Review by Bertha Jackson -- We are Voulhire: A New Arriv...

[Bertha Jackson]

[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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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is the first book in the We are Voulhire series. Voulhire is a unique kingdom that was provided all the tools it needed to become perfect. With all the tools they were provided with, there was no excuse for failures of any kind. It is a world of kings, mages, knights, terrorists, evil, and corruption. How can it be a perfect world if there is evil and corruption? The story follows the arrival of Galen Bray, from the Lands of the Princes when he inherits a steel forge business from his great uncle in the town of Magnum Caelum. Galen is excited about leaving the War of the Princes to go to the glorious world of Voulhire. The King of Voulhire executes the lords of the land who displease him. Lord Medorath, was one such lord, whose execution was announced when he was found guilty of performing experiments on the citizens of his town. However, he was a friend of King Wilhelm and many people did not believe he had really been executed. Was he? Is Voulhire more peaceful than his homeland? Or has Galen exchanged one war for another? You will have to read the book to find out the answers to these questions.

This book has many twists and turns with the author focusing each chapter on a different character. This made it easy to follow what each character was up to at that moment in time. The author describes the difference between Cosmos (the physical universe) and Caromentis (the magic world which the people called “The Flesh of the Mind”). This made it easier to understand when Beth entered the gateway from Caromentis to Cosmos. The map of Voulhire at the beginning of the book helps you picture where the different towns are located. The author’s vivid descriptions of each of the towns and the characters allow you to picture each of their uniqueness.

I really like how this story flowed smoothly between chapters. There were no grammatical or typographical errors to distract the reading. I liked the Reference section at the end of the book that provided an explanation of the terminology used on Voulhire. The author also did an excellent job of describing the characters and events. I felt like I was there with them. The only thing I disliked was that I had difficulty determining what the plot of the story was until I was over halfway through reading the book. I am still not sure, but the plot may be made clearer in the following books of the series.

There is some profanity and mild sexual content in the book, which would not make it appropriate for young children or teenagers. I would recommend it to older teenagers and adults who may not be offended by what little there is. There is no religious content that would be offensive to anyone.

This is a very well-written book, and I gladly give it 4 out of 4 stars.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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[Saint Bruno]

Having read this book, I agree with your wonderful analysis of it. Good job.

[The Holy Grail]

I love books with twists and turns! I am also reading this book. Nice review!

[Ace John]

You explain the book wonderfully that it makes me want to read it. I'm glad you loved it and I may choose it next. Nice review.

[JuliusOnyango]

I am currently reading this book, and I agree with your analysis that it is difficult to determine its plot. Nice review.

[Onyeka Dibor]

Galen's character development is beautifully depicted as he grapples with his choices amidst the encroaching danger.