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

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Abdul Mueed 3
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Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies

Post by Abdul Mueed 3 »

[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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Tysz's first installment of the "We Are Voulhire" series, "A New Arrival under Great Skies," introduces readers to the intricate and fascinating world of Voulhire. The story begins with the appointment of Judge Eldus as the lord of Hillport, a Voulhirian town. King Wilhelm assures the townspeople that Meldorath, the previous lord and a feared mage, is dead. However, Meldorath's name still holds sway over the town and the kingdom at large. Meanwhile, a notorious rebel group called Riva Rohavi threatens Hillport with the intent to pillage. Amidst this turmoil, a young man named Galen Bray inherits his uncle's forge and arrives in Magnum Caelum. Accompanied by new acquaintances Rowan and Demetrius, Galen sets out to learn his trade. But with opposing forces at work, Galen and the people of Voulhire must navigate a complex and dangerous world.

Tysz's world-building in "We Are Voulhire" is remarkable. The author establishes a rich and detailed geographic and socio-political background for the kingdom of Voulhire, incorporating minute details that give the world a depth and complexity akin to George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. The inclusion of a glossary at the end of the novel helps readers become familiar with this new world. Tysz also weaves in modern elements such as steam-driven vehicles, ice-skating rinks, and gyms, which add a layer of complexity to world-building. However, the dialogue throughout the novel is inconsistent, with some characters speaking in an old-fashioned way and others using modern inflections. This can be jarring at times, as when Lord Eldus's children greet him with a casual "Hi, dad."

The novel features a large cast of intriguing characters, from honorable figures like King Wilhelm and Lord Eldus to opportunistic ones. Galen, the central character, is endearing in his down-to-earth nature and respectful manners. However, his tendency to trust people easily seems at odds with his experiences during the violent wars in his home country. Despite this, the novel is exciting, with hints of a sinister plot involving Meldorath and a sense of fear and suspicion surrounding the evil mage. The brutality of the Riva Rohavi also adds a chilling element to the story, especially when they dance while killing and pillaging.

From a technical standpoint, "We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" is professionally edited, with only one error found. The novel contains mature content, including mentions of pedophilia and rape, which make it more appropriate for a mature audience. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, as the positive aspects outweigh the negative points. I highly recommend it to readers who appreciate epic fantasy series and look forward to discovering how the story unfolds in the sequels.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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