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

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Amber McKee 2
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Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies

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[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 fantasy. This novel is well-written, original, and intriguing. Matthew Tysz has created a richly detailed world filled with complex characters, political intrigue, and magic. This novel serves as the foundation for a much larger series. Readers are introduced to the fictional land of Voulhire, where magic and technology coexist. Voulhire is depicted as a rich and powerful kingdom under the rule of King Wilhelm, who is a thoughtful and hesitant ruler. He feels weighed down by the crown he wears. Galen, was born in the self-destructive Land of the Princes. He is rescued through the assistance of his recently deceased great-uncle’s will and the help of the its executor, Rowan. Rowan takes Galen on a journey to find new, stronger steel and offers him assistance running the forge. Rowan is an intriguing character who brings the pages to life with his jokes and curiosity. We are left wondering what his true motivations are.
Nothing is quite as it seems in this book. Other characters provide plenty of conflict and intrigue. The King’s Lord High Chancellor, Midius Maido, is keeping secrets and stirring up trouble. Lord Dalehei Meldorath emerges as a complex and fascinating villain. We are left wondering if he was killed or secretly imprisoned for murdering Hillport’s former Lord, Orlin, whom he framed for committing unspeakable acts with children. King Wilhelm sends the honorable Judge Eldus Alderman to help the townspeople overcome past horrors and make their town more prosperous. Trouble continues to plague this small southern town. The Riva Rohavi is a rebellious group that has been hiding and growing stronger under the leadership of Vidius Crodai. These dancing warriors seek to cause chaos and challenge the order of the kingdom. To an outsider Voulhire seems like a land rich with opportunity and promise. However, the reader will soon learn that it is rife with many internal and external enemies. We are left asking ourselves: how can Voulhire stand against such cunning warriors and magical adversaries?
I appreciated the author's decision to include a map at the beginning of the book. This map provides readers with a visual guide to the layout of the major cities described. However, I think it would have been helpful to include a list of the major and minor characters as well. The chapters aren’t numbered; instead, each chapter introduces a different character’s point of view.
I am giving this book a 5 out of 5. The writing is impressive. I felt the need to pull out my dictionary and define some of the vocabulary used. I did not notice any grammar errors; it has been exceptionally well edited. I would recommend this book to adults, as it contains violence and sexual innuendos for a more mature audience.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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