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

[Corinna Borsato]

[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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A rich imaginary, a captivating flash-like narration, a wealth of protagonists and stories, all interconnected, all being threads that eventually interweave together to give rise to a most vivid depiction. Like the hand of an artist whose brush strokes the canvas gradually, initially creating little nuclei of colour, then gradually adding depth and perspective, the author is clever in developing each individual from vague outlines to the planes and facets of complex existences. As a matter of fact, the past has etched signs on the souls of all characters, shaping their present ambitions, fears and volitions. Thus, the reader is given the task to recognize how these current beliefs came to be and, analogously, how previous times have marred the actors of the present story.

In particular, in We are Voulhire, two worlds coexist: the physical one, so the Cosmos, neat and predictable, and Caromentis, the real of magic, a cloudy, ambiguous and everchanging place.
If, on the one hand, there are those who seek the superhuman ability to belong and travel to both, as the incredibly talented but unpredictable mage Meldorath, on the other, there are those who would simply relish to find their place in one. Belonging to the latter group is Galen, who, after enduring unimaginable hardships in a war afflicted land, is introduced to the formidable kingdom of Voulhire. Galen is thereby gifted the chance to change his life, to rebuild himself anew, to start from scratch in a cultivated and, apparently, sensible society. For this opportunity he has to thank his great uncle who, wishing to reconcile with his long-lost relatives, upon reaching the end of his days, left him a free ticket to a new existence in the form of a forge.

But every new beginning is rife with obstacles and well-hidden secrets to be unearthed. The ghosts of the past influence and even terrorize the present as each previous chapter requires closure for a new one to be successful. This is a sore topic for the city of Hillport, whose growth has been postponed long enough by selfish and corrupted lordships. Lord Eldus realizes that as he takes residence over Castle Hillport, a sole purpose in his mind: to lead down a path of healing and growth this unfortunate but hard-working and deserving city. But is goodness of heart and wishful thinking ever enough? I do recommend reading on to find out. It will not disappoint.

We are Voulhire is an enthralling first instalment of a series of books which catapults the reader in a world of magic and games, ancient violations and present distrusts and hatreds. Interestingly enough, in this perfectly edited prose which envisions the smartly forged story of a mind-crafted universe, the author is able to project so much of the real world he has around. In conclusion, the story is rendered enticing also by its ability of conveying real feelings and analysing the depths of humanity’s inner workings. Due to the language descriptiveness and this incredible feat of perfect balanced fantastic and realistic elements I deem the book worthy of the highest rating score: 4 out of 4 or 5 out of 5.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Gerry Steen]

[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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Share This Review

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A rich imaginary, a captivating flash-like narration, a wealth of protagonists and stories, all interconnected, all being threads that eventually interweave together to give rise to a most vivid depiction. Like the hand of an artist whose brush strokes the canvas gradually, initially creating little nuclei of colour, then gradually adding depth and perspective, the author is clever in developing each individual from vague outlines to the planes and facets of complex existences. As a matter of fact, the past has etched signs on the souls of all characters, shaping their present ambitions, fears and volitions. Thus, the reader is given the task to recognize how these current beliefs came to be and, analogously, how previous times have marred the actors of the present story.

In particular, in We are Voulhire, two worlds coexist: the physical one, so the Cosmos, neat and predictable, and Caromentis, the real of magic, a cloudy, ambiguous and everchanging place.
If, on the one hand, there are those who seek the superhuman ability to belong and travel to both, as the incredibly talented but unpredictable mage Meldorath, on the other, there are those who would simply relish to find their place in one. Belonging to the latter group is Galen, who, after enduring unimaginable hardships in a war afflicted land, is introduced to the formidable kingdom of Voulhire. Galen is thereby gifted the chance to change his life, to rebuild himself anew, to start from scratch in a cultivated and, apparently, sensible society. For this opportunity he has to thank his great uncle who, wishing to reconcile with his long-lost relatives, upon reaching the end of his days, left him a free ticket to a new existence in the form of a forge.

But every new beginning is rife with obstacles and well-hidden secrets to be unearthed. The ghosts of the past influence and even terrorize the present as each previous chapter requires closure for a new one to be successful. This is a sore topic for the city of Hillport, whose growth has been postponed long enough by selfish and corrupted lordships. Lord Eldus realizes that as he takes residence over Castle Hillport, a sole purpose in his mind: to lead down a path of healing and growth this unfortunate but hard-working and deserving city. But is goodness of heart and wishful thinking ever enough? I do recommend reading on to find out. It will not disappoint.

We are Voulhire is an enthralling first instalment of a series of books which catapults the reader in a world of magic and games, ancient violations and present distrusts and hatreds. Interestingly enough, in this perfectly edited prose which envisions the smartly forged story of a mind-crafted universe, the author is able to project so much of the real world he has around. In conclusion, the story is rendered enticing also by its ability of conveying real feelings and analysing the depths of humanity’s inner workings. Due to the language descriptiveness and this incredible feat of perfect balanced fantastic and realistic elements I deem the book worthy of the highest rating score: 4 out of 4 or 5 out of 5.

******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I enjoy reading a story that has a multitude of well-developed characters. Your review has piqued my interest in this well-written and well-edited story. I want to be part of Galen's journey. I have added this book to my bookshelves.

[Ginny Ledger]

I love your description of the book. If I hadn't already read the book this would definitely make me want to read it

[Arshadq]

I have read this book and can say in agreement that it is amazing. Your review has done the book justice! I loved the book and even read the furhter 2 installments in the series. I can say Galen's story is amazing. Your review is amazing!