The Potion of Doom (Jekyll vs Hyde)

By Author / Illustrator

Jack Meggitt-Phillips

Genre

Funny Stories

Age range(s)

Publisher

Farshore

ISBN

9780008776947

Format

Paperback

Published

24-09-2026

Synopsis

The ghastly tale of a spoiled child, a crumbling manor and a life-changing potion . . . perfect for fans of the award-winning The Beast and the Bethany series! 'I can't wait to read it again.' - Lemony Snicket.

The only thing you need to know right now is that it all started for Henrik Jekyll when he found out about the Hyde Potion . . . In a whimsical twist on the classic Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by RL Stevenson, spoiled young Henrik Jekyll has been left his ancestor Dr Jekyll's house, laboratory, and - most importantly - secret, life-altering Hyde Potion recipe.

Henrik's curiosity soon leads him down a dark path, unleashing a chaotic alter ego named Eddie. With Eddie's strength and mischief wreaking havoc in the local town, Henrik must confront the consequences of his reckless actions. Can he learn to control his inner Hyde before it's too late, or will he succumb to the chaos? And what darkness lurks in the foundations of Jekyll Manor itself?

Gothic humour, chaos and mayhem; potions and laboratories monsters inside and out . . . Perfect for 8+ fans of Mallory Vale and the Curse of Maggoty Skull, Gloam and Stitch Head.

The start of The Potion of Doom. Download the extract to read the full chapter.

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Reviews

Beverley

Henrik Jekyll is a spoiled brat. His parents are divorced, and Henrik manipulates them into giving him everything he wants. So, he is delighted when he learns that he has inherited Jekyll Manor in the town of Gothville from his ancestor Doctor Henry Jekyll. The townspeople hate the Jekyll family, believing that they brought disaster to Gothville. The manor comes complete with its own laboratory, where Henrik discovers the recipe for Doctor Jekyll’s Potion of Doom. Despite dire warnings from his new friend, Gabby, Henrik recreates the potion, and, on drinking it, releases his monstrous alter-ego, Eddie Hyde. For the first time in his life, Henrik loses control of his life. Eddie takes over his body and is determined to cause as much chaos as possible. Is Henrik in danger of losing himself to Eddie's overbearing personality, or will he learn to be a real friend and finally take responsibility for his actions?

The Potion of Doom (Jekyll vs Hyde) is a witty, well-written page-turner of a novel, full of fun with a touch of Gothic charm. A clever twist on the story of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde, this will appeal to both boys and girls. Spooky but not too scary with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the story races along at a cracking pace!

Henrik is not so likeable at first, but as the story progresses, we see his character change and he starts to become a good friend to Gabby and to appreciate his parents more. Gabby is a great addition to the story, determined to restore the town of Gothville and also to be a friend to Henrik, despite his initial attempts to keep her at arm's length. Jekyll Manor is a character in its own right. Dilapidated and broken, it hides dark secrets in its foundations!

With its short chapters and great illustrations by Holly Swain, this is a highly enjoyable novel, great for sharing with a class or as an introduction to Gothic literature, and will be a perfect addition to any school library. Keen and reluctant readers alike will revel in the adventures of Henrik Jekyll and Eddie Hyde.

The book ends on something of a cliffhanger, and we are given a strong hint that there is a sequel in the offing! Highly recommended.

224 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian.