Review by C Austin -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
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C Austin
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Review by C Austin -- 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 by Matthew Tysz takes us on a more detailed adventure inside the land of Voulhire. The characters are more fleshed out and nuanced. The towns and cities have revealed more of their cultures and norms. Some readily visible, and some hidden in plain sight and in the underbellies of this land.
Galen and his companions, Rowan and Demetrius, realize that things are changing in the city of Virko. The deal Galen’s uncle made with Venden Hrelek, the lord of Virko, might be in trouble. In order to continue his uncle’s business of blacksmithing, Galen has to travel to Virko to create a new deal to acquire iron for the prosperity of Magnum Caelum. Virko is Demetrius’ home town so Galen conscripts his help to secure an iron contract from Lord Venden. As the trio travels, we are re-introduced to Meldorath, contemplating the next move he should take. After a visit from an old friend, Meldorath decides that the first step in his revenge upon King Wilhem is to target the clergy city of Yamon Soul. Meanwhile, Meldorath darkens the gates of Yamon Soul with his presence, darker forces are at work inside the city of Virko. In order to secure the iron contract with Lord Venden, Galen had to promise he will have Demetrius bless his home of evil. In a bid to keep his promise and an innate desire to save his city, Demetrius trifles with things he does not fully understand. And in his hubris, he unleashes hell upon his people.
In this book 2 of this series, the author stretches his proficiency at storytelling to provide us with deeper and more complex plotlines. The many different storylines created are artfully interwoven in the book. The breaks in the story arrive at mostly the right time to give you a breather and or to heighten the suspense and intrigue. The pacing was well done and much better than book 1. I am very interested to see how these storylines converge and where the character arcs end up in the master plot. Tysz has given us a fully fleshed out city in Virko that we have no difficulty seeing in our minds. The city is contrasted with all of Voulhire, as it is the most prosperous among all the countries. The people here are more interested in money and power than traditional rule. It is quite engaging to see how certain individuals, good and bad, maneuver through political games and espionage. They also almost have done away with anything that has to do with their faith. Which ultimately will cost them dearly.
The most fun I had with the book was learning about the character’s motivation and ambition in Virko, and exactly how far they are willing to go to gain more money and power. There was not much that I did not like about this book. Tysz has really piqued my interest. But if I must choose, I guess I would dislike how the author goes about describing a certain murder the most. It felt out of place. But that may be my failure to understand.
I give this book a 4 out of 4. The book is definitely worth the read. It is full of surprises and some of the humor will have you at least chuckle out loud. The climax is thrilling and a little scary. The book was also well edited. I would recommend it to fantasy and magic lovers mainly. Action is spread throughout so action lovers are welcome. If you are looking for your next page-turner read book 1 which sets the tone and enjoy book 2.
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We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We Are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko by Matthew Tysz takes us on a more detailed adventure inside the land of Voulhire. The characters are more fleshed out and nuanced. The towns and cities have revealed more of their cultures and norms. Some readily visible, and some hidden in plain sight and in the underbellies of this land.
Galen and his companions, Rowan and Demetrius, realize that things are changing in the city of Virko. The deal Galen’s uncle made with Venden Hrelek, the lord of Virko, might be in trouble. In order to continue his uncle’s business of blacksmithing, Galen has to travel to Virko to create a new deal to acquire iron for the prosperity of Magnum Caelum. Virko is Demetrius’ home town so Galen conscripts his help to secure an iron contract from Lord Venden. As the trio travels, we are re-introduced to Meldorath, contemplating the next move he should take. After a visit from an old friend, Meldorath decides that the first step in his revenge upon King Wilhem is to target the clergy city of Yamon Soul. Meanwhile, Meldorath darkens the gates of Yamon Soul with his presence, darker forces are at work inside the city of Virko. In order to secure the iron contract with Lord Venden, Galen had to promise he will have Demetrius bless his home of evil. In a bid to keep his promise and an innate desire to save his city, Demetrius trifles with things he does not fully understand. And in his hubris, he unleashes hell upon his people.
In this book 2 of this series, the author stretches his proficiency at storytelling to provide us with deeper and more complex plotlines. The many different storylines created are artfully interwoven in the book. The breaks in the story arrive at mostly the right time to give you a breather and or to heighten the suspense and intrigue. The pacing was well done and much better than book 1. I am very interested to see how these storylines converge and where the character arcs end up in the master plot. Tysz has given us a fully fleshed out city in Virko that we have no difficulty seeing in our minds. The city is contrasted with all of Voulhire, as it is the most prosperous among all the countries. The people here are more interested in money and power than traditional rule. It is quite engaging to see how certain individuals, good and bad, maneuver through political games and espionage. They also almost have done away with anything that has to do with their faith. Which ultimately will cost them dearly.
The most fun I had with the book was learning about the character’s motivation and ambition in Virko, and exactly how far they are willing to go to gain more money and power. There was not much that I did not like about this book. Tysz has really piqued my interest. But if I must choose, I guess I would dislike how the author goes about describing a certain murder the most. It felt out of place. But that may be my failure to understand.
I give this book a 4 out of 4. The book is definitely worth the read. It is full of surprises and some of the humor will have you at least chuckle out loud. The climax is thrilling and a little scary. The book was also well edited. I would recommend it to fantasy and magic lovers mainly. Action is spread throughout so action lovers are welcome. If you are looking for your next page-turner read book 1 which sets the tone and enjoy book 2.
******
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: How To Be Successful by M. Curtis McCoy
