Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
Posted: 01 Oct 2024, 19:11
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
Matthew Tysz’s “We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" introduces readers to a sprawling world full of magic, political intrigue, and personal discovery. The novel effectively lays the groundwork for what promises to be an engaging fantasy series. At the heart of the story is Galen Bray from Lands of the Princes, who flees his homeland for the kingdom of Voulhire in search of a new life. The novel deftly switches between Galen's personal journey of rebuilding his life and the broader political and magical conflicts that threaten to engulf the kingdom.
The story begins with Galen arriving in Voulhire after a harrowing escape from his homeland. He inherits his late uncle’s blacksmith forge in the quiet town of Magnum Caelum, a place that feels worlds apart from the chaos of the Lands of the Princes. The author takes his time developing the setting, painting a vivid picture of Magnum Caelum, its people, and its customs. The town itself is peaceful, and Galen’s arrival is met with kindness and warmth, particularly from Mayor Malcolm and Artie, the harbormaster.
However, Voulhire is far from a utopia. The kingdom is on the brink of political upheaval, and Tysz masterfully builds tension through the various power struggles at play. King Wilhelm, the well-meaning but troubled ruler, faces challenges from Chancellor Midius Maido, whose ambitions are dangerously unchecked. The kingdom is also haunted by the legacy of Lord Meldorath, a powerful mage and former lord of Hillport, whose mysterious fall from power raises questions about the kingdom’s stability. Meldorath’s looming presence is a testament to Tysz’s ability to weave in threads of mystery and intrigue, leaving readers eager to learn more about this enigmatic character.
The world of Voulhire is rich and detailed, with its own religion, “Destinism", and a complex political system that feels believable within the fantasy setting. The religious and political institutions are intertwined, and figures like Eiodi Gadesh, the head of Destinism, add layers to the kingdom’s power dynamics. The inclusion of magic, represented by characters like Alabaster de Lasette, adds an element of unpredictability and raises the stakes in both political and military conflicts.
One of the novel’s strengths is its focus on developing characters. Galen is a protagonist, whose journey from a desperate refugee to a new life in Voulhire serves as the emotional anchor of the story. His optimism, despite the horrors he’s witnessed in the Lands of the Princes, makes him a character that readers can root for. His sense of hope contrasts sharply with the darker, more cynical characters in the novel, such as Chancellor Maido.
King Wilhelm is another standout character. As a ruler, he is torn between doing what is morally right and what is politically necessary. His relationship with Maido highlights the delicate balance of power in Voulhire, as Wilhelm struggles to maintain his authority while being undermined by his ambitious chancellor. Maido, on the other hand, is an intriguing antagonist. His manipulative nature and hunger for power make him a formidable political player, and his interactions with Wilhelm are some of the novel’s most engaging moments.
Meldorath, though not a present character, exerts a significant influence over the plot. The mystery surrounding his imprisonment and the fear he instills in the kingdom’s leaders adds a layer of suspense that keeps the reader hooked. Tysz expertly plants seeds of doubt about Meldorath’s fate, setting the stage for his potential return in future installments.
The novel touches on several themes that resonate throughout the story. The concept of displacement is a key theme, as seen through Galen’s journey. Having fled a land ravaged by war, he arrives in Voulhire seeking peace, only to find that political instability and corruption lurk beneath the surface. The theme of power and its corrupting influence is also central to the story. Characters like Maido and Meldorath represent different facets of power—political, magical, and religious—showing how these forces can be used for both good and ill.
The role of magic in the novel is another interesting theme. Magic is not just a tool for conflict but a force that shapes the very fabric of society in Voulhire. Whether it is used for combat or political maneuvering, magic adds an unpredictable element to the story, heightening the tension in key moments.
I would rate “We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The book is well-written, with a professionally edited polish that is evident in its smooth pacing and clear prose. Tysz does an excellent job of introducing readers to the world of Voulhire and setting up the broader conflicts that will likely unfold in future installments. The character development is strong, particularly with Galen and King Wilhelm, and the political intrigue keeps the reader engaged throughout.
However, the novel does suffer slightly from its pacing. While the world-setting is rich, some readers may find the slower pace of the first half a bit of a challenge, especially if they are expecting immediate action. That said, the build-up is worth it, as the latter half of the book picks up speed and sets up exciting possibilities for the series.
