Each selected title promises an unforgettable adventure, whether through the touching denunciation of violence against women Far from heart or the fascinating sporting history of 1998, Behind the scenes of the Sang & Or epic.
Get ready to enrich your library and your mind with these eight literary pearls that will mark the beginning of 2024!
“The Passengers” by Julia Brandon
The passengers by Julia Brandon immerses its readers in a fascinating universe where magic and time travel are intertwined. At the center of this adventure, Gustave, a grieving father, uses magical sweets to try to save his daughter, thus tracing the thread of a story full of twists and turns. Félix, a teenager with supernatural powers, becomes a central character, linked to Gustave by a quest.
Julia Brandon reveals a world where magic meets light, exploring the dualities of existence through her complex characters and their personal quests. The narrative, expertly constructed, alternates magical moments and dark moments, offering a moving and sometimes disturbing literary journey. The originality of the work lies in its ability to mix contemporary themes, such as mourning and the search for identity, with a richly imagined fantastic setting.
The reading experience is enriched thanks to an immersive reading guide provided for the first two volumes, which allows access to additional and interactive content. The passengers marks a remarkable entry for Julia Brandon into the fantasy literary landscape, laying the foundations of a promising saga whose final volume is scheduled for spring 2024. Her universe, populated with secrets, magic and temporal adventures, offers a great escape for those who try to get lost in the twists and turns of the imagination.

“Far from heart” published by Beta Editore
Far from heart, published by Beta Editore in collaboration with the Solidarité Femmes association, turns out to be a touching and necessary collection of stories, focused on denouncing violence against women. With 21 different stories, this book offers a mosaic of perspectives and experiences, highlighting the diversity of violence (physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, and even economic) that women face on a daily basis.

This project, initiated by Stéphane Bourles and realized thanks to the commitment of the publisher Camille de Decker, represents a collective effort aimed at raising public awareness and supporting the victims, with part of the profits donated to the Solidarité Femmes association. The authors of these stories, men and women, offer a raw and unfiltered look at realities often silenced or ignored, in a mixture of testimonies and fiction that spans different eras and contexts.
This collection is essential reading not only for its educational nature and awareness of gender violence, but also for the literary quality and diversity of voices it brings together. It is a testament to the power of literature as a tool for social change and solidarity.
Maintaining its line of commitment and following the success of this series, the Beta editore publishing house recently announced the launch of a feminist series entitled Equal sex whose first publication is scheduled for March 8, 2024.
“The Defeat of the Escobars” by Bernard Anton
Defeat of the Escobars by Bernard Anton is presented as a poetic tragicomedy that subtly explores the absurdity and horrors of war, while criticizing the excessive ambitions of the leaders.

Published by Harmattan publisher Les Impliques in October 2023, this three-act comedy offers a simultaneously universal and intimate perspective on the conflicts, without specifically naming its characters to underline their global reach. Bernard Anton uses red and blue to symbolize opposing camps, enriching his story with poetry and musicality. The show stands out for its commitment to peace and justice, dedicating the work to Ukrainian President Zelenskyj, reflecting the author’s commitment to humanitarian causes.
Bernard Anton’s approach, mixing satire and moments of black humor, invites us to reflect on war seen not only as a political phenomenon but also as a profound human tragedy. The work is praised for its ability to convey the absurdity of war through poetic language and scenes that oscillate between the real and the absurd. Defeat of the Escobars it is therefore a significant contribution to contemporary literature, offering an enriching and provocative reading on the often invisible realities of armed conflicts.
“1998, behind the scenes of the epic of blood and gold” by Stéphane Bigeard
1998, Behind the scenes of the Sang & Or epic by Stéphane Bigeard is a fascinating dive into the world of football, focusing on RC Lens’ incredible 1998 season. The author, with his experience in management and communications, tells the story of the Charbons Ardents, taking inspiration from the real RC Lens team, their struggle, their successes and the challenges on the way to the title of French Champion. This story, full of emotions and emotional depth, highlights not only the sporting aspects but also human dynamics, personal development and team management. The book is described as an engaging work that will interest both football fans and those drawn to stories of perseverance and collective success.

This legendary season of RC Lens is recreated with realism and nostalgia, revealing behind the scenes of a club in search of glory. Through characters such as the coach “Menhir” and Axel, the advisor with innovative managerial methods, Stéphane Bigeard explores universal themes such as overcoming oneself, passion and the importance of management in sporting success. More than just a novel about football, it is a tribute to a golden era of French football and an exploration of the mechanisms of success, applicable both in sport and in professional life.
In short, 1998, Behind the scenes of the Sang & Or epic It is recommended as a gift to anyone looking for an inspiring story of triumph, unity and the magic of football.
“The Citadel of Mists” by Eva de Kerlan
The saga The Citadel of Mists by Eva de Kerlan promises to be an epic adventure in the fantasy genre, full of adventure and magic. The first volume, The Keeper of the Mists, immerses the reader in a world where wizards, mermaids and shadow warriors fight against a cruel invader, the Cilvek, who threaten the last bastion of magic, the Citadel of Mists. Merlin and Lady Viviane watch over beings endowed with magical powers, placing all their hopes in two brothers, Shawn and Aidan, entrusted to the care of the old wizard from an early age.

The story explores profound themes, such as the search for oneself, the acceptance of one’s destiny and the complexity of human relationships, through the journeys and trials of the protagonists. Aidan, in particular, must discover his origin and purpose in a world that seems to purposely hide him, while Morgana wrestles with the idea that she is the last of her kind. The author addresses these themes with a depth that goes beyond simple fantasy, inviting reflection on human nature and our own history.
For readers who love stories of adventure and magic, with a modern twist and deep thoughts on universal themes, The Citadel of Mists offers a captivating journey and promises a memorable saga in the fantasy landscape.
“The Other Land” by Marguerite Lalèyê
The Other Earth by Marguerite Lalèyê presents itself as a deeply introspective and therapeutic work, which transcends the boundaries of traditional personal development. Published in October 2023, this book is an invitation to an intimate exploration of the human soul and our connection to nature, often overlooked in our modern society focused on material comfort. The author, artist and therapist, mixes autobiographical elements, offering her readers spaces for reflection to meditate on their own interiority and express their deepest intimacy.

Originally from Benin and resident in Switzerland for 25 years, Marguerite Lalèyê shares her personal journey of self-search and exploration of different spaces of consciousness. After training as a family assistant she turned to therapeutic massage and created her own healing and therapy space in Freiburg. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates art, touch and music to get her patients to focus on their sensations. The Other Earth reflects this approach, encouraging readers to reconnect with their essence and ancestral roots through profound meditations and rituals that celebrate life in all its forms.
The book is notable for its interactive nature, offering celebratory rituals steeped in symbolism to help readers integrate the teachings into their own lives. These rituals require you to clarify your intentions, choose a time of day that resonates with your personal approach, and create sacred space. The work thus becomes a guide for those who are ready to embark on a path of soul elevation, remembering the importance of reconnecting with nature as a source of healing and inspiration.
“Hidden Root” by Caroline Chaverot
Hidden root by Caroline Chaverot is a profound novel that explores the complex themes of family secrets and the search for identity, deftly navigating between past and present. The book delicately addresses the impact of the unsaid on generations and highlights the importance of knowing one’s origins to build oneself, drawing on historical events such as child trafficking under the Franco regime in Spain. The characters, predominantly female, are richly developed, making the story deeply human thanks to their authenticity and their hopes.

The novel is praised for its ability to awaken empathy for adopted people, tackling sensitive topics with realism and sensitivity. Caroline Chaverot courageously explores taboo themes, offering a new perspective on often overlooked realities. Hidden root it is a vibrant tribute to women’s individuality, their ability to overcome social and cultural obstacles and celebrates the importance of bonds of heart over those of blood.
The story transports readers between the cultures of the United States and Spain, enriching the story with a lively and authentic setting. It invites reflection on family, adoption and the search for identity through characters faced with difficult choices, thus offering a mirror for personal introspection.
“Tutti 2” by Julien Testu
All 2 by Julien Testu presents itself as an introspective and bold work, which explores the boundaries of human consciousness through the prism of science and spirituality. Julien Testu takes the reader on a journey of reflection on profound themes, inviting us to question the reality of our existence and the potential of the mind. This work is an invitation to meditation and self-discovery, suggesting that the boundaries between science and spirituality are not as narrow as one might believe.

Source: Madmoizelle

Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.