Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies

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Naseema Suleman
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Latest Review: We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz

Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies

Post by Naseema Suleman »

[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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Hillport was a quiet, fishing town in the southern region of Voulhire until recent events changed that. Judge Eldus Alderman is sent to Hillport by King Wilhelm, to assume the responsibilities as the lord of Hillport after the two previous lords, Orlin and Meldorath were arrested for using magic in unethical ways. The people of Hillport were left afraid and wary, especially of the powerful mage, Meldorath. To allay their fears, King Wilhelm announces that Meldorath is dead, but secretly imprisons him on an island, heavily guarded by an army of soldiers and mages.

Meanwhile, a destitute, young Galen Bray, escapes from the Land of Princes and arrives at Magnum Caelum, another southern town not far from Hillport. His great uncle had bequeathed Galen all his possessions, including a smithy. Galen meets Rowan, the executor of the estate, who offers to help him learn the blacksmithing trade. What begins as a simple trip to the neighboring mining town becomes an adventure for the two companions, who return home with a mysterious, big black rock and a mage who might or might not be able to unravel its mystery. We are also introduced to Alabaster de Lasette, another powerful mage and former mentor of Meldorath who allows himself to be imprisoned. Why is he here? And who is behind the appearance of the long-lost rebel group, Riva Rohavi?

I absolutely loved reading this book with its multiple plots and subplots. Matthew Tysz expertly weaves and connects the many stories occurring simultaneously in the different parts of Voulhire. The style of narration was simple and easy to read whilst painting the most vivid pictures of Voulhire and its people. The little bits of humor, that Rowan's character delivers, was a welcome change in tone to an otherwise serious read. And just when you think Tysz has introduced all the characters in the story, he surprises us with another to add to the mystery, like Beth from the magical universe of Caromentis.

The history and complex politics of Voulhire were a bit confusing at first. But, since We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is the first in a series of books, I can appreciate Tysz's attention to detail. Apart from that, I could find nothing negative.

I am awarding this book a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars because I was completely engrossed in the story and cannot wait to read the next book. The book is also professionally edited and does not require another proofreading.

The book is complete with magic, mystery, and political intrigue. An audience who loves fantasy and complex plots will be delighted with Tysz's offering.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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