Description
Book SynopsisThe 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 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...
Reviews for The Children of Gods and Fighting Men 'Lawless blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect.'
SFX 'A novel that celebrates the extraordinary history 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. BarkerTrade ReviewHighlander 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
Absolutely luminous... It's a huge, epic, admirable sweep of a novel * Sunday Independent *
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
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 *
Lawless blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect * SFX *
A vividly written story that makes the ancient past feel contemporary -- Joseph O'Connor, author of Star of the Sea and Shadowplay
I really enjoyed the book. It's an excellent read -- Mark Lawrence
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 Fódla 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
A great debut and an enjoyable read for any fantasy fan * SF Crowsnest *
Delivers an intriguing blend of Irish history and folklore fantasy... Quietly excellent * Geek Dad *
