The Seeking Serum by Frank L. Cole -- review

Potion Masters: The Seeking Serum

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: January 7th, 2020

ISBN13: 978-1629726069

Hardcover: 384 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ARC from the publisher. All views and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Summary

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.

Review

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. 

5 out of 5 stars!

Purchase links

Amazon Kindle / Amazon hardcover / Amazon Audible / Deseret Book

Author links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Potion Masters: The Transparency Tonic by Frank L. Cole -- blog tour

Potion Masters: The Transparency Tonic

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Publish date: January 16th, 2019

ISBN13: 9781629724881

Hardcover/e-book: 384 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ARC from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own. 

Goodreads Summary

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. 

My review

The Transparency Tonic is another wild, exciting ride from Frank Cole. I love Frank's books. They are always full of adventure, clever plots, characters you care about, and fun twists and turns. This book had all that, and more. I loved it! Gordy is one smart kid, with an amazing ability. I love Gordy's mom and Aunt Priss. There are so many exciting things that happen in this book. It is so fun and clever. The bad guys are inventive and there are characters that keep you guessing. The last few chapters of this book had me frantically turning pages to find out it was going to happen. 

5 out of 5 stars. So many awesome twists and turns, I loved them all and a fantastic ending.

Author links

Goodreads / Twitter / Website

Purchase links

Amazon e-book / Amazon hardcover / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

The Eternity Elixir by Frank L. Cole

The Eternity Elixir (Potion Masters #1)

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: January 2nd, 2018

ISBN13: 9781629723587

Paperback: 304 pages

FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

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

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

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

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

My review

I knew I would love this book and I did. I have enjoyed every book I read from this author. Frank's writing is very clever and extremely creative and he has proved time and again how talented he is, especially with this book. I can tell by his writing that he has a fantastic sense of humor. I loved the plot of this book and the characters were awesome. The potions and terms used were inventive and highly imaginative. There are many enjoyable twists and turns and fun little seeds of hints that are planted throughout that lead to a great adventure. I loved Gordy. I love smart, creative kids and he definitely fits that bill. All of the characters are so fun and very well written. 

5 out of 5 stars. I can not wait for the next book!

Author links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter 

Purchase links

Hardcover Amazon / ebook Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble
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The World's Greatest Adventure Machine by Frank L. Cole -- blog tour/giveaway

 The World's Greatest Adventure Machine

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Published: August 8th, 2017

ISBN13: 9780399552823

Hardcover: 320 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ARC from the author, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!

CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it. 

There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius. 

The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.

Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now! 

My Review

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine is another hit for Frank Cole!  This book has it all. Adventure (which is a given from the title!), humor, heart, and lots of fun.  All of the characters were fabulous.  Each was unique in their own way, which is very important later.  I adored them all. Cameron would say the funniest things.  He was my favorite.  Devin was great too.  Nika kept to herself and was very cautious (for good reason, which is revealed later).  Trevor, wow I wish I was that brave.  This book is very funny and clever.  I love books about kids who are smart and work out their problems.  All while having fun too.  The plot is exciting and there are lots of twists and turns to add to the adventure.  

5 out of 5 stars.  Frank can always be counted on a for a fun, enjoyable book.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Tour Schedule

August 14: Katie's Clean Reads Collection, My Book a Day

August 15: Geo Librarian, Min Reads and Reviews

August 16: LDS Writer Mom,  Rachelle J Christensen, Lisa is a Bookworm

August 17: Peggy Urry, Literary Time Out

August 18: Why Not? Because I Said So, Literary Time Out

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The Afterlife Academy by Frank L. Cole

The Afterlife Academy

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published: Sept. 8, 2015

ISBN13: 9780385744812

Hardcover: 288 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

For fans of "Because of Mr. Terupt, "Mr. Terupt Falls Again," and" Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, " this funny, suspenseful adventure is about two very different twelve-year-old boys who must save the world from demons while dealing with parents, school, bullies, and girls.

Walter Prairie knows how to deal with bullies. He just has to beat them to the punch. But he doesn't see the biggest hit of his life coming when he is struck dead by a bolt of lightning. Before Walter even knows what's happened, he is sent to a Categorizing office, fast-tracked through the Afterlife Academy, and assigned as a Guardian Agent to protect a High-Level Target.

Walter's HLT, Charlie Dewdle, isn't exactly the most popular kid in school. He's what you might call paranormally obsessed. When Charlie finds an ancient book with spells that can be used to open the Gateway for demons to wreak havoc on earth, it's up to him and Walter to fight an eclectic horde of enemies and protect humankind at all costs.

But saving the world isn't so easy. Especially when your protector doesn't know the first thing about the Underworld, bullies like Mo Horvath are trying to hunt you down, pretty and popular Melissa Bittner is suddenly talking to you, and your parents think you're going crazy.

My Review

The Afterlife Academy is another very enjoyable book from Frank Cole.  I am a big fan of his books, and I was thrilled for this new adventure.  Frank writes perfectly for his audience (and for the adults, like me, who enjoy his books).  His writing truly reflects his personality.  He is a super fun guy with lots of humor and heart, and this book is a great example of that.  This story is so much fun and the characters are awesome, even the bad guys.  Walter and Charlie couldn't be more different, but I loved how their friendship develops.  There is tons of fun and adventure with every turn of the page. The twists and turns were enjoyable.  There was one scene with Charlie and his parents that had me laughing out loud!

5 out of 5 stars!  This is the perfect middle grade book, and I loved it!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Guardians of the Finisher's Fury by Frank L. Cole -- Blog Tour

The Guardians of the Finisher's Fury

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort/Bonneville

Published: November 3rd, 2013

ISBN13: 9781462112210

Hardcover: 265 pages

FTC FYI: Received a hardcover copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book jacket summary

Amber and Trendon are on summer break, and life seems like it's finally back to normal.  However, their vacation ends abruptly when a mysterious messenger summons them to Egypt.  Dorothy and her team have found an ancient artifact, the final Weapon of Might, and they need Amber's connection with the Shomehr to recover it.

The mission goes smoothly -- until they obtain the artifact.  Then everything goes wrong -- very wrong.  Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies.  Now Amber and Trendon must race against time before the Weapons of Might are united and the Finisher's Fury is unleashed.

This action-packed adventure from bestselling author Frank L. Cole promises entertainment, excitement, and enigma as it brings the Guardians series to an electrifying conclusion.

Back Cover

Silence settled in the room as I thought through my options.  Who was I kidding?  I needed to be back in the hunt to be truly happy.  I could rest once we found the final artifact.

"Okay."  I tucked the tickets back into the envelope.  "I'll do it."

"You'll go to Egypt?"  he asked, clapping his hands together.

"I'll go to Egypt."

My Review

I feel like I've been holding my breath since I started reading!

Frank has save the best for last in this exciting series.  Amber and Trendon (who is still a favorite) are taken to Egypt to help Dorothy for the last time.  Only, Dorothy doesn't really seem like herself.  Even her appearance has changed.  Her temper is always right on the surface and snaps at everyone.  Right away there are snags in their journey to find that last artifact.  Something happens to Dorothy, the Architects (bad guys) are closing in and Amber finds out some interesting things about her "gift" (having the ability to talk to the Shomehr).  On old enemy makes an appearance and throw everyone and everything into more confusion.  This awesome conclusion is action-packed with humor (lovingly from Trendon), mystery and lots of adventure.

4 out of 5 stars.  Frank's Guardians series is one that I will enjoy over and over.  My kids, I know, will enjoy this as much I did.  I have loved all of Frank's books and very excited to read more from him.  I am happy to say that Frank is a pal and when I read his books, I am reminded what a cool guy he is.  Frank is also the author of the Hashbrown Winters series, which I also loved.  And, his agent just sold his new series The Summoner's Handbook to Delacorte of Random House!

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-tastrophe by Frank L. Cole

Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-tastrophe

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Bonneville, an imprint of Cedar Fort

Published: April 9, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1056-8

Paperback: 122 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for 

an honest review

Back Cover

"If you knew what was good for you, you would've stayed in your precious little tree house."  She reached over to stick a piece of paper into my hands.

"What's this?"  I asked suspiciously, reading the paper.  It was a flyer announcing tryouts for underwater ballet.

"I just figured once we cream you tonight for the championship, you're going to need a new sport to play."

I wadded the paper into a tight ball and clenched my teeth.  "Just you wait.  Tonight's going to be different."

Hashbrown Winters is still living in the shadow of Melanie Thumbs, who he can't beat at anything, not even laser-tag.  But when he turns to the Oracle for guidance, he is given some unexpected advice that could change the game forever.

Let the fourth installment in the bestselling Hashbrown Winters series transport you and the tree house gang to another dimensions.  This action-packed page-turner will have you asking an important question:  "Would I go thorugh a portal and steal the identity of someone in another dimension just to become a winner again?"  Crack open Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-tastrophe to find out!

