Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
Posted: 30 Jan 2024, 03:46
[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 a captivating fantasy thriller that takes readers on a journey through the mystical land of Voulhire. The narrative follows the protagonist, Galen Bray, as he escapes the turmoil of the Land of the Princes in pursuit of a better life. This land, ruled by the four sons of a wise yet wicked emperor, descended into chaos as greed consumed the princes, leading to widespread hunger and suffering. Galen's decision to leave this dire situation sets the stage for an epic adventure.
The novel begins with a compelling prologue that immediately draws readers into the enchanting world of Voulhire. Authored by Matthew Tysz, the book stands out not only for its engaging storyline but also for the meticulous attention to detail. Tysz provides a glossary of terms unique to Voulhire, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the intricacies of this fictitious realm. Additionally, there is an extended reading section that delves deeper into the history of Voulhire and its placement in the broader world.
Tysz's writing style is both descriptive and eloquent, enabling readers to vividly visualize the scenes, characters, and their actions. The story unfolds seamlessly, avoiding tedious drawn-out passages while ensuring that crucial details and events are not rushed over. The author's storytelling prowess shines through, making the book accessible even to those who may not typically gravitate toward fantasy fiction.
One distinctive feature of the novel is its chapter titling, eschewing conventional numbering for theatrical titles. While creative, some readers may find this inconvenient for reference purposes, especially when revisiting specific chapters. Despite this, the overall reading experience remains unaffected, and the lack of numbered chapters did not detract from the enjoyment of the story.
The characters in "We Are Voulhire" are enigmatic and well-crafted. Galen Bray, the narrator, introduces readers to a diverse cast, including the formidable mage Meldorath, the principled Lord Eldus Alderman, and the mysterious warriors Riva Rohavi. Each character adds depth to the narrative, contributing to the overall richness of the story.
The infusion of magic into the physical world is a testament to Tysz's imaginative prowess. The creation of an imaginary universe that feels authentic is commendable, setting the stage for the series. The author strategically develops characters throughout the book, dedicating individual chapters to each, albeit at the expense of a slightly disjointed writing style. This approach, however, is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for the subsequent books in the series.
The plot's ingenuity is evident as events unfold, showcasing the author's ability to craft a compelling storyline. Tysz's detailed descriptions leave nothing to the reader's imagination, and the inclusion of a map and reference guide enhances the overall reading experience. Professional editing is evident throughout, with no discernible errors in the text.
Despite the occasional inconsistency in the writing style—oscillating between medieval and contemporary tones—and the upfront revelation of information that might reduce suspense for some readers, "We Are Voulhire" remains a literary masterpiece. With a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars, this book is highly recommended for fantasy enthusiasts and those who appreciate expertly woven tales of magic, adventure, and political intrigue.
As the first installment in the "We Are Voulhire" series, Matthew Tysz's novel promises an enthralling continuation of the narrative. The intricate plot, well-defined characters, and the unique blend of magical fantasy make it a must-read. Readers who enjoy fiction with immersive settings, political intrigue, and elements of magic will find this book to be a delightful and compelling choice.
Potential readers should be aware that the novel includes mature themes such as killings, pedophilic acts, and improper language. Therefore, it is not recommended for a younger audience. Overall, "We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" is a well-crafted work of fiction that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who embark on this enchanting literary journey.
******
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 a captivating fantasy thriller that takes readers on a journey through the mystical land of Voulhire. The narrative follows the protagonist, Galen Bray, as he escapes the turmoil of the Land of the Princes in pursuit of a better life. This land, ruled by the four sons of a wise yet wicked emperor, descended into chaos as greed consumed the princes, leading to widespread hunger and suffering. Galen's decision to leave this dire situation sets the stage for an epic adventure.
The novel begins with a compelling prologue that immediately draws readers into the enchanting world of Voulhire. Authored by Matthew Tysz, the book stands out not only for its engaging storyline but also for the meticulous attention to detail. Tysz provides a glossary of terms unique to Voulhire, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the intricacies of this fictitious realm. Additionally, there is an extended reading section that delves deeper into the history of Voulhire and its placement in the broader world.
Tysz's writing style is both descriptive and eloquent, enabling readers to vividly visualize the scenes, characters, and their actions. The story unfolds seamlessly, avoiding tedious drawn-out passages while ensuring that crucial details and events are not rushed over. The author's storytelling prowess shines through, making the book accessible even to those who may not typically gravitate toward fantasy fiction.
One distinctive feature of the novel is its chapter titling, eschewing conventional numbering for theatrical titles. While creative, some readers may find this inconvenient for reference purposes, especially when revisiting specific chapters. Despite this, the overall reading experience remains unaffected, and the lack of numbered chapters did not detract from the enjoyment of the story.
The characters in "We Are Voulhire" are enigmatic and well-crafted. Galen Bray, the narrator, introduces readers to a diverse cast, including the formidable mage Meldorath, the principled Lord Eldus Alderman, and the mysterious warriors Riva Rohavi. Each character adds depth to the narrative, contributing to the overall richness of the story.
The infusion of magic into the physical world is a testament to Tysz's imaginative prowess. The creation of an imaginary universe that feels authentic is commendable, setting the stage for the series. The author strategically develops characters throughout the book, dedicating individual chapters to each, albeit at the expense of a slightly disjointed writing style. This approach, however, is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for the subsequent books in the series.
The plot's ingenuity is evident as events unfold, showcasing the author's ability to craft a compelling storyline. Tysz's detailed descriptions leave nothing to the reader's imagination, and the inclusion of a map and reference guide enhances the overall reading experience. Professional editing is evident throughout, with no discernible errors in the text.
Despite the occasional inconsistency in the writing style—oscillating between medieval and contemporary tones—and the upfront revelation of information that might reduce suspense for some readers, "We Are Voulhire" remains a literary masterpiece. With a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars, this book is highly recommended for fantasy enthusiasts and those who appreciate expertly woven tales of magic, adventure, and political intrigue.
As the first installment in the "We Are Voulhire" series, Matthew Tysz's novel promises an enthralling continuation of the narrative. The intricate plot, well-defined characters, and the unique blend of magical fantasy make it a must-read. Readers who enjoy fiction with immersive settings, political intrigue, and elements of magic will find this book to be a delightful and compelling choice.
Potential readers should be aware that the novel includes mature themes such as killings, pedophilic acts, and improper language. Therefore, it is not recommended for a younger audience. Overall, "We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" is a well-crafted work of fiction that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who embark on this enchanting literary journey.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon