The Words of Kings and Prophets (Gael Song)
THE BRILLIANT NEW GAEL SONG NOVEL FROM SHAUNA LAWLESS, THE LAND OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD, AVAILABLE NOW!
Power fades but fire endures...
Clouds of war gather for mortals and immortals alike as the Irish kingdoms strive for supremacy.
Gormflaith, a Fomorian and unhappy queen of mortal king Brian Boru, schemes to destroy her sworn enemies, the Descendants. As her plans take an unexpected turn, Gormflaith discovers her magic is more powerful than she ever realised – but at what cost?
Descendant healer Fódla dwells disguised in the mortal world, seeking to protect her young nephew – but the boy has secrets of his own. Fódla must do all in her power to keep him hidden from those who would use him for evil.
When a mysterious man comes to King Brian's court, his presence could spell disaster for both Gormflaith and Fódla – and for Ireland herself. For he is Tomas, an ambitious immortal – and he will do anything to see his plans become reality…
The sequel to the critically acclaimed The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, The Words of Kings and Prophets is a powerful historical fantasy novel by Shauna Lawless, set in war-torn medieval Ireland. Perfect for fans of George R.R. Martin and Genevieve Gornichec.
Reviews for Shauna Lawless's GAEL SONG
'A fine piece of storytelling.' Mark Lawrence
'Utterly magical and completely captivating.' Sarah Underwood
'Lawless blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect.' SFX
'Celebrates the extraordinary history and cultural traditions of Ireland while giving voice to the women who helped shape it.' Lucy Holland
'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics.' D.K. Fields
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Community Reviews
I requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher, Head of Zeus, on NetGalley and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
Author Shauna Lawless has delivered a stunning sequel in her historical fantasy series, Gael Song. Forbidden magic and its use appearing in the most unexpected ways, sinister schemes for power, betrayal, murder, revenge - THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS is another thrilling ride through the bloody history of Ireland.
As I read the opening pages of THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS, I sighed with contentment. It was a joy to be back in the wonderful prose of Shauna Lawless. There's a beauty and a style to it that I find comforting, although I must admit I was most excited to find out what Gormflaith and Fodla were up to!
This installment of the series thawed my heart towards Gormflaith a bit. I still don't trust her, but I feel like I understand her, if that makes sense. No loving family that raised her, married off to a man she did not choose by her son as a property transaction - it's no wonder she needs something to direct her unhappiness and rage at. Gormflaith has decided she will uncover the location of her enemies, the Descendants, a magical race who has worked tirelessly to eradicate those like Gormflaith, the Fomorians.
The other perspective belongs to Fodla, a healer who seeks to find a place of safety and shelter for herself and her nephew, Broccan. Poor Fodla is in an impossible situation - all she wants is for her beloved nephew to grow up, build a good life for himself. Being the caregiver for her nephew has begun healing Fodla's damaged heart. She feels the stirring of something more than friendship for the son of the King, Murchad. The heart wants what it wants - the only problem is that Fodla is a Descendant and the punishment for being with a human is death or the loss of their gift.
That's a problem for another day, though.
Except Tomas, the druid leader of the Descendants, waltzes into King Brian's court one day. Fodla fears he's there to take her back to the Island. Gormflaith thinks he's there to reveal her as a Fomorian and to kill her.
Which one of them is right? Both? Neither? You'll have to read for yourself to see who is pawn and who is prey...
There isn't one shred of second book syndrome here. Instead it's the total package of wonderfully written and developed characters of historical Ireland, steeped in magic, folklore and political scheming. The writing was very atmospheric and took me back in time to watch this store play out.
I can't wait for the next one!!
You can find this review and many more on my website, https://thenerdynarrative.com or if you prefer video format, you can find those on my BookTube channel, https://youtube.com/thenerdynarrative
Author Shauna Lawless has delivered a stunning sequel in her historical fantasy series, Gael Song. Forbidden magic and its use appearing in the most unexpected ways, sinister schemes for power, betrayal, murder, revenge - THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS is another thrilling ride through the bloody history of Ireland.
As I read the opening pages of THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS, I sighed with contentment. It was a joy to be back in the wonderful prose of Shauna Lawless. There's a beauty and a style to it that I find comforting, although I must admit I was most excited to find out what Gormflaith and Fodla were up to!
This installment of the series thawed my heart towards Gormflaith a bit. I still don't trust her, but I feel like I understand her, if that makes sense. No loving family that raised her, married off to a man she did not choose by her son as a property transaction - it's no wonder she needs something to direct her unhappiness and rage at. Gormflaith has decided she will uncover the location of her enemies, the Descendants, a magical race who has worked tirelessly to eradicate those like Gormflaith, the Fomorians.
The other perspective belongs to Fodla, a healer who seeks to find a place of safety and shelter for herself and her nephew, Broccan. Poor Fodla is in an impossible situation - all she wants is for her beloved nephew to grow up, build a good life for himself. Being the caregiver for her nephew has begun healing Fodla's damaged heart. She feels the stirring of something more than friendship for the son of the King, Murchad. The heart wants what it wants - the only problem is that Fodla is a Descendant and the punishment for being with a human is death or the loss of their gift.
That's a problem for another day, though.
Except Tomas, the druid leader of the Descendants, waltzes into King Brian's court one day. Fodla fears he's there to take her back to the Island. Gormflaith thinks he's there to reveal her as a Fomorian and to kill her.
Which one of them is right? Both? Neither? You'll have to read for yourself to see who is pawn and who is prey...
There isn't one shred of second book syndrome here. Instead it's the total package of wonderfully written and developed characters of historical Ireland, steeped in magic, folklore and political scheming. The writing was very atmospheric and took me back in time to watch this store play out.
I can't wait for the next one!!
You can find this review and many more on my website, https://thenerdynarrative.com or if you prefer video format, you can find those on my BookTube channel, https://youtube.com/thenerdynarrative
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