LoveReading Says
Thrilling battles of wit and swordplay abound in this wonderfully fantastical historical debut novel. Two voices take centre stage in Ireland, one seeking power, the other peace. I am sitting here rubbing my hands with glee at the thought that this is the start of a new series. The first book has lived up to my expectations and surpassed them. As I entered I was met with a map and list of characters, personally I found the inclusion of how to pronounce the names really (really) helpful. The story begins in death, Gormflaith (Gorm-la) and Fodla (Foe-la) each lead chapters, telling their own story, letting you experience their wants and desires. Their true selves are hidden from humans as both are as near immortal as can be, and as an added tension, the Tuatha De Danann have sworn to wipe out the Fomorians. While this feels as though it could have been set on another world, author Shauna Lawless has swept up the glories of Irish myth and history to create an Ireland that I could truly believe existed. She masters the creation of the long list of characters who populate the novel, from Irish, to Viking to English. I didn’t once feel lost, I just greeted each and every addition and welcomed them into my mind. The plot successfully weaves between human, Tuatha De Danann, and the Formorians, as they build allies and peace, and deal in deception and slicing betrayal. Oh, and the magic, it feels vividly alive and raw and powerful. I could sense the storm as it headed towards me, and the ending has left me needing the next book to arrive as soon as possible! The Gael Song series is off to a fabulous start, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is a richly woven, seriously dramatic tale and joins our list of LoveReading Star Books.
The LoveReading LitFest invited Shauna Lawless to the festival to talk about The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.
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Liz Robinson
Find This Book In
| Primary Genre |
Fantasy
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The Children of Gods and Fighting Men Synopsis
The first in a gripping new historical fantasy series that intertwines Irish mythology with real-life history, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is the thrilling debut novel by Shauna Lawless.
They think they've killed the last of us...
981 AD. The Viking King of Dublin is dead. His young widow, Gormflaith, has ambitions for her son - and herself - but Ireland is a dangerous place and kings tend not to stay kings for long. Gormflaith also has a secret. She is one of the Fomorians, an immortal race who can do fire-magic. She has kept her powers hidden at all costs, for there are other immortals in this world - like the Tuatha De Danann, a race of warriors who are sworn to kill Fomorians.
Fódla is one of the Tuatha De Danann with the gift of healing. Her kind dwell hidden in a fortress, forbidden to live amongst the mortals. Fodla agrees to help her kin by going to spy on Brian Boru, a powerful man who aims to be High King of Ireland. She finds a land on the brink of war - a war she is desperate to stop. However, preventing the loss of mortal lives is not easy with Ireland in turmoil and the Fomorians now on the rise...
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781803282640 |
| Publication date: |
11th May 2023 |
| Author: |
Shauna Lawless |
| Publisher: |
Head of Zeus -- an AdAstra Book an imprint of Head of Zeus |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
448 pages |
| Series: |
Gael Song |
| Primary Genre |
Fantasy
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Shauna Lawless Press Reviews
'Highlander meets The Last Kingdom as feuding clans of magical undying vie for control of tenth-century Ireland in this assured and captivating debut. Themes of motherhood and conflicted obligation lie at the heart of Shauna Lawless's historical fantasy, explored through the eyes of two powerful women compelled to navigate a land where men hold sway, or think they do. I was hooked from page one' -- Anthony Ryan
'A compelling and fascinating tale, written with great skill, that draws the reader into a world full of magic, betrayal, warring kings and mythology. With all the complex political machinations of A Song of Ice and Fire and the bloody battles of The Warlord Chronicles, it's ideal for fans of both' -- Stephen Aryan
'Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic Last Kingdom with wild magic and fierce heroines' -- Anna Smith Spark
'I really enjoyed the book. It's an excellent read' -- Mark Lawrence
'Lawless writes historical fiction steeped in fantasy and mythology like Bernard Cornwell, Mary Stewart, and Stephen Lawhead at the top of their games. I don't say this lightly either, I'm aware of the track record and accomplishments of these authors. But I have to say that Lawless more than holds her own among that lofty company. If you are an admirer of those books, you will absolutely love this... Shauna Lawless has loudly and triumphantly announced her presence to the world with this unforgettable debut and first book in the Gael Song series' - Out Of This World SFF
'A vividly written story that makes the ancient past feel contemporary' -- Joseph O'Connor, author of Star of the Sea and Shadowplay
'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics... Every turn of the page ratchets up the tension. To read this novel is to fall into a richly imagined web of lives. A gripping start to this series' -- D.K. Fields
'An atmospheric journey into a thrilling historical fantasy world that feels like it should be real' -- R.J. Barker
'An epic historical fantasy that weaves myth and history into an sprawling tale of magic, intrigue, and war. Through the perspectives of Gormflaith and Fodla we pass through the years at a breakneck speed... Lawless weaves a complex and enticing narrative: there are plots and counterplots, and we move through the years swiftly as these slow plans grow to fruition. The intricacies of life in tenth-century Ireland are lovingly portrayed, from the cultural mix of Vikings, Irish, and English, to the merchant markets full of traders from far off lands. A must-read for those who love Irish mythology and history. An absorbing and richly detailed historical fantasy' -- Ian Green
