Shauna Lawless: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

Hi everyone

Shauna Lawless' debut novel, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is the first book in The Gael Song Trilogy.
I got my copy from Bol.

"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..." 

This book is brilliant.

One of the things that I only realized after finishing the book was how little outright action there is; yet the tension is always simmering, ready to boil over and when violence does erupt, it’s expertly written. And here’s the thing: it’s never boring. The political intrigue and fraught relationships keep you engaged and wanting more.

The plot is thoroughly engaging, and Shauna Lawless builds a vivid, immersive world that feels alive with danger and intrigue. The prose is beautiful; it reads like historical fiction, but with a layer of magic and Irish mythology that makes it something truly special. It feels authentic, as if the myths and legends are not just background, but living, breathing forces shaping the story.

Gormflaith is fascinating. She’s ruthless, cunning, and morally ambiguous; a terrible person and mother, yet I couldn’t help but admire her. In a world dominated by men, she stands her ground, using every weapon at her disposal to secure power for herself and her son. She’s flawed, complex, and utterly compelling. She's the kind of character you love to hate but can’t look away from.
Then there’s Fódla, who stole my heart from the very beginning. Her past is marked by manipulation and deception, and watching her unravel the lies she’s been fed is incredibly satisfying. Her journey of self-discovery and healing from grief adds layers of emotional depth to the story.

Highly recommended powerful and griping story. 

Have you read The Gael Song Trilogy? Or are you planning to pick it up? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy reading
Helena