My Review

Hashbrown finds himself, where he never has before, on the losing end of everything.  Melanie is on a roll and Hashbrown consults the Oracle (Fibber himself) to see what can be done to beat her.  After a test, Hashbrown finds the Oracle speaks in opposites, and Whiz is absolutely, not supposed to play in tonight's laser-tag game.  Right away, Hashbrown knows what he is supposed to do.  But, how can Whiz play if he is banned from Laser World?

Oh, Hashbrown.  What am I going to do without you?  Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-tastrophe is the end of an era.  According to Frank, this may (or may not) be the last Hashbrown adventure.  I have really enjoyed reading this series.  This installment does not disappoint.  It takes a funny turn with portals and stolen identities, and is full of laughs.  I think my favorite character is Pigeon.  I love how Frank has written him, head bobs and all.

4 out 5 stars.

Author Links

Blog / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Cedar Fort / Deseret Book

Hashbrown Winters and the Phantom of Pordunce by Frank L. Cole

Hashbrown Winter and the Phantom of Pordunce

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Bonneville

Paperback: 88 pages

ISBN13: 9781599553986

FTC FYI: Received a PDF review copy.

Goodreads Summary

Life at Pordunce is back to normal - well, as normal as ever in the three-ring circus that passes for Hashbrown's elementary school. But everything changes when a ghostly presence starts roaming the halls. And even worse, Hashbrown's club may be about to lose one of its founding members. Can Hashbrown save the day? This snort-worthy, fun-filled roller-coaster ride of a book is guaranteed to get you giggling - assuming you can pry it away from your kids long enough to read it yourself.

Back Cover

"A ghost in Pordunce!"  Butter Bibowksi said in disbelief.  "How's this even possible?"

"It's not that hard to believe."  Snow Cone tucked the transmitter in his back pocket.  "We've all heard the rumors about the ancient burial grounds beneath the septic tank."

"But those are just rumors," Whiz said.

"There are never just rumors at Pordunce," I reminded him.

Hashbrown Winters is finally settling into the good life.  But when a mysterious phantom begins haunting the school and Hashbrown's treehouse is hijacked, he knows he's up to his armpits in trouble.  And if that weren't enough, there's a new girl in school who might just be his match--in marbles, that is.  Not to mention the fact that Bubblegum Bulkins, an original member of the treehouse club, is moving in just two weeks.  Now Hashbrown will have to rely on a few unexpected allies to save his friends, his treehouse, and his entire school.

The third installment in the best-selling Hashbrown Winters series takes the adventure to a whole new level.  Stuffed fill of pitch-perfect humor the whole family will love, this book all your old favorite characters along with some awesome  additions.  A guaranteed page-turner and laugh-out loud winner, this is one story you just can't miss.  

My Review

4 out of 5 stars.  Another hit for Hashbrown and the gang.  I loved the fun twist of Hashbrown having a rival marble champion.  Melanie is a great character and her brother Nugget is a hoot.  Just don't get him mad... Look out if you do.  Hashbrown and his gang's antics are enjoyable for kids and adults.  You will enjoy helping them figure out who the phantom is, and why he or she is out to get everyone.  Including innocent hamsters.  I can't wait to see what is in store for them in Book 4.  Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-tastrophe comes out next month.

Author Links

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Cedar Fort

Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness by Frank L. Cole -- Blog Tour

Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: January 2010

ISBN13: 9781599553788

Paperback: 118 pages

FTC FYI: I received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

All Hashbrown Winters ever wanted was a simple life: a treehouse full of buddies, enough marbles to keep him occupied at recess, and a Brody the Ape-Slayer action figure with authentic ninja throwing stars. But everything changes when Hi Mashimoto starts a rival club and threatens to take Hashbrown's place as the kid with the coolest treehouse at Pordunce Elementary.

This hilarious follow-up to The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters reunites all your favorite zany characters and introduces plenty of new ones. You'll never believe the trouble Hashbrown gets into this time. Frank L. Cole's Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness will have your whole family laughing out loudit's a perfect read for pranksters of all ages.

My Review

Oh my goodness.  I loved this book.  It had me smiling and laughing out loud.  I just happened to be reading this book when I needed to smile and laugh, it was a perfect fit.  

Hashbrown and his buddies are back.  This time there is someone else who wants to be the popular one, with the club that everyones wants to get in, and he will stop at nothing to get it.  Hashbrown tries to out do Hi Mashimoto's amazing treehouse by telling everyone he has a time machine.  And, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means sacrificing his friendships along the way.  If it can happen to Harry, Ron, and Hermione it can happen to Hashbrown and Snow Cone.  This book will have you laughing and you can enjoy it right along with your kids. 

