Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
Posted: 30 Sep 2024, 17:37
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
We Are Voulhire is a gripping tale of political intrigue, magic, and the relentless pursuit of power. At the center of it all is Galen Bray, a humble blacksmith’s apprentice who arrives in the kingdom of Voulhire to inherit his uncle’s workshop. But the world he steps into is far from peaceful. A shadow looms over the kingdom—the legacy of Meldorath, a powerful and dangerous mage who was once a general of the king’s southern army. As Lord Eldus struggles to restore order in the town of Hillport and fend off rebellion, Meldorath’s name is whispered in fear, hinting at a return that could shatter the kingdom. Magic, rebellion, and power—these are the forces at play, and they are terrifyingly intertwined.
Meldorath is, without question, one of the most compelling villains I’ve encountered in fantasy. He’s not just some one-dimensional evil force bent on destruction; he’s a man driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and power. His rise to prominence through magic feels not only believable but inevitable. From the moment you learn about his dark experiments and his exile, you know that he’s not done—that his ambition will pull him back into the heart of Voulhire’s fate. What makes him even more chilling is how little he has to appear on the page to dominate the story. His strategic thinking, his manipulation of those around him, and the constant fear he instills in others—especially characters like Eldus—make him a villain you can’t ignore. Even the mere mention of his name sends shivers through the people of Hillport.
What sets Meldorath apart is the moral ambiguity that surrounds him. Yes, he’s dangerous, yes, he’s ruthless—but the way the book presents his character leaves you questioning whether his pursuit of power is truly evil or simply a necessary path for someone with his abilities. After all, Voulhire is a world where power is the ultimate currency, and Meldorath is a master at wielding it. Through his character, the book explores what it means to seek power, not just for dominance but for survival. Meldorath doesn’t just want control—he wants understanding, knowledge, and the ability to reshape the world around him. That thirst for power, while morally questionable, feels almost sympathetic at times. And that’s where the complexity lies—he’s not just a villain to hate; he’s one you can almost understand.
The theme of power runs deep throughout the book, not just with Meldorath but with every major character. Lord Eldus, for example, grapples with the burden of leadership and the responsibility of wielding power for the good of his people. Yet, despite his good intentions, Eldus lives in constant fear—fear of failing his town, fear of the chaos around him, and most importantly, fear of Meldorath’s return. The people of Hillport feel this fear too; power in Voulhire isn’t just about control, it’s about how the threat of it can paralyze and destabilize. This exploration of power—its use, misuse, and the psychological grip it holds over the kingdom—makes for a tense and thoughtful narrative. You can’t help but wonder: What would you do with that kind of power? And could you wield it without losing yourself?
Overall, We Are Voulhire is an exceptional exploration of the theme of power, driven by a complex and morally ambiguous villain. Meldorath’s role in the story enhances the tension in ways that make you question your own beliefs about ambition and control. The book’s writing is not only engaging but exceptionally well-edited—every scene, every piece of dialogue feels polished and purposeful. If you enjoy stories where the villain is as fascinating as the hero and where the nature of power is questioned at every turn, this book is a must-read. 5 out of 5 stars, and I can't wait to see where the author takes this world next.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We Are Voulhire is a gripping tale of political intrigue, magic, and the relentless pursuit of power. At the center of it all is Galen Bray, a humble blacksmith’s apprentice who arrives in the kingdom of Voulhire to inherit his uncle’s workshop. But the world he steps into is far from peaceful. A shadow looms over the kingdom—the legacy of Meldorath, a powerful and dangerous mage who was once a general of the king’s southern army. As Lord Eldus struggles to restore order in the town of Hillport and fend off rebellion, Meldorath’s name is whispered in fear, hinting at a return that could shatter the kingdom. Magic, rebellion, and power—these are the forces at play, and they are terrifyingly intertwined.
Meldorath is, without question, one of the most compelling villains I’ve encountered in fantasy. He’s not just some one-dimensional evil force bent on destruction; he’s a man driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and power. His rise to prominence through magic feels not only believable but inevitable. From the moment you learn about his dark experiments and his exile, you know that he’s not done—that his ambition will pull him back into the heart of Voulhire’s fate. What makes him even more chilling is how little he has to appear on the page to dominate the story. His strategic thinking, his manipulation of those around him, and the constant fear he instills in others—especially characters like Eldus—make him a villain you can’t ignore. Even the mere mention of his name sends shivers through the people of Hillport.
What sets Meldorath apart is the moral ambiguity that surrounds him. Yes, he’s dangerous, yes, he’s ruthless—but the way the book presents his character leaves you questioning whether his pursuit of power is truly evil or simply a necessary path for someone with his abilities. After all, Voulhire is a world where power is the ultimate currency, and Meldorath is a master at wielding it. Through his character, the book explores what it means to seek power, not just for dominance but for survival. Meldorath doesn’t just want control—he wants understanding, knowledge, and the ability to reshape the world around him. That thirst for power, while morally questionable, feels almost sympathetic at times. And that’s where the complexity lies—he’s not just a villain to hate; he’s one you can almost understand.
The theme of power runs deep throughout the book, not just with Meldorath but with every major character. Lord Eldus, for example, grapples with the burden of leadership and the responsibility of wielding power for the good of his people. Yet, despite his good intentions, Eldus lives in constant fear—fear of failing his town, fear of the chaos around him, and most importantly, fear of Meldorath’s return. The people of Hillport feel this fear too; power in Voulhire isn’t just about control, it’s about how the threat of it can paralyze and destabilize. This exploration of power—its use, misuse, and the psychological grip it holds over the kingdom—makes for a tense and thoughtful narrative. You can’t help but wonder: What would you do with that kind of power? And could you wield it without losing yourself?
Overall, We Are Voulhire is an exceptional exploration of the theme of power, driven by a complex and morally ambiguous villain. Meldorath’s role in the story enhances the tension in ways that make you question your own beliefs about ambition and control. The book’s writing is not only engaging but exceptionally well-edited—every scene, every piece of dialogue feels polished and purposeful. If you enjoy stories where the villain is as fascinating as the hero and where the nature of power is questioned at every turn, this book is a must-read. 5 out of 5 stars, and I can't wait to see where the author takes this world next.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon