Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Mason Garrod
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Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
[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 is the first instalment of the We Are Voulhire fantasy series by Matthew Tysz. This book introduces the reader to Galen Bray, a refugee from war-torn isles, who has come to Voulhire to take up blacksmithing. Meanwhile, from multiple perspectives, we are introduced to the rising dangers that threaten to destroy Voulhire’s current reign of peace. King Wilhelm must contend with the machinations of smooth-talking chancellor Midius Maido, while the deadly Riva Rohavi rebels lurk to the west, plotting to overthrow the kingdom. And perhaps most dangerous of all: the feared sorcerer Meldorath lies in wait, imprisoned next to the coastal town of Hillport, where newly-appointed Lord Eldus Alderman works to unravel the web of deception surrounding the town’s previous lords.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading this book. In my eyes, its best strength is its masterful handling of exposition and world-building. Over the course of just 229 pages, we are introduced to a large cast of characters, spread across a multitude of different locations, but I never found myself confused. Characters are distinct and memorable, and the various cultural details about the world, and its magic system, are doled out at a steady, consistent pace. Though I never needed to make use of it, Tysz includes a helpful glossary in case the reader does happen to get mixed up between such terms as the “Mianoran Council,” or the “Vilendrian Guards.” Overall, the measured pacing of the book, combined with memorable world-building, allow for a very immersive story that remains coherent, despite its complexity.
The dialogue is punchy and characterful, without being overwritten. Each scene is brisk and focused, without sacrificing attention to detail or genuine personality. Though the scope of the story is large, Tysz never indulges in unnecessary detail or self-congratulation. In fact, if anything, I wished that some scenes had been allowed to linger just a little longer, in order to heighten my attachment to some of the characters. The prose is direct and purposeful, but with flashes of creativity and elegance at just the right moments. The unique fantasy elements of the story are also quite interesting, giving the magic system a scientific and logical, yet mysterious feel. The greatest compliment I can give this book, as the first instalment of a series, is that it hooked me more than enough to ensure that I will eagerly read the second book at my earliest convenience.
In terms of minor criticisms, the climax of the story almost seemed too brisk. While I’m sure this was a deliberate choice, I do think the emotional weight and tension of the story would have been optimised, if these climactic events had been dwelled on slightly more. I do also wish that this first book had felt slightly more satisfying on its own terms, but, since I fully intend on reading the rest of the series, this is a minor complaint. Also, I found the female presence in the book to be very lacking. Despite the large cast, there is only a small handful of female characters, none of whom receive much focus compared to their overwhelmingly male counterparts. Hopefully, this could be improved in later instalments.
On the whole, though, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The writing was very competent and thoroughly engaging, and I found no flaws sufficient enough to significantly impact my enjoyment. I would recommend this book particularly to fans of the fantasy genre, but I feel it is fairly accessible to anyone, as the quick pace prevents the fantasy setting from becoming overwhelming or tedious. I am very excited to read the second book!
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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 is the first instalment of the We Are Voulhire fantasy series by Matthew Tysz. This book introduces the reader to Galen Bray, a refugee from war-torn isles, who has come to Voulhire to take up blacksmithing. Meanwhile, from multiple perspectives, we are introduced to the rising dangers that threaten to destroy Voulhire’s current reign of peace. King Wilhelm must contend with the machinations of smooth-talking chancellor Midius Maido, while the deadly Riva Rohavi rebels lurk to the west, plotting to overthrow the kingdom. And perhaps most dangerous of all: the feared sorcerer Meldorath lies in wait, imprisoned next to the coastal town of Hillport, where newly-appointed Lord Eldus Alderman works to unravel the web of deception surrounding the town’s previous lords.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading this book. In my eyes, its best strength is its masterful handling of exposition and world-building. Over the course of just 229 pages, we are introduced to a large cast of characters, spread across a multitude of different locations, but I never found myself confused. Characters are distinct and memorable, and the various cultural details about the world, and its magic system, are doled out at a steady, consistent pace. Though I never needed to make use of it, Tysz includes a helpful glossary in case the reader does happen to get mixed up between such terms as the “Mianoran Council,” or the “Vilendrian Guards.” Overall, the measured pacing of the book, combined with memorable world-building, allow for a very immersive story that remains coherent, despite its complexity.
The dialogue is punchy and characterful, without being overwritten. Each scene is brisk and focused, without sacrificing attention to detail or genuine personality. Though the scope of the story is large, Tysz never indulges in unnecessary detail or self-congratulation. In fact, if anything, I wished that some scenes had been allowed to linger just a little longer, in order to heighten my attachment to some of the characters. The prose is direct and purposeful, but with flashes of creativity and elegance at just the right moments. The unique fantasy elements of the story are also quite interesting, giving the magic system a scientific and logical, yet mysterious feel. The greatest compliment I can give this book, as the first instalment of a series, is that it hooked me more than enough to ensure that I will eagerly read the second book at my earliest convenience.
In terms of minor criticisms, the climax of the story almost seemed too brisk. While I’m sure this was a deliberate choice, I do think the emotional weight and tension of the story would have been optimised, if these climactic events had been dwelled on slightly more. I do also wish that this first book had felt slightly more satisfying on its own terms, but, since I fully intend on reading the rest of the series, this is a minor complaint. Also, I found the female presence in the book to be very lacking. Despite the large cast, there is only a small handful of female characters, none of whom receive much focus compared to their overwhelmingly male counterparts. Hopefully, this could be improved in later instalments.
On the whole, though, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The writing was very competent and thoroughly engaging, and I found no flaws sufficient enough to significantly impact my enjoyment. I would recommend this book particularly to fans of the fantasy genre, but I feel it is fairly accessible to anyone, as the quick pace prevents the fantasy setting from becoming overwhelming or tedious. I am very excited to read the second book!
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
