Review by J_odoyo -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
Posted: 28 Nov 2020, 01:51
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko" by Matthew Tysz.]
Matthew Tysz's We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko is a riveting science fiction, blending both fantasy and mystery. It is the second installment in the We are Voulhire series. The novel follows the story of Virko—Voulhire’s most productive and fast-growing city.
The return of the violent insurgents, the Riva Rohavi, and their attack to Hillport—which left Lord Eldus, his family, and half of Hillport residents slaughtered—has interfered with a good deal of iron supply from Alcovia to Magnum Caelum, where Galen Bray, a blacksmith, owns a forge he inherited from his deceased uncle. Galen has opted to source iron from Virko for his forge. Despite Virko being the most productive city in Voulhire, it was a city progressing too fast into capital secularism (caught up in church politics and reforms).
On the other hand, Lord Venden Hrelek is credited for the prosperity of this city. However, he had a very different son. Hans Hrelek (best known as Folcro) was an evil hermit; he preferred hiding while studying old books of spiritual content—written by authors who had been branded dangerous by the church. While on his death bed, Lord Venden is a troubled man because of his son's actions and controversial interests. The recluse young lord had bounded a demon in Rendenhide’s undercroft. No one knew why he did it, but Lord Venden is concerned about its eviction from the undercroft. Galen, Rowan, and Demetrius meet Lord Venden, who accepts their proposal. However, the dying lord also pleads with them to release the bounded demon. Will they succeed?
This is a well-written novel that many fantasy fans will find very interesting. Matthew Tysz has a talent for creating new worlds, so real and dynamic. The story is set in a new world, but the talented author has provided a clear map showing every detail you’ll ask for. This was my favorite aspect of this book. I have read other science-fiction books set in different worlds but with nothing like a map to show you different places mentioned in a story.
The book has well-developed characters—many of which you will quickly care about. Just like in a well-written novel, some characters won’t impress you. Folcro is such a character. The young lord is so controversial in almost all aspects; he chooses evil instead of good. He is the man who will sing and dance on his way to hell. However, the main character, Galen Bray, is likable; he is full of compassion and cares for even strange people.
It is a character-driven novel, blended with refreshing and pragmatic dialogue between characters. The book is packed with action and astute descriptions of magical activities immersed in fluid prose that will keep you turning pages. The story is told both in first and third-person narrative styles—this was so impressive as it gives the story from different points of view. Mr. Tysz flawlessly laces many poignant themes throughout this book: leadership, magic, religion, and industrialization.
The editing was impeccable; I found zero errors. Sincerely, I disliked nothing in this book. Potential readers of this book should know that it involves vulgarism and mild nudity; therefore, I won’t recommend it enough for children.
Overall, this book deserves a full 4 out of 4 stars, and It is a recommendable read for fans of fantasy and science fiction novels. I couldn’t give a lower rating because the book was riveting and exceptionally edited. If you like mystery reads, you’ll definitely like this book.
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We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Matthew Tysz's We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko is a riveting science fiction, blending both fantasy and mystery. It is the second installment in the We are Voulhire series. The novel follows the story of Virko—Voulhire’s most productive and fast-growing city.
The return of the violent insurgents, the Riva Rohavi, and their attack to Hillport—which left Lord Eldus, his family, and half of Hillport residents slaughtered—has interfered with a good deal of iron supply from Alcovia to Magnum Caelum, where Galen Bray, a blacksmith, owns a forge he inherited from his deceased uncle. Galen has opted to source iron from Virko for his forge. Despite Virko being the most productive city in Voulhire, it was a city progressing too fast into capital secularism (caught up in church politics and reforms).
On the other hand, Lord Venden Hrelek is credited for the prosperity of this city. However, he had a very different son. Hans Hrelek (best known as Folcro) was an evil hermit; he preferred hiding while studying old books of spiritual content—written by authors who had been branded dangerous by the church. While on his death bed, Lord Venden is a troubled man because of his son's actions and controversial interests. The recluse young lord had bounded a demon in Rendenhide’s undercroft. No one knew why he did it, but Lord Venden is concerned about its eviction from the undercroft. Galen, Rowan, and Demetrius meet Lord Venden, who accepts their proposal. However, the dying lord also pleads with them to release the bounded demon. Will they succeed?
This is a well-written novel that many fantasy fans will find very interesting. Matthew Tysz has a talent for creating new worlds, so real and dynamic. The story is set in a new world, but the talented author has provided a clear map showing every detail you’ll ask for. This was my favorite aspect of this book. I have read other science-fiction books set in different worlds but with nothing like a map to show you different places mentioned in a story.
The book has well-developed characters—many of which you will quickly care about. Just like in a well-written novel, some characters won’t impress you. Folcro is such a character. The young lord is so controversial in almost all aspects; he chooses evil instead of good. He is the man who will sing and dance on his way to hell. However, the main character, Galen Bray, is likable; he is full of compassion and cares for even strange people.
It is a character-driven novel, blended with refreshing and pragmatic dialogue between characters. The book is packed with action and astute descriptions of magical activities immersed in fluid prose that will keep you turning pages. The story is told both in first and third-person narrative styles—this was so impressive as it gives the story from different points of view. Mr. Tysz flawlessly laces many poignant themes throughout this book: leadership, magic, religion, and industrialization.
The editing was impeccable; I found zero errors. Sincerely, I disliked nothing in this book. Potential readers of this book should know that it involves vulgarism and mild nudity; therefore, I won’t recommend it enough for children.
Overall, this book deserves a full 4 out of 4 stars, and It is a recommendable read for fans of fantasy and science fiction novels. I couldn’t give a lower rating because the book was riveting and exceptionally edited. If you like mystery reads, you’ll definitely like this book.
******
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon