Review by Charlyt -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 16 May 2019, 02:35

[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko" by Matthew Tysz.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The city of Virko, Voulhire’s most productive city, is on its way to a great change. Venden Hrelek, the city’s lord, decided that a captain appointed by the king would be better to run the prosperous city rather than its own lord. But as these changes start to take place, Hans Hrelek, Lord Venden’s son and successor, has his own plans regarding the industrious city. Unknown to all who reside in Virko, their city holds a great secret right in the heart of it. A certain form of evil is waiting to be unleashed, and it sits patiently for the right time to come.

We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko is the second book of the We are Voulhire Series written by Matthew Tysz. Following the events that happened in Hillport from the previous book, Galen Bray, an immigrant from the Land of the Princes and a blacksmith, together with his new friends Rowan and Demetrius find themselves traveling to the rich city of Virko. In there, Galen finds himself caught in the middle of the action of political changes and of an evil plan.

As with the first book of the series, the story’s theme includes science, faith, and magic. But this time, the book also includes politics and the schemes that happen behind the scenes when rich and influential men seek more power. I think this makes the book more realistic and relatable. I also like that the story has a different and otherworldly form of evil from the first book, but in the end, it is still humans who try to take control for their own benefit. Galen, as the main character, is a very innocent man to the point of being ignorant at times, but one can immediately see that the author has big plans for him. Aside from that, his character is also a stark contrast to the book’s dark and morbid motif.

The book follows different characters’ perspective and, just like in the first book, I found that this makes the character development a little slow. But even as it is, I understand that the plot wouldn’t unravel smoothly if it was written any other way. I also found some errors in the narrative although they are all typographical. For examples, a missing close quotation mark and misspelled words, but they don’t get in the way of enjoying the book.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The narrative is nicely written and easy to understand. Although this book takes place in a different city and has a different main antagonist than the previous one, I can see that the pieces of the story are now in the right place to come together for the third installment. I would recommend this to adult readers who like magic, fantasy and adventure books, but not to those who don’t like dark and morbid themes. The story also contains swear words and some gore so I wouldn’t recommend it to young adults.

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We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
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Hiruni Bhagya 81 · Post by **Hiruni Bhagya 81** » 31 May 2019, 13:01

I read this book and found it quite interesting, and I love your summary very much. You've introduced the storyline without giving too much away. So, thanks for the wonderful review.

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 01 Jun 2019, 01:17

Hiruni Bhagya 81 wrote: ↑31 May 2019, 13:01 I read this book and found it quite interesting, and I love your summary very much. You've introduced the storyline without giving too much away. So, thanks for the wonderful review.

Thanks for your comment!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 01 Jun 2019, 02:34

This sounds like a well-constructed novel, with many elements well melded together. I'll certainly be placing this on my to-read list. Great review!

Ekta Swarnkar · Post by **Ekta Swarnkar** » 01 Jun 2019, 02:41

I have read the first book of the series and after reading the review I'm excited about this book too. I really wanted to know what happens with Galen. Great review!

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 01 Jun 2019, 10:54

The book series seem to have a nice mix of science, faith, and magic and this book includes politics and the schemes. Thanks for your detailed review.

Artizi · Post by **Artizi** » 01 Jun 2019, 21:20

Magic, fantasy, adventure: what a wonderful mix! I think I might give this book a try. Your review is very insightful, kudos!

If you wouldn't mind checking my latest review, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Fazzier · Post by **Fazzier** » 02 Jun 2019, 02:15

I'm glad you've captured the fact this book follows different characters’ perspectives. I really liked the approach as it made me gauge the characters ’ points of view of story. Thank you for this wonderful review!

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 03 Jun 2019, 01:48

gen_g wrote: ↑01 Jun 2019, 02:34 This sounds like a well-constructed novel, with many elements well melded together. I'll certainly be placing this on my to-read list. Great review!

The author certainly created a well developed world for this story. Thanks for your comment!

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 03 Jun 2019, 01:50

Ekta Swarnkar wrote: ↑01 Jun 2019, 02:41 I have read the first book of the series and after reading the review I'm excited about this book too. I really wanted to know what happens with Galen. Great review!

The story gets interesting and the author introduces the readers to more places in Voulhire. Thanks for your comment!

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 03 Jun 2019, 01:51

sanjus wrote: ↑01 Jun 2019, 10:54 The book series seem to have a nice mix of science, faith, and magic and this book includes politics and the schemes. Thanks for your detailed review.

Yes, it's a very well developed plot. Thanks for your comment!

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 03 Jun 2019, 01:58

Artizi wrote: ↑01 Jun 2019, 21:20 Magic, fantasy, adventure: what a wonderful mix! I think I might give this book a try. Your review is very insightful, kudos!

If you wouldn't mind checking my latest review, I'd greatly appreciate it!

The book certainly have a good balance of all of those. Thanks for your comment!

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 03 Jun 2019, 02:00

Fazzier wrote: ↑02 Jun 2019, 02:15 I'm glad you've captured the fact this book follows different characters’ perspectives. I really liked the approach as it made me gauge the characters ’ points of view of story. Thank you for this wonderful review!

With a lot going on in the story, having it told in different perspectives definitely made it less confusing. Thanks for your comment!

Wyland · Post by **Wyland** » 04 Jun 2019, 05:11

It would be interesting to see how humans try to gain power amidst the challenges posed by these otherworldly forces. Thank for the review.

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 05 Jun 2019, 02:11

Wyland wrote: ↑04 Jun 2019, 05:11 It would be interesting to see how humans try to gain power amidst the challenges posed by these otherworldly forces. Thank for the review.

It seems humans always find a way. Thanks for your comment!