The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

SHORTLISTED FOR BEST DEBUT AT THE BRITISH FANTASY AWARDS.

The first in a gripping historical fantasy series intertwining Irish mythology with medieval 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 their 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 keeps her powers hidden at all costs, for there are other immortals in this world - like the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann, sworn enemies of all Fomorians.

The Descendants dwell in a fortress hidden from the mortal world. With Ireland on the brink of war, Fódla, a Descendant with the gift of healing, agrees to help her kin by entering the retinue of Brian Boru, a powerful man who aims to be High King of Ireland, as a spy.

Fodla is desperate to stop the coming conflict. But preventing the loss of mortal lives will not be easy with Ireland in turmoil... and the Fomorians on the rise.

Readers love The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

'Lawless blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect.' SFX
'Celebrates the extraordinary history and traditions of Ireland while giving voice to the women who helped shape it.' Lucy Holland
'An excellent read.' Mark Lawrence
'Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic Last Kingdom.' Anna Smith Spark
'Highlander meets The Last Kingdom... I was hooked from page one.' Anthony Ryan
'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics.' D.K. Fields
'Vividly written... makes the ancient past feel contemporary.' Joseph O'Connor
'Swept me along and refused to be put down.' H.M. Long

Author: Shauna Lawless
Publisher: Head of Zeus -- An Adastra Book
Published: 08/08/2023
Pages: 464
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.00w x 1.30d
ISBN13: 9781803282640
ISBN10: 1803282649
BISAC Categories:
- Fiction | Fantasy | Historical
- Fiction | Alternative History
- Fiction | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology

About the Author

Shauna Lawless is an avid reader of Irish mythology, folklore and history, which inspired Gael Song, her historical fantasy series set in turbulent mediaeval Ireland. The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, her critically acclaimed debut novel, was nominated for Best Debut at the British Fantasy Awards. She lives in Northern Ireland with her family, where you can often find her writing or curled up with a good book.

Follow Shauna via her newsletter or shauna lawless.com
Instagram: shauna_lawless_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