Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Dzendere Simba
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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.]
We Are Voulhire takes readers on a sprawling journey through a kingdom in the throes of political upheaval, magical mysteries, and societal breakdown. At its heart, the story follows Galen Bray, a young man who inherits a blacksmith's forge in Voulhire, a kingdom teetering on the brink of chaos. As Galen tries to navigate his new reality, the reader is introduced to a web of power struggles, looming rebellions, and dark magic, all of which come to a head when we meet the Riva Rohavi, a rebellious faction unlike anything you’ve ever seen in fantasy. While much of the book centers on political intrigue and magic, it’s the Riva Rohavi and their unique combat-dance rituals that bring an especially creative flair to the narrative.
The Riva Rohavi stand out not just because they oppose the kingdom’s leadership but because of the way they fight: through a rhythmic, almost hypnotic dance. Their movements are both a form of combat and a symbolic expression of their unity and defiance. At first, I was a bit skeptical—dance as a weapon in a fantasy novel? But the more I read, the more it became clear that this was one of the book’s most exciting and original elements. The Riva Rohavi’s dance isn’t just some gimmick; it’s deeply tied to their culture and their rebellion. It speaks to the heart of who they are—fighters not only in body but in spirit, with every step and movement choreographed to convey their message of resistance. This innovative take on combat gives the book a fresh layer of storytelling, one that feels both fantastical and meaningful.
What’s especially fascinating about the Riva Rohavi is how their rituals and dances create an emotional impact. These aren’t mindless battles; they are performances where every move is intentional, filled with the weight of their fight for freedom. The dance is both art and warfare, something that makes their battles feel almost otherworldly, yet grounded in their cultural identity. One scene that stood out to me involved the Riva Rohavi performing a ritual dance before storming a castle—a moment that blended tension, beauty, and raw power in a way that was unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s clear the author put a lot of thought into making their combat style not only unique but essential to their characterization. For readers looking for fresh ideas in fantasy, this is a standout feature.
That said, I can see how this creative element might not resonate with every reader. If you prefer traditional sword fights or straightforward action scenes, the dance-combat might feel a bit too whimsical. But for me, the Riva Rohavi added a layer of creativity that enhanced the overall tone of the book, elevating it beyond the usual fantasy fare. It’s a reminder that rebellion can take many forms, not just through brute strength but through art, culture, and identity. The Riva Rohavi’s dance rituals are a testament to that idea, offering a deeper, more symbolic understanding of their fight against the ruling powers.
Ultimately, We Are Voulhire earns a solid 5 out of 5 stars, not just for its intricate political drama and magical elements, but for its willingness to push boundaries with fresh, imaginative storytelling like the Riva Rohavi and their combat-dance rituals. And let me say, this book is exceptionally well-edited—each scene flows seamlessly into the next, and the balance between action, tension, and character development is perfectly paced. If you’re craving something different in the fantasy genre, We Are Voulhire offers innovation in spades.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We Are Voulhire takes readers on a sprawling journey through a kingdom in the throes of political upheaval, magical mysteries, and societal breakdown. At its heart, the story follows Galen Bray, a young man who inherits a blacksmith's forge in Voulhire, a kingdom teetering on the brink of chaos. As Galen tries to navigate his new reality, the reader is introduced to a web of power struggles, looming rebellions, and dark magic, all of which come to a head when we meet the Riva Rohavi, a rebellious faction unlike anything you’ve ever seen in fantasy. While much of the book centers on political intrigue and magic, it’s the Riva Rohavi and their unique combat-dance rituals that bring an especially creative flair to the narrative.
The Riva Rohavi stand out not just because they oppose the kingdom’s leadership but because of the way they fight: through a rhythmic, almost hypnotic dance. Their movements are both a form of combat and a symbolic expression of their unity and defiance. At first, I was a bit skeptical—dance as a weapon in a fantasy novel? But the more I read, the more it became clear that this was one of the book’s most exciting and original elements. The Riva Rohavi’s dance isn’t just some gimmick; it’s deeply tied to their culture and their rebellion. It speaks to the heart of who they are—fighters not only in body but in spirit, with every step and movement choreographed to convey their message of resistance. This innovative take on combat gives the book a fresh layer of storytelling, one that feels both fantastical and meaningful.
What’s especially fascinating about the Riva Rohavi is how their rituals and dances create an emotional impact. These aren’t mindless battles; they are performances where every move is intentional, filled with the weight of their fight for freedom. The dance is both art and warfare, something that makes their battles feel almost otherworldly, yet grounded in their cultural identity. One scene that stood out to me involved the Riva Rohavi performing a ritual dance before storming a castle—a moment that blended tension, beauty, and raw power in a way that was unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s clear the author put a lot of thought into making their combat style not only unique but essential to their characterization. For readers looking for fresh ideas in fantasy, this is a standout feature.
That said, I can see how this creative element might not resonate with every reader. If you prefer traditional sword fights or straightforward action scenes, the dance-combat might feel a bit too whimsical. But for me, the Riva Rohavi added a layer of creativity that enhanced the overall tone of the book, elevating it beyond the usual fantasy fare. It’s a reminder that rebellion can take many forms, not just through brute strength but through art, culture, and identity. The Riva Rohavi’s dance rituals are a testament to that idea, offering a deeper, more symbolic understanding of their fight against the ruling powers.
Ultimately, We Are Voulhire earns a solid 5 out of 5 stars, not just for its intricate political drama and magical elements, but for its willingness to push boundaries with fresh, imaginative storytelling like the Riva Rohavi and their combat-dance rituals. And let me say, this book is exceptionally well-edited—each scene flows seamlessly into the next, and the balance between action, tension, and character development is perfectly paced. If you’re craving something different in the fantasy genre, We Are Voulhire offers innovation in spades.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
