It's the 1950's and Janie Scott and her family have left their home of Los Angeles and moved to London. Janie soon meets the local apothecary, and his curious son Benjamin Burrows, who she instantly befriends. She was not aware that becoming friends with Benjamin would begin a series of adventures including the disapparence of the apothecary, the search for a kidnapped Chinese chemist, and constantly being on the run from Russian spies all to stop a nuclear war. All the information Janie and Benjamin need is included in a large book, called the Pharmacopoeia, which they must keep safe from everyone around them. Janie never knew that a move to London would result in these adventures and that meeting an apothecary and his son would introduce her to a world filled with magic.
Meloy does a remarkable job pulling together a plot that has multiple facets. She brings in historical fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, and more. From history about WWII and Russian spies, to magic books and spells, Meloy covers it all with humor, grace, and beautiful story telling.
The character development of Benjamin and Janie is sharp, from their relationship together, to the characters within themselves. Janie is a positive role model to watch. She becomes a stronger character as the story unfolds and is forced into scenarios she never thought possible.
Similar Reads:
Wonderstruck & The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Bloody Jack Adventures series by L.A. Meyer
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
