Fabien Clavel

Two years ago, in 2021, the French publisher Éditions ActuSF started a new collection titled 'Quand est-ce qu'on lit?' (transL: When do we read?), aimed at the younger readers among us (8-12 years of age). Several stories, all with a grand maximum of 200 pages, but mostly around +/- 150, have seen the light of day. The stories are of the fantastic or even SF-kind, interspersed with historical influences. See, if the link works, rel="nofollow" target="_top">here or here.

While I haven't read any such stories in the past... well, a very long time ago, and the blurb caught my interest, I decided to give it a go. Also because Fabien Clavel is known for several of his novels for adults. I didn't know, however, he also wrote stories for younger readers.

Anyway, her we have an exciting tale, as classic as it may be, of a teenager returning from a educational trip to Rome. All children were picked up at school, yet Livia, a girl with a mind of her own somehow (like she runs the show), remained behind, until she had to take public transport to get home. Upon arrival, she saw a fire had ruined her home. However, there was a little man by the name of Lars, a so-called domestic deity (who also takes care of small tasks parents tend to forget), who waited for her to start finding the criminals.

Livia will be involved in quite an adventure, encountering werewolves (Hirpi Sorani) and Roman gods, each with an agenda of their own. Fortunately, though she feels she can't handle it all by herself, there's her friend Hugo to assist her. Hugo is a more reserved kind of person, but very interested in Roman history and... he understands and speaks Latin (and Greek), a crucial talent when having to interact with the Roman gods, like Jupiter. Our trio and mainly Livia, since her parents were kidnapped, will be caught between the hammer and the anvil. Her quest will not be solved until she fulfils another. (The Roman gods want their Torch back, that of the goddess Bellona, which was previously stolen by the werevolves. They, however, kidnapped Livia's parents to lure Livia into their trap, as a source of energy).

After all, Livia is said to be one of the last Vestal Virgins or Vestals (priestesses of the Roman goddess Vesta, see Wikipedia).
However, our trio isn't strong or capable enough to complete the mission, have to appeal to mythological creatures (like Silvanus) for aid. There is a plot-twist, though, as both the gods and the werewolves have played one dirty game. Fortunately, the summoned creatures helped bring everything to a good end.

'La Dernière Vestale' is a linear, yet entertaining and accessible story with mythological elements, trimmed of excess fat to not overwhelm the targeted, young readership, and yet spark their interest to gain more insight into the matter, if desired. However, this little book is also a perfect read for adults in search of a entertaining quick-fix with mythological elements.

In fact, because of the historical/mythological elements, I would even say: more of this, please. For young and/or less young readers.

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.… (plus d'informations)