Review by anthougo -- We are Voulhire: A New Arrival und...

[anthougo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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I can agree with Matthew Tysz that he “likes to imagine people in strange settings.” In this book, We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies, Matthew Tysz sets up the major protagonist, Galen Bray, in the fiery Lands of the Princes. Artistically, he detaches him from his war-torn roots and solidly plants him in a totally strange country called Voulhire. In Voulhire, Bray discovers the work of his uncle, the world of magic, and the worst of humanity. Humanity abhors death but cherishes danger, even the danger that leads to death.


Unfortunately, the book does not expose how Bray utilises his newly acquired knowledge, skills, and inheritance. The author fills the book with creative ambiguities. For instance, he portrays the Emperor of Lullabies as “a wise and wicked ruler and the kingdom of Voulhire as “magnificent and terrifying.” How come a dark city like Virko is prosperous! The artistic contradictions raise the suspense and thrills of the book. But, does wisdom dwell with wickedness or light with darkness? Is craftiness the same as wisdom? The author fails to answer these questions. And he does not fully develop the protagonists and the places mentioned so that the reader understands their qualities and uniqueness.
Despite these, the reader will draw important lessons. For one, the leaders who lock themselves in endless wars and political treachery show that they are not rightly focused. They must reassess their motivations. The mandate of mankind is to “subdue the earth.” It is not to dominate their fellow human beings. The Leaders and rulers of societies should not originate needless laws and instigate reckless wars to consolidate their political power. To settle political tensions, it is not necessary to eliminate dissenters. But, you can reduce dissension by embracing it. The opposition is essential in every political society. Therefore, dissenting voices should be accorded their freedom and respect. Truly, “hiding a topic won’t suppress it from our hearts.” On the other hand, dissenters should observe the correct boundary of freedom and express their dissensions with decorum. Senseless laws destroy society as thoughtless wars sully humanity.


Two, contentions can be untangled amicably. According to the author, “With time, the waves of desire will always flatten the sands of the Earth.” To each conflict, one should courageously, genuinely, and patiently express their desire for a peaceful resolution. It is in this way that God has resolved all human disasters. Third, “every man and every woman is the writer of his or her own story." "Uncover every detail" about yourself and your environment. To conquer your path and decide your direction, discover who you are. Then, use the details that you have uncovered to make your life meaningful and to write your own story the best way you like it to be told. The paramount tools for life have been provided by God; therefore, there is "no excuse to fail."


Fourth, when an individual or a nation assumes it has entered “the golden age” of growth and development, it must be cautious of unending celebrations and ceremonies. Catastrophes always knock at the door of success. Permanent success does not emerge from people. Instead, true success is ordained by the Creator. Therefore, all praise and honour, adoration and worship, and thanksgiving must go to God alone, in time and eternity. Men and nations fumble and tumble when they refuse or fail to acknowledge this.


Last, we should always focus on great things. But, at the same time, we should be mindful of the fact that humility is the essence of the truly great. In the words of Galen Onita (Bray’s uncle), “Keep your head low, but your eyes ahead. Keep your mind on earth, but your heart among the stars. May you never feel shame. Always walk among those who love you.”


Matthew Tysz conjured some life to this magical book. I recommend it to avid readers who enjoy fairy tales, especially adolescents. I give it a rating of 3 out of 4.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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[Sanju Lali]

Interesting ferry tale that portrays the Emperor of Lullabies as a wise and wicked ruler and the kingdom of Voulhire as magnificent and terrifying. The character development seems somewhat unique. Thanks for your good review indeed.

[xoxoAnushka]

A concoction of humanity, magic, fairytale, and political tension seems like an intriguing read. Nice review!