With short chapters and high drama, The Elixir is intended for middle grade readers with a slightly lower reading level.

Ann is an apprentice herbalist working in her father’s shop. She’s known for her particularly effective tinctures. Unlike the rest of her family, Ann doesn’t follow traditional recipes. Instead, she concocts her own variants, using ingredients gathered under a full moon and bottles engraved with an unusual left-swirling spiral.

But when a witchfinder comes to town, Ann’s world is upended. Last time a witch-hunter was here, Grandmother was imprisoned for witchcraft . . . Will Ann suffer the same fate? Will Isaac Newton help her? Will the townsfolk betray her?

As a family, we raced through The Elixir, and immediately turned back to Chapter One and read it again. I particulary enjoyed the dramatic ending, and my daughter loved the revelations in the epilogue. Ann’s fate caught her imagination so much, she even wrote a letter to the author.

“Dear Lindsay,

My mom and I read The Elixir two times, and now I’m reading it by myself.
I loved the book. I give it five stars. I liked the part where it says she is 370 years old.
Question: after 249 years without her family, wouldn’t she get lonely?
Good luck with your next book.
From Anna, aged 589 years old. :-)”

In a Nutshell: A middle-grade historical fantasy taking partial inspiration from real-life events. The fantasy is intriguing, but the history is quite disturbing. Loved the blend of reality and imagination, but would recommend this only to children who can handle dark tales (with a bittersweet ending.)


Plot Preview:
1655. Grantham, England. Ann Storer has a secret talent that only her late grandmother knew about: she can make special tinctures based on the colours she can see when she touches a person. She uses her skills to dispense tinctures at her family apothecary shop. When a young genius named Isaac Newton moves into their spare room as a boarder, the two end up creating a special elixir with seemingly unparalleled healing powers. But with the witch hunt and the plague at the doorstep, Ann needs to be careful about displaying her abilities, even though she doesn’t agree with Newton about the elixir.
The story comes to us in Ann’s first-person perspective.

Bookish Yays:
⚗️ An unusual middle-grade historical fantasy in terms of content as well as emotional intensity.
⚗️ Ann as the lead – brave, clever, courageous. Loved her personality and her narration!
⚗️ The focus on how traditional apothecaries worked. Might make kids look at medicines and medical practitioners with respect. (And hopefully, also create a curiosity about legitimate non-allopathic healing techniques that are still practised in several cultures.)
⚗️ Ann’s synaesthesia, though this word isn't explicitly mentioned in the book. Her ability to see colours was actually integrated consistently into the plot instead of just being a superfluous plot device.
⚗️ The Isaac Newton connection. The author’s note at the start reveals the factual basis for Newton’s days as a boarder in Grantham. The book also includes some of his actual scientific experiments and studies.
⚗️ The fantastical content, from the colours to the magical elixir and its effects. Turns a typical historical story into a memorable one.
⚗️ The fast-paced storytelling that covers quite a lot within just 120 pages.
⚗️ The historical feel, with a highlight on the superstitions of the era and the blatant gender discrimination. (My favourite part was how Newton never had to worry about being taken for a witch despite his working with similar potions.) This is probably among the few MG novels to include two troubling historical events: the plague and the witch hunts. A good learning opportunity here.
⚗️ The vocabulary – mostly simple enough, but also doesn’t shy away from some beautiful long-forgotten words such as tinctures and apothecary.
⚗️ The Barrington Stoke factor, with the special dyslexia-friendly font, Hi-Lo approach (lowering the reading age while keeping the content tween-friendly), and the high-interest plot. Always a win!

Bookish Mixed Bags:
🧪 A few disturbing scenes, which is to be expected given the main events in the plot: the plague, witch hunts, and also some personal challenges in Ann’s family. Some scenes might be a bit too traumatising for sensitive readers. The fantastical parts help alleviate the traumatic scenes to some extent.
🧪 The ending. I didn’t see it coming. It was realistic but also bittersweet. I don’t know if I really liked it, but I also don’t know how else the story could have ended. 🤔
⚗️ The B&W illustrations. In almost all cases, they supplement the story well. But I wish one particularly disturbing scene hadn’t been chosen for illustration.

All in all, this is a one-of-a-kind book for this age group. I am not sure if it would be a good option to sensitive little ones as some scenes are quite troubling, but it does offer a true glimpse of what actually happened in those days. Perhaps it would be better read in classroom settings to offset the shock with group discussion.
This is my first book by this author, and given her historical forte, I’d love to give more of her works a try.
Definitely recommended to middle-graders, as long as they are okay with reading somewhat upsetting scenes in historical stories.
4 stars.
My thanks to Barrington Stoke for providing the DRC of “The Elixir” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I adore the books Barrington Stoke publish. I love how the best of the best of authors get on board and work to create wonderful compact reads for all children.

Yes these are dyslexia friendly, thank goodness they are, but they are absolutely wonderful for all. The short length and easier reading style allows children to get a fast hit from finishing a book.

The Elixir is a great work of historical fiction with an element of magical realism. I like the idea that lots of children could be introduced to the horror of historical witch hunts through this book as we meet Ann and her family help their community as they run the apothecary.

Isaac Newton is a 12 year old lodger at the apothecary and we get a glimpse of what is to come for him. An intruiging rabit hole for future readers. Plus the cover is absolutely stunning.

This is my first read by Lindsay Galvin and Ill definitely be picking others up. My daughter has one on her shelf, I'm now eyeing up. Plus this is yet another Barrington Stoke book I can encourage the children I work with to pick up.

Lindsay's first book for Barrington Stoke, who have simply amazing authors signed up. I've read all her MG novels so was very much looking forward to this!

Ann Storer's family run an apothecary shop. As part of the shop Ann collects and makes other tinctures which she was taught by her Grandmother Willmot. Grandmother unfortunately died in prison, after being accused of witchcraft, her trial date wasn't reached so the family was able to continue in the Apothecary. Ann inherited her grandmother's ability to see a person's colours, she could help when the colours were not right by balancing them.
When a young stranger called Isaac Newton came to board with them, he was interested in the shop and it's medicines. Anne and he began working together on a special elixir.
But it's 17th century England and the Witchfinder is still very much a piece of life. When those she loves are ill, will Anne risk everything to help?

Really enjoyed this as I expected to. The thought that Ann could be a witch is there throughout after we are told about Grandmother and teh skill that she and Ann share.
Including Isaac Newton in the story because he boarded above an apothecary shop whilst at Grammar School is a good idea, he is a renowned mathematician, physicist, astronomer and alchemist, and would be an ideal candidate to help Ann.
Looking forward to taking this to school, already told my Y6 readers group about the book.

Really interesting story which had me gripped by the sense of jeopardy and of needing to know the outcome. The characters were superb but my favourite was definitely Ann who was determined to do the right thing in spite of the cost. The illustrations were delightful and added to the charm of this unusual story. Highly recommended to UKS2.

this was a good quick read for me. for children I think it will be a great transitional read from the easier books they might have been used to when they were younger, to something just a little more complex. nothing about it is too difficult to understand, the language is relatively simple, but it still provides an interesting story. I think this is a perfect bridging book for reading skill levels and I recommend it!

I read The Elixir as an eARC and, as always with a Barrington Stoke title, I knew I was in for something special. Their books are clear, simple, and incredibly accessible—perfect for all kinds of readers, especially those who might find reading a bit tricky. The gorgeous front cover was the first thing that drew me in, and thankfully, the magic continued all the way through.

The story follows Ann, a girl with a secret gift, who must protect both her family and their apothecary when a witch finder comes to town. With the deadly plague looming and secrets piling up, including a life-changing discovery made with none other than their new boarder—Sir Isaac Newton—Ann is faced with impossible choices. Will she be able to keep everything she holds dear safe?

One of my favourite things about this book was the magical vocabulary. Words such as “tinctures” and “witch finders” really bring the world to life and transport you back to the days of apothecaries and old superstitions. It’s packed with interesting, unusual language that will spark curiosity and imagination.

I also absolutely loved the illustrations throughout the book - they’re super enchanting and fit perfectly with the simple yet gripping storyline, adding something a little extra to the reading experience.

The plot itself is super intriguing, mixing real historical elements like England’s witch-hunting past with the scientific genius of Isaac Newton. It’s a clever combination that makes the story feel exciting and different.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who love science or magic (or both!) and any reader who is keen to expand their vocabulary and try something a little different!

The Elixir is an absolutely compelling historical fantasy novella that completely captured me, holding me utterly entranced from start to finish.
Ann Storer lives in an apothecary shop with her parents, older brother and sister, Edward and Katherine. Whilst the rest of her family follow recipes to make tinctures, Ann’s creations follow no such structure, yet have a more powerful healing effect on those she makes them for. Ann believes that her medicines are more successful for two reasons, both of which she keeps secret from her family: her ability to see a person’s colours to understand what she needs to give them to heal, and the secret spiral mark she scratches into the bottom of the tincture bottle. Someone did know her first secret and taught her the second: her Grandmother, a herbalist and healer, who was accused of witchcraft but who died in the local jail before officially convicted.
Whilst her parents have been called out of town on apothecary business, they leave their children to welcome their new boarder: Isaac Newton. He has an interest in apothecary and carries out his own experiments in his attic bedroom whilst attending the local grammar school to study. Having Newton boarding in their home does not deter Ann from making her tinctures and collecting herbs under the moonlight so that she can continue to heal those in need.
But, when witchfinder, Abel Geach, arrives in town, Ann knows exactly where he will look first. Can she keep him from discovering her secrets, secrets that would certainly see her accused of the devil’s work – just like her Grandmother?
When Ann is in danger of having one of her special bottles found by Geach, Newton helps her and she finds herself telling him about her synaesthesia which leads to them creating the Elixir of Life, a potion with the power to heal all ailments and even prevent death. Newton warns her that they should keep their discovery hidden, and untested, until the witchfinder leaves.
But then the plague strikes and danger comes for her family ... what is Ann prepared to risk to save the lives of the people of her town?
This is a truly gripping story where the tension is palpable as danger builds and impossible choices are made. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns with an ending that took me completely by surprise. A masterful blending of history, science and fantasy that left me utterly captivated – and astounded!
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the time period and the emotion of the story perfectly.
An enthralling page-turner that captures the indomitable spirit of a young girl who uses her innate abilities to help others and stand against hatred and prejudice.

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!