[Critique Livre] Perdido Agency – The last finders

Prolific author of several literary series intended for youth and adolescents (Phobos, A vampire), as well as numerous independent novels (I think, Extinct), Victor Dixen returns this fall with a brand new saga, Lost Agencepublished by Bayard Jeunesse.

First volume of a new saga

Young Lucy’s life is turned upside down when her mother mysteriously disappears. Forced to go and live with her cantankerous aunt Doris, she meets the enigmatic Rita Perdido, who offers her the opportunity to join her “finding” agency. Lucy then discovers that she is part of an endangered caste, capable of penetrating the oubliettes, a magical parallel dimension where objects, memories, and sometimes people are lost. Convinced that her mother has been kidnapped by a bogeyman, Lucy sets out to look for her…

With this first volume entitled The Last FindersVictor Dixen immerses us in an imaginary universe, populated by dangers and adventures, but also very touching human stories. If it serves as an introduction to a new saga, this novel is clearly not short on adventures and revelations, and never leaves its reader hungry, giving him, in addition, the tempting prospect of a sequel.

Mystery and magic

Lost Agence builds a dense, fantastic world, with its own rules and clearly stating them. An appendix is ​​also present at the end of the book, with the glossary of finding, or the enemies classified by degree of dangerousness. The author thus creates a solid mythology, full of magical objects, bogeymen and frightening creatures. A mystery hovers in the background regarding the disappearance of Lucy’s mother, whose origin of powers is also enigmatic, adding a good dose of suspense to this magical world.

The writing is fluid and addictive, with numerous dialogues which make reading easier, but also beautiful descriptions, very immersive, which allow you to clearly visualize the constructed universe. The chapters are rather short, and introduced by nicely illustrated titles which announce the issue of the pages to come. Built on a well-crafted crescendo, the novel finally includes some very exciting action scenes, with a particularly frantic pace.

A perfect read for Halloween

With its magnificent cover – especially in the bound collector’s edition – and its very careful layout, giving pride of place to the illustrations of Noëmie Chevalier, Agence Lost is a perfect read for teenagers aged 11 and up, especially in the run-up to Halloween. The atmosphere is dark and mysterious, combined with quickly identified and endearing characters. Victor Dixen anchors his story in the autumn season, and perfectly describes this sometimes rigorous, sometimes comforting period, with great reinforcement of capricious weather and pumpkin spice latte.

The author finally gives the reader a good dose of thrills, with some particularly impressive scenes, not recommended for the youngest. The atmosphere of the dungeons, populated by skeletons and monsters, can sometimes be anxiety-provoking and dramatic, with lugubrious imagery. Despite everything, hope is very present, as well as an interesting questioning of the quest for power and devastating rivalries.

Lost Agence is therefore a very good first volume of the saga, driven briskly and creating a dense and fantastic universe, bordering on the horrific. Addictive, well constructed, and full of twists and turns and mystery, it will delight readers aged 11 and over.