Review by CaroloftheOldOnes -- We are Voulhire: A New Ar...
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CaroloftheOldOnes
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- Latest Review: We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz
Review by CaroloftheOldOnes -- We are Voulhire: A New Ar...
[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
3 out of 4 stars.
This is an enjoyable dark fantasy novel aimed at young adults and it's 173 pages. As with the other entries in the series, it includes a map in the front, a website link, and a glossary at the back. This book is the introduction to the series, so most of the world building takes place in this volume.
Plot-wise, we see Meldorath, an immensely powerful mage, become Lord of Hillport, and later get arrested and imprisoned by King Wilhelm. We also see the origin of the Emperor of Lullabies, the Lands of the Princes and the reason for the civil war which rages in this land.
Galen Bray, a refugee from the Lands of the Princes, arrives in Voulhire, befriends Rowan, and prepares to become a blacksmith. After his experiences in the Lands of the Princes, he seems to want a quiet life, but his new friend enjoys adventure.
Hillport, meanwhile, is starting to prosper under its new Lord. However, the Riva Rohavi, a rebel group, has noticed Hillport's new prosperity and decides to take action. To add to the tension, Meldorath is also planning his escape...
The world building is interesting and involving, but doesn't intrude on the rest of the story. The book is kept lively by the inclusion of several action sequences which are exciting and fluidly rendered. The action sequences are spaced well throughout the story and keep the reader engaged.
It's in describing his world that Tysz really shines -- his descriptions involve all the senses, bringing his world to life in a very fresh, vivid way. Throughout the story, his character's reactions and expressions are described in an arresting, realistic way, giving the reader interesting glimpses into their psyches as the plot unfolds.
The lore is interesting and imaginative, and is introduced in a skillful way that doesn't slow down the story. I especially enjoyed the surreal descriptions of Caromentis, the universe which is the source of magic in this story. The book is written in a clear, easy-to-follow style, although sometimes it switches from first to third person. This is managed quite well though.
I was very close to giving the book 4 out of 4 stars, but unfortunately I noticed a few errors in the text. The book could benefit from more thorough editing. I also noticed there were no page numbers. The book also includes moderate profanity.
Overall, a very enjoyable read and a well-managed piece of world building. A good introduction to the series. I would recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy and possibly horror fans as well.
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz
3 out of 4 stars.
******
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
3 out of 4 stars.
This is an enjoyable dark fantasy novel aimed at young adults and it's 173 pages. As with the other entries in the series, it includes a map in the front, a website link, and a glossary at the back. This book is the introduction to the series, so most of the world building takes place in this volume.
Plot-wise, we see Meldorath, an immensely powerful mage, become Lord of Hillport, and later get arrested and imprisoned by King Wilhelm. We also see the origin of the Emperor of Lullabies, the Lands of the Princes and the reason for the civil war which rages in this land.
Galen Bray, a refugee from the Lands of the Princes, arrives in Voulhire, befriends Rowan, and prepares to become a blacksmith. After his experiences in the Lands of the Princes, he seems to want a quiet life, but his new friend enjoys adventure.
Hillport, meanwhile, is starting to prosper under its new Lord. However, the Riva Rohavi, a rebel group, has noticed Hillport's new prosperity and decides to take action. To add to the tension, Meldorath is also planning his escape...
The world building is interesting and involving, but doesn't intrude on the rest of the story. The book is kept lively by the inclusion of several action sequences which are exciting and fluidly rendered. The action sequences are spaced well throughout the story and keep the reader engaged.
It's in describing his world that Tysz really shines -- his descriptions involve all the senses, bringing his world to life in a very fresh, vivid way. Throughout the story, his character's reactions and expressions are described in an arresting, realistic way, giving the reader interesting glimpses into their psyches as the plot unfolds.
The lore is interesting and imaginative, and is introduced in a skillful way that doesn't slow down the story. I especially enjoyed the surreal descriptions of Caromentis, the universe which is the source of magic in this story. The book is written in a clear, easy-to-follow style, although sometimes it switches from first to third person. This is managed quite well though.
I was very close to giving the book 4 out of 4 stars, but unfortunately I noticed a few errors in the text. The book could benefit from more thorough editing. I also noticed there were no page numbers. The book also includes moderate profanity.
Overall, a very enjoyable read and a well-managed piece of world building. A good introduction to the series. I would recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy and possibly horror fans as well.
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz
3 out of 4 stars.
******
We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
