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Les Adelphides
480 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2025
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49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 23, 2025
piqué à ma petite cousine pour sa couv, de la fantasy pour enfants très mimi et anticolonialiste en creux (tw : apologie de la monarchie représentative)
March 17, 2025
Un joli roman sur la famille, l'importance du voyage et des rencontres
November 28, 2025
I read “Les Adelphides” not on my own will but as a part of a selection. Which doesn’t mean I had a bad time reading it, far from that, but just so you know I’m not the aimed public. I would say that I am a little too old, the novel is more for 11-14 adolescents I think, so not all of my critics will be relevant.
-Worldbuilding-
I’m a fan of fantasy so it was a real pleasure to discover this medieval-fantasy universe. We can see the inspirations from fairy tales, especially during the prologue. There are distinct traits of the wondrous genre such as: kings and queens, an antagonist dressed in dark clothes riding a black horse, a birth banquet and an unexpected guest who casts a spell over the royal family. Some medieval details are really specific and settle us into this world: “The flag of the Louve Valley, with its three wavy blue lines on a green background symbolising the nourishing river, cherished by all the inhabitants of these agricultural lands. And, of course, the emblem of the Brimbelle family: three blueberries surrounded by a crown of wheat ears.”
By the way, I’m almost sure that the author took inspiration from the Lord of the Rings, not only for the atmosphere of the book, but also the names of the regions. Terrediel reminds me of Elendil, Aragorn’s father, and globally the elvish names. Plus, Ulan sounds like Rohan and both countries are reputed for their horses!
Another main quality of “Les Adelphides” is its capacity to dive us into the universe through its depictions of landscapes. For example, the Ponges are described as: “A swampy wood as damp as it was labyrinthine, shrouded in mystery. [...] Theoretically, the forest could be accessed by sea, but the coastline was so densely covered with trees and brambles that it was unthinkable to land there by boat. The Outreforêt was a vegetal fortress, and the Ponges were its ramparts”. Thus, we are immersed into the story and experience the adventure as the protagonists could.
However, a few anachronisms broke that immersion: “She moved quickly, jumping from root to root without ever touching the spongy ground. She's playing “the ground is lava”, Saïcha commented”. I understand that they’re supposed to give a mental image of the events or bring a glimpse of fun and jokes… But I think there were better ways to do it without cutting the shroud of the medieval temporality.
-Message-
Besides, this novel carries an important message. I liked how it questioned the occurring system, over all the layers of society: monarchy, exclusive aristocratic communities, colonisation, respect of traditions and using of natural resources. “Les Adelphides” puts a lot of hope in the new generations, which is agreeable compared to a lot of texts complaining about the new generations. The elders are mostly the cause of the problem or just afraid and inactive viewers of the situation while Riméane, Saïcha, Myosotis, Hélix, and Gem are the ones acting. Nonetheless, they are children who still evolve. I appreciated the fact that even when they appear to be tolerant and open minded they still have stereotypes such as Saïcha thinking that, just because he asked, his requests must be satisfied: “Oh, come on, here we go again! lamented Saïcha, kicking a pebble in anger. It's just like with the Herons! Why doesn't anyone trust us? Stop it, Saï! You know that's not the problem, sighed Riméane.” Helix also had a genuine temper sometimes, like when she says “It must be fantastic to grow up in a place like Valgrain!” without realising that the population there has to work way more than in the castle. The protagonists don’t start as heroes of the mind but learn and evolve through the process.
Nevertheless, the diversity of culture might lead to cliches into the narrative: when the adelphous arrive to the Punyens’ region, there are obvious references to Japan. The citizens are cultivating rice fields, they eat rice cakes, there is a sacred volcano and a sea, the trees ginkgo, the inhabitants named Yumjin or Jun, the way people nod their head to greet others. Their mountain is literally called Haru (spring in japanese)! And I like cultural diversity but it is very specific to a real country while “Les Adelphides” is supposed to be fictional and a bit too cliche for me.
