Review by kimoy13 -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
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Review by kimoy13 -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko" by Matthew Tysz.]
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko is the second novel in a nine novel series by Matthew Tysz. From the onset, the reader can see that it continues to build on the plot that was established in the first book We are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies. On this basis, it is recommended that book one be read first, so as to better understand and appreciate book two.
In this novel, The Fires of Virko, the reader observes the personality and emotional changes in the main characters. For example, Galen, one of the main characters, is now learning to better read and assess persons and situations. In the first novel, he was portrayed as a timid and uncertain young man. Now, Tysz portrays him as a man who is not afraid to ask questions. He is also seen to be fearless and decisive in dangerous situations.
Again, I must compliment Tysz on the descriptive language that he uses throughout this novel. He relies on literary devices such as personification and metaphors which bring his writing to life. The color red also features heavily in the novel. This color evokes a number of different emotions whenever it is encountered in the novel. Some of these emotions include: power, anger, danger, passion and energy. It is quite a genius move by the author to employ this literary technique. Here, the reader has no other option but to actually see and feel the emotions being experienced by the characters.
As the novel progresses, it is realized that the town of Virko is the focal point of the story. The reader will note that there exists an ongoing division among this town's inhabitants on whether or not the town should be religious or secular. Consequently, the reader will observe that as this internal battle goes on, external, evil forces enter and try to wreak havoc on the town.
Another town, which is known for being holy, is also attacked by evils spirits in this novel. Indeed, these attacks which occur throughout the novel, reveal the battle between the physical world and the spiritual one. The battle between religion and secularism is also explored. These two battles are central themes in Tysz's novel.
This novel is undoubtedly much darker and scarier than its predecessor. As such, I urge persons with very vivid imaginations to be mindful of this when reading it. On this basis, I believe that this novel is best suited for adults. The profanity found in the novel, though not in excess, also makes it better suited for adults. It should also be mentioned that references to God are made throughout the novel. Nevertheless, it is my view that all persons, regardless of their religious beliefs, will still appreciate and enjoy this story.
There is nothing that I do not like in this novel because it is enjoyable from the beginning to the very end. Thus, I must rate this novel a solid 4 out of 4 stars as it succeeded in keeping my attention. Each afternoon, I found myself rushing home from work to continue reading it.
I particularly like the fact that Tysz is able to incorporate the other towns into this story although the focus is on Virko. The inclusion of the towns in this novel, allows the reader to appreciate how the occurrences in one town impact on the other towns. Although these towns are separate and unique, they are still tied to one another. This phenomenon happens in real life.
I also love the fact that the many twists and turns in the novel will not confuse the reader. On the contrary, they will entice him to keep on reading to see what happens next.
I honestly believe that I will suffer from withdrawal symptoms after I am finished reading the ninth and final novel of this series. The novels are that good! Thankfully, I still have a few more of them to devour before I get there. I am now so excited to read the third novel! Matthew Tysz is an amazing writer. Kudos to him.
******
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko is the second novel in a nine novel series by Matthew Tysz. From the onset, the reader can see that it continues to build on the plot that was established in the first book We are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies. On this basis, it is recommended that book one be read first, so as to better understand and appreciate book two.
In this novel, The Fires of Virko, the reader observes the personality and emotional changes in the main characters. For example, Galen, one of the main characters, is now learning to better read and assess persons and situations. In the first novel, he was portrayed as a timid and uncertain young man. Now, Tysz portrays him as a man who is not afraid to ask questions. He is also seen to be fearless and decisive in dangerous situations.
Again, I must compliment Tysz on the descriptive language that he uses throughout this novel. He relies on literary devices such as personification and metaphors which bring his writing to life. The color red also features heavily in the novel. This color evokes a number of different emotions whenever it is encountered in the novel. Some of these emotions include: power, anger, danger, passion and energy. It is quite a genius move by the author to employ this literary technique. Here, the reader has no other option but to actually see and feel the emotions being experienced by the characters.
As the novel progresses, it is realized that the town of Virko is the focal point of the story. The reader will note that there exists an ongoing division among this town's inhabitants on whether or not the town should be religious or secular. Consequently, the reader will observe that as this internal battle goes on, external, evil forces enter and try to wreak havoc on the town.
Another town, which is known for being holy, is also attacked by evils spirits in this novel. Indeed, these attacks which occur throughout the novel, reveal the battle between the physical world and the spiritual one. The battle between religion and secularism is also explored. These two battles are central themes in Tysz's novel.
This novel is undoubtedly much darker and scarier than its predecessor. As such, I urge persons with very vivid imaginations to be mindful of this when reading it. On this basis, I believe that this novel is best suited for adults. The profanity found in the novel, though not in excess, also makes it better suited for adults. It should also be mentioned that references to God are made throughout the novel. Nevertheless, it is my view that all persons, regardless of their religious beliefs, will still appreciate and enjoy this story.
There is nothing that I do not like in this novel because it is enjoyable from the beginning to the very end. Thus, I must rate this novel a solid 4 out of 4 stars as it succeeded in keeping my attention. Each afternoon, I found myself rushing home from work to continue reading it.
I particularly like the fact that Tysz is able to incorporate the other towns into this story although the focus is on Virko. The inclusion of the towns in this novel, allows the reader to appreciate how the occurrences in one town impact on the other towns. Although these towns are separate and unique, they are still tied to one another. This phenomenon happens in real life.
I also love the fact that the many twists and turns in the novel will not confuse the reader. On the contrary, they will entice him to keep on reading to see what happens next.
I honestly believe that I will suffer from withdrawal symptoms after I am finished reading the ninth and final novel of this series. The novels are that good! Thankfully, I still have a few more of them to devour before I get there. I am now so excited to read the third novel! Matthew Tysz is an amazing writer. Kudos to him.
******
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
