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

[Joanna Perry]

[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 fictional story set in the country of Voulhire. Transportation is primarily by horse or walking, and common citizens inhabit primitive, yet efficient, structures. There are also castles where the government resides with rich trappings. The king lives in such a castle in the capital city of Soulhire.

I enjoyed this book. Each chapter introduces or re-visits characters and places the reader thinks must be central to the story. Yet in this first volume that is not the case. One early chapter recounts what I thought was a major incident that is not mentioned again. As I continued to the end of the book I could see where that incident may or may not come up in the next volume. The reader may think the book lacks cohesion, but in this first book the author lays the groundwork relevant to what happens next.

Galen is a young man from the Land of the Princes where life is oppressive and lacks freedom. He inherits his great uncle’s business in Magnum Caelum where things are very different. People are friendly, food is plentiful, and his life is much improved. Galen’s positive attitude guides him in his new environment, and despite his previous difficulties, he is an optimistic person.

Parallel to Galen’s developing story is what is happening in the castle in Hillport. There is an abrupt change in leadership, and magic comes into play. There are many characters in the book who are mages. They have different levels of ability and various specialties. The mages use their gifts for either good or evil. 

I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 because it is well-written and engaging. I am curious about what happens in the next volume, and making the reader involved to that extent is a sign of a good story. I recommend We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies, and I look forward to reading volume two.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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