Review by NetMassimo -- We are Voulhire: A New Arrival u...

[NetMassimo]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is a fantasy novel set in a world where magic exists. Galen Bray is a young man who has the chance to get away from a land devastated by war after receiving an inheritance from a great uncle. He travels to Magnum Caelum, which seems a peaceful city in the kingdom of Voulhire. The Riva Rohavi rebels are barely kept from invading Voulhire and are a constant threat. On an island, an extremely powerful wizard is kept prisoner, can his jailers keep him locked up?

This is the first book of a fantasy saga. It seems a classic form of fantasy, with a setting that has a medieval flavor. It's actually a multiverse, in the sense that a universe hosts the kingdom of Voulhire's world and another universe, called Caromentis, is full of magic. Spells can open a gateway to Caromentis, take magic from it, and use it.

What impressed me in the beginning of this novel were its characters. Matthew Tysz skillfully uses details to describe their actions, moods, feelings, and emotions. Even minor characters seem alive, and the important ones have a great development.

Some subplots are started to introduce characters and different places of that fictional universe. There's more introspection than action, so the pace can be slow. My attention remained focused thanks to interesting reflections and vivid descriptions. Every page offers something interesting such as introducing a mystery, telling information about a character's backstory, telling some piece of history of a place, and so on.

The result is complex, but it can be suitable for teenagers ready for something sophisticated. Sexual references are really mild, and the occasional profanities are what an average teenager hears every day. That doesn't mean Matthew Tysz avoided difficult themes: for example, Lord Eldus investigates an alleged pedophile. All of that might be too much for pre-teens but I think it's suitable for teenagers and older readers.

Note that this novel can be considered a big prologue because it sets the subplots in motion but has no real ending. That means there's a point in reading it only if you want to go on and read its sequels. It certainly stimulated my desire to go on because I found it engaging, intriguing, and well written.

This is the first part of a bigger story, so my judgment regards in part its potential, which seems remarkable thanks to the world-building job done by Matthew Tysz. The author proved you don't need to reinvent the wheel to create and excellent product. My rating is 4 out of 4 stars because of the novel's interesting contents and the professional editing. If you're ready to start a whole fantasy saga, I recommend this one.

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

a fantasy novel set in a world with influence of magic seems to be quite relaxing read. Hope you had good time reading this book. Thanks for your insightful review though.

[NetMassimo]

a fantasy novel set in a world with influence of magic seems to be quite relaxing read. Hope you had good time reading this book. Thanks for your insightful review though.

Indeed I enjoyed this novel. Thank you for your appreciation.

[Y0landa]

I'm glad you scored it 4 out of 4 stars because I had already chosen to read this one, so I'm happy to hear it's great and well written. Thanks for your excellent review! It's nice to hear the character development is quite good, as it makes reading more enjoyable. Looking forward to this!

[NetMassimo]

I'm glad you scored it 4 out of 4 stars because I had already chosen to read this one, so I'm happy to hear it's great and well written. Thanks for your excellent review! It's nice to hear the character development is quite good, as it makes reading more enjoyable. Looking forward to this!

If you like this genre, I'm sure that this novel will make you want to read its sequels!

[Nerea]

I read the book. And true, the world-building is incredible. I dropped the series due to the magical aspect portrayed in the book. I couldn't stand that feature. Thank you for your well-crafted review.

[NetMassimo]

I read the book. And true, the world-building is incredible. I dropped the series due to the magical aspect portrayed in the book. I couldn't stand that feature. Thank you for your well-crafted review.

Magic is a central aspect of that fictional universe, or multiverse. If you don't like it, it's understandable that you dropped this series.

Thank you for the appreciation.

[Rayasaurus]

I love character development, especially when it's more than just the main character who has it. Thank you for the review!

[NetMassimo]

I love character development, especially when it's more than just the main character who has it. Thank you for the review!

This novel has various important characters, and they have important developments I expect will continue in the sequels, so it suits your taste.

Thank you for the appreciation.

[Nehal Mitna]

Very well written review I must say! Hope to read more from you.

[NetMassimo]

Very well written review I must say! Hope to read more from you.

Thank you for your appreciation!

[MichClem]

I liked this review, the prologue gives the reader a heads up. Letting them know there is more to come.

[The Holy Grail]

Yes, the characters were well-developed. I loved reading the book since it was fantasy-intense. Nice review!

[Ace John]

This seems a book I might like. You have explained it well that I know what to expect from it. Nice review!