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

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

Post by Kumari Shubhalakshmi »

[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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I thoroughly enjoyed We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz. It is about Galen Bray's journey from a war-torn homeland to the promising land of Voulhire as he flees to Magnum Caelum to be the heir to his great uncle's business. The story unfolds in the Voulhirian Kingdom, under the rule of King Wilhelm. He has appointed Lord Eldus Alderman to oversee the economically challenged Hillport countryside. As the story progresses, Galen learns about the forge in Magnum Caelum and, hence, becomes entangled in investigating the anomalies left by the previous management.

The story is a blend of a third-person point of view and Galen's first-person perspective. It provides a balanced understanding of the characters. The reference guide added another layer, and I appreciate it because it helped me get immersed in Voulhire's unique universe. There is also a map at the beginning, which was a helpful touch, preventing any confusion about the intricate world Tysz crafted.

While the setting initially felt like an era of swords and ancient traditions, the introduction of modern terms like ‘rock paper scissors,’ gyms, and hockey felt a bit out of place. Despite this, Tysz's vivid representation of Voulhire overshadowed any confusion. The narrative also included mentions of mature and disturbing themes like rape, assault, manipulation, and pedophilia, making it suitable for a mature audience.

Now, talking about the book with respect to its characters and plot, it was about the life of Galen Bray in Magnum Caelum, which showcased the stark contrast between his war-ridden past and new beginnings in his present time. The introduction of Lord Eldus Alderman added depth to the plot. And the suspense surrounding Meldorath and the Mianora Council kept me hooked. The visual and vivid scenes, along with well-portrayed characters, made it a captivating page-turner.

Despite the slightly confusing beginning, the provided reference guide and glossary proved helpful, and I cannot stress much on it. Also, the book is professionally edited, and the lack of errors elevates the overall reading experience for me. The bittersweet ending, while sad for those fond of good characters, sets the stage for an intriguing series.

In conclusion, this book deserves a solid 5 out of 5 stars rating. Tysz's meticulous world-building, well-developed characters, and captivating plot make it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts. The book is highly recommended for those who appreciate a well-crafted fantasy tale.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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