Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is the first book of a fantasy series of nine novels, with seven already published. This story happens in the kingdom of Voulhire, a land where the magical, physical, and spiritual worlds meet and collide. Under the image of the late King Saint Idus (Voulhire's founder and first king), King Wilhelm tries to keep his subjects happy and the cities of his kingdom developing. However, not everyone seems to be pleased with the king. In one of the most unwelcoming lands in the entire realm, an organization of rebels called the Riva Rohavi starts to grow bigger and stronger while keeping their core goal: the destruction of Voulhire. But they are not the only ones looking for revenge. A powerful wizard on the path to achieving his plan spreads terror and fear, even after his capture and possible death. With all the rumors and stories about him, his presence still lingers around and makes people doubt that he is dead. Meanwhile, Galen Bray, from the Lands of the Princes, who has known only war for most of his life, learns that he inherited a property in the land of Voulhire. He moves to his new house, to a land full of promises of a better life, unaware of the unsettling times the kingdom is going through.
With this book, I can confidently say that the author took me on a grand journey. I enjoyed it so much that I was multitasking while reading it. Before jumping into the story, the author not only introduces himself but the kingdom of Voulhire, giving the more curious readers a chance to explore in depth all the facets of this mystical world. In addition, he indicates that there is a glossary available if we so desire to refresh our memory on the terms that are unique to this land. All this preparation is an honest indication of the beautiful and complex ride we are about to take. The prologue is full of action, fast-paced, and intriguing. After reading it, I immediately wanted to know more. Several stories begin to come together as their connections slowly present themselves. The author manages to keep every side story interesting, and every chapter stands on its own as a great writing piece. I loved that each of them not only pushed the story forward but also left you wanting to know more. The writing style is impeccable, and it feels like someone is reading the book to you. The narrator is a true storyteller. I loved how he told the story from other characters' perspectives in a neutral way. So much to the details that he gives you the insight that he isn't the same person anymore. However, he still tells you the story like the impressionable young man he used to be.
Based on this first book, I can say that I would love to see this story turned into a series. There are a lot of things in favor of it. The author beautifully delivers the characters' developments throughout the book. He transports you carefully between every side story. He gives you an intricate plot and exceptional descriptions that make you want to see the people and places. And lastly, he ends the first book as a good series would end, with a climax and some surprising revelations.
I have no negative aspects to highlight. This book was an absolute pleasure to read, and I can't wait to continue the series.
I recommend this book to all fiction and fantasy enthusiasts. I believe that it could also be exceptional for the reader who wants to start reading this genre. Please be aware that the author uses some archaic terms and an advanced level of English. I must add a trigger warning since the book addresses controlling and abusive behavior, including child abuse.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is the first book of a fantasy series of nine novels, with seven already published. This story happens in the kingdom of Voulhire, a land where the magical, physical, and spiritual worlds meet and collide. Under the image of the late King Saint Idus (Voulhire's founder and first king), King Wilhelm tries to keep his subjects happy and the cities of his kingdom developing. However, not everyone seems to be pleased with the king. In one of the most unwelcoming lands in the entire realm, an organization of rebels called the Riva Rohavi starts to grow bigger and stronger while keeping their core goal: the destruction of Voulhire. But they are not the only ones looking for revenge. A powerful wizard on the path to achieving his plan spreads terror and fear, even after his capture and possible death. With all the rumors and stories about him, his presence still lingers around and makes people doubt that he is dead. Meanwhile, Galen Bray, from the Lands of the Princes, who has known only war for most of his life, learns that he inherited a property in the land of Voulhire. He moves to his new house, to a land full of promises of a better life, unaware of the unsettling times the kingdom is going through.
With this book, I can confidently say that the author took me on a grand journey. I enjoyed it so much that I was multitasking while reading it. Before jumping into the story, the author not only introduces himself but the kingdom of Voulhire, giving the more curious readers a chance to explore in depth all the facets of this mystical world. In addition, he indicates that there is a glossary available if we so desire to refresh our memory on the terms that are unique to this land. All this preparation is an honest indication of the beautiful and complex ride we are about to take. The prologue is full of action, fast-paced, and intriguing. After reading it, I immediately wanted to know more. Several stories begin to come together as their connections slowly present themselves. The author manages to keep every side story interesting, and every chapter stands on its own as a great writing piece. I loved that each of them not only pushed the story forward but also left you wanting to know more. The writing style is impeccable, and it feels like someone is reading the book to you. The narrator is a true storyteller. I loved how he told the story from other characters' perspectives in a neutral way. So much to the details that he gives you the insight that he isn't the same person anymore. However, he still tells you the story like the impressionable young man he used to be.
Based on this first book, I can say that I would love to see this story turned into a series. There are a lot of things in favor of it. The author beautifully delivers the characters' developments throughout the book. He transports you carefully between every side story. He gives you an intricate plot and exceptional descriptions that make you want to see the people and places. And lastly, he ends the first book as a good series would end, with a climax and some surprising revelations.
I have no negative aspects to highlight. This book was an absolute pleasure to read, and I can't wait to continue the series.
I recommend this book to all fiction and fantasy enthusiasts. I believe that it could also be exceptional for the reader who wants to start reading this genre. Please be aware that the author uses some archaic terms and an advanced level of English. I must add a trigger warning since the book addresses controlling and abusive behavior, including child abuse.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Prophecy of the Heron by Craig W. Stanfill
