The Children of Gods and Fighting Men
Ratings16
Average rating4.1
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 in the Gael Song series 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 Dé Danann, a race of warriors who are sworn to kill Fomorians. Fódla is one of the Tuatha Dé Danann with the gift of healing. Her kind dwell hidden in a fortress, forbidden to live amongst the mortals. Fódla 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... Reviewers on The Children of Gods and Fighting Men 'Lawless blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect.' SFX 'A novel that celebrates the extraordinary history and cultural traditions of Ireland while giving voice to the women who helped shape it. Highly recommended.' Lucy Holland 'An excellent read.' Mark Lawrence 'Highlander meets The Last Kingdom... I was hooked from page one.' Anthony Ryan 'Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic Last Kingdom with wild magic and fierce heroines.' Anna Smith Spark 'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics.' D.K. Fields 'A vividly written story that makes the ancient past feel contemporary.' Joseph O'Connor 'Rife with atmosphere and armies, magic and compelling characters, it swept me along and refused to be put down.' H.M. Long 'An epic historical fantasy that weaves myth and history into a sprawling tale of magic, intrigue, and war. Absorbing and richly detailed.' Ian Green '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 'An atmospheric journey into a thrilling historical fantasy world.' R.J. Barker
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3 primary books5 released booksGael Song
Gael Song is a 5-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2022 with contributions by Shauna Lawless.
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I went into this with more expectations than the book delivered. My bad I should have read the blurb
Instead of sweeping action this story is told from two female perspectives. While I found these characters okay I feel the story lacked something. A deep dive into women's struggles as they try and keep their children alive, or seek to get more power for their children. Grouch(?) reminded me a little of Cersi from Game Of Thrones.
The story had no sweeping plot twists and the fantasy element was rather pushed to the back. But it was okay. A line of enjoyment but nothing that swept me away in the story.
It failed on my expectations but that doesn't make it a bad book. It just wasn't what I wanted when I read the title.
If I was to describe this story it would be meh. A meh kind of story.
This book was FANTASTIC! Its definitely a 4.5/4.75 rating for me but I cant colour the star in like that! I've always loved Viking tales but had never read one set in Ireland and then throw in magic and races that are in a bitter war while living among humans!
The characters were great, loved having a POV from each side of the struggle to give balance, Gormflaith was someone who I loved to hate but was always so so interesting and Fódla was my favourite, was always rooting for her and just wanted her to win through her struggles.
I can't wait for book 2 and I really hope lots of people find and read this book.
This book is fantastic!
We follow the lives of two women, Gormflaith and Fodla.
Gormflaith is the widow of the King of Dublin. She is also one of the last Fomorians, immortals with the gift of fire magic. Her only goal is to see her son become King.
Fodla is Tuatha De Danann. She is a gifted Healer. The Tuatha are forbidden from living among the mortals, so they live in a hidden fortress.
The Tuatha have been hunting and killing the Fomorians for decades. They believe they have finally wiped them all out.
The remaining Fomorians are afraid to use their magic for fear that it will draw the attention of the Tuatha. But it may be too late.
I loved this so much! I loved the Irish mythology mixed with the history. I loved the characters, especially Fodla. I hated a couple of them as well, but it made the story even better. I am very excited for the next one. The writing is top notch! This is definitely a new favorite.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
