Review by kimoy13 -- We are Voulhire: The Ascension of A...
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Review by kimoy13 -- We are Voulhire: The Ascension of A...
[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry" by Matthew Tysz.]
We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry is Matthew Tysz's fifth book in his nine book sci-fi, fantasy series. In order to fully appreciate the plot in this novel, it is advisable that you first read its four preceding novels.
In this book, the reader sees that the three main characters continue to grow mentally and emotionally. The dynamics of their friendship also change as their past experiences and current beliefs cause friction among them.
Matthew Tysz also manages to evoke feelings of sympathy and understanding for the powerful mage Meldorath, who has always been portrayed as an evil being, feared by all. In this novel, the reader learns more about Meldorath by being privy to his innermost thoughts. His interactions with others are also highlighted. These two factors cause the reader to question Meldorath's actions and plans. Are they really bad or simply misunderstood?
I truly believe that book five is a turning point in the We are Voulhire series. There is a lot more dialogue among the characters. This provides the reader with deeper insight into their thoughts and emotions. Several issues from the previous novels are also explored and sorted out in this novel. The reader sees that the pieces of the Voulhire puzzle are finally coming together.
I really appreciate the descriptive language used by Tysz in this novel to describe the surroundings and of course Akistry and his followers, the focal points in this novel. The use of literary devices such as personification and metaphors, further brings the novel to life.
As for Akistry, although he was introduced in the earlier novels, more defined descriptions of him and his men are given in this novel. The reader is welcomed into their world and observes how they live and interact with one another. The reader also learns more about how Akistry came into the world as well as for what purpose. He is also seen engaging in conversations with the other characters in the book.
It is through these interactions that most of this novel's themes are exposed. Conspiracy and corruption in some parts of Voulhire are seen to run rampant. Issues such as human experimentation and strained friendships are also discussed. However, the biggest issue covered in this novel is the ongoing conflict among religion, magic and secularism.
As a matter of fact, this conflict is the main cause of many battles in this entire series. In book five, this conflict is more prominent. It will be interesting to see whether this conflict can be resolved in the upcoming novels.
As expected, a lot of focus in the novel is placed on religion and God. However, all persons regardless of their religious beliefs can enjoy it. The discussions on and with God are by no means imposing. They are solely descriptive in nature in order to advance the plot.
There is truly nothing that I do not like in book five. It is just too exciting and well-laid out to be criticized. It even ends on a mysterious note which inspires the reader to move on immediately to book six.
Nevertheless, I must rate this novel a 3 out of 4 stars due to the grammatical errors encountered. It should be noted however, that these errors do not detract from the essence of the novel. Book five will best be enjoyed by persons aged 16 years and older. This is so as there are some violent scenes and a sprinkling of profanity throughout the novel.
Two additional factors worthy of appreciation in this novel are the map of Voulhire which Tysz provides at the beginning of each novel and the Reference Guide which he provides at the end of book five. This map and Reference Guide make the entire series that more real for the reader.
I can hardly wait to read book six We are Voulhire: the Flesh of the Mind. Tysz continues to wow his readers.
******
We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry is Matthew Tysz's fifth book in his nine book sci-fi, fantasy series. In order to fully appreciate the plot in this novel, it is advisable that you first read its four preceding novels.
In this book, the reader sees that the three main characters continue to grow mentally and emotionally. The dynamics of their friendship also change as their past experiences and current beliefs cause friction among them.
Matthew Tysz also manages to evoke feelings of sympathy and understanding for the powerful mage Meldorath, who has always been portrayed as an evil being, feared by all. In this novel, the reader learns more about Meldorath by being privy to his innermost thoughts. His interactions with others are also highlighted. These two factors cause the reader to question Meldorath's actions and plans. Are they really bad or simply misunderstood?
I truly believe that book five is a turning point in the We are Voulhire series. There is a lot more dialogue among the characters. This provides the reader with deeper insight into their thoughts and emotions. Several issues from the previous novels are also explored and sorted out in this novel. The reader sees that the pieces of the Voulhire puzzle are finally coming together.
I really appreciate the descriptive language used by Tysz in this novel to describe the surroundings and of course Akistry and his followers, the focal points in this novel. The use of literary devices such as personification and metaphors, further brings the novel to life.
As for Akistry, although he was introduced in the earlier novels, more defined descriptions of him and his men are given in this novel. The reader is welcomed into their world and observes how they live and interact with one another. The reader also learns more about how Akistry came into the world as well as for what purpose. He is also seen engaging in conversations with the other characters in the book.
It is through these interactions that most of this novel's themes are exposed. Conspiracy and corruption in some parts of Voulhire are seen to run rampant. Issues such as human experimentation and strained friendships are also discussed. However, the biggest issue covered in this novel is the ongoing conflict among religion, magic and secularism.
As a matter of fact, this conflict is the main cause of many battles in this entire series. In book five, this conflict is more prominent. It will be interesting to see whether this conflict can be resolved in the upcoming novels.
As expected, a lot of focus in the novel is placed on religion and God. However, all persons regardless of their religious beliefs can enjoy it. The discussions on and with God are by no means imposing. They are solely descriptive in nature in order to advance the plot.
There is truly nothing that I do not like in book five. It is just too exciting and well-laid out to be criticized. It even ends on a mysterious note which inspires the reader to move on immediately to book six.
Nevertheless, I must rate this novel a 3 out of 4 stars due to the grammatical errors encountered. It should be noted however, that these errors do not detract from the essence of the novel. Book five will best be enjoyed by persons aged 16 years and older. This is so as there are some violent scenes and a sprinkling of profanity throughout the novel.
Two additional factors worthy of appreciation in this novel are the map of Voulhire which Tysz provides at the beginning of each novel and the Reference Guide which he provides at the end of book five. This map and Reference Guide make the entire series that more real for the reader.
I can hardly wait to read book six We are Voulhire: the Flesh of the Mind. Tysz continues to wow his readers.
******
We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
