I enjoy Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction with its hints of magic and the inclusion of famous figures from history. All of that is here in this shorter length novel.
Set in the seventeenth century, against a backdrop of alchemy, witch trials and the plague, the story dives straight in with the arrival in the main character’s life of both a young Isaac Newton and a witchfinder. Ann works in an apothecary and has special talents in healing, marking her out as someone to be investigated.. There’s plenty of historical information delivered within the story, making it easy to digest and enough action to keep the readers interest. I did like the twist at the end.

This is another historical novel loosely based on a famous historical figure by the author. The other one, Darwin's Dragons, is already a fixture in my course. I was really excited to read this. And it surely does not disappoint. It is a story about witch-hunt which is a war of superstition against superstition, the plague and Isaac Newton. It is amazing how all these can be tied up together so nicely. It is a very engaging read. I might include this in my courses in the future when I update the reading spine.

A charming, beautifully written adventure. The Elixir had such heart, important messages and a magical feeling to it.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

This is a beautifully written book. As always, Barrington Stoke offer the best books for dyslexic readers or those who are reluctant readers. Perfect for ages 9+

This was a wonderful little book, as most Barrington Stoke-published books usually are. I enjoyed how historical fact and fiction combined in and entertaining, thought-provoking and informative way.

The story was pacy, the characters believable, and the critique of the time in which it was set was spot-on.

There is a lot to love about this book. The inclusion of Isaac Newton was cute, and it adds a nice element that may pull in more readers. The witchcraft element was my favorite. This was a reality at the time, and it creates a necessary tension in the book. The pictures were well done and appropriate. It is a quick read that keeps the reader hooked throughout.

A great read for all of the family, especially those who find reading more difficult than the rest of their peers. We love Barrington Stoke books because they are just like any other good book, full of thrills and spills but more accessible for one of our family who is keen to read but struggles. This story is excellent, full of excitement, science and a touch of magic. We loved it.

Yet another delightful and historical piece by Lindsay Galvin. The characters are all figures that we can imagine in this world alongside the very real Isaac Newton. The themes of witchcraft and plague, which relate to death and pain, contrast to the idea of an elixir. This creates a tension in a small village that thrives on gossip and the disturbance of newcomers. Life being thrown into chaos by people who believe in their own importance. A short book filled with magical moments, themes and patterns throughout. The author comments that there is power in the unexpected and this is so true. The words are to be treasured as are the fabulous illustrations. Will share a review via BlueSky using pynchonic name to explain how delightful this book is.

Just imagine if, through a mixture of aura-reading and synaesthesia, you can see the 'colours' of everything and everyone, and manage to match people to the perfect mixture of herbs and chemicals to cure them of all their ills. Just imagine if your grandma was once thought a witch – and that a witchfinder is in town even now. But then imagine what might happen if a young Isaac Newton was lodging above your apothecary, and was determined to combine his science with your craft to create the Elixir of Life…

Such is the scenario facing Ann Storer in this historical drama. It's a pacy, rich read, as well, perfectly suited to the Barrington Stoke branding, for it delivers the story quickly and easily, with no nonsense, and no fuss – and it's probably a story the young audience might actually surprise themselves by enjoying. Here are witchcraft allegations and the drama surrounding them, but here too is the balance between science and herbal lore – the split between the male student who would never be thought guilty by a witchfinder and the female specialist doing very well by everyone in town and yet under permanent threat something worn by these pages quite classily. It's a clever, unfussy read, and is probably four and a half stars.

Linday Galvin is an exceptional writer. Having read The Great Phoenix of London, I already knew that going into The Elixir, but she continues to prove me right with this fantastic, dyslexia friendly novel. Her ability to convey so much description, action, emotion, characterisation and plot in such inclusive language and structure is masterful. I could not have adored The Elixir any more than I did!
 
With a drive, passion and a touch of magic, Ann is a marvellous protagonist. Her ability to treat and heal people through colour is a brilliant take on magic but grounded in the reality of apothecary. Tying in the history of Isaac Newton makes this feel possible and given then ending (which I won’t reveal here), I foresee plenty of reader looking at doctors, nurses, medical professionals differently in the best way possible. And that, again, is testament to Lindsay Galvin’s storytelling.
 
As well as writing wondrous protagonists and ‘good guys’, Galvin writes amazing antagonists with Abel Geach. He’s abhorrent, biased, ignorant, and the type of person all of us wish to never encounter, which is what makes him a superb villain. Again, no spoilers here, but I was shocked where his storyline went, and I think this is one that will have readers turning page after page.
 
Yet again, Barrington Stoke have struck gold with The Elixir by Lindsay Galvin. This is a book I hope to see live forever, and if you haven’t yet, make sure you go preorder (especially to get to relish in the illustration talents of Kristina Kister with this STUNNING cover). Perfect for readers needing dyslexia friendly books, and anyone wanting a splendid adventure, The Elixir is such to be a hit of the summer and I cannot recommend it enough!