy isn’t alone in this and actually has his family – most especially his mom – to be there and guide him during this journey, just really made me feel like this book was wholesome. Yes, things got intense for Gordy and the swigs, and wow, I can’t imagine how stressful this could have been for an eighth-grader to deal with, but man was it a fun ride.
I will say read the first two novels first, especially since this is the final book and a lot of what happened in the first two won’t be explained in detail in this one. You need to know what happened so you aren’t completely lost, but you may be able to infer. Either way, I recommend this one.
January 24, 2020
4.5 Stars
THE SEEKING SERUM is an exciting conclusion to this series with plenty of danger and action as the characters try to save their world from chaos and destruction. Highly recommended to middle-grade fans!
This series has just been a lot of fun! I felt like this last story was a great conclusion where the battles and fight has grown to somewhat epic proportions. The characters continued to grow on me and I enjoyed seeing how they faced new threats and challenges. There was plenty of action, but also friendship and family. Definitely a series I'd recommend.
I had very few issues with this story. There were a few places where the drama was a little too much and where characters did things that didn't feel consistent, but there were only a couple of instances of this occurring.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! It's pretty much non-stop action from beginning to end, making it a page-turning, exciting finish to the series. A fun and exciting series for fans of the genre.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
THE SEEKING SERUM is an exciting conclusion to this series with plenty of danger and action as the characters try to save their world from chaos and destruction. Highly recommended to middle-grade fans!
This series has just been a lot of fun! I felt like this last story was a great conclusion where the battles and fight has grown to somewhat epic proportions. The characters continued to grow on me and I enjoyed seeing how they faced new threats and challenges. There was plenty of action, but also friendship and family. Definitely a series I'd recommend.
I had very few issues with this story. There were a few places where the drama was a little too much and where characters did things that didn't feel consistent, but there were only a couple of instances of this occurring.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! It's pretty much non-stop action from beginning to end, making it a page-turning, exciting finish to the series. A fun and exciting series for fans of the genre.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2020
This third and final volume in the Potion Masters Trilogy has Gordy and his friends and family facing off with his grandfather, Mezzarix Rook and his Scourges for control of the Vessel. Without the Vessel, Gordy's side has no chance of winning. But Gordy's mother is determined to protect him by sending him into hiding with his father and siblings. After Gordy gets separated from his mother and their allies, he and his friends must use their own ingenuity to avoid capture and find a way to locate his grandfather. If Gordy, Max, Sasha, and Adilene can't find a way to take down Mezzarix and retrieve the Vessel, the world may be lost to the chaos that Mezzarix so craves. Cole has written an exciting, clever ending to his fantasy series. I've really enjoyed this series. The characters have depth to them, even Mezzarix isn't wholly evil. I found myself sympathizing with Gordy as he is forced to attempt something to stop his grandfather that it breaks his heart to have to do. The creative use of potion making and potions is developed so creatively that I found it refreshing and enjoyable. And the wide variety of different types of potions made the action scenes very entertaining. A winning conclusion to a fun series.
January 12, 2020
The Potion Masters series has been great since the first book. You really need to read the first two books before this third book. You need to know these characters and be fully involved in order to understand the stakes involved here.
Gordy is back, older and more experienced as an Elixirist and fledgling Potion Master. His grandfather Mezzarix is at war with potion masters and wants to expose them all to the world. The action in The Seeking Serum is almost non-stop. The potions made, and used throughout the book are bigger and better than before. I loved that not only does Gordy go through huge character development but so do his friends Max, Sasha, and Adilene. The humor is good like only Frank Cole can deliver. This series has been a wonderful mix of magic, adventure, friendship, loyalty, and of course potion-making. This book is ideal for kids 8-12 but this adult has loved reading this book and the others in the series. I highly recommend The Potion Masters series to families and those that love a good fantasy full of magic and excitement.
Gordy is back, older and more experienced as an Elixirist and fledgling Potion Master. His grandfather Mezzarix is at war with potion masters and wants to expose them all to the world. The action in The Seeking Serum is almost non-stop. The potions made, and used throughout the book are bigger and better than before. I loved that not only does Gordy go through huge character development but so do his friends Max, Sasha, and Adilene. The humor is good like only Frank Cole can deliver. This series has been a wonderful mix of magic, adventure, friendship, loyalty, and of course potion-making. This book is ideal for kids 8-12 but this adult has loved reading this book and the others in the series. I highly recommend The Potion Masters series to families and those that love a good fantasy full of magic and excitement.
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May 10, 2023The Seeking Serum
Gordy meets Bolter in Tobia’s shed. We find out that since the last book, Wanda has bloched her husband and kids to believe they are being sent on “an international trip” but they’ll be in the care of the Stain Society. We find out that Bolton is working on a bracelet and planning to leave the next day to meet up with an associate.
Jayd’s mother warns her to tell Mama that she has her old powers. She also warns her that they come with side effects. One serious one is the downside of staying in someone’s hot head will give you a meltdown (drowning in negativity). Jayd experiences another side effect as she showers. Invisible hands seem to be in her scalp. At school, somewhere unknown Chance discovered his half-black and blows off Nellie who wants him to take her shopping. I guess he’s over being her slave. Jayd finds out the deal with Alia;s feelings for Chance. (He was her first kiss and they go way back to elementary). She asks Nigel about Chance and he says if he brings up the relationship he’ll set him straight.
In Central Florida, on a mountainside, Mezzarix gets an elderly man that’s part of a gooup he blotched known as the Attamenti to dig in the mountains for remains of Stitlt. Now that Mezzarix has the Vessel he realizes that a fail-safe was built into it and he needs to discover a way to get rid of the ingredient.In less, he does that his powers are limited. Thinking he could get more Stilt, he’d planned to remove the members of the council. Wanda and Priss spend the day (along with Tobias) making an arsenal of potions. They’re just telling Gordy he can go with them to the Swings to meet with the Stained Squad when they hear a crash coming from the basement.
They’ve been keeping Carlyle and Mrs. Bimini there. Both are rapidly aging. Wanda pleads with Mrs. Bimini to just make them a map so they can find the island, get more Stilt, and cure then (as well as track down her father). But she says it’s too late. Gordy worries what will happen to Adilene because she had a whole vial. But Mrs. Bimini said the potion won’t age her but it will have some effects on her (and them all) And that effect is desire. She also speaks of a betrayal from Carlyle and that she’d like to spend the last of her time cursing him in private.
When Wanda comes back later to give them dinner, Mrs. Bimini has vanished. She tells Gordy in private they’re going to have to llet Carlyle go. He’ll only be a liability in the war with Messarix. But Gordy worries that he’s so old he would be able to fend for himself,
Mezzarix is working on a project with Zelda and Ravina that involves birds and wooden object. Mezzarix gives Zelda a special potion. But he decides he loves Mickey and the baby and he’ll take care of them. Jeremy gets mad at first because Jayd wakes up and realizes she says the baby's name. But she’s able to calm him down. She even tells him about her new power. After being there for the weekend, Mickey is sent home. Rah calls onh finally calls to say the baby’s on its way. It ends with Lynn going to check on the stove’s warranty. Rah also calls to get a ride from Jayd and promises it’s the last time. Agaom Samdu and Raj are fighting.It seems like the package is for Gordy (he says Wanda won’t let him touch it). Mezzari wants Zelda to go back to B. R.E. W to be on the ground when the Scourges are let loose. The potion will turn the power off to all technology for miles. He wants her to lead the forces. Messarix says that if it comes down to a battle and his family is in the crosshairs then she’ll have to do what he must. He has no concerns for Gordy. He’s more than confident he can hold his
A man named Stephen receives a messaget that he’s receiving a week off of his banishment. He conditions this with some nice incentives and a gift. Mezzarix says he hopes he’ll use it on enemies they agree upon. Sasha comes up to Adilene at school and tells her she needs some of her blood. She says she’s found a new tracking potion. She says because Adilene drank Stilt she can use her blood to track more Stilt. Max shows up with a backpack full of dangerous, poison that he got from Gordy’s hoping to find “his rock”. He says he just wanted to make sure they were armed, Adeline agrees to help Sasha, but she has to help her with something too (to be an Elixerist).
It turns out the Swigs is (and this part is unclear) either through a school bus or on a school bus and guarded by a man named Spider. Wanda and Pris leave Gordy with Tobias while they go meet with the Stained Squad (Gprdu amd Wamda om disguise die tp a potion. The Swigs are a haven of people pushing potions and foods. Before they depart, his mom warns Gordy to get out of there and don’t wait for them.
Sasha and Adilene meet in the park. In exchange for her blood, Sasha gives Adilene the instructions and ingredients for a basic potion for first-year Drams to turn metal into vapor. But she quickly lets Adilene know she shouldn’t expect anything. She’s not a DRAM and never will be. Tobias introduces Gordy to Yosuke and he tells him of his history with B. R. E. W Gordy isn’t happy to learn that his mother was o once one of Messarix's followers and had to go up in front of the Council for a pardon. Yosurke was a part of the Council and trained Wanda because he could see her potential. After being on the Council for years, he left and started the Swings because he started to see that the Scourges actions were a result of B.R.E.W’s strict ways and restrictions. Tobias and Yosuke tell Gordy there will come a deal when it will be on him to lead B. R.E.W and find a middle ground. Tobias also reveals that he knew that Gordy keeping a secret (He can brew with his finger). He says that if anyone can help him it’s Yosuke.
Paulina informs Priss and Wanda that an army of Scourges has been released from their prisons. She says many are already there and in hiding places. Their might even be traitors (Zelda). S ome will be coming for revenge. Some will be there on Mezzarix’s request. Staife is brought in (a senior member of B.R.E.W).bound up. He was brought in because he has a wand on him that was in Madame Brexil’s possession (days ago it was used to Exscrounge Chamber members). He’s put under a truth cream and says he was told to by Mezzarix (and he tells them Mezzarixi’s plan). Most of the members were given a wand to get rid of the Chamber members. He then ExSponges himself. He says no banishment will last under Mezzarix and that he will return his powers. Then leaves.
Yosuke and Tobias watch in amazement as he brews a potion and substitutes not having an ingredient by just sticking in his finger. They think this is the result of the Eternity Elixer. Tobias wants to know if it can be taken out of his system. But Yosuke doesn’t want to touch it. Yosuke advises Gordy to resist the urge to experiment. Wanda sends a message to get Gordy out of the Swings RIGHT NOW! So, they leave. They’ll be headed west in the morning to one of the Stained Squad’s safe houses. On the way back to the farmhouse they see smoke and find his house and garden on fire. Scourges are there and they see Gordy. Gordy attacks them with potions A potion battle takes place between Gordy, a centerpede, and two Scourges. Tho they’re taken down, Tobias is tangled in a web by the “mud woman”. Gordy takes off running but the ground underneath him splits open and he starts to sink. Gordy is able to free himself by pulling himself up. Durgess is ordered by the Muslady to et Gordy but he gets distracted by the discovery of a moped. Gordy somehow becomes stuck to the moped. Durgess tries to stand on Gordy’s arm. But the scotter starts and throws Durgess off. It releases Gordy and he falls off. Gordy realizes that the car is Estelle (a creation of Bolter’s that drowned in the last book). He gets her to drive him to Max’s. Just as Adilene is about to test her potion, Doll appears and gives her a message for Gordy. After he leaves, she still has some potion left but sees it looks nothing like Ssashsa’s. Adilene, Sasha, Max, and Gordy all find their way to Max’s house. Sasha tells Gordy she thinks she found his grandfather. But she can’t trak it further without the keystone (in Central Florida). Gordy tells them what happened and tries to reach his mom. She tells them she’s on her way and to stay put and away from the windows. The call is cut short. Around them they notice a blackout. Scourges appear and with them is Zelda. She announces that there will be a search for a female fugitive in their homes. Gordy traps one of the Scourges that invade Max’s home inside a ball. Then they decide to take Estelle back to Tobias’s.
Sasha and Gordy use a bug repellant potion to try to repel the force field but Zelda notices and fries the bugs and holds her wand to her. Gordy offers to take her to Iris. She says she’ll let him go to stay on Mezzarix’s good side but she can’t do the same for Sasha. Gordy assaults Zelda with a potion and frees Sasha (by trapping them in a tree). They take her wand and leave her trapped in the tree. Gordy considers exsponging Zelda but decides against it. They decide they can’t leave her thereffor someone else to free so they’ll have to take her with them.
