Review by Creole -- We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko

[Creole]

[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko" by Matthew Tysz.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Voulhirian city of Virko is all fired up, and it is not the industrial fires that are kindling the flames. A political firestorm is brewing, and no one will be left unscathed, not even the Eiodi who is the powerhouse of the Church of Destinism. Virko, the productive hub of Voulhire and home of the elite, is on the brink of new governance. In their despotic need for control, the Nobles of Virko conspire against each other. This infighting for political clout threatens the very social fabric of Virko, and it is about to combust.

Meanwhile, Lord Venden Hrelek, Virko’s founder and ruler, is suspiciously infirmed. His son, Hans, is poised to take over. Hans Hrelek is perceived as a quiet, unassuming young man who could care less about ruling a city, but there is more to him than meets the eye, as the inhabitants will discover imminently.

Matthew Tysz, in We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko, kept me intensely engaged as I anxiously turned the pages toward the next chilling and blood-curdling event that was propelling Virko into moral chaos. In this second installment of the We are Voulhire series, readers will witness dramatic and dynamic character transformation as the plot unfolds. This character-shaping was what I liked most about the novel. Backstories and relationships were subtly interwoven to influence character formation, therefore adding suspense. As the plot got darker, so did characters like Hans Hrelek (Folcro) and Meldorath. Even Galen Bray, the protagonist in the series, is delightfully evolving as he, Rowan, and Demetrius take on risks of epic proportions that see them feverishly fleeing Virko in panic.

The plot was fast-moving and filled with shocking twists and turns. I was anxious for the people of Virko, and I got so caught up in the action that I felt like I was transported to various scenes. I rode with Galen and tried to outrun demons alongside Demetrius. I felt so silly when in one instance, I realized I was bobbing my head to the imagined pace of galloping horses as if I were following a movie. The language which enabled my theatrics was descriptive, expressive, and strong. Plus, the book is professionally edited, which added to my pleasure. For these reasons, I rate it four out of four stars. I can scarcely wait to read the others in the series.

Another aspect of the story that I enjoyed was the humor that balanced the grotesque and the seemingly normal. In Virko, nothing is as it seems, and nobody can be taken at face value. Acts of betrayal, conspiracy, power struggle, and brutality become the order of the day as the contention for dominion intensifies.

What I disliked most was that former characters were not part of these pulsating adventures. Where are Beth and Marshus Alderman? I eagerly await their presence in future installments. This disappointment, of course, is minor compared to the excitement I experienced while reading this story.

Even though I enjoyed the book, let me advise that it contains profane language and references to subjects like homosexuality and sexual abuse that might be offensive to some readers. Some aspects of the book might also be a turn-off for religious individuals because of management nuances involving magic, politics, and the church. I would not recommend this book for children. However, I highly recommend it to adults, particularly those who are fans of medieval and fantasy stories that contain mystery, magic, and action. They will not be disappointed at all.

******
We are Voulhire: The Fires of Virko
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[kdstrack]

Galen seems to get himself into numerous predicaments. I agree that the author does a good job with the descriptive writing. We'll all be bobbing our heads! Great review. Thanks!

[Rayah Raouf]

So far, I enjoyed this book the most. There was so much happening I couldn't stop reading.
Thank you for your review. Hopefully, the events of the book just keep progressing.