Blog Tour: Potion Masters: The Transparency Tonic by Frank Cole

The Transparency Tonic by Frank Cole

Book Description:

It has been nine months since Gordy and his friends, Max and Adilene, saved B.R.E.W. (the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide) and the Vessel the power source for the secret society of potion masters. Now, Gordy is starting the eighth grade, and has been trying new potion brewing techniques, but when he starts zoning out during practice, he knows something is wrong.

Gordy and his friends continue to work on their potions, but when Gordy chooses Max as his lab partner, Adilene starts to wonder if she still has a place with her old friends. She turns to a new friend, Cadence, who might know a way to help Adilene become a potion master on her own.
And in Greenland, Mezzarix has a chance to escape his Forbidden Zone as long as he agrees to work with the mysterious Ms. Bimini and replicate an unusual solution known as Silt. It could be just the weapon Mezzarix needs to destroy B.R.E.W. forever.

With both B.R.E.W and the Vessel in danger, and with the potion world in chaos, it's up to Gordy, Max, and Adilene to rally the remaining Potion Masters before it's too late.

Collin’s Review:

This was another fun story by Frank L. Cole.  I was surprised by the different plot twists throughout the story. I can't wait for the next story in the series.  I'll be looking for it to read for sure when it comes out.  

 

Gordy and his family and friends were successful in preventing the destruction of the Vessel and saved the world--but now they face more problems.  Gordy really wants to become an elixirist--but the new head of B.R.E.W has learned of Gordy's extraordinary talent, and has fired his mother from her position at B.R.E.W for going against the rules to help her father Mezzarix, and Gordy is forbidden to practice in his own lab because he broke the rules.  He did some blind batching in front of the new head of B.R.E.W, which is definitely not allowed.  In the mean time, other villains have come to take the Vessel from B.R.E.W.  They have a potion that they can use to bypass any of the defenses of B.R.E.W undetected.  Gordy must use his talents, and the help of his family and friends to save the world again--though this time, they have to go against B.R.E.W in addition to the villains to do it.

(Scroll to the end of this post to see Collin's review of Book 1)

Rorie's Review:

This book picks up where the first story left off, but I never felt lost or like I had to go back and re-read it to refresh my memory. The author does a really good job at getting the story going right away and drawing the reader in. I felt bad for Adilene, and the stuff she was going through, but yikes, she's pretty naive. Max just bugged me. Some characters can act all goofy and get away with it, but he was just overly obnoxious.

My 10-year-old son loved this book and it took awhile for me to get it back from him. He loves reading and rereading books and I have a feeling this one will join the ranks of used and amused by him. 

Here is his review: "In Potion Masters 2 I liked how there were many different characters each with a different strength. They all were unpredictable. My favorite character was Gordy. Gordy is smart and brave. There were no dislikes."

Tarah's Review:

I think this is a story that my kids will really like. However, I don't think you can just pick up this story and start reading. I think you have to read the first book first. It's fast paced and a lot happens, and I just think that background of the characters and who everyone is and why they are doing what they are doing is essential. 

I love how Cole brought  in a different aspect that wasn't directly related to potions. It's a fun world he's created, even if I'm still not sure how it all works together.  Not only did he bring in different aspects, but I like what happens with Gordy and his friends. Adilene really made this story for me. As a parent I also like the relationship with Gordy and his parents. Granted, he didn't always make good choices, but at least he was thinking about his family.

I will tell you that I'm not a fan of the ending. While the main conflict of the book is sort of solved/figured out/saved this book ends basically in the middle of a chapter. That drives me nuts. I know, cliff hangers make you want to read the next book. But they just make me mad. I like closure, and you definitely don't get that with this book. I'm not sure how many books are supposed to be in this series, but hopefully the others will have an ending that...well...ends.

Title: Potion Masters: The Transparency Tonic
Author: Frank L. Cole
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: January 2019
ISBN: 1629724882

Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book 

Collin's Review of Book 1 - Potion Masters: The Eternity Elixir:

This was the first book I have ready by Frank L. Cole.  This was a fun story and I enjoyed how Frank introduced his characters, and I liked the story.  I especially likes how Gordy, the protagonist relies on his friends and family to solve the problems he faces.  Gordy is training to be an elixirist, who with the help of his mother and aunt (both talented elixirists), and his two friends, Max and Adilene--who are not able to brew potions, but are very loyal.  While Gordy is learning to brew potions, he must also save the world from the evil Esmerelda, who wants to destroy the Vessel, a powerful potion that is controlled by B.R.E.W. (The Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide). . .if that happens, the world as we know it will change. . .all the advances over the last several hundred years will disappear.  Worse all the villains that B.R.E.W. has exiled will be free to cause chaos.  In order to save the world, Gordy, his family, and friends just may need the assistance of one of the most powerful villains that have been exiled by B.R.E.W--Gordy's own grandfather.