Behind the Scenes of the Nas Chronicles: A Journey Between Worlds
Discover the story behind this fantastic saga that blends sci-fi, martial arts, and self-discovery, now available in bookstores
The Genesis of a Universe Between Saint-Denis and Kampios
There are works that transcend genres and dare to unite seemingly opposite worlds. The Nas Chronicles is one such unique creation, linking our modern reality to fantastical dimensions governed by entirely different laws.
Book 1 of the Nas Chronicles, gathering the first three volumes of this epic saga
Inspired by Joseph Vallée, this literary saga—now increasingly successful—started as an ambitious personal project: to build a bridge between novels about suburban life rooted in French social reality and grand fantastical adventure stories influenced by manga and pop culture. The result is a hybrid work that speaks to an entire generation nurtured by diverse influences.
“I wanted to create a story where a youth from the projects could become the hero of an extraordinary adventure, without ever denying his origins or sugar-coating the social realities that shaped him. Nas’ journey is first an inner voyage before it becomes an exploration of fantastical worlds.”
— Joseph Vallée, author of the Nas Chronicles
The initial three volumes, now compiled into Book 1, plunge us into a surprising initiation quest that begins in the suburbs of Saint-Denis and takes us to the edges of unexplored parallel worlds, where mastering the spiritual energy – Ki – becomes the key to survival and personal growth.
An Unexpected Journey: Trilogy Summary
The story starts in 1995 in the neighborhoods of Saint-Denis, where we meet Nas, a 15-year-old dropout with a sharp mind and a natural talent for underground ventures. Between dubious schemes with his friend Cheb Kasher and tender moments with Julie, his girlfriend from a more privileged background, Nas navigates between two worlds, secretly dreaming of a better life.
The Three Volumes of Book 1
Volume 1: Unexpected Journey
Nas’ life takes a dramatic turn when, pursued by the police after a botched operation, he helplessly witnesses the death of Julie, struck by a stray bullet. In a moment of extreme anguish, the unexpected happens: Nas is transported to a parallel world called Kampios, an universe with crushing gravity, a perpetually orange sky, and three moons lighting the heavens.
Volume 2: Mysterious Kampios
Taken in by Nina, a princess with silver hair, and an elderly wise man named Rakshi, Nas discovers his natural affinity for Ki – the spiritual energy that the inhabitants of Kampios learn to control. As he trains to harness his abilities, he encounters a mysterious transformation – the Fury – that amplifies his power at the cost of his self-control. At the same time, he becomes entangled in the political struggles of this oppressed world ruled by the tyrant Faucron.
Volume 3: Lost
Now inseparably linked, Nas and Nina must flee the forces of Dark, a mysterious antagonist wielding corrupted Ki. Their journey leads them to the discovery of new parallel worlds, including Mysthalia, inhabited by elves and dwarves. There they meet Melchior, an archivist of the Enochians who holds the secrets to the origins of the worlds, and gradually realize their destinies are intertwined with a threat far greater that endangers all dimensions.
This initial trilogy lays the foundation of a rich and complex universe where universal themes such as the search for identity, redemption, love, and power intertwine, all delivered in a dynamic narrative style reminiscent of both manga and contemporary series.
The Protagonists of an Interdimensional Epic
One of the strengths of The Nas Chronicles is its deeply developed characters, whose complex motivations and constant evolution forge an immediate connection with the reader. Here are some of the key protagonists that define this first trilogy:
The main protagonist, Nas is a 15-year-old from the suburbs of Saint-Denis, endowed with a sharp intellect and acute survival instincts. A school dropout yet self-taught, he develops a natural affinity for Ki and a unique transformation called “the Fury,” which amplifies his power at the cost of his awareness.
The rightful princess of Kampios, with naturally blonde hair, Nina possesses exceptional determination and inner strength. As the heir to a mysterious stone that reacts to Ki, she is exiled to escape tyrant Faucron. Her mastery of Ki and strategic acumen make her a valuable ally to Nas.
This enigmatic antagonist, whose true identity is slowly unveiled throughout the story, represents a cosmic threat of unimaginable power. His demonic appearance conceals a formidable tactical mind and motivations that surpass mere power-seeking.
Formerly an antagonist in the dark forces, Lamatsu has chosen the path of redemption. Her tumultuous past and knowledge of forbidden arts make her a complex and sometimes ambiguous ally, adding depth to the shifting alliances.
When the adventure brings Nina back to Earth, her hair turns silver—a distinctive trait on Terra Prima. This version of Nina must adapt to a world with unfamiliar rules, revealing new aspects of her personality while strengthening her bond with Nas.
Five years after his initial journey, Nas has grown into a young man marked by extraordinary experiences that have forged a mature and complex character. His increasing mastery of his powers and the accompanying responsibilities transform the rebellious adolescent into a protector mindful of cosmic balances.
A mountain dwarf known for his natural strength, Thorin is obsessed with numbers and money. Beneath his rough exterior lies a loyal ally whose knowledge of parallel worlds proves invaluable to Nas and his companions.
A faithful friend of Nas from the streets of Saint-Denis, this evocatively nicknamed character adds humor and lightness to the story. His gradual adaptation to Ki and the realities of parallel worlds marks the fascinating journey of personal transformation.
A visionary scientist, Carlos bridges the gap between earthly science and the mysteries of Ki. His research on merging technology with spiritual energy opens fascinating prospects for the future of interconnected worlds, offering an analytical counterpoint to Kampios’ mysticism.
A childhood friend and partner in crime to Nas, Cheb Kasher is a charismatic and resourceful young man adept at navigating street challenges. His keen business sense and natural charm keep him closely connected to Nas’ roots in Saint-Denis.
A member of Nas’ original crew in Saint-Denis, Luch appears laid-back yet hides a sharp intellect. His sleepy expression contrasts with his quick thinking in critical moments, charting his own journey in mastering Ki.
A millennia-old elf from Mysthalia, Lyanna possesses deep knowledge of the various worlds and their interconnections. On Terra Prima, although she loses part of her magical abilities, she retains her keen insight and strategic vision, guiding the group with compassion while pursuing her own goals.
These characters are just a few of the many protagonists populating the rich and diverse universe of The Nas Chronicles. What sets them apart is their continual evolution and psychological complexity, transcending traditional archetypes to deliver multi-layered heroes and antagonists.
A Captivating Multiverse: The Worlds of the Chronicles
One of the major strengths of The Nas Chronicles lies in its detailed worldbuilding. Joseph Vallée has created parallel universes with their own physical laws, social structures, and mythologies. Let’s explore the different worlds that serve as the backdrop to this epic saga.
The Three Main Worlds of the Saga
Terra Prima (our Earth)
The starting point and anchor of the story, Terra Prima is the original world from which all others are said to derive, according to the Chronicles’ mythology. The events of 1995 in Saint-Denis serve as the narrative launching pad for Nas’ multidimensional quest, portraying the raw social realities alongside the ingenuity and resilience of its inhabitants.
Kampios
The first parallel world discovered by Nas, Kampios stands out with its gravity 1.2 times that of Earth, its perpetually orange sky, and its three moons. Its geography resembles a reimagined version of Australia. This universe revolves around Ki, a spiritual energy generated by the balance of body and mind, enabling superhuman feats.
Mysthalia
Introduced later in the saga, Mysthalia features even stronger gravity than Kampios and a distinctive purple sky. Unlike Kampios which relies on Ki, Mysthalia is governed by Lumen (ambient mana) and personal mana. In this world live millennia-old elves, dwarves who can live up to 300 years, humans with magically extended lifespans, and the enigmatic Enochians, custodians of the secrets behind the origins of the universes.
The majestic palace of Crystallopolis, the capital of Kampios and the seat of power
Every world has its own ecosystem of fantastical creatures, such as the formidable Ragnars of Kampios’ Forest of Beasts – hybrid creatures resembling wolves and wild boars with devastating strength.
A Ragnard, a fearsome creature that lurks in Kampios’ Forest of Beasts
The interconnection between these parallel worlds is at the heart of the Chronicles’ narrative. The author has developed a complex cosmology in which Terra Prima serves as the primordial world from which the others split following a mysterious event linked to “light.” This mythology deepens across the volumes, gradually revealing the story of Enoch, the first Traveler capable of traversing dimensions, and his descendants, the Enochians.
Inside the Author’s Studio: The Creative Process
Joseph Vallée opens the doors to his creative workshop, explaining how this ambitious work—merging French urban culture with epic fantasy—came to life. A narrative alchemy rarely seen in contemporary literature.
“The Nas Chronicles were born from a simple observation: there were very few works in which young people from the suburbs could see themselves embarking on grand fantastical adventures without abandoning their roots. I wanted to build a bridge between these two seemingly irreconcilable worlds.”
— Joseph Vallée
The author emphasizes that artificial intelligence was used in a very limited way during the creative process: only for grammatical corrections and minor details in the illustrations. “The entire story, characters, and worldbuilding are the result of purely human effort,” he insists. “AI was merely a technical tool, never a source of creative inspiration.”
The Multiple Influences Behind the Nas Chronicles
This hybrid work draws inspiration from several sources, which the author openly acknowledges:
- French Urban Literature – For authentic dialogue and unflinching depictions of life in the projects
- Japanese Manga and Anime – For the Ki-based combat system and the dynamic visual style of the battles
- Western Fantasy – For constructing parallel universes with rich and coherent mythologies
- Conceptual Science Fiction – For theories of parallel worlds and interdimensional travel
- Eastern Philosophies – For developing the Ki system and the balance between body and mind
The concept of Ki, the central element of the saga, deserves special attention. Rather than creating a simple magic system, Joseph Vallée developed an energy concept based on almost scientific logic. “I wanted Ki to be mysterious enough to enchant, yet rational enough to be believable. That’s why I spent nearly six months formulating its rules before writing the first line of the manuscript.”
