The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

by Shauna Lawless

Overview

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 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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781803282626
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	11/01/2022
Series:	Gael Song , #1
Pages:	448
Sales rank:	74,695
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.70(d)

About the Author

Shauna Lawless is an avid reader of Irish mythology and folklore. As an Irish woman, she loves that Irish mythology has inspired so many stories over the years, however, she wanted to explore the history and mythology of Ireland in a more authentic way. She lives in Northern Ireland with her family.

Follow Shauna on @shaunaLwrites shaunalawless.com
Shauna Lawless is an avid reader of Irish mythology and folklore. As an Irish woman, she loves that Irish mythology has inspired so many stories over the years, however, she wanted to explore the history and mythology of Ireland in a more authentic way. She lives in Northern Ireland with her family.

Follow Shauna on @shaunaLwrites shaunalawless.com

Editorial Reviews

"If magical and political intrigue is your thing, try The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, by Shauna Lawless, the first installment in a new series combining Irish mythology and real-life history." —Parade

“An effortless combination of history, fantasy and myth, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men enraptured me from start to finish. Rife with atmosphere and armies, magic and compelling characters, it swept me along and refused to be put down. I simply loved it, and I cannot wait for Lawless’s next work.” - H.M. Long, author of Hall of Smoke 

'Highlander meets The Last Kingdomas 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, author, The Pariah 

From the Publisher

10/01/2022

DEBUT In the late 10th century, war is the blight of Ireland, and two women will influence its fate. Gormflaith, widow of the dead Viking King and among the last of the Fomorians, who are immortal fire-mages, has great ambitions for her mortal son. Fódla is a magical healer among the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann, who have sworn to kill the Fomorians. Despite the fierce division and prejudice between the children of the gods and the mortals, Fódla is sent to spy on Brian Boru, who plans to become High King of Ireland. These remarkable women protect their own, and they are determined not to be pawns amidst the violent maneuverings for kingship and power. Though based on true events and real-life figures, Celtic and Norse mythology are perfectly blended into this atmospheric setting that features captivating political intrigue along with powerful emotional impact. VERDICT Lawless's absorbing debut sets the stage for an enticing new historical fantasy series. Perfect for readers who enjoy mythological retellings that are cunning, brutal, and full of feeling.—Andrea Dyba

Library Journal