Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
Posted: 20 Aug 2024, 14:40
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
Matthew Tysz, in this fantastic novel, introduces readers to a richly developed world where magic, power, and political intrigue intertwine. The story follows Galen Bray, a young man who escapes the war-torn Lands of the Princes in search of a new life in the Kingdom of Voulhire. Upon his arrival, Galen learns that his deceased uncle has left him a blacksmith’s forge in the small town of Magnum Caelum. As Galen attempts to settle into his new life, he quickly comes to realize that Voulhire is a land of contrasts, where the promise of peace is overshadowed by dark forces lurking beneath the surface.
The narrative is not limited to Galen's journey alone. The book also introduces other key figures, such as Lord Eldus Alderman, tasked with rebuilding the troubled town of Hillport, and the enigmatic Lord Meldorath, whose dark past casts a long shadow over the kingdom. Their characters and their stories are gradually woven into the narrative as their fates converge. Through these interconnected stories, the author paints a well-imagined picture of a kingdom on the brink of chaos, where magic and ambition threaten to unravel the delicate balance of power.
I was impressed, in particular, by the author's world-building. The detailed map of Voulhire, along with the vivid descriptions of its cities, landscapes, and political dynamics, made the setting feel alive and immersive. The multiple perspectives used in the narrative kept the story engaging, allowing readers to see the events unfold from different angles. This approach also helped in building suspense, as each character’s motivations and secrets gradually came to light. I found myself eagerly turning pages to see how the various plot threads would converge.
However, one aspect of the book that I found less satisfying was the pacing, which felt uneven at times, with certain sections moving slowly while others rushed through important events. Additionally, the frequent shifts in perspective, though interesting, occasionally made it hard for me to keep track of the timeline and locations within the story. This is merely a subjective observation on my part. The author did an amazing job with the story by bringing the readers along on a journey to this wonderful world of Voulhire.
Despite these minor difficulties, I will rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. The book was perfectly edited, with no noticeable errors, which added to the overall reading experience. I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy who enjoy complex world-building and multi-layered plots. The novel’s mature themes and occasional violence make it more suitable for adult readers, but for those who enjoy exploring new worlds filled with magic and intrigue, this book is well worth the read.
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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Matthew Tysz, in this fantastic novel, introduces readers to a richly developed world where magic, power, and political intrigue intertwine. The story follows Galen Bray, a young man who escapes the war-torn Lands of the Princes in search of a new life in the Kingdom of Voulhire. Upon his arrival, Galen learns that his deceased uncle has left him a blacksmith’s forge in the small town of Magnum Caelum. As Galen attempts to settle into his new life, he quickly comes to realize that Voulhire is a land of contrasts, where the promise of peace is overshadowed by dark forces lurking beneath the surface.
The narrative is not limited to Galen's journey alone. The book also introduces other key figures, such as Lord Eldus Alderman, tasked with rebuilding the troubled town of Hillport, and the enigmatic Lord Meldorath, whose dark past casts a long shadow over the kingdom. Their characters and their stories are gradually woven into the narrative as their fates converge. Through these interconnected stories, the author paints a well-imagined picture of a kingdom on the brink of chaos, where magic and ambition threaten to unravel the delicate balance of power.
I was impressed, in particular, by the author's world-building. The detailed map of Voulhire, along with the vivid descriptions of its cities, landscapes, and political dynamics, made the setting feel alive and immersive. The multiple perspectives used in the narrative kept the story engaging, allowing readers to see the events unfold from different angles. This approach also helped in building suspense, as each character’s motivations and secrets gradually came to light. I found myself eagerly turning pages to see how the various plot threads would converge.
However, one aspect of the book that I found less satisfying was the pacing, which felt uneven at times, with certain sections moving slowly while others rushed through important events. Additionally, the frequent shifts in perspective, though interesting, occasionally made it hard for me to keep track of the timeline and locations within the story. This is merely a subjective observation on my part. The author did an amazing job with the story by bringing the readers along on a journey to this wonderful world of Voulhire.
Despite these minor difficulties, I will rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. The book was perfectly edited, with no noticeable errors, which added to the overall reading experience. I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy who enjoy complex world-building and multi-layered plots. The novel’s mature themes and occasional violence make it more suitable for adult readers, but for those who enjoy exploring new worlds filled with magic and intrigue, this book is well worth the read.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon