Review by WenB08 -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
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WenB08
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Review by WenB08 -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko" by Matthew Tysz.]
Picking up right where we left off in the last book, in We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko we join Galen Bray and his friends on a new adventure to secure a steady supply of iron from Virko—the most industrious city in Voulhire that is in control of such resources. Virko is in the midst of great changes as its founder, Lord Venden, intends to pass control of the city over to the working class, making lords and ladies more or less a sovereign title. However, this does not sit well with many noblemen including Lord Venden’s son, Folcro, who is up to something mischievous.
When Galen approaches Lord Venden on his sick bed with his request for a steady flow of iron for his blacksmithing business, he is met with a condition to help Folcro become free of whatever evil has misguided him. This puts our favorite trio right in the thick of the happenings in Virko during the change-of-command process.
Meanwhile, the familiar town of Hillport is still in shambles and in desperate need of assistance. When the Eodie sends men to observe and report on the island meant to be holding the great Meldorath prisoner, they are met with an overwhelming cry for help from the odd, new Lord of Hillport and return with no information on the condition of Meldorath or his prison-island.
Even with the focus mainly on Virko, Matthew Tysz has managed to expand the story to many locations and people within Voulhire. I am once again enthralled by the amazing world he has created and could not get enough, no matter whose perspective I was reading from. The behind-the-scenes details that lay hints to what may come and give insight to characters’ inner thoughts are what makes the story so deep and well-rounded. There were also a few flashbacks into certain characters’ childhood memories that provided an even greater understanding and depth. The character development is thorough and well thought-out. I also enjoyed how well the story picked up where we left off in the previous novel and how little recap was necessary.
The mood of the novel is incredibly dynamic. Obviously, with violence and evil lurking around many corners, it can get dark and serious at times. But Mather Tysz has thrown in just enough humor and lighthearted fun (mainly from our favorite trio—Galen, Demetrious and Rowan) to make the book well balanced, so the gloom and despair isn’t overwhelming.
There are some characters that I became familiar with in the previous novel, and I was looking forward to experiencing more of their journey, but was disappointed to see no mention of them in this novel. Likewise, there are characters that get very little attention in this novel that I would have enjoyed just a few more pages of their story instead of only the bare minimum. For example, King Wilhelm and his son had a few moments, but I would have loved to understand how their relationship developed into what it is rather than just being told where it stands by the king’s thoughts. Perhaps their roles will be further defined in future novels, and I must have patience. I otherwise have no negative thoughts on this book.
I give this novel 4 out of 4 stars. I was thoroughly captivated and cannot wait to continue reading about the developments in the land of Voulhire. This book was incredibly well edited, making an enjoyable read with few distractions. The way this book (and its predecessor) begins and ends with a bang makes it hard not to pick up the next one immediately!
I would recommend this novel for anyone interested in science fiction and/or fantasy. The magical, medieval setting is full of secrecy and possibilities. Due to some graphic violence and profanity, I would not recommend this novel to a young reader or one who is squeamish.
******
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Picking up right where we left off in the last book, in We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko we join Galen Bray and his friends on a new adventure to secure a steady supply of iron from Virko—the most industrious city in Voulhire that is in control of such resources. Virko is in the midst of great changes as its founder, Lord Venden, intends to pass control of the city over to the working class, making lords and ladies more or less a sovereign title. However, this does not sit well with many noblemen including Lord Venden’s son, Folcro, who is up to something mischievous.
When Galen approaches Lord Venden on his sick bed with his request for a steady flow of iron for his blacksmithing business, he is met with a condition to help Folcro become free of whatever evil has misguided him. This puts our favorite trio right in the thick of the happenings in Virko during the change-of-command process.
Meanwhile, the familiar town of Hillport is still in shambles and in desperate need of assistance. When the Eodie sends men to observe and report on the island meant to be holding the great Meldorath prisoner, they are met with an overwhelming cry for help from the odd, new Lord of Hillport and return with no information on the condition of Meldorath or his prison-island.
Even with the focus mainly on Virko, Matthew Tysz has managed to expand the story to many locations and people within Voulhire. I am once again enthralled by the amazing world he has created and could not get enough, no matter whose perspective I was reading from. The behind-the-scenes details that lay hints to what may come and give insight to characters’ inner thoughts are what makes the story so deep and well-rounded. There were also a few flashbacks into certain characters’ childhood memories that provided an even greater understanding and depth. The character development is thorough and well thought-out. I also enjoyed how well the story picked up where we left off in the previous novel and how little recap was necessary.
The mood of the novel is incredibly dynamic. Obviously, with violence and evil lurking around many corners, it can get dark and serious at times. But Mather Tysz has thrown in just enough humor and lighthearted fun (mainly from our favorite trio—Galen, Demetrious and Rowan) to make the book well balanced, so the gloom and despair isn’t overwhelming.
There are some characters that I became familiar with in the previous novel, and I was looking forward to experiencing more of their journey, but was disappointed to see no mention of them in this novel. Likewise, there are characters that get very little attention in this novel that I would have enjoyed just a few more pages of their story instead of only the bare minimum. For example, King Wilhelm and his son had a few moments, but I would have loved to understand how their relationship developed into what it is rather than just being told where it stands by the king’s thoughts. Perhaps their roles will be further defined in future novels, and I must have patience. I otherwise have no negative thoughts on this book.
I give this novel 4 out of 4 stars. I was thoroughly captivated and cannot wait to continue reading about the developments in the land of Voulhire. This book was incredibly well edited, making an enjoyable read with few distractions. The way this book (and its predecessor) begins and ends with a bang makes it hard not to pick up the next one immediately!
I would recommend this novel for anyone interested in science fiction and/or fantasy. The magical, medieval setting is full of secrecy and possibilities. Due to some graphic violence and profanity, I would not recommend this novel to a young reader or one who is squeamish.
******
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Journey to your Summit by Dave Vetta
