Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies

[Jerry M Chika]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

This introductory book seamlessly blends the tranquil hues of the Promised Land with the somber and heart-wrenching imagery of war, crime, and violence. If you relish tales that explore the timeless struggle between good and evil, then this book is tailor-made for you.

In We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz, we embark on Galen's journey, an unassuming individual born in the Lands of the Princes, a land consumed by an enduring civil war. Galen escapes his homeland and ventures to the Kingdom of Voulhire in pursuit of an inheritance from his estranged blacksmith uncle. As a foreigner, Galen offers readers a unique vantage point to observe the customs and ways of life in the enigmatic land of Voulhire.

The first book of a series, We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies serves as a captivating introduction to a fresh realm where magic and conflict intertwine within a complex kingdom. The story allows readers to glimpse the narrative reality through multiple perspectives and situations, as it unfolds from the viewpoints of various characters spanning diverse geographical locations. The introduction of character settings tantalizingly keeps readers guessing about their motivations and significance to the overarching plot.
While this initial installment provides readers with a solid grasp of Voulhire and its denizens, the characters themselves have yet to fully develop. Nevertheless, each character possesses clear motives, desires, and distinct personalities, which serve to justify their actions. I found great intrigue in Lord Eldus' plans for his people, and Marshus, his son, captivated me with his engaging tales and deeds. Galen, a polite and relatable young man, won me over, and Rowan's astute understanding of the land and knack for manipulating situations held its appeal. Chancellor Maido and the king's son, however, proved despicable in their actions. The Riva faction's motive, originally rooted in the pursuit of freedom, has become tainted by oppressive methods, making it difficult to believe in their initial cause.

Furthermore, the story boasts remarkable depth, and its world-building stands among the finest. Each town possesses its own distinct craft, providing a varied and immersive atmosphere throughout. I quickly grew fond of the picturesque Soulhire, the capital of Voulhire. The author skillfully weaves subtle hints into his descriptive writing, further enthralling readers and infusing the narrative with an air of mystery. While not a fast-paced read, it exudes enough suspense to capture readers' attention and tempt them into delving into the next book of this series. Themes of betrayal, fear, revenge, and friendship permeate this novel, enriching the reading experience.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed about this book were the unexpected plot twists and turns, along with the multitude of mysteries left for subsequent installments to unveil. It is worth noting that despite its relatively short length (only 199 pages), the book features a remarkable array of well-developed characters. Their evolution promises to be even more breathtaking, as does their future adventures, which I eagerly anticipate. Once again, the author's imagination knows no bounds, as he adeptly paints vivid portraits of his characters with just a few strokes.

There was nothing to dislike about this book. While reading, I encountered only a couple of typos, leading me to conclude that the book underwent professional editing. I take great pleasure in awarding it a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.

It is important to note that this book contains profanity, and a few disturbing scenes, making it unsuitable for sensitive or younger audiences, as well as those who avoid reading about fantasy universes without any connection to the ordinary world.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy.

******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Da_JumogM]

Matthew Tysz did wonders in this book. The way he conferred up this fantasy story still amazes me. Voulhire sounds both ordinary and extraordinary. I just liked this book's plot. Great review.