The Children of Gods and Fighting Men cover art

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

Gael Song, Book 1

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The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

By: Shauna Lawless
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
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About this listen

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 DE Danann, a race of warriors who are sworn to kill Fomorians.

FOdla is one of the Tuatha DE Danann with the gift of healing. Her kind dwell hidden in a fortress, forbidden to live amongst the mortals. FOdla 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...

'Highlander meets The Last Kingdom in this assured and captivating debut... I was hooked from page one.' Anthony Ryan

'Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic Last Kingdom with wild magic and fierce heroines.' Anna Smith Spark

'I really enjoyed the book. It's an excellent read.' Mark Lawrence

'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics. A gripping start to this series.' 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

©2022 Shauna Lawless (P)2022 Head of Zeus
Fantasy Fiction Historical Metaphysical & Visionary Royalty Ireland King Warrior War
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What listeners say about The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

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Wonderful book steeped in history and lore

I absolutely loved this, the narration was brilliant too. It’s really refreshing to see a historic fantasy set somewhere that isn’t England, or mainland Europe. Shauna does a wonderful job of bringing ancient Ireland to life, the character pop, the story and the politics is compelling and the prose just flows.

My only complaint is that the second book in the series isn’t out yet as I want to spend more time in this wonderful world, and with these wonderful characters.

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An excellent book

The story is fantastic, definitely would highly recommend for anyone who likes fantasy. A really great combination of a fantasy novel with Irish myth and legends. Clearly a lot of research went into this and it pays off!

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A brilliant interweaving of history and myth

A book so well-written that it is impossible to tell where history ends and fantasy begins. A fascinating dive into Irish history and folklore with brilliant characters and a thrilling story that had me gripped until the end and made me wish the other books were already available.

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alright

story was ok, no real depth to the characters.
I was disappointed over all,

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wonderfully narrated story seeped in Irish history

An excellent debut that celebrates both the wonders of fantasy and the intrigue of Irish mythology and history . told from two incredibly strong POVs . it beautifully written, with the subtle wit of a Irish hand and the narration was fantastic.

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Absolutely fantastic!!

This book was a joy from beginning to end!!
The narration was also top class.
I loved the facts of the Viking and Irish History mixed in with magic and myth.

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History, Mythology & the power of women

Well written, well paced and beautifully narrated. I am looking forward to the second book in the trilogy.
The two female lead characters are very different but both relatable.

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Amazing listen!

This book has kept me up at night. I usually fall asleep to audiobooks but this one kept me so engaged that I had to turn it off and put something else on to go to sleep.

I am so tired.

I hope the author is proud of herself. If I get fired for sleeping on the job it’s her fault entirely.

I really can’t wait for the next book!

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