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Passe-Partout
PASSE-PARTOUT is a story of two lives--two narratives centuries apart, both tasked with unraveling the mystery of a hidden magic known as “Writing” and the corruption its practice brings to all who live. Paul Fischer is driven to decipher the corruption of a strange abandoned address in the heart of a metropolis, and the possible cause of his father’s death. Cyprus, a second man separated by untold generations in the past, arrives at the cabin of his mentor Amos, only to find two graves: that of Amos; and one of an unknown woman. Seeking to understand their fate, Cyprus discovers and uses “Writing” to unlock the door between realities. Taking place in realities not our own, the two men discover the horrors binding their fates together with creatures from a multitude of Hells conjured to silence them.
360 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2019
34 people want to read
About the author
Stephen M. Sanders
1 book7 followersStephen M. Sanders is an associate professor of English at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. He received his BA in English from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX, and his MA in English from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. He has had poems included in diverse publications including "Pacifica Literary Review," "Penumbra Literary & Art Magazine," and the Austin International Poetry Festival “di-vêrsé-city” anthology. His first novel, Passe-Partout was published in 2019 (Monument Place Books).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 1, 2019
Passe-Partout is a dark fantasy written about two men with two storylines. Paul Fischer works at a store where his boss gets poisoned and dies. Everyone thinks that he has committed suicide.
Amos, on the other hand, is a character from the past before Paul was even born. He is a metal shaper. The story swaps between the two narratives to a point where their timelines meet when a woman names Isla appears in Amos’s life and in Paul’s dream.
The storyline interludes to a point where it really becomes apparent that attention is needed not to get confused over the overlaps of the storyline.
The literature is written with fantasy description and details. I particularly enjoyed the intensity and double narrative of the story. I believe the nature of the work was well thought through and everything came together in a well-formatted matter.
Paul’s character was the most thought-provoking and stimulating of them all. His personality was great for the storyline and I had no trouble bonding with the character.
I recommend this book to people who like fantasy and dark genres.
Amos, on the other hand, is a character from the past before Paul was even born. He is a metal shaper. The story swaps between the two narratives to a point where their timelines meet when a woman names Isla appears in Amos’s life and in Paul’s dream.
The storyline interludes to a point where it really becomes apparent that attention is needed not to get confused over the overlaps of the storyline.
The literature is written with fantasy description and details. I particularly enjoyed the intensity and double narrative of the story. I believe the nature of the work was well thought through and everything came together in a well-formatted matter.
Paul’s character was the most thought-provoking and stimulating of them all. His personality was great for the storyline and I had no trouble bonding with the character.
I recommend this book to people who like fantasy and dark genres.
April 26, 2019
The end of the college semester is not a good time for me to start a novel, but once I started Passe-Partout, I had to finish. The journeys of Paul, Jamey, and Cype (my favorite), that surly Machine, the mysterious Isla, beleaguered Amos, and poor Albert slowly but inevitably sucked me in. Paul and Cype are two flawed but decent men, ordinary, relatable, the “good guys.” The reader can’t help but cheer their tentative but always noble efforts to make their worlds better.
Sanders is a talented writer: his dense, evocative language creates not just two worlds but ranges far beyond to tackle metaphysical questions of faith and existence. Writing and the creative, sometimes destructive, power it wields is a central theme of this novel. Passe-Partout examines the process, pain, and products of authorship, both good and evil. The novel’s structure is complex and ambitious—two parallel “books” developed simultaneously and interrupted occasionally by an “interlude” or “reverie.” The plot twists are numerous and the author’s spiritual and philosophical interludes are curious, but it works. I enjoyed the striking contrast between the two books’ modern and primitive settings and characters. They highlight those ideals that make us human and transcend time, what ultimately matters: identity, purpose, work, sacrifice, forgiveness, grace, and most of all, love.
Sanders is a talented writer: his dense, evocative language creates not just two worlds but ranges far beyond to tackle metaphysical questions of faith and existence. Writing and the creative, sometimes destructive, power it wields is a central theme of this novel. Passe-Partout examines the process, pain, and products of authorship, both good and evil. The novel’s structure is complex and ambitious—two parallel “books” developed simultaneously and interrupted occasionally by an “interlude” or “reverie.” The plot twists are numerous and the author’s spiritual and philosophical interludes are curious, but it works. I enjoyed the striking contrast between the two books’ modern and primitive settings and characters. They highlight those ideals that make us human and transcend time, what ultimately matters: identity, purpose, work, sacrifice, forgiveness, grace, and most of all, love.
October 4, 2019
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Stephen M. Sanders' Passe-Partout is an intriguing debut novel. It combines element of fantasy, urban fantasy and literary fiction in an effective way and captivates the reader with its gradually unfolding story. It's a tale about creation, destruction, life, death, love, fate and faith with a touch of horror and weirdness to it.
I was positively surprised by this novel, because Stephen M. Sanders has come up with a story that is dark, ambitious and unpredictable. The author takes risks with his story and it pays off for him, because the story is something different and original.
I think it's possible that Passe-Partout won't appeal to everybody, because it's more demanding (and more intricate) than other new fantasy novels, but it will appeal to those who enjoy original stories. This novel is not your typical fantasy fiction, but something altogether different, which I consider to be a good thing, because I love novels and stories that differ from the norm.
Describing the story with a few words is a bit difficult due to its complex nature, but basically Passe-Partout is a novel about two lives - two narratives - centuries apart, because it tells of Paul Fischer and Cyprus who live at different times. Paul lives in the modern day world and Cyprus lives at an undefined time in the past when the world was different.
The story begins with Paul Fischer. Paul is a man who lives with father. His life takes a turn for the worse when he finds out that his employer has tried to kill himself. He also witnesses how his father kills himself without any kind of reason. He is left wondering why his father killed himself, because it doesn't make sense to him. A woman called Jamey begins to help Paul and looks after him... The author also tells about Amos who lives in the past many years before Paul. Amos has a forge, the great Machine, which allows him to live by trading its creations for food and wood. A bit later, Cyprus is introduced to the reader. He is a man who arrives at the cabin of his mentor, Amos, and finds two graves there. Amos lies in one of the graves and an unknown woman lies in the other grave...
The unfolding story is dark and detailed and has a strong sense of mystery to it, because Paul and Cyprus discover something terrifying that binds their fates together. The author doesn't reveal everything at once, but gradually tells of what is going on and how everything is connected to each other. Although everything may seem a bit strange at first and things don't seem to make much sense, the author rewards the careful and patient reader with fascinating and unsettling revelations.
The interludes are fascinatingly philosophical, spiritual and thought-provoking. They disrupt the story for a while, but they work well and add an interesting flavour to the novel.
One of the most compelling things about the story is that the author writes about two different worlds. There are clear differences between the modern day world and the ancient world, because the ancient world feels primitive and a bit raw while the modern day world is much more familar to us. What happens in both worlds is handled in a gripping way, because the events emphasise the story's values and reflect its themes.
I was pleasantly surprised by the author's writing style. The two narratives intertwine in a mesmerising and mysterious way and the events are intriguingly shadowed by darkness and evil. There are a few moments in the story where a more precise and strict form of writing would've been beneficial to the storytelling and the overall flow of the story, but it's easy to overlook these minor things.
It's nice that the author writes effortlessly about human emotions and feelings, because it adds depth and thought-provoking moments to the story. I was fascinated by how Amos, Cyprus, Paul and Jamey felt about other people and how their lives were connected. The author explores their lives and feelings in an interesting way.
One of the most intriguing things about this novel is that the author writes about the "Writing", which is a mysterious form of magic that allows its user to unlock the door between realities. This magic is not safe, because its practice brings corruption to all who live. The author manages to keep this magic sufficiently mysterious, which adds to the atmosphere and lures the reader deeper into the story.
The author has infused the story with bleak and subtly terrifying elements. I found these horror elements fascinating and unsettling, because they are difficult to forget. For example, the scene in which Paul's father kills himself is bleak and harrowing and will stay with the reader.
This novel has a few LGBT elements, which are handled surprisingly well by the author. They're not the main focus of the story, but they are an important part of it. It was nice to see LGBT characters, because not many authors include them in their stories.
I give this novel four out of five stars, because it's captivatingly different, but has a few rough spots in which the story could've flown a bit better and without hindrance. Despite these rough spots, the story is immersive and I found myself enjoying it.
Stephen M. Sanders' Passe-Partout is a debut speculative fiction novel that will captivate and surprise the reader with its dual narrative and harrowing atmosphere. If you want to read something different and extraordinary, you should consider taking a look at this novel, because it's not your normal kind of fantasy fiction. It's not an easy or light read, but it is rewarding and captivating.
Stephen M. Sanders' Passe-Partout is an intriguing debut novel. It combines element of fantasy, urban fantasy and literary fiction in an effective way and captivates the reader with its gradually unfolding story. It's a tale about creation, destruction, life, death, love, fate and faith with a touch of horror and weirdness to it.
I was positively surprised by this novel, because Stephen M. Sanders has come up with a story that is dark, ambitious and unpredictable. The author takes risks with his story and it pays off for him, because the story is something different and original.
I think it's possible that Passe-Partout won't appeal to everybody, because it's more demanding (and more intricate) than other new fantasy novels, but it will appeal to those who enjoy original stories. This novel is not your typical fantasy fiction, but something altogether different, which I consider to be a good thing, because I love novels and stories that differ from the norm.
Describing the story with a few words is a bit difficult due to its complex nature, but basically Passe-Partout is a novel about two lives - two narratives - centuries apart, because it tells of Paul Fischer and Cyprus who live at different times. Paul lives in the modern day world and Cyprus lives at an undefined time in the past when the world was different.
The story begins with Paul Fischer. Paul is a man who lives with father. His life takes a turn for the worse when he finds out that his employer has tried to kill himself. He also witnesses how his father kills himself without any kind of reason. He is left wondering why his father killed himself, because it doesn't make sense to him. A woman called Jamey begins to help Paul and looks after him... The author also tells about Amos who lives in the past many years before Paul. Amos has a forge, the great Machine, which allows him to live by trading its creations for food and wood. A bit later, Cyprus is introduced to the reader. He is a man who arrives at the cabin of his mentor, Amos, and finds two graves there. Amos lies in one of the graves and an unknown woman lies in the other grave...
The unfolding story is dark and detailed and has a strong sense of mystery to it, because Paul and Cyprus discover something terrifying that binds their fates together. The author doesn't reveal everything at once, but gradually tells of what is going on and how everything is connected to each other. Although everything may seem a bit strange at first and things don't seem to make much sense, the author rewards the careful and patient reader with fascinating and unsettling revelations.
The interludes are fascinatingly philosophical, spiritual and thought-provoking. They disrupt the story for a while, but they work well and add an interesting flavour to the novel.
One of the most compelling things about the story is that the author writes about two different worlds. There are clear differences between the modern day world and the ancient world, because the ancient world feels primitive and a bit raw while the modern day world is much more familar to us. What happens in both worlds is handled in a gripping way, because the events emphasise the story's values and reflect its themes.
I was pleasantly surprised by the author's writing style. The two narratives intertwine in a mesmerising and mysterious way and the events are intriguingly shadowed by darkness and evil. There are a few moments in the story where a more precise and strict form of writing would've been beneficial to the storytelling and the overall flow of the story, but it's easy to overlook these minor things.
It's nice that the author writes effortlessly about human emotions and feelings, because it adds depth and thought-provoking moments to the story. I was fascinated by how Amos, Cyprus, Paul and Jamey felt about other people and how their lives were connected. The author explores their lives and feelings in an interesting way.
One of the most intriguing things about this novel is that the author writes about the "Writing", which is a mysterious form of magic that allows its user to unlock the door between realities. This magic is not safe, because its practice brings corruption to all who live. The author manages to keep this magic sufficiently mysterious, which adds to the atmosphere and lures the reader deeper into the story.
The author has infused the story with bleak and subtly terrifying elements. I found these horror elements fascinating and unsettling, because they are difficult to forget. For example, the scene in which Paul's father kills himself is bleak and harrowing and will stay with the reader.
This novel has a few LGBT elements, which are handled surprisingly well by the author. They're not the main focus of the story, but they are an important part of it. It was nice to see LGBT characters, because not many authors include them in their stories.
I give this novel four out of five stars, because it's captivatingly different, but has a few rough spots in which the story could've flown a bit better and without hindrance. Despite these rough spots, the story is immersive and I found myself enjoying it.
Stephen M. Sanders' Passe-Partout is a debut speculative fiction novel that will captivate and surprise the reader with its dual narrative and harrowing atmosphere. If you want to read something different and extraordinary, you should consider taking a look at this novel, because it's not your normal kind of fantasy fiction. It's not an easy or light read, but it is rewarding and captivating.
April 23, 2023
This urban fantasy leaned more towards a horror/thriller stylistically. I enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone (traditional fantasy) and engaging with a more conceptual story. I found myself comparing it at times to Dark Matter by Blake Crouch.
The strengths of this story are the characters and the themes. Paul, Cyprus, Amos, and Jamey are each curious, open-minded, loyal, and loving. They’re relatable and I wanted them each to succeed. Isla felt very tragic to me, and I ended up viewing her character more as a cautionary tale. The themes are complex, which I appreciate, even if I don’t know that I grasped them fully or agree with the final impression. I found the exploration of writing, faith, and the pursuit of higher purpose to be ambitious themes to tackle.
Technically, the weak points are in certain vagueness that I wish was more explicit and in some typos (usually missing or errant words) that pulled me out of the story here and there. Thematically, the story felt somewhat cynical in the end. I walked away with a cautionary message, and while I think wariness is warranted, I feel that faith, writing, and the pursuit of higher purpose are worthy goals, and powerful tools in our lives. In this story, those who practice these do so blindly (though there seems to be no alternative) and are made to see their danger and ultimately their futility. The epilogue was less cynical, but still illustrated that someone will have to suffer for another to be spared. The message I received was that whatever may exist outside our physical reality, it cannot be understood or engaged with without dire, irreversible, and eternal consequences, so better not to even try. This is problematic for me personally. It is possible I did not fully comprehend the message, as it is not explicitly stated, this is simply the impression I was left with.
I was ultimately impressed with this subject matter, happy to have read and engaged with the material, and appreciate that it gave me worthwhile ideas to consider. It is absolutely thought-provoking and immersive. I would recommend to those who enjoy complex mind-benders, and a crossover between the psychological and philosophical.
The strengths of this story are the characters and the themes. Paul, Cyprus, Amos, and Jamey are each curious, open-minded, loyal, and loving. They’re relatable and I wanted them each to succeed. Isla felt very tragic to me, and I ended up viewing her character more as a cautionary tale. The themes are complex, which I appreciate, even if I don’t know that I grasped them fully or agree with the final impression. I found the exploration of writing, faith, and the pursuit of higher purpose to be ambitious themes to tackle.
Technically, the weak points are in certain vagueness that I wish was more explicit and in some typos (usually missing or errant words) that pulled me out of the story here and there. Thematically, the story felt somewhat cynical in the end. I walked away with a cautionary message, and while I think wariness is warranted, I feel that faith, writing, and the pursuit of higher purpose are worthy goals, and powerful tools in our lives. In this story, those who practice these do so blindly (though there seems to be no alternative) and are made to see their danger and ultimately their futility. The epilogue was less cynical, but still illustrated that someone will have to suffer for another to be spared. The message I received was that whatever may exist outside our physical reality, it cannot be understood or engaged with without dire, irreversible, and eternal consequences, so better not to even try. This is problematic for me personally. It is possible I did not fully comprehend the message, as it is not explicitly stated, this is simply the impression I was left with.
I was ultimately impressed with this subject matter, happy to have read and engaged with the material, and appreciate that it gave me worthwhile ideas to consider. It is absolutely thought-provoking and immersive. I would recommend to those who enjoy complex mind-benders, and a crossover between the psychological and philosophical.
April 20, 2023
Passe-Partout is a unique and engaging novel that delves into the intriguing concept of a hidden magic called "Writing" and the detrimental effects it has on everyone who practices it. The book follows two protagonists, Paul Fischer and Cyprus, who are separated by centuries, as they unravel the mystery of this magic and try to understand their intertwined fates.
The characters were well-developed and had distinct personalities that make them interesting to follow throughout the story. The world-building was well-done, creating a vivid and immersive setting for the story to take place in. Additionally, the overall concept of the story was intriguing and had a lot of potential. I appreciated the exploration of faith and writing as powerful tools, and thought that the author did a good job of incorporating those themes into the narrative.
Some of my criticisms of the book lie in the execution of the plot and pacing. Some parts felt slow and unnecessary, while certain plot points were confusing and needed more explanation. The ending, which was the most interesting part, felt rushed and could have been expanded. Additionally, the dialogue felt stilted at times, making it difficult to fully engage with the characters.
Despite its flaws, Passe-Partout still has some strong points that make it worth trying. It's an intriguing read for those who enjoy exploring complex themes in a dark fantasy setting.
The characters were well-developed and had distinct personalities that make them interesting to follow throughout the story. The world-building was well-done, creating a vivid and immersive setting for the story to take place in. Additionally, the overall concept of the story was intriguing and had a lot of potential. I appreciated the exploration of faith and writing as powerful tools, and thought that the author did a good job of incorporating those themes into the narrative.
Some of my criticisms of the book lie in the execution of the plot and pacing. Some parts felt slow and unnecessary, while certain plot points were confusing and needed more explanation. The ending, which was the most interesting part, felt rushed and could have been expanded. Additionally, the dialogue felt stilted at times, making it difficult to fully engage with the characters.
Despite its flaws, Passe-Partout still has some strong points that make it worth trying. It's an intriguing read for those who enjoy exploring complex themes in a dark fantasy setting.
August 25, 2019
Passe-Partout encaptivated me from start to finish, Sanders' telling of the hells and demons brought forth from writing is a poignant reminder of the power of the pen. The separate but entwined destinies of Paul and Cyprus render this tale timeless as ancient and modern times collide in true evil.
August 21, 2025
Wow. Just… wow. Passe-Partout isn’t just a book, it’s an entire multiverse stuffed into your brain. Stephen M. Sanders managed to blend mystery, magic, and a dash of cosmic terror into something that had me hooked from the first page.
Paul and Cyprus might be centuries apart, but somehow their struggles feel connected in the most mind-bending, goosebump-inducing way. Every chapter pulled me deeper, every twist made me mutter, “Okay, one more page…” (Spoiler: I lied to myself every time ).
If you’re looking for a story that rips open doors between realities and drags you through them, willingly, this is it. And Stephen, if you’re reading this… I’m officially blaming you for my lack of sleep.
Paul and Cyprus might be centuries apart, but somehow their struggles feel connected in the most mind-bending, goosebump-inducing way. Every chapter pulled me deeper, every twist made me mutter, “Okay, one more page…” (Spoiler: I lied to myself every time ).
If you’re looking for a story that rips open doors between realities and drags you through them, willingly, this is it. And Stephen, if you’re reading this… I’m officially blaming you for my lack of sleep.
March 18, 2022
The literature is evocative and intriguing. The overlapping storylines are engrossing and I like that in the book the two narratives are written in juxtaposition adding to the stylistic effect.
December 7, 2019
A really good book! It is a bit more complex than the normal urban fantasy novel, but I enjoyed it immensely.
December 12, 2019
its amazing.
May 8, 2025
Although engrossing, this is a strange and difficult book. Or rather, books. Book One and Book Two unfold in parallel, alternating chapters. After finishing the book, I re-read the first few chapters, which helped me appreciate the structure of the two stories.
Book One's main character is a young man named Paul Fischer, who lives in a large city with a Metro or subway system. Much of the action occurs in an almost deserted, decrepit street called Monument Place. Book Two's protagonist is an old man called Amos, a metal worker who lives in a remote house near a village. Later, Amos is replaced by a younger man named Cyprus who arrives to find Amos dead, along with a young woman. Eventually, Paul's and Cyprus's stories converge.
