Julia Brandon is the author of the novel The Passengers, published in summer 2021. The book was published by the French publisher Le Lys Bleu. This novel is not the first attempt by the artist, who has already tackled the exercise of writing, through short stories. This tragic story mixes magic and elements intrinsically linked to children's literature. However, we must not trust the apparent enchantment that reigns over this text, which sometimes takes dramatic turns.
A risky time travel
In the course of this discovery, the reader faces some very dark reversals of situation. These elements even give character to this intriguing work. After the untimely death of his little girl, the "hero" of the story – Gustave, a teacher, longs to resurrect the child named Nejma. To achieve this, he will consume magical confectionery, with strange properties. They have the power to go back in time. A journey back in time that is not without risk… Unfortunately, his attempts were not successful. His obsession devours him, he constantly seeks to understand the origin of this sudden death. In reality, these vain hopes only accentuate the sadness of this protagonist, who arouses a strong empathy in the reader.
An original fantasy novel
The book offers chapters of different sizes, giving it a real originality. After laying the foundations of her story, the author introduces two characters: Cameo and Felix, twins. In this nature untouched by heavy industry that refers to Swiss or Bavarian landscapes, the children go to the school in the Pallia Valley, where Gustave teaches. One of the two little ones seems irremediably attracted to magic, sensitive to this invisible force. The other, more down-to-earth, laughs at him.
The passengers, a work where magic operates
One day, Felix, brave and daring, ventures into the forest. He, too, enjoys a bewitched piece of barley sugar. The setback makes him relive a childhood trauma, plunging him into inconsolable grief. At the same time, the text changes its point of view – narrating the experiences of Gustave, who travels in the past, twenty-six years ago. Felix and Gustave are therefore the two heroes, very different from each other, of this unpredictable adventure. Yet something unites them: a gift for magic. Indeed, Felix is a telepath and is able to walk on water. These are supernatural phenomena, also mastered by his teacher, Gustave… Little by little, the author presents the beginnings of a prophecy around a cursed child. The morose teacher and the boy develop a unique friendship, as they are linked by this difference. Moreover, his parents are not very understanding, or even downright hostile to the idea that little Felix can develop this strange, unexplained force. A reaction that undoubtedly hides family secrets, which will be treated later…
Sets from an overflowing imagination
The reader travels in magical settings with enchanting descriptions. For example, Sylvester's mansion in the woods is a central place. It was here that Felix discovered important figures such as Hector, Pegasus, Augustus and Virgil. Mages each have unique skills. Obviously, it is strictly forbidden to reveal one's identity or powers to those who do not have any. An unspoken rule, which is frequently found in stories of the genre.
When past and future intertwine with the present
In addition, the book is full of time travel. These numerous flashbacks help to cultivate the mystery. With each jump into the past, the character of Gustave seems to discover an element. Poor Felix faces an unprecedented tragedy, which completely upsets his inner circle…
A story full of surprises
The author seeks to sow different reversals of situation, which establish new levels of interpretation and a possible prediction for the future of events. Yet the reader is constantly surprised by the revelations around Felix's origins, for example. The taboos in the family are revealed, exposing the betrayals and manipulations of each … But what would a fantasy book be without a villain? Calliste seems to be the perfect character: cruel, seeking revenge. Will he succeed in realizing his dark projects? Between black magic and curse, Felix's fate seems in peril.
A thrilling plot
The novel divided into two parts reverses the trend. All the predictions of the reader are undermined, creating a feeling of surprise and sadness. Beyond the strictly entertaining character, The Passengers offer a very human vision of loss. The disappearance of a loved one is a trauma, a real slap. Is it really about justice? Is it rational to desire the return of a loved one, when one does not master the laws of time? This voluminous book deals with dramatic subjects and fascinating phenomena. With a colossal list of elements to take into account and a plot that spreads over a long period, the reader will have to hang on to complete this adventure, an addictive story, which could easily be transposed into a series, on television. The website of the author, Julia Brandon: https://julia-brandon.fr/
