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

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

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[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is an eagerly anticipated fantasy masterpiece that enthralls the mind. Beyond fantasy, it weaves mystery, action, suspense, secrets, friendship, and emotion with a hint of spookiness. The well-crafted plot guarantees an immersive experience, leaving you spellbound. Delving into this book was so extraordinary that finding words to justify the satisfaction proved challenging. Brace yourself for a captivating whirlwind that will keep you glued until the very end.

In the Lands of the Princes, a realm where a decade-long war among the Princes has plunged the lands into grinding poverty, with common folk either succumbing to diseases and starvation or meeting their end by the sword, even the elites are not secure. Fleeing this dire situation, Galen Bray seizes the first opportunity to escape for his life. Having lost his entire family during the prolonged conflict, he believes he is alone in the world until a ray of hope emerges—he discovers an uncle, a blacksmith residing in Voulhire, actively seeking him. His uncle, ailing, wishes to pass on his legacy to Galen, the recently discovered heir. Thus, Galen's journey beneath the great skies of the nation called Voulhire commences.

The palpable relief of leaving a troubled past behind resonates as Galen enters the town of his uncle, Magnum Caelum. Voulhire, in the midst of its golden age, offers a refreshing environment with kind-hearted inhabitants, granting Galen a sense of freedom and a new beginning. Under the guidance of his mentor, Rowan, Galen learns the art of forging in order to assume his uncle's business. Their quest for 'Lactis,' a unique white metal, in Alcovia, unveils an undiscovered metal, attracting the attention of a mage with unknown motives. What significance does this metal hold for the mage? What secrets lie within this mysterious substance?

In another part of the nation, the economically ailing town of Hillport faces challenges after losing two lords. The king of Voulhire appoints a new lord, fostering hope for the town's development. Despite beliefs that the previous lords were executed, a powerful mage named Meldorath, one of the supposedly deceased lords, remains alive and secretly imprisoned. With the arrival of the new Lord, optimism abounds, but threats arise from Riva Rohavi, a group seeking Voulhire's destruction. Meanwhile, the malevolent Meldorath harbors sinister plans, awaiting the opportune moment to strike. The looming question remains: will he succeed in his nefarious intentions, leading to a potential bloodbath among the town's innocent inhabitants?


I'm particularly impressed with the plot of this book. It's brilliantly constructed, incorporating every essential element. Beyond Galen's story, numerous characters from various towns in Voulhire contribute to a rich narrative tapestry. The nationwide events are both compelling and captivating, making it challenging to put the book down. The vivid description of magical applications creates a cinematic experience, enabling readers to visualize scenes seamlessly. Unlike many fantasy stories, the portrayal of magical elements, such as conjuring a blue flame between palms as a spell, is so well-crafted that it never feels disconnected. The thematic richness makes it akin to watching a fantasy drama. Just as you miss a favorite web series when it ends, I felt the same upon finishing this book.

The emotional element in this book is remarkably strong; I shed uncontrollable tears reading the letter Galen's uncle left before his death, and the heartwarming emotion Galen felt upon arriving at Voulhire was palpable. Some descriptions and scenes are so spooky that I almost get creeped out. Every character holds equal significance, from servants, maids, and soldiers to knights, lords, captains, mages, townspeople, the king, Galen, and Rowan. The author's informal writing feels relatable and subtly humorous. The division of scenes in each Voulhire town within chapters is blended seamlessly. The suspense intensifies with the unfolding of secrets, heightening curiosity. The author shared a helpful link to his website at the start, providing a historical background for Voulhire. A colorful map adds visual appeal and clarifies town placement. The inclusion of word descriptions and varied fonts throughout demonstrates the author's thoughtful and commendable writing. Discovering it's part of the 'We are Voulhire' series piques my excitement for more, as this stands among the best reads of my life.

Delighted to find no dislikes, this book leaves a lasting impression, bringing immense enjoyment with every secret revealed. Meticulously edited, it's error-free. However, sensitive readers should note the use of curse words and brief references to child abuse. Vivid descriptions of people dying may be intense, but personally, I enjoyed the book in its entirety.

In conclusion, this memorable read compels me to delve into the next series. Impressed by the plot, I confidently rate it 5 out of 5. I highly recommend this book for fantasy, mystery, and suspense enthusiasts. You won't be disappointed.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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