Review by Creole -- We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chal...
Posted: 18 Apr 2021, 20:03
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire" by Matthew Tysz.]
In tension-filled Voulhire, power-play and patriotism are second to altruism and duty. We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire is the fourth book in the series by Matthew Tysz. In this installment, readers see the legendary knights, the Chaletherians, pitted against their equally worthy combatants, the masterful Mianorans. One would justifiably expect that these bastions of hope would unite to protect Voulhire, which seems to be under never-ending threats from within and without. Unfortunately, this train of thought is far from reality. How will this partisan spirit impact the embattled but resilient nation of Voulhire?
The Chaletherian army, led by the formidable paladin, Harper Renard, has set its ambitious sights on becoming the absolute protectors of Voulhire. Unwittingly, the main character, Galen Bray, and his friends Rowan and Demi find themselves engulfed in a cauldron of bubbling hostility, seasoned with perfidy, inordinate ambition, and hegemony. At the center are Chalethire, Soulhire, and Virko. After Galen’s home and smithy are demolished, during the destruction of Magnum Caelum, by the dreaded, dancing Riva Rohavi terrorists, they have taken up residency in Chalethire. Trouble seems to stalk the trio, and when one of them is captured by Virko’s demons, the true mettle of their friendship is tested.
It is delightful that, as the plot unfolds story by story, readers can witness the incremental but striking development of Galen and his companions. On the same note, I recommend that persons read the other books in the series before this particular one. They will understand and appreciate, to a greater degree, the character arcs, as well as Tysz’s world-building and descriptive skills that seep right through your pores and down to your bones, leaving you mesmerized.
Other than the remarkable transition of the trio, whom we get to know better, through the use of the first-person point of view, what I liked most about this story was that a woman was elevated to a place of power, and she didn’t die! Readers were introduced to the assertive Paladin Harper, who, despite her toughness, seems to have a soft spot for Galen. Could romance be blossoming amid the chaos?
I also enjoyed the well-paced action in the narrative. The scenes were not as graphic as in former installments, but they were nonetheless exciting and mind-blowing. The introduction of another creative character, Akistry, has me hankering after the next book. With so much to like about this novel, there is nothing left to dislike. It is highly entertaining and seems to have been professionally edited, as I did not identify any errors. As such, I rate this work of art 4 out of 4 stars.
If you are an adult fan of fantastical adventures, I recommend this book. The inclusion of profanity, violence, and the mention of homosexuality, which I believe engender realism, renders the story unsuitable for young children but should not deter mature adults. It could even be immensely entertaining for 18 and 19-year-olds who are avid readers of fantasy.
******
We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In tension-filled Voulhire, power-play and patriotism are second to altruism and duty. We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire is the fourth book in the series by Matthew Tysz. In this installment, readers see the legendary knights, the Chaletherians, pitted against their equally worthy combatants, the masterful Mianorans. One would justifiably expect that these bastions of hope would unite to protect Voulhire, which seems to be under never-ending threats from within and without. Unfortunately, this train of thought is far from reality. How will this partisan spirit impact the embattled but resilient nation of Voulhire?
The Chaletherian army, led by the formidable paladin, Harper Renard, has set its ambitious sights on becoming the absolute protectors of Voulhire. Unwittingly, the main character, Galen Bray, and his friends Rowan and Demi find themselves engulfed in a cauldron of bubbling hostility, seasoned with perfidy, inordinate ambition, and hegemony. At the center are Chalethire, Soulhire, and Virko. After Galen’s home and smithy are demolished, during the destruction of Magnum Caelum, by the dreaded, dancing Riva Rohavi terrorists, they have taken up residency in Chalethire. Trouble seems to stalk the trio, and when one of them is captured by Virko’s demons, the true mettle of their friendship is tested.
It is delightful that, as the plot unfolds story by story, readers can witness the incremental but striking development of Galen and his companions. On the same note, I recommend that persons read the other books in the series before this particular one. They will understand and appreciate, to a greater degree, the character arcs, as well as Tysz’s world-building and descriptive skills that seep right through your pores and down to your bones, leaving you mesmerized.
Other than the remarkable transition of the trio, whom we get to know better, through the use of the first-person point of view, what I liked most about this story was that a woman was elevated to a place of power, and she didn’t die! Readers were introduced to the assertive Paladin Harper, who, despite her toughness, seems to have a soft spot for Galen. Could romance be blossoming amid the chaos?
I also enjoyed the well-paced action in the narrative. The scenes were not as graphic as in former installments, but they were nonetheless exciting and mind-blowing. The introduction of another creative character, Akistry, has me hankering after the next book. With so much to like about this novel, there is nothing left to dislike. It is highly entertaining and seems to have been professionally edited, as I did not identify any errors. As such, I rate this work of art 4 out of 4 stars.
If you are an adult fan of fantastical adventures, I recommend this book. The inclusion of profanity, violence, and the mention of homosexuality, which I believe engender realism, renders the story unsuitable for young children but should not deter mature adults. It could even be immensely entertaining for 18 and 19-year-olds who are avid readers of fantasy.
******
We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon