Review by Albaou Amira -- We are Voulhire: A New Arrival...

[Albaou Amira]

[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is the first book in the We are Voulhire series. Galen Bray is one of the lucky ones to get a chance of getting out of the war, pain, and suffering of the Land of the Princes. With an invitation from his great uncle, he sails to Voulhire hoping for a better life. But is Voulhire the paradise that awaits him? With Lord Meldorath on a rampage spreading terror and fear in the south and tension rising between the monarchy and the Order of Mianora, will Galen’s new life be at risk of crumbling?

Read this deep, thought-provoking book to journey with Galen and his friends to uncover the mysteries and secrets of Voulhire, the entire Cosmos, and Caromentis.

I loved how the author showcased his writing skill by using both the first and third-person POV in this book. The story is told through the perspective of many characters like Lord Orlin, the King, Galen, Lord Meldorath, and other major characters. But what made it more interesting was that Galen’s POV was the only one written in the first person while the third person is used for all the others. This subtly shows the growing importance of this young man from the Land of the Princes.

The Feast of Human Hands was such an important concept in this book which I found intriguing. Voulhire celebrates this feast with the main event being a web or chain of people holding each other’s hands from the king down to the citizens. This revealed a unified Voulhire which is hardly noticed as most of Voulhire’s cities act almost independently from each other.

Every character, every act, every thought, and every word in this book is a piece of a large puzzle, slowly creating a world that is nothing short of fascinating. Although there are so many characters with different aims and ambitions, they all seem connected and moving towards each other in by some well-crafted design. This first book is just an introduction and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series to see how the pieces come together so I can see the whole picture.

Furthermore, leadership and power in Voulhire is divided into three. I admire their commitment to not leaving sole power to the king. The church in Yamon Soul and the Order of Mianora are all independent of the King’s rule even though they work hand in hand to solve the nation’s problems. There is mutual respect among the three powers despite the tension between King Wilhelm and Chancellor Midius. I love the balance in Voulhire and how efficient everyone works for the well-being of all.

There was absolutely nothing I hated about this book and so I rate it 4 out of 4 stars . Along with its professional editing, this book is well written, character development and world-building are also incredibly done. I recommend this book to all fantasy readers and also readers of philosophical thrillers. Children and adult readers who can not stomach mature language should not pick up this book.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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[Rayah Raouf]

Beautifully written review. I have to agree with every single point you mentioned. Although the book was slightly short, the world is fascinating. I am sure there is so much to learn. Having read the first three books, I must say it is worth continuing.
Again, thank you for your review.