4 out of 5 stars.  If you missed my review of The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters, check it out here.  Look for my review of Hashbrown Winters and the Phantom of Pordunce in a couple weeks.  

Author Links

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Cedar Fort / Deseret Book

The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters by Frank L. Cole -- Blog Tour & Giveaway

The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters

Author: Frank L. Cole

Published: June 2009

Publisher: Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort)

ISBN: 978-1-59955-303-0

Paperback: 99 pages

FTC FYI: Checked out from the library

Goodreads Summary

Meet Hashbrown Winters. Like any typical Pordunce Elementary fifth grader, he's got a story. Actually he has several. There's the story of how he got his nickname, the story of how his treehouse club became one of the most popular groups at school, and, of course, the story of his untimely demise after a mishap with the beloved pet cockroach of Pordunce's walking death dealer, Hambone Oxcart. Will Hashbrown be able to convince Pordunce's own mob boss, Cordovo Figanewty, to offer him protection? Or are his days at Pordunce about to come to a swift and painful end? In this hilarious debut novel from Frank L. Cole, every kid who's any kid has a nickname, and half the fun of the story is figuring out how they got it. The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters will keep kids and parents alike laughing out loud, groaning in sympathy, and turning pages until well past bedtime.

Back Cover

"There I stood, hiding next to the vending machines, disguised as a potted plant.  I brushed the plastic leaves from my face and stared down the hallway toward the front double doors.  Snow Cone always said this ridiculous costume would come in handy one day.

Fifteen minutes had passed since the last student left for the buses, but I wasn't about to take any chances.  Not with my life hanging in the balance.  Leaning forward, I peered around the corner just as the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.  Was this it?  Could this be him?  Was I about to be pulverized by Hambone while wearing an emergency disguise I had just pulled from my locker?"

My Review

The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters is the first book in the Hashbrown series.  Book 4 is coming out soon, so Frank is touring all of these books before it's release.  Watch for my reviews for all 4 books!

Hashbrown is quite the character.  Pordunce Elementary is school full of kids with nicknames.  You have to earn your nickname in this school.  I thought Hashbrown's friend "Whiz" had the best name (for obvious reasons).  As the story progresses, Hashbrown finds himself in trouble with the school bully and his hissing cockroach.  The things that Hashbrown has to do to fix his problems are hilarious, even consulting with the school's mafia.  Yes, mafia.

This book is darling.  I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading.  It is perfect for your middle grade reader, even you.  Frank Cole is a pal, and I know that he is a funny guy.  You can tell that in his writing.  There are many phrases where I was laughing out loud.  I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

4 out of 5 stars.  Frank is also the author of Guardians of the Hidden Scepter and Guardians of Elijah's Fire series.  They are also very good as well.

Author Links

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Cedar Fort / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

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The Guardians of Elijah's Fire

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: June 2012

ISBN13: 9781462110575

Paperback: 272 pages

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Goodreads Summary

Just when they thought they were safe, Amber Trendon, and their classmates get yanked back into the action. With the Tebah Stick in enemy hands, Amber becomes a target, and it seems even her closest allies can't be trusted. Now the gang will have to travel through enemy territory to protect a deadly ancient weapon that could cause the earth's utter destruction. This thrilling tale ups the action and doubles the danger. Bestselling author Frank L. Cole delivers an addicting read for adventurers of all ages. 

My Review

Amber just celebrated her 15th birthday, and the gifts are still coming in. One in partiuclar is puzzling to her. There is no note telling who is was from. It was a box with two old leather books inside. The 1st and 2nd book of Kings. Why was someone sending her books from the Bible. Amber has her suspicions as to who sent it. To top it all off, Amber keeps having dreams, nightmares really that come every night. In these dreams, she feels that someone or something is haunting her. This book picks up right where the first ended, and it's just as exciting with non-stop action as in The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter. I really, really enjoyed this. Amber finds out some information that is shocking, and she doesn't really know who she can trust. Old friends and foes are back in the book, and I loved her journey. Amber has a power, one that she isn't sure how to use. 4 out of 5 stars. This is a great series for kids and adults. 

Find out more about the author here.

Follow Frank on FACEBOOK and his Author Event Page. 

The release party of The Guardians of Elijah's Fire is June 12 at 6:00 pm. Fort Union Deseret Book - 1110 E Fort Union Blvd. Midvale, UT 

 AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE