Review by Fola_M -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
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Review by Fola_M -- 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 instalment in the We are Voulhire series by Matthew Tysz. This book focuses mainly on the flourishing town of Virko, and partly the religious city of Yamon Soul. It also gives us a glimpse into Galen Bray’s new life in Magnum Caelum.
Citizens of Virko are simple, law-abiding and hardworking. They owe their industrious way of life to their sovereign, Lord Venden Hrelek, who made the community into the most productive city in Voulhire. However, Venden is seriously ill and has more than his failing health to worry about. He is trying to end noble sovereignty and hand over law enforcement to an elected captain. He is also very concerned about the abominable pursuits of his only child and heir, Hans Hrelek. So, when Galen Bray and his friends approach him for a favour, he wastes no time in granting it and eliciting a promise from them in return.
Meanwhile, in the religious capital of Voulhire, Yamon Soul, Eiodi Gadesh is also very worried. The chief priest’s major concern is a new virus that defies logic and explanation. All the doctors in the capital couldn’t figure out what it is. Suddenly, a mysterious alchemist shows up in town and offers to help them solve the riddle. However, there’s a certain familiarity about this stranger that gives off ominous vibes. Who is this mysterious stranger and can he help the Eiodi? Also, can Galen and his friends fulfil their promise to the dying sovereign?
I was excited about reading this book because I thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment. It didn’t disappoint as I found it more intriguing than the first. The story continues seamlessly from where it stopped, and it was easy for me to catch up even though more characters have been introduced. So, I would strongly recommend reading the first book, We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under the Great Skies, for a better understanding of the plot.
The author has given more depth to the development of some of the old characters in the previous book. Galen’s role, for example, is gradually emerging as the innocent protagonist who gets caught up in the frightful events at Virko. Demetrius’s character has also been fully developed and synced to the storyline. Together, their synergy makes the plot come alive in a very engrossing way. On the other hand, new antagonist characters like Lord Dragan and Hans Hrelek, add a delightfully dark essence to the story. Overall, it makes for a very compelling and fascinating read.
I also love the way the author explores themes like closeted homosexuality, magical religion, politics and betrayals in a simple narrative writing style. As with the first book, this makes it easy to grasp the discussions and picture the scenes. My only minor concern is that there’s no reference guide in this particular instalment so, it’s hard to read as a standalone book.
Overall, I will rate it 4 out of 4 stars. We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko is a compelling read; a potent cocktail of dark humour, horror and suspense. It is professionally edited, and there are no erotic scenes. There is very little profanity which didn’t affect my reading experience. There are graphic descriptions of violence and horror, however, so it is not for the faint-hearted. I wouldn’t recommend it to readers whose sensibilities are easily offended. I wouldn’t recommend it to teenagers or children either. Mature fans of the fantasy literary genre will love this book. Adult horror enthusiasts will appreciate it too.
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We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko is the second instalment in the We are Voulhire series by Matthew Tysz. This book focuses mainly on the flourishing town of Virko, and partly the religious city of Yamon Soul. It also gives us a glimpse into Galen Bray’s new life in Magnum Caelum.
Citizens of Virko are simple, law-abiding and hardworking. They owe their industrious way of life to their sovereign, Lord Venden Hrelek, who made the community into the most productive city in Voulhire. However, Venden is seriously ill and has more than his failing health to worry about. He is trying to end noble sovereignty and hand over law enforcement to an elected captain. He is also very concerned about the abominable pursuits of his only child and heir, Hans Hrelek. So, when Galen Bray and his friends approach him for a favour, he wastes no time in granting it and eliciting a promise from them in return.
Meanwhile, in the religious capital of Voulhire, Yamon Soul, Eiodi Gadesh is also very worried. The chief priest’s major concern is a new virus that defies logic and explanation. All the doctors in the capital couldn’t figure out what it is. Suddenly, a mysterious alchemist shows up in town and offers to help them solve the riddle. However, there’s a certain familiarity about this stranger that gives off ominous vibes. Who is this mysterious stranger and can he help the Eiodi? Also, can Galen and his friends fulfil their promise to the dying sovereign?
I was excited about reading this book because I thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment. It didn’t disappoint as I found it more intriguing than the first. The story continues seamlessly from where it stopped, and it was easy for me to catch up even though more characters have been introduced. So, I would strongly recommend reading the first book, We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under the Great Skies, for a better understanding of the plot.
The author has given more depth to the development of some of the old characters in the previous book. Galen’s role, for example, is gradually emerging as the innocent protagonist who gets caught up in the frightful events at Virko. Demetrius’s character has also been fully developed and synced to the storyline. Together, their synergy makes the plot come alive in a very engrossing way. On the other hand, new antagonist characters like Lord Dragan and Hans Hrelek, add a delightfully dark essence to the story. Overall, it makes for a very compelling and fascinating read.
I also love the way the author explores themes like closeted homosexuality, magical religion, politics and betrayals in a simple narrative writing style. As with the first book, this makes it easy to grasp the discussions and picture the scenes. My only minor concern is that there’s no reference guide in this particular instalment so, it’s hard to read as a standalone book.
Overall, I will rate it 4 out of 4 stars. We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko is a compelling read; a potent cocktail of dark humour, horror and suspense. It is professionally edited, and there are no erotic scenes. There is very little profanity which didn’t affect my reading experience. There are graphic descriptions of violence and horror, however, so it is not for the faint-hearted. I wouldn’t recommend it to readers whose sensibilities are easily offended. I wouldn’t recommend it to teenagers or children either. Mature fans of the fantasy literary genre will love this book. Adult horror enthusiasts will appreciate it too.
******
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Moonlight Serenade by Terry Mark