During the Heron part, the story flirted with the myth of “great savage” which criticized colonialism back at the Lumières’ area but did it in a paternalist way by telling how native americans were ‘close to nature, disconnected to the civilisation and so innocent’. I’m sure that the author doesn’t have bad intentions but I think some terms are tough. For example, Gem refers to the Nuée as a tribe and Saïcha teaches them how to draw the borders of their lands. Maybe I’m looking a little too far.
-Smartness of the characters and writing-
Firstly, I said it before but the characters have strong personalities. Riméane was my favourite: she is cool blooded, she’s the first to understand the meaning of boundaries, she takes a lot of responsibility but is not pitiful. There is a specific scene that I cherish, it’s when the royal family and the three Brimbelles are taken hostage by Ergo. She makes eye contact with Helix and, even if her hands are tightened in her back, she pulls a knife toward Helix so she can cut her ties. Also, Riméane is muscular but is not turned into a caricature or waist her femininity on the road.
However, if I liked how children were written, the adults seemed a bit too bland. They’re either devilish or incredibly kind and devoted to their children, and when some of them change, it isn’t surprising.
Back to the main subject, a few sentences marked me, so let me share them with you: “The boy fell forward, carried away by his momentum, and sprawled in the dust. What are you doing? he shouted, furious. I'm saving you, she replied, helping him to his feet.” I don’t know if it was on purpose but the use of page layout was very clever when Liam was confirmed to be Saïcha: “Pleased to meet you, Helen, he greeted her courteously, he added:My name is Liam.” (first double page) “After three days, he was finally getting used to this new name he had borrowed from his grandfather. After Lord Crenn's betrayal, Saïcha Brimbelle had decided not to trust people so easily anymore.” (following double page).
In the end, “Les Adelphides” is cute book, full of values and adventure, that will take will
show you that family isn’t just a matter of blood.
PS: I’m fond of the cover :)
PPS: Song recommendation: Soldier, Poet, King by The Oh Hellos
-Worldbuilding-
I’m a fan of fantasy so it was a real pleasure to discover this medieval-fantasy universe. We can see the inspirations from fairy tales, especially during the prologue. There are distinct traits of the wondrous genre such as: kings and queens, an antagonist dressed in dark clothes riding a black horse, a birth banquet and an unexpected guest who casts a spell over the royal family. Some medieval details are really specific and settle us into this world: “The flag of the Louve Valley, with its three wavy blue lines on a green background symbolising the nourishing river, cherished by all the inhabitants of these agricultural lands. And, of course, the emblem of the Brimbelle family: three blueberries surrounded by a crown of wheat ears.”
By the way, I’m almost sure that the author took inspiration from the Lord of the Rings, not only for the atmosphere of the book, but also the names of the regions. Terrediel reminds me of Elendil, Aragorn’s father, and globally the elvish names. Plus, Ulan sounds like Rohan and both countries are reputed for their horses!
Another main quality of “Les Adelphides” is its capacity to dive us into the universe through its depictions of landscapes. For example, the Ponges are described as: “A swampy wood as damp as it was labyrinthine, shrouded in mystery. [...] Theoretically, the forest could be accessed by sea, but the coastline was so densely covered with trees and brambles that it was unthinkable to land there by boat. The Outreforêt was a vegetal fortress, and the Ponges were its ramparts”. Thus, we are immersed into the story and experience the adventure as the protagonists could.
However, a few anachronisms broke that immersion: “She moved quickly, jumping from root to root without ever touching the spongy ground. She's playing “the ground is lava”, Saïcha commented”. I understand that they’re supposed to give a mental image of the events or bring a glimpse of fun and jokes… But I think there were better ways to do it without cutting the shroud of the medieval temporality.
-Message-
Besides, this novel carries an important message. I liked how it questioned the occurring system, over all the layers of society: monarchy, exclusive aristocratic communities, colonisation, respect of traditions and using of natural resources. “Les Adelphides” puts a lot of hope in the new generations, which is agreeable compared to a lot of texts complaining about the new generations. The elders are mostly the cause of the problem or just afraid and inactive viewers of the situation while Riméane, Saïcha, Myosotis, Hélix, and Gem are the ones acting. Nonetheless, they are children who still evolve. I appreciated the fact that even when they appear to be tolerant and open minded they still have stereotypes such as Saïcha thinking that, just because he asked, his requests must be satisfied: “Oh, come on, here we go again! lamented Saïcha, kicking a pebble in anger. It's just like with the Herons! Why doesn't anyone trust us? Stop it, Saï! You know that's not the problem, sighed Riméane.” Helix also had a genuine temper sometimes, like when she says “It must be fantastic to grow up in a place like Valgrain!” without realising that the population there has to work way more than in the castle. The protagonists don’t start as heroes of the mind but learn and evolve through the process.