Esmeralda shows up at Gordy’s and tries to exsponge Iris. Adilene steps in front of her and they both fall. But another figure appears and knocks Esmeralda down. There’s a battle between Pris, Wanda, Yosuke, and Iris and the Scourges at Spider’s house. The man turns out ot be Carlyle. Even still it was too late, Iris is sponged. Adilene (whose eyesight has been failing throughout the book gets even worse). In order to get Bolter to take them to Mezzarix, they have to Blotch him. Adeline, Sasha, and Max are snatched up by vines in a strange mist and Gordy is given the Stilt potion by Carlyle and finds himself vanishing. From the couch, they ejected themselves from out of the plane. Ravina is able to capture Adeline, Max, and Sasha. Afterward, they find themselves in a prison cell. They meet Gabriel who says he’s keeping them there for their own safety. Adeline asks for a blanket and a glass of water. She tells them she’s going to make a potion. With Sasha’s gold earrings, they can make a detoning device. Adeline gets Sasha to project through her, Carlyle takes Gordy as far as he can to Mezzarix and Gordy tucks him away in a dave knowing it’s the last time. Gordy reaches the Vessel and sees his grandfather. He takes the Stilt Carlyle gives him and exscronges his grandfather. Hands grab him and his satchel is snatched. Messrix tells Gordy he can’t be exsponged.
Now face to face with Mezzarix, Mezzarix tells him he’s disappointed in his choices and says that he’s been watching him. He sends for his people to look for Carlyle. His grandfather talks of a New Age and new technology. He says THEY will supply their needs not B,R.E.W, not the government. They can’t find Carlyle and Mezzarix's commands to be shown where they looked. All of a sudden from out of nowhere Max is snatching up the Vessel. There’s a battle between them and the Attramente. Then one between Mezzarix and Gordy but Mezzarix has developed an immunity to most of them. The Aladdiner seems to work tho. In the chaos someone has captured Sasha and the place is swarmed with birds. Gordy takes them down with an ice ball. Messarix tho has a potion that sharpens his hands to cut through glass. With Max trapped in a bubble and about to float up to the ceiling and Sasha somewhere on the beach trapped in sand, Gordy is ready to surrender the Vessel. Messarix’s hands have turned into lightning bolts ready to strike. Gordy hands over the Vessel. Ravina starts to falter. Somehow Gordy has exsponged Messarix (and Ravina) by turning the Vessel into a decocting wand. On the way back Adeline tells how they escaped and says that even though Sasha projected through her she feels like she may have fone the potion and Gordy says they can test her when they come back. Pris and Wanda help Adeline get her sight back and she gets glasses. Each member that got Exsponged will be voted on individually. B.R.E.W is to be dissolved. The Swigs will be terminated. Tobias, Goldy, Pauline, and Bolton will lead the new order and Gordy will be the fifth member. Adeline asks Yosuke could the hit she took have given her some of Iris’s powers but he says that’s not possible, Then he tells her that being able to project is just a myth so if she did the potion that freed them then she did it on her own accord. At the end of the book just to make sure she brews another potion and it turns the right color (confirming she’s a DRAM)
My Thoughts
I have a few things to critic. It wasn’t a decent enough plot, but some of it I struggled with because it wasn’t clear. For example, I liked the idea of the Swigs and there being a safe zone for Elixerist that had been kicked out of the community. And that it was like a black-market-type environment. But the way it was written I didn’t understand if The Swigs itself was inside the bus, outside the bus, or under the bus.
There was also the ending. That really wasn’t clear either. All I could understand was Gordy did something with Ravina that made Mezzarix’s potion powers vanish. It was little things like this that could have been explained better.
Another small thing (and this may just be me) is although YES I know the series is called POTION MASTER (indicating that there will be a lot of potions used) but after a while, it got a little tiring and predictable that every situation the characters got into they just *happened* to have the right potion to correct it. So in other words the potion aspect was extremely overused!
But overall I liked that Sasha turned out to be relatively good in the end. I liked that Gordy is a part of B.R.E.W now and will help bring changes to the program. I think he’ll do just find. I know how scary it can be to called on for something bigger than yourself. And I’m happy that Adeline’s powers manifested and she became a DRAM in the end! It just shows that if you want something bad enough, sometimes it really does happen.
Rating: 6
Gordy meets Bolter in Tobia’s shed. We find out that since the last book, Wanda has bloched her husband and kids to believe they are being sent on “an international trip” but they’ll be in the care of the Stain Society. We find out that Bolton is working on a bracelet and planning to leave the next day to meet up with an associate.
Jayd’s mother warns her to tell Mama that she has her old powers. She also warns her that they come with side effects. One serious one is the downside of staying in someone’s hot head will give you a meltdown (drowning in negativity). Jayd experiences another side effect as she showers. Invisible hands seem to be in her scalp. At school, somewhere unknown Chance discovered his half-black and blows off Nellie who wants him to take her shopping. I guess he’s over being her slave. Jayd finds out the deal with Alia;s feelings for Chance. (He was her first kiss and they go way back to elementary). She asks Nigel about Chance and he says if he brings up the relationship he’ll set him straight.
In Central Florida, on a mountainside, Mezzarix gets an elderly man that’s part of a gooup he blotched known as the Attamenti to dig in the mountains for remains of Stitlt. Now that Mezzarix has the Vessel he realizes that a fail-safe was built into it and he needs to discover a way to get rid of the ingredient.In less, he does that his powers are limited. Thinking he could get more Stilt, he’d planned to remove the members of the council. Wanda and Priss spend the day (along with Tobias) making an arsenal of potions. They’re just telling Gordy he can go with them to the Swings to meet with the Stained Squad when they hear a crash coming from the basement.
They’ve been keeping Carlyle and Mrs. Bimini there. Both are rapidly aging. Wanda pleads with Mrs. Bimini to just make them a map so they can find the island, get more Stilt, and cure then (as well as track down her father). But she says it’s too late. Gordy worries what will happen to Adilene because she had a whole vial. But Mrs. Bimini said the potion won’t age her but it will have some effects on her (and them all) And that effect is desire. She also speaks of a betrayal from Carlyle and that she’d like to spend the last of her time cursing him in private.
When Wanda comes back later to give them dinner, Mrs. Bimini has vanished. She tells Gordy in private they’re going to have to llet Carlyle go. He’ll only be a liability in the war with Messarix. But Gordy worries that he’s so old he would be able to fend for himself,
Mezzarix is working on a project with Zelda and Ravina that involves birds and wooden object. Mezzarix gives Zelda a special potion. But he decides he loves Mickey and the baby and he’ll take care of them. Jeremy gets mad at first because Jayd wakes up and realizes she says the baby's name. But she’s able to calm him down. She even tells him about her new power. After being there for the weekend, Mickey is sent home. Rah calls onh finally calls to say the baby’s on its way. It ends with Lynn going to check on the stove’s warranty. Rah also calls to get a ride from Jayd and promises it’s the last time. Agaom Samdu and Raj are fighting.It seems like the package is for Gordy (he says Wanda won’t let him touch it). Mezzari wants Zelda to go back to B. R.E. W to be on the ground when the Scourges are let loose. The potion will turn the power off to all technology for miles. He wants her to lead the forces. Messarix says that if it comes down to a battle and his family is in the crosshairs then she’ll have to do what he must. He has no concerns for Gordy. He’s more than confident he can hold his
A man named Stephen receives a messaget that he’s receiving a week off of his banishment. He conditions this with some nice incentives and a gift. Mezzarix says he hopes he’ll use it on enemies they agree upon. Sasha comes up to Adilene at school and tells her she needs some of her blood. She says she’s found a new tracking potion. She says because Adilene drank Stilt she can use her blood to track more Stilt. Max shows up with a backpack full of dangerous, poison that he got from Gordy’s hoping to find “his rock”. He says he just wanted to make sure they were armed, Adeline agrees to help Sasha, but she has to help her with something too (to be an Elixerist).
It turns out the Swigs is (and this part is unclear) either through a school bus or on a school bus and guarded by a man named Spider. Wanda and Pris leave Gordy with Tobias while they go meet with the Stained Squad (Gprdu amd Wamda om disguise die tp a potion. The Swigs are a haven of people pushing potions and foods. Before they depart, his mom warns Gordy to get out of there and don’t wait for them.
Sasha and Adilene meet in the park. In exchange for her blood, Sasha gives Adilene the instructions and ingredients for a basic potion for first-year Drams to turn metal into vapor. But she quickly lets Adilene know she shouldn’t expect anything. She’s not a DRAM and never will be. Tobias introduces Gordy to Yosuke and he tells him of his history with B. R. E. W Gordy isn’t happy to learn that his mother was o once one of Messarix's followers and had to go up in front of the Council for a pardon. Yosurke was a part of the Council and trained Wanda because he could see her potential. After being on the Council for years, he left and started the Swings because he started to see that the Scourges actions were a result of B.R.E.W’s strict ways and restrictions. Tobias and Yosuke tell Gordy there will come a deal when it will be on him to lead B. R.E.W and find a middle ground. Tobias also reveals that he knew that Gordy keeping a secret (He can brew with his finger). He says that if anyone can help him it’s Yosuke.
Paulina informs Priss and Wanda that an army of Scourges has been released from their prisons. She says many are already there and in hiding places. Their might even be traitors (Zelda). S ome will be coming for revenge. Some will be there on Mezzarix’s request. Staife is brought in (a senior member of B.R.E.W).bound up. He was brought in because he has a wand on him that was in Madame Brexil’s possession (days ago it was used to Exscrounge Chamber members). He’s put under a truth cream and says he was told to by Mezzarix (and he tells them Mezzarixi’s plan). Most of the members were given a wand to get rid of the Chamber members. He then ExSponges himself. He says no banishment will last under Mezzarix and that he will return his powers. Then leaves.
Yosuke and Tobias watch in amazement as he brews a potion and substitutes not having an ingredient by just sticking in his finger. They think this is the result of the Eternity Elixer. Tobias wants to know if it can be taken out of his system. But Yosuke doesn’t want to touch it. Yosuke advises Gordy to resist the urge to experiment. Wanda sends a message to get Gordy out of the Swings RIGHT NOW! So, they leave. They’ll be headed west in the morning to one of the Stained Squad’s safe houses. On the way back to the farmhouse they see smoke and find his house and garden on fire. Scourges are there and they see Gordy. Gordy attacks them with potions A potion battle takes place between Gordy, a centerpede, and two Scourges. Tho they’re taken down, Tobias is tangled in a web by the “mud woman”. Gordy takes off running but the ground underneath him splits open and he starts to sink. Gordy is able to free himself by pulling himself up. Durgess is ordered by the Muslady to et Gordy but he gets distracted by the discovery of a moped. Gordy somehow becomes stuck to the moped. Durgess tries to stand on Gordy’s arm. But the scotter starts and throws Durgess off. It releases Gordy and he falls off. Gordy realizes that the car is Estelle (a creation of Bolter’s that drowned in the last book). He gets her to drive him to Max’s. Just as Adilene is about to test her potion, Doll appears and gives her a message for Gordy. After he leaves, she still has some potion left but sees it looks nothing like Ssashsa’s. Adilene, Sasha, Max, and Gordy all find their way to Max’s house. Sasha tells Gordy she thinks she found his grandfather. But she can’t trak it further without the keystone (in Central Florida). Gordy tells them what happened and tries to reach his mom. She tells them she’s on her way and to stay put and away from the windows. The call is cut short. Around them they notice a blackout. Scourges appear and with them is Zelda. She announces that there will be a search for a female fugitive in their homes. Gordy traps one of the Scourges that invade Max’s home inside a ball. Then they decide to take Estelle back to Tobias’s.
Sasha and Gordy use a bug repellant potion to try to repel the force field but Zelda notices and fries the bugs and holds her wand to her. Gordy offers to take her to Iris. She says she’ll let him go to stay on Mezzarix’s good side but she can’t do the same for Sasha. Gordy assaults Zelda with a potion and frees Sasha (by trapping them in a tree). They take her wand and leave her trapped in the tree. Gordy considers exsponging Zelda but decides against it. They decide they can’t leave her thereffor someone else to free so they’ll have to take her with them.
Esmeralda shows up at Gordy’s and tries to exsponge Iris. Adilene steps in front of her and they both fall. But another figure appears and knocks Esmeralda down. There’s a battle between Pris, Wanda, Yosuke, and Iris and the Scourges at Spider’s house. The man turns out ot be Carlyle. Even still it was too late, Iris is sponged. Adilene (whose eyesight has been failing throughout the book gets even worse). In order to get Bolter to take them to Mezzarix, they have to Blotch him. Adeline, Sasha, and Max are snatched up by vines in a strange mist and Gordy is given the Stilt potion by Carlyle and finds himself vanishing. From the couch, they ejected themselves from out of the plane. Ravina is able to capture Adeline, Max, and Sasha. Afterward, they find themselves in a prison cell. They meet Gabriel who says he’s keeping them there for their own safety. Adeline asks for a blanket and a glass of water. She tells them she’s going to make a potion. With Sasha’s gold earrings, they can make a detoning device. Adeline gets Sasha to project through her, Carlyle takes Gordy as far as he can to Mezzarix and Gordy tucks him away in a dave knowing it’s the last time. Gordy reaches the Vessel and sees his grandfather. He takes the Stilt Carlyle gives him and exscronges his grandfather. Hands grab him and his satchel is snatched. Messrix tells Gordy he can’t be exsponged.
Now face to face with Mezzarix, Mezzarix tells him he’s disappointed in his choices and says that he’s been watching him. He sends for his people to look for Carlyle. His grandfather talks of a New Age and new technology. He says THEY will supply their needs not B,R.E.W, not the government. They can’t find Carlyle and Mezzarix's commands to be shown where they looked. All of a sudden from out of nowhere Max is snatching up the Vessel. There’s a battle between them and the Attramente. Then one between Mezzarix and Gordy but Mezzarix has developed an immunity to most of them. The Aladdiner seems to work tho. In the chaos someone has captured Sasha and the place is swarmed with birds. Gordy takes them down with an ice ball. Messarix tho has a potion that sharpens his hands to cut through glass. With Max trapped in a bubble and about to float up to the ceiling and Sasha somewhere on the beach trapped in sand, Gordy is ready to surrender the Vessel. Messarix’s hands have turned into lightning bolts ready to strike. Gordy hands over the Vessel. Ravina starts to falter. Somehow Gordy has exsponged Messarix (and Ravina) by turning the Vessel into a decocting wand. On the way back Adeline tells how they escaped and says that even though Sasha projected through her she feels like she may have fone the potion and Gordy says they can test her when they come back. Pris and Wanda help Adeline get her sight back and she gets glasses. Each member that got Exsponged will be voted on individually. B.R.E.W is to be dissolved. The Swigs will be terminated. Tobias, Goldy, Pauline, and Bolton will lead the new order and Gordy will be the fifth member. Adeline asks Yosuke could the hit she took have given her some of Iris’s powers but he says that’s not possible, Then he tells her that being able to project is just a myth so if she did the potion that freed them then she did it on her own accord. At the end of the book just to make sure she brews another potion and it turns the right color (confirming she’s a DRAM)
My Thoughts
I have a few things to critic. It wasn’t a decent enough plot, but some of it I struggled with because it wasn’t clear. For example, I liked the idea of the Swigs and there being a safe zone for Elixerist that had been kicked out of the community. And that it was like a black-market-type environment. But the way it was written I didn’t understand if The Swigs itself was inside the bus, outside the bus, or under the bus.
There was also the ending. That really wasn’t clear either. All I could understand was Gordy did something with Ravina that made Mezzarix’s potion powers vanish. It was little things like this that could have been explained better.
Another small thing (and this may just be me) is although YES I know the series is called POTION MASTER (indicating that there will be a lot of potions used) but after a while, it got a little tiring and predictable that every situation the characters got into they just *happened* to have the right potion to correct it. So in other words the potion aspect was extremely overused!
But overall I liked that Sasha turned out to be relatively good in the end. I liked that Gordy is a part of B.R.E.W now and will help bring changes to the program. I think he’ll do just find. I know how scary it can be to called on for something bigger than yourself. And I’m happy that Adeline’s powers manifested and she became a DRAM in the end! It just shows that if you want something bad enough, sometimes it really does happen.
Rating: 6
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2020
**Disclaimer: I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I hadn't realized that when I requested a copy of the ARC for this book that it was the 3rd book in a series, so I came in not knowing anything. However, I found that I wasn't too lost when I started the story. Frank L. Cole does a good job explaining who the characters are and their importance to the story. Of course, reading the other books will help immensely, as well. :P
The story is easy to follow and the writing keeps you turning the pages. Like Harry Potter, Frank L. Cole has funny and easy-to-remember names for spells, objects, and monsters.
**Recommendations state this book and series are good reads for fans of J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan and that I agree!
I hadn't realized that when I requested a copy of the ARC for this book that it was the 3rd book in a series, so I came in not knowing anything. However, I found that I wasn't too lost when I started the story. Frank L. Cole does a good job explaining who the characters are and their importance to the story. Of course, reading the other books will help immensely, as well. :P
The story is easy to follow and the writing keeps you turning the pages. Like Harry Potter, Frank L. Cole has funny and easy-to-remember names for spells, objects, and monsters.
**Recommendations state this book and series are good reads for fans of J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan and that I agree!
January 30, 2020
This book picks up where the previous book ended and grabs the reader’s interest from page one. I like that the author doesn’t waste time repeating things from previous books in the series. However, since he doesn’t explain who the people are, which ones are good or bad, or what the potions do, and refers to previous happenings, you’ll want to read the first two books before this one. It’s worth the time since they’re full of continuous action and excitement as well as humor.
The Potion Masters series is very creative and imaginative. I was surprised by how well written and enjoyable these books are. I don’t usually read books in this genre, but this one kept my attention to the end. I think middle grade readers will like the idea of Silt which makes a person invisible and Blotching which gives you control over someone. They will especially like that the kids are the heroes in the book and go against adults to save the world.
There is a lot of descriptive writing in this book. It’s very well done and puts the reader into the story without drawing attention to the writing itself. Because I have an ARC I can’t quote from it, but the description of the restaurant in chapter 12 stands out. I could picture it well but wouldn’t want to eat there!
Gordy is one of only a few elixirists in the world that can Blind Batch. This means he is able to figure out a potion without a recipe and even without all the ingredients required. Adilene really wants to be able to brew potions despite everyone repeatedly telling her she doesn’t have the ability. The worst thing that can happen to an elixirist is if someone uses a decocting wand to exsponge them since it takes away their potion-making abilities.
Gordy, Max, Adilene, and Sasha have to battle Scourges but the book isn’t too violent and remains enjoyable despite the serious situations the characters are in. Gordy has to figure out who is on his side and who is the enemy. His grandpa Mezzarix wants all the power and his Manifesto calls for no more prisons, no more governments, and no more secrets. If the Vessel is destroyed there wouldn’t be any power of any kind - no phones, cars, heat for homes, etc. Mezzarix thinks that the people will turn to him in their need and he will provide their aid in a global reign of chaos.
I loved Estelle the cat car from book 2 but I think I like her even more now as a motorized scooter. There is a funny scene in chapter 24 where all four kids are riding on the scooter at the same time. Another funny thing found in this book is Nipsy, a humanoid cat that walks on two legs. I didn’t like the way Ms. Bimini treated her son Carlisle though. I feel bad for him since she’s so mean to him, even if he is elderly.
This book is full of strong female characters. When Wanda and Priscilla go to battle it said the Scourges didn’t stand a chance now that Gordy’s mom was in charge. I also like that Sasha and later Adilene are heroines and Gordy isn’t the only hero. The ending was great and had some surprises. I’ll echo the author that Gordy came a long way since we met him as a slimy slug monster in his living room.
I’d like to thank the publisher for an ARC to use for my review.
The Potion Masters series is very creative and imaginative. I was surprised by how well written and enjoyable these books are. I don’t usually read books in this genre, but this one kept my attention to the end. I think middle grade readers will like the idea of Silt which makes a person invisible and Blotching which gives you control over someone. They will especially like that the kids are the heroes in the book and go against adults to save the world.
There is a lot of descriptive writing in this book. It’s very well done and puts the reader into the story without drawing attention to the writing itself. Because I have an ARC I can’t quote from it, but the description of the restaurant in chapter 12 stands out. I could picture it well but wouldn’t want to eat there!
Gordy is one of only a few elixirists in the world that can Blind Batch. This means he is able to figure out a potion without a recipe and even without all the ingredients required. Adilene really wants to be able to brew potions despite everyone repeatedly telling her she doesn’t have the ability. The worst thing that can happen to an elixirist is if someone uses a decocting wand to exsponge them since it takes away their potion-making abilities.
Gordy, Max, Adilene, and Sasha have to battle Scourges but the book isn’t too violent and remains enjoyable despite the serious situations the characters are in. Gordy has to figure out who is on his side and who is the enemy. His grandpa Mezzarix wants all the power and his Manifesto calls for no more prisons, no more governments, and no more secrets. If the Vessel is destroyed there wouldn’t be any power of any kind - no phones, cars, heat for homes, etc. Mezzarix thinks that the people will turn to him in their need and he will provide their aid in a global reign of chaos.
I loved Estelle the cat car from book 2 but I think I like her even more now as a motorized scooter. There is a funny scene in chapter 24 where all four kids are riding on the scooter at the same time. Another funny thing found in this book is Nipsy, a humanoid cat that walks on two legs. I didn’t like the way Ms. Bimini treated her son Carlisle though. I feel bad for him since she’s so mean to him, even if he is elderly.
This book is full of strong female characters. When Wanda and Priscilla go to battle it said the Scourges didn’t stand a chance now that Gordy’s mom was in charge. I also like that Sasha and later Adilene are heroines and Gordy isn’t the only hero. The ending was great and had some surprises. I’ll echo the author that Gordy came a long way since we met him as a slimy slug monster in his living room.
I’d like to thank the publisher for an ARC to use for my review.
January 27, 2020
If you have not read the first two books in Frank L. Cole’s Potions Masters trilogy, stop here. Go read the first two books — The Eternity Elixir and The Transparency Tonic — before cracking the cover of the final book, The Seeking Serum.
The Seeking Serum is the third book in the Potions Masters trilogy. The series follows Gordy Stitser, one of a select group of people who know about the secret society of potion masters. His mom used 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.
But things haven’t been going well as of late.
There’s a covert group determined to overthrow the potion-making community and control the world. And Gordy’s grandfather, Mezzarix, just happens to be the leader. Mezzarix, who is a powerful, evil elixirist, stole the Vessel, the source of power for all potion masters. His plan is to eliminate all prisons, all rulers, all secrets and send the world into chaos.
No one is sure who’s on what side, forcing Gordy and his family into hiding. With help of an underground renegade network known as the Swigs, the Stitsers form a plan. When formerly imprisoned potion masters attack the Swigs, Gordy barely escapes. And he goes to the only people he knows he can trust — his friends.
Max, Sasha and Adilene join Gordy in making a plan to find Mezzarix’s secret location. While a battle between good and evil and everything plays out in the town, the friends set out to save the Vessel and Stop Mezzarix once and for all.
The Potions Masters trilogy is one of the more enjoyable middle-grade series I’ve recently read. Though the fate of the world is at stake, Frank L. Cole has injected his stories with just the right amount of humor. Gordy’s a likeable teen that readers will immediately root for.
If you have time, I highly suggest rereading The Eternity Elixir and The Transparency Tonic prior to taking on The Seeking Serum. This far out, it’s hard to remember some of the finer plot points that would have been helpful to the overall flow.
If The Eternity Elixir serves as an introduction to the potions world and The Transparency Tonic immerses you in it, then The Seeking Serum blows it all up. It’s fun seeing Cole’s world come full circle, and there’s room for him to build on it later on should he choose to do so.
The Seeking Serum is the third book in the Potions Masters trilogy. The series follows Gordy Stitser, one of a select group of people who know about the secret society of potion masters. His mom used 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.
But things haven’t been going well as of late.
There’s a covert group determined to overthrow the potion-making community and control the world. And Gordy’s grandfather, Mezzarix, just happens to be the leader. Mezzarix, who is a powerful, evil elixirist, stole the Vessel, the source of power for all potion masters. His plan is to eliminate all prisons, all rulers, all secrets and send the world into chaos.
No one is sure who’s on what side, forcing Gordy and his family into hiding. With help of an underground renegade network known as the Swigs, the Stitsers form a plan. When formerly imprisoned potion masters attack the Swigs, Gordy barely escapes. And he goes to the only people he knows he can trust — his friends.
Max, Sasha and Adilene join Gordy in making a plan to find Mezzarix’s secret location. While a battle between good and evil and everything plays out in the town, the friends set out to save the Vessel and Stop Mezzarix once and for all.
The Potions Masters trilogy is one of the more enjoyable middle-grade series I’ve recently read. Though the fate of the world is at stake, Frank L. Cole has injected his stories with just the right amount of humor. Gordy’s a likeable teen that readers will immediately root for.
If you have time, I highly suggest rereading The Eternity Elixir and The Transparency Tonic prior to taking on The Seeking Serum. This far out, it’s hard to remember some of the finer plot points that would have been helpful to the overall flow.
If The Eternity Elixir serves as an introduction to the potions world and The Transparency Tonic immerses you in it, then The Seeking Serum blows it all up. It’s fun seeing Cole’s world come full circle, and there’s room for him to build on it later on should he choose to do so.
June 25, 2021
My name is Gordy, and my grandfather is crazy. He has a manifesto that will rock the world of the Elixirists and all the people unaware of magic potions. My mother has been kicked out of B.R.E.W., the organization controlling the use of potions, so now everyone in the world seems to be out to arrest us, capture us, or take away our abilities. However, my ability differs from everyone else, since I can brew potions without having all the necessary ingredients. At this point, I don't know if B.R.E.W. or my grandfather is worse, but something needs to be done. Even though my mother wants to keep me safe, I'm the only one who can stop my grandfather.
I wish this conclusion to the trilogy had been written two years ago when I finished the previous book. The potions were used frequently, but I didn't know the purpose for most of them. A glossary of spells was located at the back of the book, but who wants to keep referencing that when reading? The plot also included different groups of people, but it was unclear how they all differed. Again, things would probably have been clearer if I'd read the previous books more recently. Read the first two books first! Gordy was the main character, and his grandfather was the main antagonist. Pitting a child and grandparent against each other was an unusual conflict. However, Gordy was conflicted, as B.R.E.W. had done questionable things to Elixirists, so he wasn't sure if they weren't actually worse than his grandfather. This added to the suspense, since the resolution of the conflict was less clear. What would the world look like in the end? Gordy was aided by two non-Elixirist friends who added nice twists to the plot. Max contributed humor to the events, as he was looking for excitement and adventure. Adilene created a subplot, as she really wanted to be an Elixirist, but she was too old to manifest the skills. Or was she? Overall, I enjoyed the series and recommend you read the books straight through. Unlike me.
I wish this conclusion to the trilogy had been written two years ago when I finished the previous book. The potions were used frequently, but I didn't know the purpose for most of them. A glossary of spells was located at the back of the book, but who wants to keep referencing that when reading? The plot also included different groups of people, but it was unclear how they all differed. Again, things would probably have been clearer if I'd read the previous books more recently. Read the first two books first! Gordy was the main character, and his grandfather was the main antagonist. Pitting a child and grandparent against each other was an unusual conflict. However, Gordy was conflicted, as B.R.E.W. had done questionable things to Elixirists, so he wasn't sure if they weren't actually worse than his grandfather. This added to the suspense, since the resolution of the conflict was less clear. What would the world look like in the end? Gordy was aided by two non-Elixirist friends who added nice twists to the plot. Max contributed humor to the events, as he was looking for excitement and adventure. Adilene created a subplot, as she really wanted to be an Elixirist, but she was too old to manifest the skills. Or was she? Overall, I enjoyed the series and recommend you read the books straight through. Unlike me.
December 31, 2019
This is the third book in the Potion Masters series. The series as a whole was good, and this was a very satisfying ending.
It is an action-packed conclusion to a story about one kid, who is part of a secret society of potion masters, and how he realizes his powers and fights evil potion masters who threaten the whole world. The stakes are high, as they should be, and he has a cadre of loyal friends who help him.
The friends in this are some of the best. I especially like Adilene and her side story. We even get some peek at things from her POV, which is very nice.
Overall, the ending of the series was just perfect. I got everything I wanted. There were some hiccups along the way, as some of the transitions were a little glitchy and I had a hard time remembering who side characters were. The overall handling of the book as part of a series could have been better. But the book itself was a great ride.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys magical stories. Gordy is a great character and I loved his story. It is the perfect thing for any reader who has exhausted Harry Potter and Rick Riordan. This is not high literature, but Cole really shines especially in his imaginative naming of potions and what they can do, and when he describes the potion making itself.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. See my previous reviews of the books in this series for more.
It is an action-packed conclusion to a story about one kid, who is part of a secret society of potion masters, and how he realizes his powers and fights evil potion masters who threaten the whole world. The stakes are high, as they should be, and he has a cadre of loyal friends who help him.
The friends in this are some of the best. I especially like Adilene and her side story. We even get some peek at things from her POV, which is very nice.
Overall, the ending of the series was just perfect. I got everything I wanted. There were some hiccups along the way, as some of the transitions were a little glitchy and I had a hard time remembering who side characters were. The overall handling of the book as part of a series could have been better. But the book itself was a great ride.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys magical stories. Gordy is a great character and I loved his story. It is the perfect thing for any reader who has exhausted Harry Potter and Rick Riordan. This is not high literature, but Cole really shines especially in his imaginative naming of potions and what they can do, and when he describes the potion making itself.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. See my previous reviews of the books in this series for more.
January 26, 2020
I have to say that I can’t believe that this is the last book in the series. After sharing so many adventures with the kids I am reluctant to read this book for the simple fact that the story will be done. But we have traveled so far that I just had to make that things worked out and that the kids won in the end.
Gordy and the B.R.E.W. crew are up against Mezzarix and other bad guys from previous books. Gordy and his family go into hiding but when they are attacked Gordy goes out on his own, separated from his family.
I loved watching Gordy and the rest of the kids growing into young adults. There are tense moments and some great fight scenes to keep my quickly flipping pages to see what happens next.
In the end this is a great series for middle-grade readers and up. There are several things that are great talking points with kids and just a great fantasy story for any age. Like I said, I’m sad to leave this series but I will definitely be rereading it several times and looking out for other books from Frank Cole.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Gordy and the B.R.E.W. crew are up against Mezzarix and other bad guys from previous books. Gordy and his family go into hiding but when they are attacked Gordy goes out on his own, separated from his family.
I loved watching Gordy and the rest of the kids growing into young adults. There are tense moments and some great fight scenes to keep my quickly flipping pages to see what happens next.
In the end this is a great series for middle-grade readers and up. There are several things that are great talking points with kids and just a great fantasy story for any age. Like I said, I’m sad to leave this series but I will definitely be rereading it several times and looking out for other books from Frank Cole.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
December 11, 2019
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.
(Review Found on Children's Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)
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.
(Review Found on Children's Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)
January 14, 2020
This series is super fun and very imaginative! Gordy and his friends need to come through in a big way in order to save the day this time! It makes it really hard when your biggest, baddest, most evil enemy is your grandpa! Can Gordy, Adilene, Max, and Sasha use the Seeking Serum to find Mezzarix? Once they find him, will they be able to stop his wicked plans?? Love this book--it's well written, the characters are easy to relate to, and the creativity is crazy!! I love the different potions Gordy comes up with. In fact, I'd like to use a few of them on my students. Haha! Just kidding...I don't think they'd enjoy turning into trees or being caught in glass bottles. :) This book is the perfect ending to a super fun series. It's rated PG+ and recommended for middle-graders (4th-6th) and up. You may view my full review on my book blog: The Readathon.
June 16, 2020
The last in an adventure fantasy trilogy! Gordy Stitser and his friends Max, Adilene and Sasha have to save the world from Gordy's evil grandfather Mezzarix...again.
Mezzarix is on a mission to take down B.R.E.W. and establish a new world order where Elixirists are powerful and in charge.
Gordy expands his knowledge of potions as well as discovers new abilities. Max is a trusted side-kick and reliable friend. Adilene wants desperately to be a part of the potion community. Sasha is determined to help her mom get back her brewing ability.
The four friends face life-threatening danger and crazy convicts, people who can turn invisible and people who skirt the edge of the law.
If you or your children like page-turning excitement and adventure, then this is a fantastic read that will engage your imagination and make you think, 'What if?"
Mezzarix is on a mission to take down B.R.E.W. and establish a new world order where Elixirists are powerful and in charge.
Gordy expands his knowledge of potions as well as discovers new abilities. Max is a trusted side-kick and reliable friend. Adilene wants desperately to be a part of the potion community. Sasha is determined to help her mom get back her brewing ability.
The four friends face life-threatening danger and crazy convicts, people who can turn invisible and people who skirt the edge of the law.
If you or your children like page-turning excitement and adventure, then this is a fantastic read that will engage your imagination and make you think, 'What if?"
August 28, 2021
This left me feeling happy. This book was a wonderful and satisfying conclusion to the potion master master series. I enjoyed all of the unique characters and and the growth and experiences they had throughout this series. This series had a unique and fun way of portraying magic.
I think a really strong point this series had would definitely be the unique nature of all the characters from Aunt Pris to Max and everyone else involved, the characters really stood out.
The story had similar vibes to other middle grade fiction books which led to a trust that the content would never stay too dark or inappropriate and it held that trust throughout. I think this was a satisfying ending to a fun series.
I think a really strong point this series had would definitely be the unique nature of all the characters from Aunt Pris to Max and everyone else involved, the characters really stood out.
The story had similar vibes to other middle grade fiction books which led to a trust that the content would never stay too dark or inappropriate and it held that trust throughout. I think this was a satisfying ending to a fun series.
January 6, 2020
Thrilling conclusion to the Potion Masters series. Gordy’s dangerous grandfather, Mezzarix, is on the run. He is building his following and planning his final attack. Gordy, his family, and his friends are also on the run and are all in hiding in a safe house. Both factions are being hunted by B.R.E.W. Can Gordy set everything right and resolve the conflict? The events leave him questioning authority and leaning towards forbidden magic. Can he find a balance without loosing all he stands for? This fast-paced conclusion will keep readers on the edge of their seat. It is necessary to read the first two books. Fans of Rick Riordan, John Flanagan, and Brandon Mull will enjoy this series.
January 28, 2020
Cole concludes the series with book three and you definitely need to read books one and two or you will most likely be completely lost! This is middle grade fantasy, so fans of J.K. Rowling and Obert Skye will most likely enjoy the Potion Masters series! It is definitely fast-paced and pulls you in, so be prepared to sit for awhile! Gordy is a character you will love and along with his friends, you will find yourself cheering for them as they undertake a huge adventure! The best thing about this book is that you can read it as an adult and enjoy it and kids will enjoy it too! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 9, 2020
I received a free copy of the ebook from Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Another great read in this trilogy! This book is the final in the trilogy, and I do think you need the first ones to understand it all. It was fast paced and action packed. I was continually surprised with how different events played out. I loved how the friendships grew, and the relationships between adults in his life. I would definitely recommend this to children who love magic and potions and a little bit of mischief making.
Another great read in this trilogy! This book is the final in the trilogy, and I do think you need the first ones to understand it all. It was fast paced and action packed. I was continually surprised with how different events played out. I loved how the friendships grew, and the relationships between adults in his life. I would definitely recommend this to children who love magic and potions and a little bit of mischief making.
March 30, 2022
I really disliked the series. It is not a good family read. The children liked it and enjoyed it... But we were listening to it and I'm not sure if they would have kept reading it. This is the third book and my kids have kind of forgotten about it so I'm not bringing it up again. I disliked it enough that I didn't even want to have to listen to it in the car. Not that it's that horrible... But there's so many other books out there that are way better. This was definitely more juvenile and doesn't work with a wide age audience.
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