Review by NetMassimo -- We are Voulhire: A New Arrival u...
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Review by NetMassimo -- We are Voulhire: A New Arrival u...
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is a fantasy novel set in a world where magic exists. Galen Bray is a young man who has the chance to get away from a land devastated by war after receiving an inheritance from a great uncle. He travels to Magnum Caelum, which seems a peaceful city in the kingdom of Voulhire. The Riva Rohavi rebels are barely kept from invading Voulhire and are a constant threat. On an island, an extremely powerful wizard is kept prisoner, can his jailers keep him locked up?
This is the first book of a fantasy saga. It seems a classic form of fantasy, with a setting that has a medieval flavor. It's actually a multiverse, in the sense that a universe hosts the kingdom of Voulhire's world and another universe, called Caromentis, is full of magic. Spells can open a gateway to Caromentis, take magic from it, and use it.
What impressed me in the beginning of this novel were its characters. Matthew Tysz skillfully uses details to describe their actions, moods, feelings, and emotions. Even minor characters seem alive, and the important ones have a great development.
Some subplots are started to introduce characters and different places of that fictional universe. There's more introspection than action, so the pace can be slow. My attention remained focused thanks to interesting reflections and vivid descriptions. Every page offers something interesting such as introducing a mystery, telling information about a character's backstory, telling some piece of history of a place, and so on.
The result is complex, but it can be suitable for teenagers ready for something sophisticated. Sexual references are really mild, and the occasional profanities are what an average teenager hears every day. That doesn't mean Matthew Tysz avoided difficult themes: for example, Lord Eldus investigates an alleged pedophile. All of that might be too much for pre-teens but I think it's suitable for teenagers and older readers.
Note that this novel can be considered a big prologue because it sets the subplots in motion but has no real ending. That means there's a point in reading it only if you want to go on and read its sequels. It certainly stimulated my desire to go on because I found it engaging, intriguing, and well written.
This is the first part of a bigger story, so my judgment regards in part its potential, which seems remarkable thanks to the world-building job done by Matthew Tysz. The author proved you don't need to reinvent the wheel to create and excellent product. My rating is 4 out of 4 stars because of the novel's interesting contents and the professional editing. If you're ready to start a whole fantasy saga, I recommend this one.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Massimo
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Indeed I enjoyed this novel. Thank you for your appreciation.

Massimo
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If you like this genre, I'm sure that this novel will make you want to read its sequels!Y0landa wrote: ↑05 Jan 2020, 14:53 I'm glad you scored it 4 out of 4 stars because I had already chosen to read this one, so I'm happy to hear it's great and well written. Thanks for your excellent review! It's nice to hear the character development is quite good, as it makes reading more enjoyable. Looking forward to this!

Massimo
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Magic is a central aspect of that fictional universe, or multiverse. If you don't like it, it's understandable that you dropped this series.
Thank you for the appreciation.

Massimo
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This novel has various important characters, and they have important developments I expect will continue in the sequels, so it suits your taste.Rayasaurus wrote: ↑11 Jan 2020, 12:45 I love character development, especially when it's more than just the main character who has it. Thank you for the review!
Thank you for the appreciation.


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Thank you for your appreciation!Nehal Mitna wrote: ↑07 Aug 2020, 01:50 Very well written review I must say! Hope to read more from you.


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NetMassimo wrote: ↑28 Nov 2019, 08:03 [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 fantasy novel set in a world where magic exists. Galen Bray is a young man who has the chance to get away from a land devastated by war after receiving an inheritance from a great uncle. He travels to Magnum Caelum, which seems a peaceful city in the kingdom of Voulhire. The Riva Rohavi rebels are barely kept from invading Voulhire and are a constant threat. On an island, an extremely powerful wizard is kept prisoner, can his jailers keep him locked up?
This is the first book of a fantasy saga. It seems a classic form of fantasy, with a setting that has a medieval flavor. It's actually a multiverse, in the sense that a universe hosts the kingdom of Voulhire's world and another universe, called Caromentis, is full of magic. Spells can open a gateway to Caromentis, take magic from it, and use it.
What impressed me in the beginning of this novel were its characters. Matthew Tysz skillfully uses details to describe their actions, moods, feelings, and emotions. Even minor characters seem alive, and the important ones have a great development.
Some subplots are started to introduce characters and different places of that fictional universe. There's more introspection than action, so the pace can be slow. My attention remained focused thanks to interesting reflections and vivid descriptions. Every page offers something interesting such as introducing a mystery, telling information about a character's backstory, telling some piece of history of a place, and so on.
The result is complex, but it can be suitable for teenagers ready for something sophisticated. Sexual references are really mild, and the occasional profanities are what an average teenager hears every day. That doesn't mean Matthew Tysz avoided difficult themes: for example, Lord Eldus investigates an alleged pedophile. All of that might be too much for pre-teens but I think it's suitable for teenagers and older readers.
Note that this novel can be considered a big prologue because it sets the subplots in motion but has no real ending. That means there's a point in reading it only if you want to go on and read its sequels. It certainly stimulated my desire to go on because I found it engaging, intriguing, and well written.
This is the first part of a bigger story, so my judgment regards in part its potential, which seems remarkable thanks to the world-building job done by Matthew Tysz. The author proved you don't need to reinvent the wheel to create and excellent product. My rating is 4 out of 4 stars because of the novel's interesting contents and the professional editing. If you're ready to start a whole fantasy saga, I recommend this one.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
This sounds like a rich, immersive world where magic and politics collide in intriguing ways. The fact that even minor characters feel fully realized makes the story even more engaging. Did you find the slower pace rewarding, or did you wish for a little more action throughout?