Nevertheless, the diversity of culture might lead to cliches into the narrative: when the adelphous arrive to the Punyens’ region, there are obvious references to Japan. The citizens are cultivating rice fields, they eat rice cakes, there is a sacred volcano and a sea, the trees ginkgo, the inhabitants named Yumjin or Jun, the way people nod their head to greet others. Their mountain is literally called Haru (spring in japanese)! And I like cultural diversity but it is very specific to a real country while “Les Adelphides” is supposed to be fictional and a bit too cliche for me.
During the Heron part, the story flirted with the myth of “great savage” which criticized colonialism back at the Lumières’ area but did it in a paternalist way by telling how native americans were ‘close to nature, disconnected to the civilisation and so innocent’. I’m sure that the author doesn’t have bad intentions but I think some terms are tough. For example, Gem refers to the Nuée as a tribe and Saïcha teaches them how to draw the borders of their lands. Maybe I’m looking a little too far.
-Smartness of the characters and writing-
Firstly, I said it before but the characters have strong personalities. Riméane was my favourite: she is cool blooded, she’s the first to understand the meaning of boundaries, she takes a lot of responsibility but is not pitiful. There is a specific scene that I cherish, it’s when the royal family and the three Brimbelles are taken hostage by Ergo. She makes eye contact with Helix and, even if her hands are tightened in her back, she pulls a knife toward Helix so she can cut her ties. Also, Riméane is muscular but is not turned into a caricature or waist her femininity on the road.
However, if I liked how children were written, the adults seemed a bit too bland. They’re either devilish or incredibly kind and devoted to their children, and when some of them change, it isn’t surprising.
Back to the main subject, a few sentences marked me, so let me share them with you: “The boy fell forward, carried away by his momentum, and sprawled in the dust. What are you doing? he shouted, furious. I'm saving you, she replied, helping him to his feet.” I don’t know if it was on purpose but the use of page layout was very clever when Liam was confirmed to be Saïcha: “Pleased to meet you, Helen, he greeted her courteously, he added:My name is Liam.” (first double page) “After three days, he was finally getting used to this new name he had borrowed from his grandfather. After Lord Crenn's betrayal, Saïcha Brimbelle had decided not to trust people so easily anymore.” (following double page).
In the end, “Les Adelphides” is cute book, full of values and adventure, that will take will
show you that family isn’t just a matter of blood.
PS: I’m fond of the cover :)
PPS: Song recommendation: Soldier, Poet, King by The Oh Hellos
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
❤️❤️
Les Adelphes Brimbelle sont chargés du service sacré, une quête d'ingrédients rares pour créer un élixir de guérison pour la reine. Enfants des campagnes, on ne paie pas cher de leurs peaux dans cette aventure, surtout quand un complot fait tout pour les faire tomber.
Les Adelphes Brimbelle sont chargés du service sacré, une quête d'ingrédients rares pour créer un élixir de guérison pour la reine. Enfants des campagnes, on ne paie pas cher de leurs peaux dans cette aventure, surtout quand un complot fait tout pour les faire tomber.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
Une couverture attirante, un résumé qui l'est tout autant et me voilà embarquée dans un roman jeunesse très captivant qui a tout du Conte, magie exceptée, avec une intrigue structurée et menée sans faiblir jusqu’au dénouement.
Les Adelphides, rite annuel qui perpétue l’idée de fraternité et d’entraide au sein d’une adelphie de 3 enfants maximum. Idée fondatrice du Royaume mais où le peuple participe rarement, faute de moyens et d’enseignement adéquat ! Cette année les 3 enfants du meunier Brimbelle de Valgrain vont y participer, la cadette ayant l’âge minimum.
Le trio a reçu quête de l’Elixir d’enfantement qui permettra à la Reine d’autres enfants que la Princesse Hélix et qui a échoué plusieurs fois déjà.
Tous les ingrédients de la fantasy existent déjà mais c’est leur intrication qui en fait une lecture de qualité, addictive et intelligente. Les personnages ne sont pas des héros mais des jeunes réalistes et autonomes. Un conte féministe et moderne par les thèmes abordés mais qui démontre avant tout que l’entraide, le respect et l’acceptation peuvent mener loin.
Une excellente lecture qui ne s’adresse pas aux jeunes de manière simpliste ni avec un vocabulaire appauvri, comme on en croise beaucoup trop ! Un plaisir qui n’est pas si répandu non plus dans les romans pour adultes.
#LesAdelphides #NetGalleyFrance
Les Adelphides, rite annuel qui perpétue l’idée de fraternité et d’entraide au sein d’une adelphie de 3 enfants maximum. Idée fondatrice du Royaume mais où le peuple participe rarement, faute de moyens et d’enseignement adéquat ! Cette année les 3 enfants du meunier Brimbelle de Valgrain vont y participer, la cadette ayant l’âge minimum.
Le trio a reçu quête de l’Elixir d’enfantement qui permettra à la Reine d’autres enfants que la Princesse Hélix et qui a échoué plusieurs fois déjà.
Tous les ingrédients de la fantasy existent déjà mais c’est leur intrication qui en fait une lecture de qualité, addictive et intelligente. Les personnages ne sont pas des héros mais des jeunes réalistes et autonomes. Un conte féministe et moderne par les thèmes abordés mais qui démontre avant tout que l’entraide, le respect et l’acceptation peuvent mener loin.
Une excellente lecture qui ne s’adresse pas aux jeunes de manière simpliste ni avec un vocabulaire appauvri, comme on en croise beaucoup trop ! Un plaisir qui n’est pas si répandu non plus dans les romans pour adultes.
#LesAdelphides #NetGalleyFrance
July 6, 2025
Un roman sur la famille et le rapport aux autres très intéressant et divertissant, avec ce qu'il faut d'aventure et de rebondissements. Je me suis beaucoup attachée aux personnages notamment Myosotis (une petite botaniste, c'était obligé).
Malgré tout, j'ai trouvé que l'on on sent un peu trop niveau écriture que c'est destiné à un publique jeunesse, et parfois le hasard fait vraiment bien les choses face aux contre-temps que rencontre les personnages
Malgré tout, j'ai trouvé que l'on on sent un peu trop niveau écriture que c'est destiné à un publique jeunesse, et parfois le hasard fait vraiment bien les choses face aux contre-temps que rencontre les personnages
March 15, 2025
Une aventure riche et émouvante où se croisent les liens familiaux, la découverte de soi et la quête d’identité.
February 19, 2025
« Il y a mille et une façons de faire famille. »
C'est l'un des beaux messages que je retire de ma lecture du roman d'Alice Dozier Les Adelphides, qui sort aujourd'hui chez Actes Sud Jeunesse. C'est un joli livre d'aventure à travers lequel on suit une fratrie, ou plutôt une adelphie, qui part à l'aventure pour chercher les ingrédients extrêmement rares d'une potion qui guérira leur reine.
C'est une histoire rythmée et haute en couleurs, qui explore aussi la notion de famille sous ses différentes formes : les familles nombreuses, les enfants uniques, l'adoption, la relation entre frères et sœurs, la famille de cœur... Un conte riche et émouvant, qui est conseillé à partir de 11 ans, mais qui devrait bien plaire aussi aux plus grands !
Ma note finale : 4.5/5.
C'est l'un des beaux messages que je retire de ma lecture du roman d'Alice Dozier Les Adelphides, qui sort aujourd'hui chez Actes Sud Jeunesse. C'est un joli livre d'aventure à travers lequel on suit une fratrie, ou plutôt une adelphie, qui part à l'aventure pour chercher les ingrédients extrêmement rares d'une potion qui guérira leur reine.
