Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Anna Otiso
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- Latest Review: We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz
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: A New Arrival under Great Skies launches Matthew Tysz’s ambitious fantasy series, inviting readers into a world rich with political intrigue, magic, and adventure. At its core is Galen Bray, a young immigrant fleeing the war-torn Lands of the Princes. His arrival in the seemingly tranquil kingdom of Voulhire sets the stage for a gripping narrative about power, magic, and survival.
The story begins with Galen escaping his homeland’s devastation, hoping for a new start in Voulhire, where he inherits his late uncle’s forge in the town of Magnum Caelum. However, beneath Voulhire's peaceful exterior lies a simmering unrest. While King Wilhelm governs with wisdom, a power struggle brews between him and Chancellor Midius Maido, who holds influence over the Mianoran Council. Adding further tension are the rebel group Riva Rohavi and the looming threat of Lord Meldorath, a dark mage banished after a mysterious betrayal. It’s clear that Voulhire is teetering on the edge of chaos.
Through Galen’s eyes, readers are introduced to the kingdom’s dynamics and a colorful cast of characters, from the friendly mayor of Magnum Caelum to the enigmatic harbormaster, Artie. The book takes its time building the world and establishing characters, all while hinting at greater dangers that will likely unfold in future installments.
What We Are Voulhire excels at is its detailed and immersive world-building. Tysz has clearly invested time in crafting Voulhire, from its varied cities to its political and magical frameworks. Each location—whether it's the serene Magnum Caelum or the more sinister Hillport—feels unique and alive, pulling readers further into the kingdom. The vivid descriptions make it easy to visualize the towns and cities, creating a setting that feels authentic and lived-in.
Galen, as the protagonist, is an ideal guide into this unfamiliar world. His innocence and curiosity make him relatable, especially as he discovers that Voulhire is far from the idyllic place he imagined. The supporting characters also add depth, particularly Chancellor Maido and the morally complex Lord Meldorath, each bringing something distinct to the narrative. Their roles suggest deeper layers that will undoubtedly be explored in later books.
What really drives the story is the interplay between political maneuvering and magic. The power struggle between King Wilhelm and Chancellor Maido is engaging on its own, but Meldorath’s dark magic introduces a deeper, more ominous undercurrent. There's always a sense that something larger is at play, adding an extra layer of tension to the political intrigue.
It’s worth noting that the book takes its time laying the groundwork. The pacing is measured, with much of the first half dedicated to world-building and character introductions. Readers who prefer action-heavy plots might find this slower, but it’s a necessary setup for the series. Once the storyline involving Lord Meldorath picks up, the tension rises, hinting at the darker forces that will shape Voulhire’s future.
The writing itself is polished, with clean, straightforward prose that avoids unnecessary complexity. The editing is excellent, with no glaring errors to disrupt the reading experience, allowing readers to stay immersed in the story. Tysz’s writing has an easy flow, balancing exposition with dialogue and action in a way that keeps the narrative engaging.
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is an impressive start to what promises to be a compelling fantasy series. With its intricate world-building, layered characters, and a clever blend of political drama and magical intrigue, it’s sure to captivate readers who appreciate slower-paced, thoughtful fantasy. While the story takes its time getting off the ground, the deliberate setup pays off, laying a foundation with immense potential. If you’re in search of a new fantasy series with a richly developed world and characters worth investing in, this is definitely one to check out.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies launches Matthew Tysz’s ambitious fantasy series, inviting readers into a world rich with political intrigue, magic, and adventure. At its core is Galen Bray, a young immigrant fleeing the war-torn Lands of the Princes. His arrival in the seemingly tranquil kingdom of Voulhire sets the stage for a gripping narrative about power, magic, and survival.
The story begins with Galen escaping his homeland’s devastation, hoping for a new start in Voulhire, where he inherits his late uncle’s forge in the town of Magnum Caelum. However, beneath Voulhire's peaceful exterior lies a simmering unrest. While King Wilhelm governs with wisdom, a power struggle brews between him and Chancellor Midius Maido, who holds influence over the Mianoran Council. Adding further tension are the rebel group Riva Rohavi and the looming threat of Lord Meldorath, a dark mage banished after a mysterious betrayal. It’s clear that Voulhire is teetering on the edge of chaos.
Through Galen’s eyes, readers are introduced to the kingdom’s dynamics and a colorful cast of characters, from the friendly mayor of Magnum Caelum to the enigmatic harbormaster, Artie. The book takes its time building the world and establishing characters, all while hinting at greater dangers that will likely unfold in future installments.
What We Are Voulhire excels at is its detailed and immersive world-building. Tysz has clearly invested time in crafting Voulhire, from its varied cities to its political and magical frameworks. Each location—whether it's the serene Magnum Caelum or the more sinister Hillport—feels unique and alive, pulling readers further into the kingdom. The vivid descriptions make it easy to visualize the towns and cities, creating a setting that feels authentic and lived-in.
Galen, as the protagonist, is an ideal guide into this unfamiliar world. His innocence and curiosity make him relatable, especially as he discovers that Voulhire is far from the idyllic place he imagined. The supporting characters also add depth, particularly Chancellor Maido and the morally complex Lord Meldorath, each bringing something distinct to the narrative. Their roles suggest deeper layers that will undoubtedly be explored in later books.
What really drives the story is the interplay between political maneuvering and magic. The power struggle between King Wilhelm and Chancellor Maido is engaging on its own, but Meldorath’s dark magic introduces a deeper, more ominous undercurrent. There's always a sense that something larger is at play, adding an extra layer of tension to the political intrigue.
It’s worth noting that the book takes its time laying the groundwork. The pacing is measured, with much of the first half dedicated to world-building and character introductions. Readers who prefer action-heavy plots might find this slower, but it’s a necessary setup for the series. Once the storyline involving Lord Meldorath picks up, the tension rises, hinting at the darker forces that will shape Voulhire’s future.
The writing itself is polished, with clean, straightforward prose that avoids unnecessary complexity. The editing is excellent, with no glaring errors to disrupt the reading experience, allowing readers to stay immersed in the story. Tysz’s writing has an easy flow, balancing exposition with dialogue and action in a way that keeps the narrative engaging.
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is an impressive start to what promises to be a compelling fantasy series. With its intricate world-building, layered characters, and a clever blend of political drama and magical intrigue, it’s sure to captivate readers who appreciate slower-paced, thoughtful fantasy. While the story takes its time getting off the ground, the deliberate setup pays off, laying a foundation with immense potential. If you’re in search of a new fantasy series with a richly developed world and characters worth investing in, this is definitely one to check out.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
