Review by JRWebb -- We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under...
Posted: 23 Jan 2021, 16:02
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is an exquisitely crafted story and a poignant reflection on society that weaves together fantasy elements, intricate storylines, and well-developed characters.
It's the first in a nine-book series about the nation of Voulhire. Readers learn about Voulhire through the eyes of Galen Bray, a refugee from a nearby war-torn country who must come to terms with his new home and the dubious intentions of those trying to help him. Through shifting perspectives, the story jumps from Galen to a group of ambitious leaders from various Voulhirian cities each with their own intricately laid out plans for the future of the nation. All while there is a dark undercurrent of tension from the malicious Riva Rohavi, a rebel group seeking to destroy Voulhire, and two former Voulhirian leaders who committed terrible evils. Atrocities that Voulhirians are still coming to grips with years later.
While the book serves to set up the rest of the series, it has no problem standing on its own. It is a quality story, incredibly well-written, and more than worthy of a place on a fantasy bookshelf. Matthew Tysz has created a masterclass in world-building and character development for avid readers of the genre. The magical system is comprehensive yet not overly consuming of the narrative. And the history of Voulhire and surrounding nations is well thought out. But what stands out the most is the characters. The book has an expansive cast, so large that it would be easy to become overwhelmed. Yet each character felt like an integral part of the story, their introductions throughout the book made them memorable, and their respective story arcs were compelling to read.
There is nothing negative to be said about this book. Some readers might find the short length of the book offputting —especially as it lays the groundwork for further novels— but it makes it all the more enticing to pick up the next book in the series.
I give We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies four out of four stars because it left me eager to read the next book in the series and made me reflect on society as a whole.
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies is the perfect book for fans of epic fantasy series like The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind, Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is an exquisitely crafted story and a poignant reflection on society that weaves together fantasy elements, intricate storylines, and well-developed characters.
It's the first in a nine-book series about the nation of Voulhire. Readers learn about Voulhire through the eyes of Galen Bray, a refugee from a nearby war-torn country who must come to terms with his new home and the dubious intentions of those trying to help him. Through shifting perspectives, the story jumps from Galen to a group of ambitious leaders from various Voulhirian cities each with their own intricately laid out plans for the future of the nation. All while there is a dark undercurrent of tension from the malicious Riva Rohavi, a rebel group seeking to destroy Voulhire, and two former Voulhirian leaders who committed terrible evils. Atrocities that Voulhirians are still coming to grips with years later.
While the book serves to set up the rest of the series, it has no problem standing on its own. It is a quality story, incredibly well-written, and more than worthy of a place on a fantasy bookshelf. Matthew Tysz has created a masterclass in world-building and character development for avid readers of the genre. The magical system is comprehensive yet not overly consuming of the narrative. And the history of Voulhire and surrounding nations is well thought out. But what stands out the most is the characters. The book has an expansive cast, so large that it would be easy to become overwhelmed. Yet each character felt like an integral part of the story, their introductions throughout the book made them memorable, and their respective story arcs were compelling to read.
There is nothing negative to be said about this book. Some readers might find the short length of the book offputting —especially as it lays the groundwork for further novels— but it makes it all the more enticing to pick up the next book in the series.
I give We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies four out of four stars because it left me eager to read the next book in the series and made me reflect on society as a whole.
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies is the perfect book for fans of epic fantasy series like The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind, Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon