Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Khiri Reinhart
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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 an enchanting journey into a fantastical realm brimming with magic, power struggles, and captivating characters. Galen Bray, a man from the war-torn lands of the princes, learns that he is the heir to his uncle's fortune and begins a new life in the glorious kingdom of Voulhire. However, Galen soon realizes that beneath the surface of this seemingly magnificent world, darkness and conspiracy lurk. Amidst political turmoil and an impending threat, Tysz skillfully constructs an intricately imagined universe, intricately detailing Voulhire's geography, culture, and history. Describing the capital city, Soulhire, as "a circular metropolis centered on the point where two rivers, Ordo and Liber, met in a 'Y' to form the River Nubere," the author showcases impressive attention to detail.
One of the notable strengths of the book lies in Tysz's ability to breathe life into scenes and events. For instance, the author beautifully portrays the Human Hands celebration, stating, "The crown of ivory and black glass sat on the chair behind him, and his graying brown hair lay exposed to the raining petals of howling sapphire, which came down from happy hands all around him..." Furthermore, the inclusion of a map at the beginning of the book aids readers in visualizing the country's layout, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story. Additionally, the author's meticulous focus on detail animates the sociopolitical dynamics of the kingdom. To further aid readers in familiarizing themselves with the unique terminology and concepts of this captivating world, a glossary is provided at the end of the book.
The exploration of social issues in the book is a noteworthy aspect of the book. The author delves into sensitive topics such as the condemnation of child abuse and the mistreatment of workers, shedding light on these pressing concerns. The author confronts these subjects through impactful dialogue, as exemplified by the phrase, "What are you talking about?" The magistrate answered, "'Indecent acts upon children.'" Furthermore, the author's incorporation of dance and music adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative. Whether it is the dancing soldiers or the vibrant dance of the Riva Rohavi rebel group, the author skillfully portrays the movements and energy of these performances. One can visualize the scene as the author depicts it: "On that stage, the host of the Riva Rohavi continued to dance, and his followers danced with him."
While "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" possesses numerous commendable qualities, it does have a few areas that could benefit from improvement. The narrative structure may prove challenging for some readers, as the story is divided into separate sections focusing on different aspects of the world, including Galen, Midius Maido, Riva, and Lord Eldus. Although this approach allows for the exploration of diverse storylines and perspectives, readers must actively piece together the fragments to form a cohesive understanding of the overarching narrative. Additionally, the pacing of the novel occasionally lags, which may test the patience of certain readers. Moreover, a more prominent inclusion of female characters would have provided a stronger balance and diversified the perspectives within the narrative.
I wholeheartedly give "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The book is exceptionally well edited, ensuring a polished reading experience. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, the author captivates readers' imaginations, resulting in an enjoyable read. Despite the occasional slow pace and limited presence of female characters, the overall experience remains highly satisfying. These minor flaws do not diminish my overall assessment.
I confidently recommend "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" to readers who relish intricate world-building, thought-provoking musings, and unexpected plot twists.
******
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 an enchanting journey into a fantastical realm brimming with magic, power struggles, and captivating characters. Galen Bray, a man from the war-torn lands of the princes, learns that he is the heir to his uncle's fortune and begins a new life in the glorious kingdom of Voulhire. However, Galen soon realizes that beneath the surface of this seemingly magnificent world, darkness and conspiracy lurk. Amidst political turmoil and an impending threat, Tysz skillfully constructs an intricately imagined universe, intricately detailing Voulhire's geography, culture, and history. Describing the capital city, Soulhire, as "a circular metropolis centered on the point where two rivers, Ordo and Liber, met in a 'Y' to form the River Nubere," the author showcases impressive attention to detail.
One of the notable strengths of the book lies in Tysz's ability to breathe life into scenes and events. For instance, the author beautifully portrays the Human Hands celebration, stating, "The crown of ivory and black glass sat on the chair behind him, and his graying brown hair lay exposed to the raining petals of howling sapphire, which came down from happy hands all around him..." Furthermore, the inclusion of a map at the beginning of the book aids readers in visualizing the country's layout, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story. Additionally, the author's meticulous focus on detail animates the sociopolitical dynamics of the kingdom. To further aid readers in familiarizing themselves with the unique terminology and concepts of this captivating world, a glossary is provided at the end of the book.
The exploration of social issues in the book is a noteworthy aspect of the book. The author delves into sensitive topics such as the condemnation of child abuse and the mistreatment of workers, shedding light on these pressing concerns. The author confronts these subjects through impactful dialogue, as exemplified by the phrase, "What are you talking about?" The magistrate answered, "'Indecent acts upon children.'" Furthermore, the author's incorporation of dance and music adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative. Whether it is the dancing soldiers or the vibrant dance of the Riva Rohavi rebel group, the author skillfully portrays the movements and energy of these performances. One can visualize the scene as the author depicts it: "On that stage, the host of the Riva Rohavi continued to dance, and his followers danced with him."
While "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" possesses numerous commendable qualities, it does have a few areas that could benefit from improvement. The narrative structure may prove challenging for some readers, as the story is divided into separate sections focusing on different aspects of the world, including Galen, Midius Maido, Riva, and Lord Eldus. Although this approach allows for the exploration of diverse storylines and perspectives, readers must actively piece together the fragments to form a cohesive understanding of the overarching narrative. Additionally, the pacing of the novel occasionally lags, which may test the patience of certain readers. Moreover, a more prominent inclusion of female characters would have provided a stronger balance and diversified the perspectives within the narrative.
I wholeheartedly give "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The book is exceptionally well edited, ensuring a polished reading experience. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, the author captivates readers' imaginations, resulting in an enjoyable read. Despite the occasional slow pace and limited presence of female characters, the overall experience remains highly satisfying. These minor flaws do not diminish my overall assessment.
I confidently recommend "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" to readers who relish intricate world-building, thought-provoking musings, and unexpected plot twists.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Of Zots and Xoodles by Zarqnon the Embarrassed
