Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
Matthew Tysz's "We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" is a layered tale that follows multiple characters across the kingdom of Voulhire, each wrestling with their own battles—whether it’s Galen Bray, a blacksmith’s apprentice, discovering a world far more dangerous and magical than he imagined, or Lord Eldus, trying to rebuild Hillport while haunted by whispers of rebellion and dark magic. But perhaps the most intriguing undercurrent is the looming presence of Meldorath, a mage whose influence stretches far beyond his supposed exile. As the kingdom teeters on the edge of chaos, the story shifts between these perspectives, drawing the reader deeper into a world where political intrigue, personal growth, and ancient magic collide.
One of the strengths of We Are Voulhire is its pacing. The novel strikes an impressive balance between moments of slow, immersive world-building and high-stakes action. The plot unfolds methodically, especially in the early chapters as we are introduced to characters like Galen, whose quiet life in Magnum Caelum gives the reader time to soak in the rich world-building. Then, as the stakes rise—whether it’s the political unrest brewing in Hillport or the creeping dread surrounding Meldorath—the pacing tightens, and the story becomes more urgent. There are no jarring shifts; instead, the novel gradually picks up speed, pulling you in deeper as the tension escalates.
That said, the structure of the book, with its alternating viewpoints, is what truly keeps the suspense building. I never felt lost, even as we shifted from Galen’s journey of self-discovery to Eldus’s struggles with leadership, to the darker, more sinister movements surrounding Meldorath. Each transition between characters and locations felt purposeful, serving to flesh out the world of Voulhire and create a broader sense of the kingdom's fragility. In fact, these alternating perspectives are one of the reasons the tension feels so real—you’re constantly aware that multiple forces are at work, and it keeps you on edge, wondering how they will eventually collide.
However, while some might say that the early world-building leans toward slow-burn, I found it to be perfectly suited to the complexity of the world the author has created. It allows you to feel grounded in the settings, to understand the stakes for each character before the action ramps up. Even during the quieter moments, like when Galen is learning about his uncle’s trade or Eldus is grappling with the politics of his town, there’s an underlying tension that keeps you invested. And once the larger conflicts explode—whether it’s the rebel uprising in Hillport or the devastating return of Meldorath—the pacing shifts into high gear, delivering on all the tension built up along the way.
Ultimately, We Are Voulhire is a masterclass in pacing and structure. It knows exactly when to slow down and let the reader breathe, and when to speed things up and keep you turning pages late into the night. The alternating viewpoints add richness to the plot, weaving together a narrative that feels both expansive and intimate. And, of course, it’s all incredibly well-edited—there’s not a wasted word or moment. Whether you enjoy a slow-burn fantasy or are more inclined toward fast-paced action, this book manages to satisfy both. Easily a 5 out of 5 stars for its skillful handling of pacing and narrative structure.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Matthew Tysz's "We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" is a layered tale that follows multiple characters across the kingdom of Voulhire, each wrestling with their own battles—whether it’s Galen Bray, a blacksmith’s apprentice, discovering a world far more dangerous and magical than he imagined, or Lord Eldus, trying to rebuild Hillport while haunted by whispers of rebellion and dark magic. But perhaps the most intriguing undercurrent is the looming presence of Meldorath, a mage whose influence stretches far beyond his supposed exile. As the kingdom teeters on the edge of chaos, the story shifts between these perspectives, drawing the reader deeper into a world where political intrigue, personal growth, and ancient magic collide.
One of the strengths of We Are Voulhire is its pacing. The novel strikes an impressive balance between moments of slow, immersive world-building and high-stakes action. The plot unfolds methodically, especially in the early chapters as we are introduced to characters like Galen, whose quiet life in Magnum Caelum gives the reader time to soak in the rich world-building. Then, as the stakes rise—whether it’s the political unrest brewing in Hillport or the creeping dread surrounding Meldorath—the pacing tightens, and the story becomes more urgent. There are no jarring shifts; instead, the novel gradually picks up speed, pulling you in deeper as the tension escalates.
That said, the structure of the book, with its alternating viewpoints, is what truly keeps the suspense building. I never felt lost, even as we shifted from Galen’s journey of self-discovery to Eldus’s struggles with leadership, to the darker, more sinister movements surrounding Meldorath. Each transition between characters and locations felt purposeful, serving to flesh out the world of Voulhire and create a broader sense of the kingdom's fragility. In fact, these alternating perspectives are one of the reasons the tension feels so real—you’re constantly aware that multiple forces are at work, and it keeps you on edge, wondering how they will eventually collide.
However, while some might say that the early world-building leans toward slow-burn, I found it to be perfectly suited to the complexity of the world the author has created. It allows you to feel grounded in the settings, to understand the stakes for each character before the action ramps up. Even during the quieter moments, like when Galen is learning about his uncle’s trade or Eldus is grappling with the politics of his town, there’s an underlying tension that keeps you invested. And once the larger conflicts explode—whether it’s the rebel uprising in Hillport or the devastating return of Meldorath—the pacing shifts into high gear, delivering on all the tension built up along the way.
Ultimately, We Are Voulhire is a masterclass in pacing and structure. It knows exactly when to slow down and let the reader breathe, and when to speed things up and keep you turning pages late into the night. The alternating viewpoints add richness to the plot, weaving together a narrative that feels both expansive and intimate. And, of course, it’s all incredibly well-edited—there’s not a wasted word or moment. Whether you enjoy a slow-burn fantasy or are more inclined toward fast-paced action, this book manages to satisfy both. Easily a 5 out of 5 stars for its skillful handling of pacing and narrative structure.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