C'est une histoire rythmée et haute en couleurs, qui explore aussi la notion de famille sous ses différentes formes : les familles nombreuses, les enfants uniques, l'adoption, la relation entre frères et sœurs, la famille de cœur... Un conte riche et émouvant, qui est conseillé à partir de 11 ans, mais qui devrait bien plaire aussi aux plus grands !
Ma note finale : 4.5/5.
March 14, 2025
Et c’est sans hésitation que c’est un coup de cœur !
Enfin un roman qui m’a fait voyager ! Son univers est vaste, plein de divers peuples et cultures. C’est un régal à découvrir. Le royaume de Terredil a de nombreuses surprises... Et c’est grâce à la fratrie Brimbelle que l’on en découvre les secrets !
La plume de l’autrice est belle, poétique, remplie de saveurs et de senteurs. J’ai été happée dès le prologue, et j’espérais que cela continue sur cette lancée... De bout en bout, Alice nous emmène dans son univers.
Parlons de cette adelphie. Myosotis, la plus jeune, m’a ravie avec son amour pour les plantes et les animaux, elle a le mot pour faire rire, surtout quand elle se fâche ! Saïcha, le seul garçon de la fratrie, est courageux et téméraire, même s’il est bien content d’être accompagné de ces deux sœurs chéries (mais chut, il ne faut pas leur dire !).
Riméane quant à elle, est la représentation même de l’aînée, car elle aime prendre soin des plus jeunes, au risque de s’oublier... Un peu plus tête brûlée, elle n’hésite pas à braver les dangers, car elle aime les sensations fortes !
J’ai adoré cette aventure à leurs côtés, notamment accompagnée d’Helix et de son cheval.
L’intrigue, mais parlons-en ! J’ai été bien surprise de découvrir les secrets que cache le royaume de Terredil, car je ne m’attendais pas à autant de cachotteries... et surtout pas venant de certains personnages ! Je n’ai pas vu venir certains éléments de l’intrigue...
Ce roman m’a procuré diverses émotions : de la joie, de la fierté, de l’appréhension, de la peur, de la tristesse... Je suis un peu passée par tout ! Mon cœur n’avait de cesse de s’emballer.
Ce livre fut une véritable découverte, il m’a fait rêver d’aventure... Un régal pour les yeux et l’imagination... Un vrai coup de cœur !
Léa pour Les Chroniques de Jouvence
Enfin un roman qui m’a fait voyager ! Son univers est vaste, plein de divers peuples et cultures. C’est un régal à découvrir. Le royaume de Terredil a de nombreuses surprises... Et c’est grâce à la fratrie Brimbelle que l’on en découvre les secrets !
La plume de l’autrice est belle, poétique, remplie de saveurs et de senteurs. J’ai été happée dès le prologue, et j’espérais que cela continue sur cette lancée... De bout en bout, Alice nous emmène dans son univers.
Parlons de cette adelphie. Myosotis, la plus jeune, m’a ravie avec son amour pour les plantes et les animaux, elle a le mot pour faire rire, surtout quand elle se fâche ! Saïcha, le seul garçon de la fratrie, est courageux et téméraire, même s’il est bien content d’être accompagné de ces deux sœurs chéries (mais chut, il ne faut pas leur dire !).
Riméane quant à elle, est la représentation même de l’aînée, car elle aime prendre soin des plus jeunes, au risque de s’oublier... Un peu plus tête brûlée, elle n’hésite pas à braver les dangers, car elle aime les sensations fortes !
J’ai adoré cette aventure à leurs côtés, notamment accompagnée d’Helix et de son cheval.
L’intrigue, mais parlons-en ! J’ai été bien surprise de découvrir les secrets que cache le royaume de Terredil, car je ne m’attendais pas à autant de cachotteries... et surtout pas venant de certains personnages ! Je n’ai pas vu venir certains éléments de l’intrigue...
Ce roman m’a procuré diverses émotions : de la joie, de la fierté, de l’appréhension, de la peur, de la tristesse... Je suis un peu passée par tout ! Mon cœur n’avait de cesse de s’emballer.
Ce livre fut une véritable découverte, il m’a fait rêver d’aventure... Un régal pour les yeux et l’imagination... Un vrai coup de cœur !
Léa pour Les Chroniques de Jouvence
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