Review by kimoy13 -- We are Voulhire: The Knights of Cha...
Posted: 22 Sep 2020, 14:30
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire" by Matthew Tysz.]
We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire did not disappoint me. It is the fourth novel in the 9 book series by Matthew Tysz. This book, like its predecessors, is full of excitement and mystery.
In this novel, the reader again observes the many towns of Voulhire. This time however, more intimate details are given of each town. Furthermore, it is seen that some of the towns are now being held hostage by evil and magic, whereas other towns continue to bask in their spiritual and safe aura. A few towns are not mentioned at all. This sudden disappearance makes one wonder if these towns have been destroyed completely by man or evil. I expect that this factor will be addressed in the upcoming books of this series.
The reader also sees that each of the 3 main characters of this series, shine in his own way. These men are separated and during such separation they learn about themselves and their strengths. As the story progresses, they are seen to be courageous and strong in many of the dangerous situations that arise. This is in stark contrast to how they were portrayed in the earlier novels. In those novels, one was naive and cowardly, one was reserved and the third one was simply cavalier. I was truly pleased to see their growth in this novel.
As the story unfolds, it is clear that the prowess and strength of a special group of men and women, known as the Knights of Chalethire, are the focal point. These people are courageous, skillful and do not shy away from battles. As a matter of fact, they are seen to seek out battles on several occasions. It was fun to see the 3 main characters, with their new personas, interacting with this skilled group of people.
A number of different themes are also explored in this novel. Some of these themes are: love, romance, betrayal, revenge, lust for power and patriarchy. This fact rendered the novel that more exciting and kept me glued to its pages.
This novel does have some grammatical and spelling errors. However, this can be overlooked due to the very high level of enjoyment promised to the reader. The only issue that I have with this installment, is the large number of different characters mentioned interchangeably. At times, I felt lost trying to keep track of them all and what they were known for.
Despite the above concern, I truly enjoyed reading this novel for several reasons. Firstly, it is a part of the We are Voulhire series. This fact alone makes it likeable. Secondly, Tysz again woos the reader with his genius use of the English language. His descriptions are so vivid that one is easily transported into the land of Voulhire. Thirdly, the characters continue to grow from strength to strength. Even the evil mage, another major character of the series, is wavering in his quest to rule Voulhire with evil and magic. The reader now sees him being considerate and almost kind to the religious people around him. I am eager to see in what direction Tysz guides this character as the story continues to progress.
Due to the grammatical and spelling errors, I will rate this book a 3 out of 4 stars. I also recommend that persons aged 16 years and older read it as there is some use of profanity. I must mention here that the profanity found in the book is by no means extreme.
I also wish to point out that there is a lot of reference to spirituality and spiritual orders. Nevertheless, I do not believe that such reference is enough to dissuade persons of different or no religious beliefs, from reading and enjoying it.
It is recommended that the first 3 books of this series be read prior to reading The Knights of Chalethire. A reader will only then truly enjoy and understand the manner in which the plot is progressing. I am now going on to read the fifth book, We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry. Tysz is a truly great writer!
******
We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire did not disappoint me. It is the fourth novel in the 9 book series by Matthew Tysz. This book, like its predecessors, is full of excitement and mystery.
In this novel, the reader again observes the many towns of Voulhire. This time however, more intimate details are given of each town. Furthermore, it is seen that some of the towns are now being held hostage by evil and magic, whereas other towns continue to bask in their spiritual and safe aura. A few towns are not mentioned at all. This sudden disappearance makes one wonder if these towns have been destroyed completely by man or evil. I expect that this factor will be addressed in the upcoming books of this series.
The reader also sees that each of the 3 main characters of this series, shine in his own way. These men are separated and during such separation they learn about themselves and their strengths. As the story progresses, they are seen to be courageous and strong in many of the dangerous situations that arise. This is in stark contrast to how they were portrayed in the earlier novels. In those novels, one was naive and cowardly, one was reserved and the third one was simply cavalier. I was truly pleased to see their growth in this novel.
As the story unfolds, it is clear that the prowess and strength of a special group of men and women, known as the Knights of Chalethire, are the focal point. These people are courageous, skillful and do not shy away from battles. As a matter of fact, they are seen to seek out battles on several occasions. It was fun to see the 3 main characters, with their new personas, interacting with this skilled group of people.
A number of different themes are also explored in this novel. Some of these themes are: love, romance, betrayal, revenge, lust for power and patriarchy. This fact rendered the novel that more exciting and kept me glued to its pages.
This novel does have some grammatical and spelling errors. However, this can be overlooked due to the very high level of enjoyment promised to the reader. The only issue that I have with this installment, is the large number of different characters mentioned interchangeably. At times, I felt lost trying to keep track of them all and what they were known for.
Despite the above concern, I truly enjoyed reading this novel for several reasons. Firstly, it is a part of the We are Voulhire series. This fact alone makes it likeable. Secondly, Tysz again woos the reader with his genius use of the English language. His descriptions are so vivid that one is easily transported into the land of Voulhire. Thirdly, the characters continue to grow from strength to strength. Even the evil mage, another major character of the series, is wavering in his quest to rule Voulhire with evil and magic. The reader now sees him being considerate and almost kind to the religious people around him. I am eager to see in what direction Tysz guides this character as the story continues to progress.
Due to the grammatical and spelling errors, I will rate this book a 3 out of 4 stars. I also recommend that persons aged 16 years and older read it as there is some use of profanity. I must mention here that the profanity found in the book is by no means extreme.
I also wish to point out that there is a lot of reference to spirituality and spiritual orders. Nevertheless, I do not believe that such reference is enough to dissuade persons of different or no religious beliefs, from reading and enjoying it.
It is recommended that the first 3 books of this series be read prior to reading The Knights of Chalethire. A reader will only then truly enjoy and understand the manner in which the plot is progressing. I am now going on to read the fifth book, We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry. Tysz is a truly great writer!
******
We are Voulhire: The Knights of Chalethire
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon