The first volume of the fantasy saga by Brazilian author Eli Alves M. was exclusively presented in Italy at Cava de’ Tirreni.
Mystery, imagination, adventure, and secrets. A fantastical world like the Hoia-Baciu Forest, where the boundary between the real and the surreal is intangible, and where, as in any respected fantasy narrative, the eternal struggle between good and evil is in play. After an enthralling plot and numerous twists, it is good that triumphs in the Brazilian author Eli Alves M.’s debut work, *The Secret of Naturverin*, the first volume of the *Beyond the Visible* saga, published by 1886 Publishing and presented in Cava de’ Tirreni in two stages: in the morning at the IIS “Della Corte-Vanvitelli” with about a hundred students from various schools in Cava, and in the afternoon at the Social Tennis Club. The presentation was a success for a text that could become a bestseller. After all, the fantasy genre, which roots itself in myth and draws from various civilizations (classical, Mesopotamian, Aztec, Norse, etc.), was initially defined in the late 19th century with Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland but became a true must with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, considered the father of modern fantasy. Eli Alves M.’s work contains all the elements needed to captivate both young and adult audiences.
As was evident from the presentation at IIS “Della Corte – Vanvitelli,” where students were captivated by the discussion of the literary work. In addition to the author, the meeting, moderated by Giuseppe De Caro, a journalist for TGR, also featured Piera Di Salvio from 1886 Publishing. “Seek true beauty in goodness,” said Eli Alves M., “in values such as friendship, which for me represents true love, true beauty. In the struggle between good and evil, goodness always triumphs. Evil is a fleeting temptation that tries to obstruct good and justice. It must be fought, and the true beauty of humanity must prevail.” This precious message was directed at the students but also resonated with the audience during the afternoon presentation at the Social Tennis Club, where journalist Carolina Milite moderated the speakers. Also participating were fantasy author Eli Alves M., Marco Salerno, Delegate for Culture at the Social Tennis Club, and Piera Di Salvio from 1886 Publishing.
In this case as well, the engaging plot and the passionate presence of the author, a former Brazilian ghostwriter now stepping into the spotlight, captivated the audience.
The Plot
Eli Alves M.’s debut work represents the first volume of a captivating and immersive fantasy saga that begins with a realistic narrative, gradually uncovering the mysteries and wonders hidden within reality. Laura and Marta, two young friends from Marzamemi, Sicily, embark on a journey to Romania with the intention of studying journalism. There, they meet a red-haired young man with deep, mysterious eyes named Tommaso, who harbors secret stories. The same can be said for the colleagues the girls encounter during their university journey. It is the discovery of the Hoia-Baciu Forest that will thrust the protagonists into an invisible world where passions, mysteries, and the surreal intertwine. At the core of the fantasy are themes and values deeply rooted in everyday life: friendship, prejudice, love, passion, selfishness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Readers will be struck by the unpredictability of the story, keeping them on the edge of their seats. The book will be published in Italian, Portuguese, and English.
The author
Eli Alves M. is a Brazilian teacher with a degree in Literature and a specialization in English grammar and linguistics from the University of Sant’Anna in São Paulo. After fifteen years of teaching in Brazil, she decided to move to Europe, where her professional life took a new direction. Here, she embraced new challenges and opportunities, getting closer to the publishing world. After nearly two decades of experience as a ghostwriter, a draft of her manuscript caught the attention of 1886 Publishing through a friend’s recommendation. The publishing company decided it was time for Eli to “step out of the shadows.” Thus, The Secret of Naturverin was born, the first volume of the fantasy saga titled Beyond the Visible.
