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

[Preya Akhter]

[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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We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is a timeless fresco that has been created with comparative tones of displacement and the unconquerable spirit of people. It is a world where the sky is as uninterested in its occupant’s feats or follies as the politics that govern them.

For his part, Tysz is strongest in the realm of world construction. Indeed, the world of Voulhire isn't black and white, with clear protagonists and antagonists. It is a society with tensions within it. There is an ongoing conflict between science and magic; religious parties struggle for control; and rumors of revolution circulate. It builds tension and makes you ask yourself who is evil. Galen is not your princely hero in shiny armor. He has become traumatized by the impacts of war and is accompanied by the memories of his past.

The events occur gradually, as if revealing the layers of a detective story. The first few chapters paint the picture of Galen's adjustment to life in Voulhire and explore the existing conflict in society as well as the magical system in the world. Some might find this measured build-up slow, but with such a pace come rich rewards if one wants to build up slowly. It is impossible to point out what could be criticized, as Tysz skillfully introduces the main characters, the main setting, and the tension within society that risks turning into a menace to Voulhire. Even if the temporary resolution might be viewed as a cop-out, it serves to give the reader anticipation for the next segment of this story. Therefore, the rating for this book will be 5 out of 5 stars. Everything was edited well enough that I did not see any major mistakes on their part.

However, these few issues are rather trivial and do not hinder the general enjoyment of "We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies" which is indeed a thought-provoking and memorable book. Thus, it can be said that Tysz has achieved what few authors are able to do and created a world that is both beautiful and cruel. For all the fans of heroic fiction and stories where the human spirit prevails, We Are Voulhire is truly a must-read.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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