Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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William Nyabera Makori
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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 tells the story of a kingdom at the crossroads of old magic and a rapidly modernizing society. It follows Galen Bray, a young blacksmith who comes to Voulhire to claim his inheritance, only to be swept up into a larger conflict between ancient powers and the industrial ambitions of cities like Virko. As the kingdom struggles with political unrest, magic is no longer the dominant force it once was—now, technology and industrial growth are pushing magic into the background. This tension between the mystical past and the mechanical future shapes the decisions of the characters and drives much of the conflict in the story. It’s a tale of progress clashing with tradition, where neither side is entirely right or wrong.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it portrays this conflict between the old world of magic and the rise of modern industry. In Virko, we see a city that has embraced technological advancements, where industry and innovation are valued above all else. The city hums with progress, and its leaders are proud of what they’ve achieved. But at the same time, there’s a sense of loss, as if something important is being left behind in the rush to modernize. The magic that once defined Voulhire’s identity is now viewed with suspicion or as a relic of the past. You can feel this tension especially in how Galen reacts to the technological wonders of Virko—he’s in awe of the city’s innovation, but he also feels out of place, knowing that the world he came from operates under very different rules.
The conflict between old magic and modern society is most clearly represented in characters like Meldorath and the rulers of Virko. Meldorath, as a mage steeped in ancient magical power, represents the world that is slowly being pushed aside. His methods are considered dangerous and outdated, yet he commands a level of fear and respect that the modern world can’t quite suppress. Meanwhile, the leaders of Virko are determined to reshape the future with machines and progress, seeing magic as a threat to the order they are building. This clash creates a constant undercurrent of tension in the book, as both sides battle not only for control but for the soul of the kingdom. The book doesn’t simplify the conflict—it blurs the lines, showing that both the magical past and the industrial future have their merits and their flaws.
For readers who enjoy fantasy that reflects on the themes of progress, tradition, and the clash between old and new, We Are Voulhire offers a deeply satisfying narrative. The way the author balances these two forces feels natural, never heavy-handed. There’s no clear villain when it comes to magic versus technology—just two competing visions of what the future of Voulhire should look like. The setting of Virko is particularly impactful, representing the cutting edge of progress, but it’s the tension with characters like Galen and Meldorath that really brings this theme to life. And can I just say—the book is exceptionally well-edited? Every scene feels purposeful, and the conflict between magic and industry never overshadows the personal stakes of the characters. I give it 5 out of 5 stars for its thoughtful exploration of this timeless theme, wrapped in a story that feels fresh and relevant.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We Are Voulhire tells the story of a kingdom at the crossroads of old magic and a rapidly modernizing society. It follows Galen Bray, a young blacksmith who comes to Voulhire to claim his inheritance, only to be swept up into a larger conflict between ancient powers and the industrial ambitions of cities like Virko. As the kingdom struggles with political unrest, magic is no longer the dominant force it once was—now, technology and industrial growth are pushing magic into the background. This tension between the mystical past and the mechanical future shapes the decisions of the characters and drives much of the conflict in the story. It’s a tale of progress clashing with tradition, where neither side is entirely right or wrong.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it portrays this conflict between the old world of magic and the rise of modern industry. In Virko, we see a city that has embraced technological advancements, where industry and innovation are valued above all else. The city hums with progress, and its leaders are proud of what they’ve achieved. But at the same time, there’s a sense of loss, as if something important is being left behind in the rush to modernize. The magic that once defined Voulhire’s identity is now viewed with suspicion or as a relic of the past. You can feel this tension especially in how Galen reacts to the technological wonders of Virko—he’s in awe of the city’s innovation, but he also feels out of place, knowing that the world he came from operates under very different rules.
The conflict between old magic and modern society is most clearly represented in characters like Meldorath and the rulers of Virko. Meldorath, as a mage steeped in ancient magical power, represents the world that is slowly being pushed aside. His methods are considered dangerous and outdated, yet he commands a level of fear and respect that the modern world can’t quite suppress. Meanwhile, the leaders of Virko are determined to reshape the future with machines and progress, seeing magic as a threat to the order they are building. This clash creates a constant undercurrent of tension in the book, as both sides battle not only for control but for the soul of the kingdom. The book doesn’t simplify the conflict—it blurs the lines, showing that both the magical past and the industrial future have their merits and their flaws.
For readers who enjoy fantasy that reflects on the themes of progress, tradition, and the clash between old and new, We Are Voulhire offers a deeply satisfying narrative. The way the author balances these two forces feels natural, never heavy-handed. There’s no clear villain when it comes to magic versus technology—just two competing visions of what the future of Voulhire should look like. The setting of Virko is particularly impactful, representing the cutting edge of progress, but it’s the tension with characters like Galen and Meldorath that really brings this theme to life. And can I just say—the book is exceptionally well-edited? Every scene feels purposeful, and the conflict between magic and industry never overshadows the personal stakes of the characters. I give it 5 out of 5 stars for its thoughtful exploration of this timeless theme, wrapped in a story that feels fresh and relevant.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
