The Valkyries

The captivating true tale of *The Valkyries* begins in Rio de Janeiro, where author Paulo Coelho entrusts his enigmatic mentor, J., with the sole copy of his manuscript for *The Alchemist*. Burdened by a crippling curse, Coelho admits to J., "I’ve witnessed my dreams crumble just as they seemed within reach." In turn, J. assigns Coelho a formidable mission: to seek out and communicate with his guardian angel. He assures Coelho, "The curse can be lifted if you complete this task."

Emboldened by this challenge, Paulo and his wife, Cristina, set aside their daily lives, pack their belongings, and embark on a forty-day journey through the starkly beautiful yet sometimes perilous Mojave Desert, encountering more than they had anticipated. This true-life narrative combines exotic settings, gripping adventures, and the magical storytelling that Coelho's fictional works are famed for, making it both a contemporary adventure and a spiritual journey.