Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
The book "We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies," written by Matthew Tysz, tells the story not only of our protagonist but also of the turbulent times and dangers that beset the kingdom of Voulhire.
Galen Bray is a refugee, newly arrived in a land unknown to him and leaving his homeland behind, full of hope and optimism for a new life away from the wars that plague his former home. He arrives in Voulhire, a prosperous and peaceful kingdom that hides latent threats throughout its territory: a first knight who enjoys drama and treats life as nothing more than a game; violent rebels capable of attacking and murdering those who stand in their way; and a feared wizard who possesses a power never before seen.
The first idea that formed in me just by reading the first pages of the book, and that only solidified and confirmed as I progressed through the story, was the form and accuracy of the words that the author uses to describe the world and the sensations, creating scenes that are easy to imagine without losing their grandeur or vividness. This is also due to how well the book is written and the author's ability to immerse the reader in the world created.
The second idea I had was about how interesting and dynamic the world is. Even though we have a protagonist, much of the story is about what is going on in other parts of the kingdom. It is possible to get glimpses of politics, war, economics, and the daily lives of the people, illustrating to the reader different realities and stories that, although seemingly unrelated, form and shape a large network that makes up the kingdom of Voulhire and its plot.
And finally, something to emphasize, and impossible not to mention, is the great quality of the characters. Each one of them, despite not having an extensive and detailed description of themselves or their past, has a unique and easy-to-understand personality. This does not mean that they are flat or lacking in vitality, but rather that their actions and words are in line with what their personality and place in the world dictate. I find one of the most interesting features of the book, whether by the author's choice or by his writing style, is how information about the characters is gradually revealed throughout the story, adding a touch of mystery and making the reader want to know more about the character in front of them. This is not limited to the protagonist, but the entire cast is under the same treatment.
Personally, the only thing I could criticize in the story is the lack of scenes of the protagonist. I understand that this first book in the saga is about laying the foundation for a completely new story, and it is important to note that there is a need to explain and detail this new universe and the grounds on which it rests. However, this does not avoid adding a touch of disappointment, and it would have been nice to read a little more about how the world affects Gale, or perhaps how Gale affects the world. Maybe the author will focus more on this character in the second book, but now, only the feeling of wanting more remains.
My rating for this book is 5 out of 5 stars because it is an interesting story, well written and edited almost to the point of perfection, allowing for a smooth read without fear of losing the thread or immersion in the plot. It is also because it has characters that you can come to appreciate regardless of their status as "good" or "bad" people. Despite my previous criticism, it didn't stop the book from making me pause and think about the intentions of the characters and, most importantly, make me want to read the sequel. It was an enjoyable novel, and I recommend it to those who want to read something fascinating that does not provoke strong emotions but can captivate you and open the doors to a new world of mystery and magic.
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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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