The book is called a dark urban fantasy, but it is also a work of literary fiction, heavy with symbolism. It may even be an allegory, with references to God or gods, devils, hell, good and evil. And even physics. Three Interludes and a Reverie present these aspects.
An important element is the Writing, a process performed first by Amos and later by Cyprus. It is done in a specific way, with magical and horrific effects. Because of it, the lives of the main characters and some secondary ones are eternally entangled.
This is not an easy read. I almost quit after the first few chapters, which seemed like bad dreams, but kept going after reading a number of favourable reviews. Even so, it was a struggle at times, as when the timeline becomes fluid, characters double or multiply, and I had no idea what was going on. Characters keep ending up in hospitals, or sometimes in prisons. It's hard to tell who is a victim and who a tormentor. Fittingly, the ending is ambiguous and unsettling.
The author's Acknowledgements mention several composers, including John Adams, Richard Danielpour, and Charles Ives, along with a number of notable writers of recent times. Despite the difficulties it presents, this is definitely an original work of the imagination.
Book One's main character is a young man named Paul Fischer, who lives in a large city with a Metro or subway system. Much of the action occurs in an almost deserted, decrepit street called Monument Place. Book Two's protagonist is an old man called Amos, a metal worker who lives in a remote house near a village. Later, Amos is replaced by a younger man named Cyprus who arrives to find Amos dead, along with a young woman. Eventually, Paul's and Cyprus's stories converge.
The book is called a dark urban fantasy, but it is also a work of literary fiction, heavy with symbolism. It may even be an allegory, with references to God or gods, devils, hell, good and evil. And even physics. Three Interludes and a Reverie present these aspects.
An important element is the Writing, a process performed first by Amos and later by Cyprus. It is done in a specific way, with magical and horrific effects. Because of it, the lives of the main characters and some secondary ones are eternally entangled.
This is not an easy read. I almost quit after the first few chapters, which seemed like bad dreams, but kept going after reading a number of favourable reviews. Even so, it was a struggle at times, as when the timeline becomes fluid, characters double or multiply, and I had no idea what was going on. Characters keep ending up in hospitals, or sometimes in prisons. It's hard to tell who is a victim and who a tormentor. Fittingly, the ending is ambiguous and unsettling.
The author's Acknowledgements mention several composers, including John Adams, Richard Danielpour, and Charles Ives, along with a number of notable writers of recent times. Despite the difficulties it presents, this is definitely an original work of the imagination.
August 9, 2023
If you're seeking a unique and innovative read, don't hesitate to grab this book! I absolutely devoured this book and I was amazed to read something so different than any other books I've read. The narrative encapsulates themes of creation, destruction, life and death and so many more! It merges elements of fiction, fantasy and dark fantasy.
"Passe-Partout" delves into the intricacies of authorship, exploring its journey, challenges, and the outcomes it produces, whether positive or negative. The novel's composition is intricate and daring, as it unfolds through two parallel storylines that evolve concurrently, occasionally punctuated by interludes or reveries.
One of the novel's captivating aspects is its exploration of "Writing," a enigmatic form of magic that enables the user to open the threshold between realities. However, this magic comes with inherent dangers, as its usage taints all those who engage with it. The author adeptly maintains an aura of mystery around this magic, intensifying the atmosphere and enticing the reader to delve further into the narrative.
I would suggest this book to anyone who relish intricate mental puzzles and appreciate a fusion of psychological themes and unique plot!
"Passe-Partout" delves into the intricacies of authorship, exploring its journey, challenges, and the outcomes it produces, whether positive or negative. The novel's composition is intricate and daring, as it unfolds through two parallel storylines that evolve concurrently, occasionally punctuated by interludes or reveries.
One of the novel's captivating aspects is its exploration of "Writing," a enigmatic form of magic that enables the user to open the threshold between realities. However, this magic comes with inherent dangers, as its usage taints all those who engage with it. The author adeptly maintains an aura of mystery around this magic, intensifying the atmosphere and enticing the reader to delve further into the narrative.
I would suggest this book to anyone who relish intricate mental puzzles and appreciate a fusion of psychological themes and unique plot!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews