Review by kimoy13 -- We are Voulhire: The Flesh of the Mind

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Kimoy Thomas-Williams
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Review by kimoy13 -- We are Voulhire: The Flesh of the Mind

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[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: The Flesh of the Mind" by Matthew Tysz.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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We are Voulhire: The Flesh of the Mind is the sixth book in Matthew Tysz's adult fantasy series. Yet again the reader will be blown away by Tysz's imaginative prowess. His vivid descriptions of his characters and their surroundings cause one to wonder just how majestically his brain operates. At this point, I must advise that readers should read the five books which precede this one. This is so as this book cannot be read and truly enjoyed on its own.

In The Flesh of the Mind, Tysz introduces us to a new city, Cridea. This is a beautiful city and worthy of note is the fact that one of its leaders is a woman called Angela. Indeed, this is the second strong woman that features in this series. The first one being Harper, one of the leaders of the Chaletherian Knights. I believe that this emphasis on feminine strength will be greatly appreciated by the female readers. I certainly enjoyed reading about these two women.

As the plot in this book unfolds, one sees that several themes explored previously, continue to reign. Issues such as lust for power, lust for the human flesh, loyalty and friendship dominate the book.

The reader is also invited into the magical world of Caromentis for the very first time. Two of the main characters, Meldorath and Galen, find themselves in Caromentis and are seen to be grappling with who they really are and what they really want to achieve. Ironically, in spite of the ongoing friction between the magical and physical worlds, Caromentis is seen to be very similar to the Cosmos World.

In Caromentis, the power of the mind is also highlighted. The reader sees that one's mind can in fact alter one's reality. Several of the characters are seen to be able to do this in the land of magic.

Tysz even causes his readers to question their own lives and sources of happiness. He achieves this in the dialogue he creates between the Ambassadors of the Emperor of Lullabies and the officers of Cridea. A number of questions are posed by the Ambassadors which are very applicable to our lives today. These questions include issues of jealousy, failing to help others in need and the hoarding of items unnecessarily.

After reading this book, I cannot think of one thing that I do not like in it. It truly is an interesting read from its beginning to its very end.

On the contrary, there are many things that I like about it. They are so many that I can only highlight a few of them. Firstly, I appreciate the fact that Tysz provides a Reference Guide at the end of the book. This Guide defines every term used in the book and also describes each town named. Many times, books use terms and words which are not defined. This can leave a reader feeling confused and even lost. Such is not the case with Tysz's novels. His Guide brings his plots to life and enables his readers to relate more to his stories.

Throughout this book, several philosophies are also quoted which are very thought-provoking and inspirational. Two of my favorite quotes are "When the body tires with age, your emotions soften." and "Nothing sates the ambitious like power over those they love." Another admirable element is the seamless coming together of the old and new characters. Tysz also brings back his past characters in a successful bid to bring some closure to his story.

The Flesh of the Mind is really an enjoyable and engaging book but it has a few grammatical and spelling errors. As such, I will rate it a three out of four stars. It is also worth mentioning that there are some profanities and sexual content in the book. However, these are in no way excessive and ought not to offend the majority of readers. Persons of all religious beliefs will also feel comfortable reading this book as no real emphasis is placed on religion in the plot. Nevertheless, due to the number of violent and gruesome scenes encountered, I will recommend that only persons over the age of 16 years read this story.

This novel ends on a suspenseful note as the reader is left to wonder if peace is finally achieved or whether all the players are simply regrouping to launch other attacks. One of the characters is in fact seen to be conspiring with a group of outcasts towards the end of the novel.

After reading all six books, I must say that I was truly sad to read the last line in The Flesh of the Mind. It meant a temporary end to this marvelous series. I can only hope that Tysz releases the subsequent three books sooner rather than later. I feel as though I now know each of his characters so intimately. I am not yet ready to say goodbye to them. Please keep on writing Matthew Tysz.

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We are Voulhire: The Flesh of the Mind
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