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Parents' Guide to

The Apothecary, Book 1

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Cold War kids use magic to save world in brilliant novel.

The Apothecary, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 11+

The Best Book Series Ever!!!

This series is even better than Harry Potter-and I am a huge Harry Potter fan. This series is the best because of the feelings it gives me. I seriously felt emotional and for the first time ever, I actually felt like I was with the characters the whole time. I couldn't put it down. You should really read this book. It's the best!
age 12+

A bit too much romance

The story is so wonderful. BUT, the author kept describing how the main character felt (tingles down her spine, etc.) while being next to or in physical contact with the boy she had a crush on, and it just felt unnecessary and a bit over done. I read this book to my son (11yrs) and he kept smacking his head and rolling his eyes and saying, "Not this AGAIN!" every time that bit of tween romance was inserted. The story really didn't need it and it felt awkward and forced in the narrative and definitely could have completely stood on it's own without that part being in there. Her having a crush is fine, but I thought this felt off.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (23 ):

This is a great book -- well written, deft in its handling of themes and issues, and full of characters who are engaging even as we see their flaws. The magic is handled in a matter-of-fact way, as just part of the landscape -- as the gardener says mildly to Benjamin early on, "You must allow for the possibilities" -- and it is all the more effective for taking place with a minimum of fuss. The story moves along at a fast pace; the characters are busy saving the world while dealing with common teen woes. There's a lot going on in this book, enough to reward more than one reading, and it's hard not to hope for a sequel. Luckily, one is in the works.

Book Details

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