Review by Tarilan -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 20 Nov 2020, 06:07

[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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When we have the chance to give back to a place we call home for its betterment, we often take it. However, the journey is not a smooth one. In Voulhire where magic, mages, and politics are the talk of the town, it is even harder. All this unfolds in the second installment of the We are Voulhire series by Matthew Tysz, We are Voulhire: Fires Of Virko.

Galen Bray is adjusting to his new home in Magnum Caelum. In the previous book, he left the Lands of the Princes; a war-torn land full of misery, poverty, distress, and an enormous mortality rate. After inheriting a good fortune and a blacksmith legacy from his great uncle, he is set to learn how to forge iron. The mayor asks him to go to Virko, Voulhire's most productive city. The iron that was meant for Magnum Caelum from Alcovia (a mining town in Voulhire) had been claimed by Virko. Galen's great uncle had always found a way of getting iron from the city. The mayor therefore requests him to try channeling the mineral back home. Along with his two new companions, Rowan and Demetrius, Galen sets for a journey to the city of opulent and robust industrialists.

Lord Venden Hrelek, the brain behind Virko's industrialization and development, is very ill at the moment. He constantly reiterates his insistence on an incursion to the king of Voulhire. His son whom he doesn't trust, Hans Hrelek (Folcro), has plans of his own. However, there is a strange darkness in Virko. "Even untrained senses should at least suspect that something's not right..." Additionally, there is a demon bound to Rendenhide, Venden's castle. Galen, Rowan, and Demetrius successfully meet Virko's lord. He agrees to grant their wish. He makes a promise to supply Magnum Caelum with iron, on condition that they get rid of the darkness in his castle. Will they agree? What is Folcro planning to do?

What I adored most about the book was the unpredictability. The story flows smoothly from the beginning to the end. I found the magical aspect of the book very intriguing. The story also has many characters' perspectives. This helped me to understand why some characters acted the way they did. My favorite character was Folcro. Please don't get me wrong. I don't support evil, but it was hard to guess what his plans were. The way the author created his unpredictable character, is laudable. As a matter of fact, his shady plans remained unknown to many. I also enjoyed Rowan's sense of humor. Oh! There is Galen's naivety. I got excited every time I read his point of view.

There is no single aspect I didn't like about the book. I rate this book 4 out 4 stars because of the vivid descriptions and engaging writing style. It is also well written and professionally edited. The suspense created by the author is highly commendable. The book contains unique ideas about magic, science, religion, and politics.

Since this book contains reasonable profanity and mentions but no scenes of erotic content, I recommend it to sci-fi/fantasy enthusiasts and readers above the age of 18. If you have read the first book in the series, this one will make more sense. The lesson I have learned is that no matter who you are, helplessness is a choice.

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We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
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Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 04 Dec 2020, 10:37

This one wasn't my favorite book in the series, but it had it's pluses

Thanks for a great review!

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 05 Dec 2020, 09:04

Ellylion wrote: ↑04 Dec 2020, 10:37 This one wasn't my favorite book in the series, but it had it's pluses Thanks for a great review!

I agree with you. It has its own ups and downs, but the tension created is highly commendable.

Saint Bruno · Post by **Saint Bruno** » 05 Dec 2020, 09:05

I read the first book of this series. I am happy to learn that the same intrigue continues with this title as well. Thanks for the great review and recommendation.

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 05 Dec 2020, 11:19

I also enjoyed the book, as the story progressed nicely. Great job with the review!

Eutoc · Post by **Eutoc** » 05 Dec 2020, 16:36

If you love Folcro I guess you'd equally like Lord Meldorath. They are similar in motives. Thanks for reviewing.

AvidBibliophile · Post by **AvidBibliophile** » 05 Dec 2020, 21:58

I’ve only read the first book of this series so far, but Voulhire never disappoints. What a place of magic and treachery, surprises and schemes! It sounds like Galen has quite the memorable journey in this one as he sets out on his mission for iron. Thank you for the helpful review.

Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 05 Dec 2020, 23:38

I’ve read this book and I agree with your points and rating. I enjoyed reading this. Great review!

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 06 Dec 2020, 00:45

Honest-reviewer wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 23:38 I’ve read this book and I agree with your points and rating. I enjoyed reading this. Great review!

Am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for passing by.

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 06 Dec 2020, 00:47

AvidBibliophile wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 21:58 I’ve only read the first book of this series so far, but Voulhire never disappoints. What a place of magic and treachery, surprises and schemes! It sounds like Galen has quite the memorable journey in wthis one as he sets out on his mission for iron. Thank you for the helpful review.

Oh yes! Galen is enjoying his tour around Voulhire. Thanks for the comment.

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 06 Dec 2020, 00:49

Eutoc wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 16:36 If you love Folcro I guess you'd equally like Lord Meldorath. They are similar in motives. Thanks for reviewing.

Meldorath and Folcro are indeed very similar although the former is more interesting. Thanks for the comment.

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 06 Dec 2020, 00:50

raluca_mihaila wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 11:19 I also enjoyed the book, as the story progressed nicely. Great job with the review!

Thanks for passing by. Am glad you enjoyed it.

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 06 Dec 2020, 00:53

Saint Bruno wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 09:05 I read the first book of this series. I am happy to learn that the same intrigue continues with this title as well. Thanks for the great review and recommendation.

I love the way the author builds tension in the story. You find yourself wanting to read more. Thanks for the comment.

06 Dec 2020, 04:10

I enjoyed reading this book, although it was not as interesting as the first book in the series of We are Voulhire. Great review!

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 06 Dec 2020, 10:39

Nqobile771 wrote: ↑06 Dec 2020, 04:10 I enjoyed reading this book, although it was not as interesting as the first book in the series of We are Voulhire. Great review!

Thanks for stopping by Nqobile.