Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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Divinah Mose
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Review of We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is an immersive introduction to a richly developed fantasy world, where political intrigue, magic, and personal discovery intersect. The novel centers on Galen Bray, a young man who escapes the war-torn Lands of the Princes and seeks a new life in Voulhire—a kingdom that, on the surface, offers peace and prosperity. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this kingdom is far from idyllic.
The novel opens with Galen fleeing the chaos of his homeland, where violence and starvation reign. Upon arriving in Voulhire, the contrast in settings is stark and palpable. Galen inherits his great-uncle’s forge in the tranquil town of Magnum Caelum, and the initial relief he feels is almost tangible. Tysz expertly juxtaposes Galen’s traumatic past with the serenity of Voulhire, and readers can easily share in Galen’s mix of nervous excitement as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.
What immediately stands out is the level of detail and vibrancy in Tysz’s world-building. Voulhire feels alive—full of opportunity, but with an unsettling undercurrent of unease. The kingdom is as beautiful as it is dangerous, a place where the idyllic landscapes mask deeper political tensions and darker forces at play. The richness of the world, coupled with a sense of looming uncertainty, keeps readers engaged and curious about what lies beneath the surface.
Tysz populates this world with a cast of memorable and distinct characters. Galen serves as a relatable protagonist, new to Voulhire and its complexities, much like the reader. His perspective allows for a natural introduction to the kingdom, its people, and its politics. Key figures like Mayor Malcolm and the wise Rowan help guide Galen through his new life, but as he settles in, it becomes clear that Voulhire harbors more secrets and dangers than he initially realized.
The political landscape is fraught with tension, largely due to the kingdom’s struggling leadership. King Wilhelm, while well-intentioned, is overwhelmed by the corruption around him. His biggest obstacle is Midius Maido, the Chancellor of the Mianoran Council, whose greed and thirst for power threaten the stability of the realm. The dynamic between Wilhelm’s genuine desire to lead and Maido’s ruthless ambition drives much of the political drama, creating a compelling backdrop to Galen’s story.
One of the novel’s most intriguing characters is Lord Meldorath, a former general and powerful mage imprisoned after his tyrannical rule over Hillport. Though he remains largely offstage in this installment, his presence looms large, casting a shadow over the events that unfold. Meldorath’s combination of ambition and dark magic makes him a figure of both terror and fascination, and readers will find themselves eager to learn more about him as the series progresses.
At its core, We Are Voulhire is a story about power—who holds it, who desires it, and the lengths they will go to keep it. Tysz explores these themes through the characters’ struggles, particularly King Wilhelm’s efforts to maintain his integrity in the face of mounting corruption, and Maido’s relentless pursuit of control. The timeless nature of this power struggle is made fresh by the author’s skillful handling of the narrative and the kingdom’s precarious political balance.
Magic plays a significant role in the novel, with characters like Meldorath showcasing its destructive potential, while others, such as “Beth” from the magical realm of Caromentis, demonstrate its capacity for good. This duality between creation and destruction, hope and fear, adds layers of complexity to the story, making magic not just a tool, but a force that shapes the lives of those who wield it.
If there is a minor drawback, it’s that the vast world-building can feel overwhelming at times. Tysz introduces a wealth of names, places, and political structures early on, which might be difficult for readers to keep track of initially. However, the inclusion of a glossary helps mitigate this, and the engaging plot ensures that any confusion is quickly overshadowed by the intrigue of the unfolding narrative.
In conclusion, We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is a stellar opening to what promises to be an enthralling fantasy series. Matthew Tysz masterfully weaves together a richly detailed world, complex characters, and a plot filled with political intrigue and magic. Galen’s personal journey, set against the backdrop of a kingdom on the brink of turmoil, creates a story that is both deeply personal and grand in scope. The novel’s exceptional editing and smooth pacing ensure a seamless reading experience.
I give this book a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. With its strong world-building, dynamic characters, and intricate blend of magic and politics, it’s a must-read for fantasy lovers. Prepare to be drawn into the vast and captivating world of Voulhire, where once you enter, it’s hard to leave.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is an immersive introduction to a richly developed fantasy world, where political intrigue, magic, and personal discovery intersect. The novel centers on Galen Bray, a young man who escapes the war-torn Lands of the Princes and seeks a new life in Voulhire—a kingdom that, on the surface, offers peace and prosperity. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this kingdom is far from idyllic.
The novel opens with Galen fleeing the chaos of his homeland, where violence and starvation reign. Upon arriving in Voulhire, the contrast in settings is stark and palpable. Galen inherits his great-uncle’s forge in the tranquil town of Magnum Caelum, and the initial relief he feels is almost tangible. Tysz expertly juxtaposes Galen’s traumatic past with the serenity of Voulhire, and readers can easily share in Galen’s mix of nervous excitement as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.
What immediately stands out is the level of detail and vibrancy in Tysz’s world-building. Voulhire feels alive—full of opportunity, but with an unsettling undercurrent of unease. The kingdom is as beautiful as it is dangerous, a place where the idyllic landscapes mask deeper political tensions and darker forces at play. The richness of the world, coupled with a sense of looming uncertainty, keeps readers engaged and curious about what lies beneath the surface.
Tysz populates this world with a cast of memorable and distinct characters. Galen serves as a relatable protagonist, new to Voulhire and its complexities, much like the reader. His perspective allows for a natural introduction to the kingdom, its people, and its politics. Key figures like Mayor Malcolm and the wise Rowan help guide Galen through his new life, but as he settles in, it becomes clear that Voulhire harbors more secrets and dangers than he initially realized.
The political landscape is fraught with tension, largely due to the kingdom’s struggling leadership. King Wilhelm, while well-intentioned, is overwhelmed by the corruption around him. His biggest obstacle is Midius Maido, the Chancellor of the Mianoran Council, whose greed and thirst for power threaten the stability of the realm. The dynamic between Wilhelm’s genuine desire to lead and Maido’s ruthless ambition drives much of the political drama, creating a compelling backdrop to Galen’s story.
One of the novel’s most intriguing characters is Lord Meldorath, a former general and powerful mage imprisoned after his tyrannical rule over Hillport. Though he remains largely offstage in this installment, his presence looms large, casting a shadow over the events that unfold. Meldorath’s combination of ambition and dark magic makes him a figure of both terror and fascination, and readers will find themselves eager to learn more about him as the series progresses.
At its core, We Are Voulhire is a story about power—who holds it, who desires it, and the lengths they will go to keep it. Tysz explores these themes through the characters’ struggles, particularly King Wilhelm’s efforts to maintain his integrity in the face of mounting corruption, and Maido’s relentless pursuit of control. The timeless nature of this power struggle is made fresh by the author’s skillful handling of the narrative and the kingdom’s precarious political balance.
Magic plays a significant role in the novel, with characters like Meldorath showcasing its destructive potential, while others, such as “Beth” from the magical realm of Caromentis, demonstrate its capacity for good. This duality between creation and destruction, hope and fear, adds layers of complexity to the story, making magic not just a tool, but a force that shapes the lives of those who wield it.
If there is a minor drawback, it’s that the vast world-building can feel overwhelming at times. Tysz introduces a wealth of names, places, and political structures early on, which might be difficult for readers to keep track of initially. However, the inclusion of a glossary helps mitigate this, and the engaging plot ensures that any confusion is quickly overshadowed by the intrigue of the unfolding narrative.
In conclusion, We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is a stellar opening to what promises to be an enthralling fantasy series. Matthew Tysz masterfully weaves together a richly detailed world, complex characters, and a plot filled with political intrigue and magic. Galen’s personal journey, set against the backdrop of a kingdom on the brink of turmoil, creates a story that is both deeply personal and grand in scope. The novel’s exceptional editing and smooth pacing ensure a seamless reading experience.
I give this book a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. With its strong world-building, dynamic characters, and intricate blend of magic and politics, it’s a must-read for fantasy lovers. Prepare to be drawn into the vast and captivating world of Voulhire, where once you enter, it’s hard to leave.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