The writing process unfolded in three distinct phases:
- Worldbuilding and Mythology – Detailed creation of the worlds, their physical laws, populations, and histories
- Character Development – In-depth design of the protagonists with complete profiles covering their pasts, motivations, and potential evolutions
- Narrative Writing – Crafting the novels with constant attention to internal consistency and rhythm
This rigorous method partly explains the internal coherence of the universe in The Nas Chronicles, where every element seamlessly integrates into a broader cosmology gradually unveiled to the reader.
The Sonic Dimension: The Work’s Soundtrack
In an innovative move that reflects his transmedia vision, Joseph Vallée collaborated with composers to create a truly original soundtrack for his literary series. These original compositions aim to further immerse the reader in the unique atmosphere of the various worlds and key scenes of the saga.
This powerful and menacing piece accompanies the moments when Nas succumbs to Fury, an uncontrollable transformation that boosts his power at the cost of his self-awareness. The heavy percussion mimics the rapid beating of his heart while the dissonant electronic elements express the loss of control and reality distortion.
In stark contrast to the Fury theme, this delicate and moving composition highlights intimate moments and the growing connection between Nas and Nina. The main melody, played on piano, evokes the initial fragility of their relationship, while progressively richer arrangements symbolize the deepening of their feelings despite the extraordinary circumstances surrounding them.
“Music adds an extra layer to the reading experience. These compositions are not mere sound illustrations, but narrative extensions that enrich the universe of The Nas Chronicles.”
— Joseph Vallée, author and composer of The Nas Chronicles
The author plans to continue this transmedia approach in upcoming volumes, gradually building a comprehensive musical library to accompany the entire saga. Discussions are also underway to integrate these compositions into the upcoming video game adaptation.
From Book to Controller: The Universe Expands into Video Games
The universe of The Nas Chronicles takes another leap forward with the announcement of a video game adaptation currently in production. Using the powerful Unreal Engine 5, this ambitious project promises to faithfully translate the novels’ narrative and visual experience into an interactive medium.
The Nas Chronicles game is being developed on Unreal Engine 5, ensuring exceptional visual quality
Key Features of the Game in Development
- Genre: Third-Person Action-RPG
- Platforms: PlayStation 6, Xbox Series X/S, PC (next-gen versions only)
- Main Features:
- Dynamic combat system based on progressive mastery of Ki
- Interdimensional travel between the saga’s parallel worlds
- Transformation mechanics with Fury as the central element
- Non-linear storytelling that unveils new facets of the narrative
- Estimated Release Date: Late 2026
Joseph Vallée is deeply involved in the development of the game, collaborating directly with the creative team to ensure that the video game experience remains true to the spirit and depth of the novels. “Our goal is not just to adapt the existing story but to offer a new perspective on this universe. The game will run parallel to the events in the books, with characters and scenarios that enrich the overall mythology,” he explains.
“The video game medium provides unique narrative opportunities that books simply cannot explore. The visceral experience of Kampios’ crushing gravity, the thrill of channeling your first surge of Ki, or the terror of surrendering to Fury – these are experiences that the game will deliver in a truly immersive way.”
— Joseph Vallée, on the video game adaptation
The early development images reveal an artistic direction true to the novels’ descriptions, with great attention paid to Kampios’ unique environments and the spectacular visual effects of Ki. The combat system—central to the gameplay—draws inspiration from both technical fighting games and Japanese RPGs, creating a hybrid experience that mirrors the essence of the original work.
Fans of the series can look forward to exploring new aspects of The Nas Chronicles through this adaptation, which promises to be much more than a mere literal translation of the source material. The game will feature side quests delving into the backstories of secondary characters and areas of Kampios only briefly mentioned in the novels.
A Literary Journey Not to Be Missed
The Nas Chronicles represent a unique and refreshing literary proposition in the fantasy landscape. By creating a bold bridge between the social reality of French suburbs and richly developed fantastical universes, Joseph Vallée offers a work that transcends the usual genre divides.
This first book, which compiles the initial three volumes of the saga, lays the foundation of a narrative universe that continuously expands, both in literature and across other media. The richness of the characters, the coherence of the worldbuilding, and the captivating pace of the narrative make it an unmissable read for fans of both fantasy and unconventional hero journeys.
Whatever your preferred genre, The Nas Chronicles have something special to offer:
- An authentic dive into the everyday life of the ’90s suburbs
- An original magical system with Ki as the driving force
- Complex, ever-evolving characters
- A fascinating cosmology of parallel worlds, each with unique rules
- A coming-of-age story about identity, power, and destiny
Book 1 of The Nas Chronicles is now available in all major bookstores, both physical and online. A must-read for anyone looking to immerse themselves in an universe as surprising as it is coherent.
