You don’t have to tell twelve-year-old Alex Revelstoke he’s different. Classmates shun him and he’s bullied relentlessly. No, Alex doesn’t see dead people. Alex’s gift is the ability to see illness, disease, injuries, and more in other people. It can come in handy sometimes but most of the time it leads t0 disbelief and ridicule. He tries to act normal but soon learns he comes from a long line of Revelstokes who have the same power as him, and he’s being hunted. Alex is the last Revelstoke and an ancient evil is determined to snuff him out. In a fight for survival, will Alex embrace his heritage and defeat the dark entity, or will he crumble under the burden?

The Antidote is a middle-grade fantasy adventure sure to please any reader. Alex is an endearing yet flawed character with an inquisitive mind and realistic thoughts for a boy his age. His inner dialogue and feelings connected me to him right away. Children will relate to him, even when his world shifts to the fantasy realm. The story unfolds in the present day and through a series of historical flashbacks. It took me a little while to connect the flashbacks with Alex’s story but once I did, everything fell into place. I liked the world-building and the sphere through Alex’s eyes. What I didn’t like was the intense bullying Alex goes through. At times, it detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story. The Antidote has several themes interlaced within the story which are teaching moments for kids. Very well done, Susan McCormick. If you’re a fan of classic wrinkle tales, you’ll love The Antidote. A fantasy adventure kids will love. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

The Antidote is the perfect book for those middle-grade students who have an interest in medical science. Since the main character is a kind, compassionate boy who is a bullied loner, there’s a great opportunity for book club discussion. The Antidote does flirt with being preachy in its criticism of how humans are their own worst enemies with diet and lifestyle choices, but since the character (Alex’s mom) voicing this opinion is a doctor, it makes sense. The idea of a family, The Revelstokes, battling evil, ILL, for generations is an intriguing one. I think this would be a welcome addition to our library shelves.