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The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

FantasyHigh Fantasy
Pages
431
Published
2022
Language
English

Synopsis

In 981 AD Ireland, immortal Fomorian Gormflaith hides her fire magic while navigating a dangerous political landscape to secure her son's future. Meanwhile, Fódla, a warrior of the Tuatha Dé Danann sworn to kill Fomorians, is sent to spy on a man aiming to be High King. As war looms and ancient rivalries resurface, both women must confront their destinies and the rising threat of the Fomorians.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

DarkTenseAtmosphericAdventurous
Morally GreySecret Identity

Genres

Fantasy High Fantasy Historical Fiction Mythology

About the author

S
Shauna Lawless

Shauna Lawless is a Northern Irish author from County Down, writing historical fantasy set in tenth-century Viking-age Ireland. Her debut novel, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men (2022), opens the Gael Song trilogy, continued by The Words of Kings and Prophets (2023) and The Land of the Living and the Dead (2024); the trilogy was shortlisted for the British Fantasy Award for Best Newcomer. She previously worked in finance after graduating in Accountancy from Ulster University, and lives in C...

Characters

GormflaithProtagonist

An immortal Fomorian and widow of the Viking King of Dublin, who hides her fire magic while scheming to secure her son Sitric's claim to the throne.

FódlaProtagonist

A healer among the Tuatha Dé Danann, sent to spy on Brian Boru's court while quietly questioning her people's mission to kill every Fomorian.

Brian BoruSupporting

The historical King of Munster maneuvering to become High King of Ireland, whose court Fódla is sent to watch.

SitricSupporting

Gormflaith's son, whose claim to the kingship of Dublin drives his mother's ruthless political scheming.

Tomas (Gael Song)Supporting

Leader of the Descendants, the order of Tuatha Dé Danann who dispatch Fódla to spy on Brian Boru's court.

All characters in The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

Frequently asked questions

  • Has The Children of Gods and Fighting Men won any awards?

    The novel was shortlisted for the British Fantasy Award for Best Newcomer in 2023, recognising Shauna Lawless's debut. It has not won a major award.

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