Review by Seddna -- We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under...

[Seddna]

[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Learning to use magic is like learning to wiggle your ears, according to Matthew Tysz.

Matthew invites his readers to the lands of magic and possibility. In his intricately crafted world of the Cosmos, the realm of the physical world, and Caromentis, the realm of magic, Matthew weaves his tale in the first book of the series We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies.

Our journey begins in the town of Hillport. A small fishing village of little renown except for their delicious delicacy, lobster. Hillport, however, begins to become famous for all the wrong reasons.

Overseen by Lord Orlin, appointed by the kind and trusting King Wilhelm of Voulhire, Hillport’s first misfortune is revealed under the accusations of Meldorath a retired General of King Wilhelm’s army. We enter into the perils of Voulhire and get a taste of its incredible magic when Meldorath storms Lord Orlin’s castle and obliterates his guards with his renowned magical abilities, where he falls short his carefully chosen companions make sure to fill in the gaps in this seemingly unstoppable, albeit, small force.

Lord Orlin is dethroned and accused of perversions by Meldorath, whom the people begin to revere and Meldorath is crowned Lord. Only to be mysteriously removed a short while later by King Wilhelm’s order. Rumours fly about Meldorath’s supposed suicide. If it is true that he was experimenting with magic on his subjects and if he is still out there biding his time.

A newly appointed Lord, Eldus, and his wife and two children, Charlotte, Isla & Marshus, come to Hillport under direct order from the King to right the wrongs done to his people and aid in the growth of the town into one free from the shadows cast by it’s previous Lords. Lord Eldus, previously a judge, sets in motion plans to help this town educate its people and improve its economy. All the while digging into Hillport's past, trying to heal wounds and right the many wrongs that were done to its people.

Matthew then transports us to The Lands of the Princes, a war-torn set of islands commanded by brothers who are more interested in gaining full control of their Father’s power than the good of their people. Galen, resident of The Lands of the Princes and nephew of a blacksmith from Magnum Caelum in Voulhire, boards a ship. Plucked from abject poverty and horrific living conditions he makes his way towards the bright new hope of Voulhire and learning a new trade.

All the while, the infamous bandits and anti-capitalist revolutionaries, the Riva Rohai, are ever looming on the horizon. Known for their murderous ways and continuous attempts at overthrowing Voulhire's law and order, they were kept at bay by their fear of Lord Meldorath, they have no reason to fear any more.

Matthew Tysz has intricately crafted this world of magic. From the laws governing the uses and physics of magic down to the bureaucracy of the lands. His characters are believable, driven, full of depth and almost have a life of their own. The tales of their individual journeys overlap and intertwine in what seems to be the beginnings of a beautiful tapestry, while his reader anxiously awaits him to pull on the threads and bring the picture into a whole.

Matthew Tysz is one of the best writers whose works I have had the privilege of reading thus far. His characters are convincing, his writing style immerses the reader into his meticulously crafted world, making them feel as though they could choose to board a ship and visit Voulhire and its many cities.

My criticism of this book? That there isn’t more to read yet!

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars

I feel that this book is a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys fantasy and magic mixed with a heavy dose of the laws of the physical world. I would recommend this book for young teenagers and older.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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[Mariana Figueira]

Thanks for the detailed review!