Overall, “We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" is a compelling start to what promises to be a thought-provoking and thrilling fantasy series. The blend of personal stakes, political intrigue, and magical elements makes it a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Matthew Tysz’s “We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" introduces readers to a sprawling world full of magic, political intrigue, and personal discovery. The novel effectively lays the groundwork for what promises to be an engaging fantasy series. At the heart of the story is Galen Bray from Lands of the Princes, who flees his homeland for the kingdom of Voulhire in search of a new life. The novel deftly switches between Galen's personal journey of rebuilding his life and the broader political and magical conflicts that threaten to engulf the kingdom.
The story begins with Galen arriving in Voulhire after a harrowing escape from his homeland. He inherits his late uncle’s blacksmith forge in the quiet town of Magnum Caelum, a place that feels worlds apart from the chaos of the Lands of the Princes. The author takes his time developing the setting, painting a vivid picture of Magnum Caelum, its people, and its customs. The town itself is peaceful, and Galen’s arrival is met with kindness and warmth, particularly from Mayor Malcolm and Artie, the harbormaster.
However, Voulhire is far from a utopia. The kingdom is on the brink of political upheaval, and Tysz masterfully builds tension through the various power struggles at play. King Wilhelm, the well-meaning but troubled ruler, faces challenges from Chancellor Midius Maido, whose ambitions are dangerously unchecked. The kingdom is also haunted by the legacy of Lord Meldorath, a powerful mage and former lord of Hillport, whose mysterious fall from power raises questions about the kingdom’s stability. Meldorath’s looming presence is a testament to Tysz’s ability to weave in threads of mystery and intrigue, leaving readers eager to learn more about this enigmatic character.
The world of Voulhire is rich and detailed, with its own religion, “Destinism", and a complex political system that feels believable within the fantasy setting. The religious and political institutions are intertwined, and figures like Eiodi Gadesh, the head of Destinism, add layers to the kingdom’s power dynamics. The inclusion of magic, represented by characters like Alabaster de Lasette, adds an element of unpredictability and raises the stakes in both political and military conflicts.
One of the novel’s strengths is its focus on developing characters. Galen is a protagonist, whose journey from a desperate refugee to a new life in Voulhire serves as the emotional anchor of the story. His optimism, despite the horrors he’s witnessed in the Lands of the Princes, makes him a character that readers can root for. His sense of hope contrasts sharply with the darker, more cynical characters in the novel, such as Chancellor Maido.
King Wilhelm is another standout character. As a ruler, he is torn between doing what is morally right and what is politically necessary. His relationship with Maido highlights the delicate balance of power in Voulhire, as Wilhelm struggles to maintain his authority while being undermined by his ambitious chancellor. Maido, on the other hand, is an intriguing antagonist. His manipulative nature and hunger for power make him a formidable political player, and his interactions with Wilhelm are some of the novel’s most engaging moments.
Meldorath, though not a present character, exerts a significant influence over the plot. The mystery surrounding his imprisonment and the fear he instills in the kingdom’s leaders adds a layer of suspense that keeps the reader hooked. Tysz expertly plants seeds of doubt about Meldorath’s fate, setting the stage for his potential return in future installments.
The novel touches on several themes that resonate throughout the story. The concept of displacement is a key theme, as seen through Galen’s journey. Having fled a land ravaged by war, he arrives in Voulhire seeking peace, only to find that political instability and corruption lurk beneath the surface. The theme of power and its corrupting influence is also central to the story. Characters like Maido and Meldorath represent different facets of power—political, magical, and religious—showing how these forces can be used for both good and ill.
The role of magic in the novel is another interesting theme. Magic is not just a tool for conflict but a force that shapes the very fabric of society in Voulhire. Whether it is used for combat or political maneuvering, magic adds an unpredictable element to the story, heightening the tension in key moments.
I would rate “We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The book is well-written, with a professionally edited polish that is evident in its smooth pacing and clear prose. Tysz does an excellent job of introducing readers to the world of Voulhire and setting up the broader conflicts that will likely unfold in future installments. The character development is strong, particularly with Galen and King Wilhelm, and the political intrigue keeps the reader engaged throughout.
However, the novel does suffer slightly from its pacing. While the world-setting is rich, some readers may find the slower pace of the first half a bit of a challenge, especially if they are expecting immediate action. That said, the build-up is worth it, as the latter half of the book picks up speed and sets up exciting possibilities for the series.
Overall, “We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" is a compelling start to what promises to be a thought-provoking and thrilling fantasy series. The blend of personal stakes, political intrigue, and magical elements makes it a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon