Review by Mindful Wordsmith -- We are Voulhire: A New Ar...

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is an epic fantasy novel which takes us into the complex and unforgiving world of Voulhire. It's a story of political and socio-economic turmoil, war, siege, monks, magicians, fighters, brutes, and devastated families, with a thoroughly constructed world and layered characters.

Galen Bray belongs to the war-ravaged Lands of the Princes wherein what every citizen ever saw were civil wars, poverty and hunger. By a stroke of luck, he gets a chance to migrate to Voulhire, a prosperous kingdom with a rich history and fragile political stability. The present calm and security of Voulhire is threatened by evil mages and a blood-thirsty group of sadists called Riva Rohavi. Voulhire's King Wilhelm has to confront not only these sinister elements but also the head of the Mianoran Council, Midius Maido. Maido is a haughty and sneering heavyweight whose real intentions are difficult to comprehend. King Wilhelm has very few real allies and one of them is Lord Eldus Alderman. Lord Eldus takes up the responsibility of fixing the town of Hillport whose people have been physically, psychologically and financially throttled by Lord Eldus' predecessors.

Matthew Tysz has created a wonderful world full of compelling characters and charming cities. There are mages and superhuman beings in the story. Yet, the story is not overpowered by these fantastical aspects. I think this is one of the strongest points of this novel.

What I noticed and appreciated a lot about this book is how the various characters each get a moment to shine as the plot unfolds. For example, Galen isn't your typical protagonist who has superior intelligence and strength, or is driven by a goal. Galen Bray has a very passive role in the story because as a new arrival in Voulhire, he is still getting to know the people and life around him. But I liked his character because he is someone who will not tolerate injustice or cruelty. However, it remains to be seen how well his character is shaped in the next books.

We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is the first of nine books in the series and hence, the reader will get to see only a handful of characters and places. In fact, not much is known beyond the kingdom of Voulhire and none of the characters are fleshed out completely. The story ended abruptly. But this only made me more curious about what happens next.

The book was professionally edited as I found only a few minor mistakes. Those mistakes did not hamper the reading experience in any way. The book contains some scenes with graphic and gruesome violence. Reading about them can cause distress to sensitive readers because of the impunity with which these acts are committed. The topic of paedophilia is a major plot point. Hence, I'll advise readers to be prepared to encounter some unsavoury bits in the story. All in all, I enjoyed reading this novel from the beginning to the end. Thus, I'll give it a perfect 4 out of 4 stars rating.

I'll recommend this book to fantasy lovers. Besides, this book will serve as a satisfying first book for those who haven't read the fantasy genre before.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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[Chizioboli]

What a delightful and through review this is. I love how deliberate you were with writing this book's review . It shows you really read and loved the book. Good job!

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

What a delightful and through review this is. I love how deliberate you were with writing this book's review . It shows you really read and loved the book. Good job!

True indeed! Matthew Tysz is a great storyteller. Most readers will love this book.
Thanks for your encouraging words

[markodim721]

The author has done a great job designing the whole world with the main characters, geography, holidays and everything else that makes up one civilization. Thanks for the good review.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

The author has done a great job designing the whole world with the main characters, geography, holidays and everything else that makes up one civilization. Thanks for the good review.

I agree with you totally. I'm excited to read the rest of the books in the series to find out what other wonders await us.
Thanks for your comment

[maggi3]

I’m always impressed by books with such impressive world building. I don’t know that I would be able to handle the theme of pedophilia, but I’m glad this was an enjoyable read. Thanks for the review!

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

I’m always impressed by books with such impressive world building. I don’t know that I would be able to handle the theme of pedophilia, but I’m glad this was an enjoyable read. Thanks for the review!

I understand that reading about certain topics can be uncomfortable and painful. But the paedophilia discussed in this book is not graphic. I can't tell you more or I'll end up spoiling the story.
And a story's fictional world is as important as the plot and characters. I too appreciate books with skillful world-building.
Thanks for your comment

[Dzejn_Crvena]

I read this book few weeks ago.
I like how the author thoroughly describes the world of Voulhire.
I look forward to knowing more about the story and the characters.
Already missing Eldus and Charlotte right now.
Thank you for your detailed review!

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

I read this book few weeks ago.
I like how the author thoroughly describes the world of Voulhire.
I look forward to knowing more about the story and the characters.
Already missing Eldus and Charlotte right now.
Thank you for your detailed review!

I miss those characters too. Lord Eldus was one of the few good guys.
The world-building in this book is admirable.
Thanks for your comment

[Kavita Shah]

The world building is great and the multiple characters with a role to play soon are interesting. I am glad that you enjoyed this book. Thank you for a great review!

[Janet Kimetto]

Your writing is beautiful! I also read this book about three weeks ago and gave it a perfect rating. Great review!

[Lisa A Rayburn]

Tysz is a wonderful author who is very talented in building the world around his characters. I've read some of his books with a darker theme and loved them. I'll have to consider this one as well. Thanks for the thorough review!

[Mtibza eM]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this book. I have already read it and I absolutely enjoyed it. I should go back and finish the series, though. Lol.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

The world building is great and the multiple characters with a role to play soon are interesting. I am glad that you enjoyed this book. Thank you for a great review!

I enjoyed it a lot. I liked how each character had a distinct personality and an important role to play in the story.
Thanks for your comment

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

Your writing is beautiful! I also read this book about three weeks ago and gave it a perfect rating. Great review!

This book is a noteworthy entry in the fantasy genre. I loved reading it.
And thanks for your kind words