Shauna Lawless: The Words of Kings and Prophets

Hi everyone

The Words of Kings and Prophets is the second book in the Gael Song Trilogy by Shauna Lawless. My husband gifted it to me for my birthday because he saw how much I loved the first book, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. And let me tell you; this one was just as incredible. 

"Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and although a queen she struggles with her limited position. As an immortal Fomorian with the secret gift of magic, Gormflaith has a burning to find and destroy the hidden fortress of her sworn enemies, the Descendants, who seek to kill her kind at all costs. She begins to use her magical powers, and discovers she is more skilled than she ever realised... but can she control what she will become?
Meanwhile Fódla, the Descendants' healer, mourns her banished sister but clings to life as the guardian of her young nephew. She seeks a place of safety for them both, but he has secrets of his own that could threaten everything – and Fódla must do all in her power to keep him hidden away from those who would use him for evil.
When a mysterious man comes to King Brian's court, his presence could spell disaster or deliverance for both Gormflaith and Fódla – and for Ireland herself. For he is Tomas, an ambitious immortal with few scruples – and he will do anything to see his plans become reality. Soon, mortals and immortals alike are drawn towards a bitter conflict that could decide the future of Ireland and all her people."

I loved this book.

Just like the first book, this story isn’t non-stop action with a super-fast plot or a hundred things happening at once. Instead, we get a thoroughly thought-out, highly character-driven narrative with wonderful worldbuilding and a rich history. The characters are especially outstanding; every single one of them feels like a unique person, with their own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. They’re never just there to serve the plot or as a means to an end.
I especially loved how Lawless wrote Fódla’s growth and agency. The way she realizes and acts on her own thoughts, feelings, and suspicions; instead of being held back by others’ plans for her; was so satisfying. She’s come a long way since the first book.
Gormflaith, on the other hand, is devilish, ruthless, and cunning, yet Lawless writes her in a way that lets you understand her actions and feelings. That’s the mark of a truly skilled writer. Every time one of her chapters started, I dreaded reading from her POV because I hate her so much, but within a few sentences, I was fully engaged again. She’s a complex, morally gray character and truly deserving of her role as a main character.

I felt the tension in my body every time characters crossed paths in this book. The anticipation of what could be revealed, the possible reactions; Shauna Lawless builds suspense like a master. There are twists and turns throughout, and I never felt bored or able to predict what would happen next.
This book was so hard to put down, and I’m so excited to read the third book in the Gael Song Trilogy very soon!

Shauna Lawless writes love stories the way I love to read them: slow, profound, and real. Not obsessed with physical attraction, not overly flowery or nauseatingly dramatic. After reading Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, The Words of Kings and Prophets felt like a breath of fresh air.

Have you read The Words of Kings and Prophets? Did you love it as much as I did, or did you have a different experience? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading!
Helena