Review by PhoeNyxFrost -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of ...

PhoeNyxFrost · Post by **PhoeNyxFrost** » 16 Sep 2020, 02:43

[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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Left with the thrilling and despairing conclusion from the first installment, We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko by Matthew Tysz continues with vivid brutality and features otherworld mysteries together with the magic of Caromentis. It also introduces us to a new set of characters like Hans Hrelek or Folcro, the anti-social only son of Lord Venden, and the respected noble Kayden Morgan his once long-time friend. The story revolves around the two and their past relationship as they affect the drastic change of the famed industrially advanced city of Virko and its rapid advancement to a capitalistic society.

Galen, our protagonist, together with Rowan and Demetrius received the unfortunate news of Hillport that resulted in canceled metal trade. To help the town, the three of them traveled to Virko to source out metal but instead encountered a troubling situation. The news of the failing health of Venden Hrelek-the governing Lord of Virko, served as a catalyst for the hidden plans of his son Folcro. With the arrival of the trio, they stumbled upon the devilish secrets of Folcro unraveling not only his sinister nature but also a much more dangerous and powerful creature. Progressing to a more dark turn of events, Meldorath had made his move for revenge to control another powerhouse of the Kingdom, and maybe the only hope of Virko, Yamon Soul.

I noticed a parallel to the writing style from the first book. The author takes us to the heart of Voulhire's featured city with the eyes of the people that affect its changes using a 3rd person perspective, all the while using the protagonist's 1st person view of an observant to relate to the readers. While this may be unwelcome, I can say that the style was used effectively. The first book ended with some disturbing news that left me with questions, and I expected a continuation but The Fires of Virko, started out in its own pace and dismissed the major contents of the 1st book except for the major characters such as the group of our protagonists and Meldorath, thus limiting their exposure on the story. This could upset some readers just as it upsets me together with the consistent theme of hopelessness. The book kept revealing problems while presenting a solution, only to take it back again and surprise you with a hellish turn of events. I had to change my mindset to a darker tone of interest to fully enjoy the story. I observed that the book focuses and highlights human desires, thoughts and actions, mostly dark, and how it contributes to the slowly building bigger plot. Personally, reading through those was the most engrossing part of the book.

The Fires of Virko presents graphic violent contents, profanities and suggestive homosexual relations that were minimal on the 1st installment. This dark fantasy series also has its religious concept but will not affect our existing religious beliefs. The book was consistently well-worded, artistically delivered and professionally edited and I would rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this to adult dark fantasy lovers and even to suspense and thriller readers. Although the main characters had less exposure to the story, I would like to recognize the style Matthew Tysz had created, but I can only hope that the future installments will have our answers as they connect and tie up in a conclusion, may it be victorious or dark.

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We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
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abudaniel28 · Post by **abudaniel28** » 03 Oct 2020, 13:36

Excellent review. I have read the first part and I really enjoyed it. Reading your rewiew makes reading the second installment of We are Voulhire worth reading. Thanks for the in-depth analysis.

PhoeNyxFrost · Post by **PhoeNyxFrost** » 06 Oct 2020, 09:25

Thank you for your kind words! Im happy that it helped especially since Im new to making reviews and also new here. The series would be my first review here and as I am currently on the 5th book I hope you could continue to meet more characters and experience interesting moments only the series of Voulhire could give! In my case I am anticipating more about each of the characters' decisions and how it makes you reflect about people and life in general.