THE TRANSPARENCY TONIC

In this follow-up to The Eternity Elixir (2018), eighth-grader and Elixirist-in-training Gordy Stitser faces another threat as enemies conspire against B.R.E.W (the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide) and attempt to throw the world into chaos.

In the months since Gordy and his friends and lab partners Max and Adilene defeated the evil Esmerelda and defended the powerful Vessel, the kids have grown closer, but they also have begun to change. Gordy, a powerful Dram, cannot understand his mother’s increasing control over his training. Max dreams of becoming a champion wrestler but remains the group’s fearless troublemaker. Adilene feels increasingly distanced from her friends and dreams of being a potion master herself. Gordy’s natural skill with potions, coupled with his family full of powerful Elixirists who often operate outside of the law, makes him a target for the new B.R.E.W. administration looking to reduce risk. But Gordy and his friends may need to break a few rules to keep chaos at bay. Whether it is Max’s mischief, Adilene’s focus, or Gordy’s genuine desire to do the right thing, the trio is the perfect mix of adolescent and hero. Gordy and Max seem to be white, and Adilene is a Salvadoran immigrant; secondary characters come together from around the globe to form a racially and culturally diverse cast.

A clever second volume in a magical series sure to entertain fans of J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, and Brandon Mull.