Title: The Pegasus Passion: The Soul Keepers
Author: Victoria James
ISBN: 979-8-88640-853-9
Publisher: The Ewings Publishing
Pages: 370
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure / Fiction
Reviewed by: Manik Chaturmutha
Hollywood Book Reviews
Victoria James’ The Pegasus Passion: The Soul Keepers is an exceptional piece of fantasy fiction that weaves a tale of romance, self-discovery, and mystical prophecy. Set in the 17th century, the book alternates between the events on a ship called the “Pegasus” and the love life of Sybil and Terrence in the 1640s. This narrative revolves around Jillian, who dreams of adventure amidst her mundane and stale life. As she ventures into her journey of self-exploration, Jillian’s path intersects with Gavin, the handsome first mate. Jillian, Captain Terrence, and Gavin play as the central characters in this fantastical novel.
Jillian, the female protagonist, is portrayed as a symbol of empowerment throughout the progression of this novel. James has written this character as a strong-willed woman who breaks free from conventional societal norms and carves a path for herself, unleashing her true self. Jillian falls in love with Gavin, and their marriage faces obstacles due to her adoptive father, William. Throughout their love story, readers witness a chilling truth about Jillian’s identity that leads her on a journey of self-discovery, allowing her to grow as a woman and a wife. This growth makes her a well-rounded character, aligning with the themes of identity and resilience.
Sybil Chandler, another female protagonist of this book, is portrayed as the mother of Jillian and the love of Captain Terrence. Readers come across three versions of Sybil throughout this book. Readers come across three versions of Sybil throughout this book. The first version of Sybil is characterized as a young, fearless woman who meets Terrence, the love of her life. The second version of Sybil is seen when she becomes a victim of her husband’s beatings and loses her true self. The third version of Sybil is when she decides to break free from patriarchal oppression and take a stand for herself and her family. Throughout the book, Sybil’s transformation serves as a testament to the struggles a woman faces to survive in a patriarchal society. The author uses a non-linear narrative style, building suspense and intrigue by interspersing past events of Terrence and Sybil’s love life in the late 1640s with the present events of the 1660s.
Captain Terrence McCarthy plays a major in this novel. He is portrayed as a stoic, seasoned, and resilient soldier with strong command over the Pegasus and with solid leadership skills. Under Captain Terrence’s mentorship, Jillian identifies her inner true self, becoming a crucial proponent
in her journey of self-discovery.
Gavin, Jillian’s male interest and Captain Terrence’s son, also plays a prominent role in the novel’s development. Jillian and Gavin’s love becomes the center of this narrative when they consummate their desire and love for each other. When they do so unknowingly, they fulfill a family prophecy that holds a family of women captive. These women are called the “keepers of the soul.” At this juncture, Jillian and Gavin’s love becomes the book’s focal point, which alters the characters’ lives and adds a mystical, supernatural touch to the narrative. This aspect of fulfilling the family prophecy propels this narrative into a new dimension. It keeps the readers at the edge of their seats, gradually revealing the ramifications of their consummated love and the fulfilled prophecy.
Told from the third-person point of view, Victoria James has employed an expressive and dynamic writing style. Her evocative language depicts a vivid cluster of visual and sensory imagery. An apt example of this aspect would be the remarkable way James describes the sea. This can be seen when she successfully attempts to evoke the feel of a breezy wind against the readers’ faces through her clear description or written language. Her nuanced eye for detail can be seen through the appropriate representation of the intricacies of the 17th century in her book. She has described the setting of this book so well that, at times, it can make the readers question the reality of the “Pegasus” world.