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Gael Song Trilogy #2
The Words of Kings and Prophets
The sequel to the critically acclaimed The Children of Gods and Fighting Men , The Words of Kings and Prophets is the powerful new historical fantasy novel by Shauna Lawless.
Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and although a queen she struggles with her limited position. As an immortal Fomorian with the secret gift of magic, Gormflaith has a burning to find and destroy the hidden fortress of her sworn enemies, the Descendants, who seek to kill her kind at all costs. She begins to use her magical powers, and discovers she is more skilled than she ever realised... but can she control what she will become?
Meanwhile Fódla, the Descendants' healer, mourns her banished sister but clings to life as the guardian of her young nephew. She seeks a place of safety for them both, but he has secrets of his own that could threaten everything – and Fódla must do all in her power to keep him hidden away from those who would use him for evil.
When a mysterious man comes to King Brian's court, his presence could spell disaster or deliverance for both Gormflaith and Fódla – and for Ireland herself. For he is Tomas, an ambitious immortal with few scruples – and he will do anything to see his plans become reality.
Soon, mortals and immortals alike are drawn towards a bitter conflict that could decide the future of Ireland and all her people.
Reviewers on Shauna Lawless' GAEL SONG
'Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic Last Kingdom with wild magic and fierce heroines' Anna Smith Spark
' Highlander meets The Last Kingdom ... I was hooked from page one' Anthony Ryan
'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics... Every turn of the page ratchets up the tension. To read this novel is to fall into a richly imagined web of lives' D.K. Fields
Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and although a queen she struggles with her limited position. As an immortal Fomorian with the secret gift of magic, Gormflaith has a burning to find and destroy the hidden fortress of her sworn enemies, the Descendants, who seek to kill her kind at all costs. She begins to use her magical powers, and discovers she is more skilled than she ever realised... but can she control what she will become?
Meanwhile Fódla, the Descendants' healer, mourns her banished sister but clings to life as the guardian of her young nephew. She seeks a place of safety for them both, but he has secrets of his own that could threaten everything – and Fódla must do all in her power to keep him hidden away from those who would use him for evil.
When a mysterious man comes to King Brian's court, his presence could spell disaster or deliverance for both Gormflaith and Fódla – and for Ireland herself. For he is Tomas, an ambitious immortal with few scruples – and he will do anything to see his plans become reality.
Soon, mortals and immortals alike are drawn towards a bitter conflict that could decide the future of Ireland and all her people.
Reviewers on Shauna Lawless' GAEL SONG
'Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic Last Kingdom with wild magic and fierce heroines' Anna Smith Spark
' Highlander meets The Last Kingdom ... I was hooked from page one' Anthony Ryan
'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics... Every turn of the page ratchets up the tension. To read this novel is to fall into a richly imagined web of lives' D.K. Fields
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2023
157 people are currently reading
6083 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
October 8, 2025
I really liked book one and gave it 5*.
I liked this one even better! It's a fine piece of storytelling.
The story felt even more tightly focused on the characters in this volume, with only one massed battle and less of the (necessary) pulling of the tale this way and that by the tides of recorded history.
I felt this gave more time to invest in the relationships, ambitions, etc of the three points of view (primarily Fodla and Gormflaith, but also with chapters from the warrior Colman).
Lawless does a great job with the interactions, subtle and not so subtle, between the women in this male-dominated society, and really brings the friendships and rivalries to life.
The setting - mostly 'real world' and with sufficient 'down time' gives Lawless the chance to stretch her legs so's to speak and show us these people if not at play then at least going about their lives. And it's when you're not being chased by men with axes that you get the relaxed interactions that allow us to see the real people. I was jealous of Lawless's skill in achieving this and suddenly wanted the characters in my current work-in-progress to have more normal lives so I could try to work some of these more subtle, delicate, nuanced moments.
That said, there's plenty of threat, danger, and heartache in the book, along with, I feel, more magic than in the previous instalment.
It all comes together very well, with good pacing, delivering us to a violent interlude where we really care what happens to the various participants, having got to know them better.
Book 3 looks to be a cracker, and I can't wait to read it!
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...
I liked this one even better! It's a fine piece of storytelling.
The story felt even more tightly focused on the characters in this volume, with only one massed battle and less of the (necessary) pulling of the tale this way and that by the tides of recorded history.
I felt this gave more time to invest in the relationships, ambitions, etc of the three points of view (primarily Fodla and Gormflaith, but also with chapters from the warrior Colman).
Lawless does a great job with the interactions, subtle and not so subtle, between the women in this male-dominated society, and really brings the friendships and rivalries to life.
The setting - mostly 'real world' and with sufficient 'down time' gives Lawless the chance to stretch her legs so's to speak and show us these people if not at play then at least going about their lives. And it's when you're not being chased by men with axes that you get the relaxed interactions that allow us to see the real people. I was jealous of Lawless's skill in achieving this and suddenly wanted the characters in my current work-in-progress to have more normal lives so I could try to work some of these more subtle, delicate, nuanced moments.
That said, there's plenty of threat, danger, and heartache in the book, along with, I feel, more magic than in the previous instalment.
It all comes together very well, with good pacing, delivering us to a violent interlude where we really care what happens to the various participants, having got to know them better.
Book 3 looks to be a cracker, and I can't wait to read it!
Join my Patreon
Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
...
October 25, 2023
this is a pretty niche series. as the books have continued, they have only cemented my thought that this story is for readers who really enjoy irish history and mythology. so not quite a far-reaching demographic, but it definitely hits the spot for the right kind of reader.
this second installment is very much more of the same as the first book. the pacing is leisurely and the narrative is heavy on the history of the rulers and viking settlement of the area. however, this sequel does a much better job at incorporating the mythology elements. it wasnt really a focus in the first book, so i was pleased it got much more attention in this one.
overall, while i did enjoy this and found it easy it read, im not sure im feeling as fully invested in the story anymore. but thats totally a me thing and doesnt stop me from recommending this to readers interested in an irish historical fantasy!
thank you, head of zeus, for the ARC.
↠ 3.5 stars
this second installment is very much more of the same as the first book. the pacing is leisurely and the narrative is heavy on the history of the rulers and viking settlement of the area. however, this sequel does a much better job at incorporating the mythology elements. it wasnt really a focus in the first book, so i was pleased it got much more attention in this one.
overall, while i did enjoy this and found it easy it read, im not sure im feeling as fully invested in the story anymore. but thats totally a me thing and doesnt stop me from recommending this to readers interested in an irish historical fantasy!
thank you, head of zeus, for the ARC.
↠ 3.5 stars
November 2, 2023
Please read my public service announement: Shauna Lawless Must Be Stopped.
“Love was as absent to me as sunshine on a rainy day, and it would be a long time before the clouds would clear.”
Despite the emotional wreckage caused by book one, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, many readers are still unaware of the profound danger of this series. Shauna may seem kind and innocent from her official author photo, but don’t be fooled. She is an ancient enemy of humankind known as the Emerald Empress of Grimdark, possessing an immortality fueled by the eviscerated hearts of her readers. With each new book, the Emerald Empress of Grimdark grows only more powerful.
Shauna lures in unsuspecting readers using advanced author techniques including: Perfect Prose, XCeptional Worldbuilding, and eMotion Mining. Next thing you know, she’s hydrofracking your tear ducts, extracting every last drop of moisture to satisfy her unquenchable thirst for pain and misery. Be warned: In The Words of Kings and Prophets, all of this happens by page six.
Shauna achieves this emotional destruction of the heart while distracting the reader’s brain with purposely unpronounceable names like Fódla, Gormflaith, Aoife, and (worst of all) Brian. For example, according to Shauna’s pronunciation guide, Fódla is pronounced as “Foe-la” using a silent “d.”
To make matters worse, Gormflaith actually has FOUR silent letters. That’s right, four out of ten letters in Gormflaith are only there as window dressing. Which four are silent? Using my professoring skills, the number of possible pronunciations is 10!/(4!6!) = 210, where “!” is pronounced “factorial.” Of these 210 possible ways of pronouncing Gormflaith, Shauna informs us that only “Gorm-la” is correct. Goodbye, fith; I barely knew thee.
In next year’s final installment of the Gael Song trilogy, I’d like to petition Shauna to move all the silent letters to an epilogue under the title “Hello Darkness, My Old Friend.” This epilogue shall constitute 20% of the book. And it will also make the audiobook narrator’s job easier since they can charge for the epilogue but don’t actually have to say anything.
What about “Aoife”? Which of the vowels should be pronounced in the first syllable? No matter which one you pick, you’re wrong. It’s actually pronounced “Ee,” as in “Ee-fa.” In much the same way, the “Shau” in Shauna’s first name is pronounced “Ee,” as in “Ee-vil.”
Speaking of which, how does Shauna Lawless know so much about Ireland circa 1000 A.D.? It’s because she was actually there witnessing the events that are recorded in The Words of Kings and Prophets. You see, Shauna is actually an immortal descendant of a supernatural race of supposedly mythical beings known as Fomorians. She lives among mortal humans, pretending to be one of us while harvesting the tears of her readers.
This is why she never ages. Shauna has been using that same author photo for the past 1,000 years, before photography was even invented.
This is also why my ancestors left Ireland in search of a New World. Back then, Shauna employed an insidious author technique known as “oral storytelling tradition,” where she would extract the tears of her victims amidst the flickering shadows of a nighttime bonfire. Fast forward a little more than a century, and I’m sitting here in Pennsylvania with a first name that DEFINITELY DOES NOT have any silent letters, speaking with my boring American accent, deprived of the Irish lilt of my ancestors that could make reading the O’ section of the phone book seem like poetry.
Oh, and that whole Irish Potato Famine thing. Where were all the potatoes? Buried in Shauna’s backyard, all part of her evil magical schemes.
Returning to The Words of Kings and Prophets, Shauna Lawless has honed her tear-mining skills to a truly terrifying new level. For more than a millennium, the Emerald Empress of Grimdark has refined her storytelling skills to achieve exactly this goal, a perfect tear extraction efficiency in defiance of the second law of thermodynamics. But Shauna doesn’t care about laws, just as she doesn’t care about the number of broken hearts left in her wake.
She is Lawless. And she must be stopped.
“Love was as absent to me as sunshine on a rainy day, and it would be a long time before the clouds would clear.”
Despite the emotional wreckage caused by book one, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, many readers are still unaware of the profound danger of this series. Shauna may seem kind and innocent from her official author photo, but don’t be fooled. She is an ancient enemy of humankind known as the Emerald Empress of Grimdark, possessing an immortality fueled by the eviscerated hearts of her readers. With each new book, the Emerald Empress of Grimdark grows only more powerful.
Shauna lures in unsuspecting readers using advanced author techniques including: Perfect Prose, XCeptional Worldbuilding, and eMotion Mining. Next thing you know, she’s hydrofracking your tear ducts, extracting every last drop of moisture to satisfy her unquenchable thirst for pain and misery. Be warned: In The Words of Kings and Prophets, all of this happens by page six.
Shauna achieves this emotional destruction of the heart while distracting the reader’s brain with purposely unpronounceable names like Fódla, Gormflaith, Aoife, and (worst of all) Brian. For example, according to Shauna’s pronunciation guide, Fódla is pronounced as “Foe-la” using a silent “d.”
To make matters worse, Gormflaith actually has FOUR silent letters. That’s right, four out of ten letters in Gormflaith are only there as window dressing. Which four are silent? Using my professoring skills, the number of possible pronunciations is 10!/(4!6!) = 210, where “!” is pronounced “factorial.” Of these 210 possible ways of pronouncing Gormflaith, Shauna informs us that only “Gorm-la” is correct. Goodbye, fith; I barely knew thee.
In next year’s final installment of the Gael Song trilogy, I’d like to petition Shauna to move all the silent letters to an epilogue under the title “Hello Darkness, My Old Friend.” This epilogue shall constitute 20% of the book. And it will also make the audiobook narrator’s job easier since they can charge for the epilogue but don’t actually have to say anything.
What about “Aoife”? Which of the vowels should be pronounced in the first syllable? No matter which one you pick, you’re wrong. It’s actually pronounced “Ee,” as in “Ee-fa.” In much the same way, the “Shau” in Shauna’s first name is pronounced “Ee,” as in “Ee-vil.”
Speaking of which, how does Shauna Lawless know so much about Ireland circa 1000 A.D.? It’s because she was actually there witnessing the events that are recorded in The Words of Kings and Prophets. You see, Shauna is actually an immortal descendant of a supernatural race of supposedly mythical beings known as Fomorians. She lives among mortal humans, pretending to be one of us while harvesting the tears of her readers.
This is why she never ages. Shauna has been using that same author photo for the past 1,000 years, before photography was even invented.
This is also why my ancestors left Ireland in search of a New World. Back then, Shauna employed an insidious author technique known as “oral storytelling tradition,” where she would extract the tears of her victims amidst the flickering shadows of a nighttime bonfire. Fast forward a little more than a century, and I’m sitting here in Pennsylvania with a first name that DEFINITELY DOES NOT have any silent letters, speaking with my boring American accent, deprived of the Irish lilt of my ancestors that could make reading the O’ section of the phone book seem like poetry.
Oh, and that whole Irish Potato Famine thing. Where were all the potatoes? Buried in Shauna’s backyard, all part of her evil magical schemes.
Returning to The Words of Kings and Prophets, Shauna Lawless has honed her tear-mining skills to a truly terrifying new level. For more than a millennium, the Emerald Empress of Grimdark has refined her storytelling skills to achieve exactly this goal, a perfect tear extraction efficiency in defiance of the second law of thermodynamics. But Shauna doesn’t care about laws, just as she doesn’t care about the number of broken hearts left in her wake.
She is Lawless. And she must be stopped.
Read
June 6, 2024The Words of Kings and Prophets is out in paperback today!!
This is the second book in The Gael Song trilogy - and I'm very excited for everyone to read this one. We have more of just about everything. More magic, more scheming. More battles. More conflict.
Thanks to everyone who has already reviewed my book - and also a big thanks to all those who have bought it. I hope you enjoy :)
This is the second book in The Gael Song trilogy - and I'm very excited for everyone to read this one. We have more of just about everything. More magic, more scheming. More battles. More conflict.
Thanks to everyone who has already reviewed my book - and also a big thanks to all those who have bought it. I hope you enjoy :)
August 19, 2025
This second book was nothing short of excellent, exceeding my expectations. While the pacing was notably slower than in the first book, this allowed the author to meticulously position each character, creating a richer narrative tapestry.
The plot was significantly more engaging this time, diving deep into the lore of the world and its magic system. The author wove together various threads of the story, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that tied together many elements introduced in Book 1, leaving me excited for the third book.
Fódla remained just as captivating as in the first installment. I found myself deeply invested in her character, especially as the author skillfully unraveled the emotional chains that had previously bound her to her past. She began to wield her magical abilities more freely, showcasing her growth. With the dramatic way the book concluded, I am left eagerly anticipating her future endeavors, as she has proven to be powerful—not just in her role as a healer but as a formidable force in her own right. Her storyline was punctuated with intriguing twists and turns that kept me engaged from start to finish.
On the flip side, Gormflaith became an increasingly frustrating presence throughout the narrative. Her internalized misogyny was even more pronounced this time, and I found myself bristling at her disdainful comments and thoughts about the women around her. There were moments when I felt an overwhelming urge to slap her, I kept wishing that someone would give her the wake-up call she desperately needed. While her storyline felt weaker in comparison to Fódla’s and tended to drag at times, it gained momentum and excitement towards the end. Despite my irritation, I found Gormflaith an extremely complex character who serves as a captivating antagonist, leaving me both frustrated and intrigued.
We also have a new point-of-view character, Colmon, Fódla's cousin and a descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann. From his first appearance, he quickly became my favorite character, bringing a fresh perspective to the story. His gift is as a warrior, showcasing his combat skills and bravery. As he starts to carefully maneuver through the intricate political landscape, his strategic thinking and cunning become increasingly apparent. Watching him balance his martial prowess with the subtleties of diplomacy adds a fascinating layer to his character, making his journey both compelling and intricate. I’m eager to see how this duality of strength and intelligence will play out in future encounters and influence his relationship with other key characters.
Once again, the relationships are truly the heart of the story. Whether it’s romantic love, deep platonic affection, or the bonds of friendship, each relationship was depicted with remarkable authenticity, allowing me to feel the chemistry and emotional stakes between every character.
In conclusion, while there were moments that frustrated or bored me, overall, this second book delivered all the elements I had hoped for, immersing me in a world rich with complexity and emotional depth.
The plot was significantly more engaging this time, diving deep into the lore of the world and its magic system. The author wove together various threads of the story, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that tied together many elements introduced in Book 1, leaving me excited for the third book.
Fódla remained just as captivating as in the first installment. I found myself deeply invested in her character, especially as the author skillfully unraveled the emotional chains that had previously bound her to her past. She began to wield her magical abilities more freely, showcasing her growth. With the dramatic way the book concluded, I am left eagerly anticipating her future endeavors, as she has proven to be powerful—not just in her role as a healer but as a formidable force in her own right. Her storyline was punctuated with intriguing twists and turns that kept me engaged from start to finish.
On the flip side, Gormflaith became an increasingly frustrating presence throughout the narrative. Her internalized misogyny was even more pronounced this time, and I found myself bristling at her disdainful comments and thoughts about the women around her. There were moments when I felt an overwhelming urge to slap her, I kept wishing that someone would give her the wake-up call she desperately needed. While her storyline felt weaker in comparison to Fódla’s and tended to drag at times, it gained momentum and excitement towards the end. Despite my irritation, I found Gormflaith an extremely complex character who serves as a captivating antagonist, leaving me both frustrated and intrigued.
We also have a new point-of-view character, Colmon, Fódla's cousin and a descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann. From his first appearance, he quickly became my favorite character, bringing a fresh perspective to the story. His gift is as a warrior, showcasing his combat skills and bravery. As he starts to carefully maneuver through the intricate political landscape, his strategic thinking and cunning become increasingly apparent. Watching him balance his martial prowess with the subtleties of diplomacy adds a fascinating layer to his character, making his journey both compelling and intricate. I’m eager to see how this duality of strength and intelligence will play out in future encounters and influence his relationship with other key characters.
Once again, the relationships are truly the heart of the story. Whether it’s romantic love, deep platonic affection, or the bonds of friendship, each relationship was depicted with remarkable authenticity, allowing me to feel the chemistry and emotional stakes between every character.
In conclusion, while there were moments that frustrated or bored me, overall, this second book delivered all the elements I had hoped for, immersing me in a world rich with complexity and emotional depth.
August 21, 2024
BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Shauna Lawless once again shows herself to be an author who can do it all. We are immersed into a truly unique setting that brilliantly blends the gritty history and fascinating mythology of 11th century Ireland, with a generous dose of political intrigue along the way.
Finally dived into this second instalment of the Gael Song trilogy, just before the final book is released next month! Loved book 1 and also the two prequel novellas. Now The Words of Kings and Prophets joins that group.
Once again Shauna Lawless expertly crafts character and tension. As she weaves the different arcs and plot lines together, you feel so tense, as characters cross paths, secrets are revealed and some remain hidden. This is a truly living and breathing world, with mystery lurking around every corner. Many questions are answered, but so many more are asked, so I really cannot wait to turn to book 3, The Land of the Living and the Dead, in September! So glad now that I waited until now to read book 2, as I won't have to wait long to finish this journey!
Gael Song is just a fantastically written series, within which Shauna Lawless consistently shows herself to be a writer of great talent. I will read whatever she puts out into the world.
4.5/5 STARS
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Shauna Lawless once again shows herself to be an author who can do it all. We are immersed into a truly unique setting that brilliantly blends the gritty history and fascinating mythology of 11th century Ireland, with a generous dose of political intrigue along the way.
Finally dived into this second instalment of the Gael Song trilogy, just before the final book is released next month! Loved book 1 and also the two prequel novellas. Now The Words of Kings and Prophets joins that group.
Once again Shauna Lawless expertly crafts character and tension. As she weaves the different arcs and plot lines together, you feel so tense, as characters cross paths, secrets are revealed and some remain hidden. This is a truly living and breathing world, with mystery lurking around every corner. Many questions are answered, but so many more are asked, so I really cannot wait to turn to book 3, The Land of the Living and the Dead, in September! So glad now that I waited until now to read book 2, as I won't have to wait long to finish this journey!
Gael Song is just a fantastically written series, within which Shauna Lawless consistently shows herself to be a writer of great talent. I will read whatever she puts out into the world.
4.5/5 STARS
December 29, 2024
4.5 Stars rounded up for Goodreads!
A 3rd POV 🙌🏼
A smoldering forbidden love 💕
Color me hooked by this series 🔥
There was no book 2 slump happening in The Words Of Kings And Prophets. I find myself utterly obsessed with our healer Fódla. She is all of our auntie at this point!
I keep hoping for a redemption arc for our Gormflaith, but her savagery is unmatched.
The the ying and yang of our 2 female main characters is everything I need in a series like this.
As new discoveries are unfolding I find myself eager to jump into book 3.
New discoveries are making me so eager to turn the page and jump straight into book 3.
A 3rd POV 🙌🏼
A smoldering forbidden love 💕
Color me hooked by this series 🔥
There was no book 2 slump happening in The Words Of Kings And Prophets. I find myself utterly obsessed with our healer Fódla. She is all of our auntie at this point!
I keep hoping for a redemption arc for our Gormflaith, but her savagery is unmatched.
The the ying and yang of our 2 female main characters is everything I need in a series like this.
As new discoveries are unfolding I find myself eager to jump into book 3.
New discoveries are making me so eager to turn the page and jump straight into book 3.
September 17, 2025
I really wanted to write a review for this one. Really really really really. But then I realized nothing I could write would ever do this Slightly Very Amazing book (SVAB™) justice. So I'll just say that this is the most perfect, seamless blend of history and fantasy ever. And that I just can't imagine the amount of work and research Shauna Lawless put into this series. And that she writes the most scrumptiously amazing, complex characters. And that there are assholes and liars everywhere, yay! And that the story—packed with action and scheming galore and brilliant dialogues and nerve-wracking suspense, oh my—is so gripping, engrossing, and generally captivating that it reads faster than a Noddy story. And that Shauna Lawless is so bloody shrimping talented that she should be arrested it should be illegal to give this book anything less than a 10-star rating.
In other words:
• Book 0.5: Dreams of Fire ★★★★★
· Book 0.6: Dreams of Chaos ★★★★★
• Book 1: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men ★★★★★
· Book 2.5: Dreams of Sorrow ★★★★★
• Book 3: The Land of the Living and the Dead ★★★★★
Gael Song Era 2:
· Book 1: Daughter of the Otherworld ★★★
[Sept. 21, 2023]
Take what I said in my Crappy Non-Review (CNR™) for the first installment in this series, raise that to the power of 2,458 (and a half) and you might get an idea of how I feel about this Slightly Very Amazing book (SVAB™).
✉️ A very private message to my dear Gormflaith:
➽Crappier Longer review to come. One day. Hopefully and stuff.
In other words:
• Book 0.5: Dreams of Fire ★★★★★
· Book 0.6: Dreams of Chaos ★★★★★
• Book 1: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men ★★★★★
· Book 2.5: Dreams of Sorrow ★★★★★
• Book 3: The Land of the Living and the Dead ★★★★★
Gael Song Era 2:
· Book 1: Daughter of the Otherworld ★★★
[Sept. 21, 2023]
Take what I said in my Crappy Non-Review (CNR™) for the first installment in this series, raise that to the power of 2,458 (and a half) and you might get an idea of how I feel about this Slightly Very Amazing book (SVAB™).
✉️ A very private message to my dear Gormflaith:
➽
December 24, 2024
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4.5⭐️
The sequel to The Children of God's and Fighting Men takes everything I loved in book one, and intensifies it. I love the contrast between Gormflaith's POV and Fodla's. I love the addition of forbidden love. The mastermind politicking and next-level brain-washing going on is scrumptious. It's equal parts political intrigue and family drama, and it's delivered in such a captivating way. Lawless completely sucks me in, and I hardly come up for air while reading.
If you love historic fiction, folklore, and the Viking era, or if you were a fan of Cersei Lannister in A Game of Thrones and you live for scheming, manipulation, and long-term plans, this will scratch all those itches. Lawless weaves her Irish heritage, history, folklore, and mythology into this narrative seamlessly! The pacing is strong, the character voices are distinct, and the plot is gripping.
This was such a strong sequel and set up for the conclusion in book 3. I highly recommend this series.
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4.5⭐️
The sequel to The Children of God's and Fighting Men takes everything I loved in book one, and intensifies it. I love the contrast between Gormflaith's POV and Fodla's. I love the addition of forbidden love. The mastermind politicking and next-level brain-washing going on is scrumptious. It's equal parts political intrigue and family drama, and it's delivered in such a captivating way. Lawless completely sucks me in, and I hardly come up for air while reading.
If you love historic fiction, folklore, and the Viking era, or if you were a fan of Cersei Lannister in A Game of Thrones and you live for scheming, manipulation, and long-term plans, this will scratch all those itches. Lawless weaves her Irish heritage, history, folklore, and mythology into this narrative seamlessly! The pacing is strong, the character voices are distinct, and the plot is gripping.
This was such a strong sequel and set up for the conclusion in book 3. I highly recommend this series.
June 14, 2023
The Gael Song series is one that is deeply rooted in Irish history, folklore, and mythology. If you are a fan of the types of books written by Bernard Cornwell, Sharon Kay Penman, and Morgan Llywelyn, you should find much to savor and enjoy in Shauna Lawless' brilliantly penned works. And Lawless adds an element of fantasy to the historical fiction aspect that elevates everything to an incredibly high level. The first book The Children of Gods and Fighting Men absolutely knocked my socks off when I read it last year and I have been waiting rather impatiently ever since for the next one to drop. So when I was given the opportunity to obtain an early copy of the sequel from the author (thanks Shauna!), my excitement level understandable was pretty high. I really couldn't wait to settle in and get reacquainted with these characters and their adventures.
THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS continues the tale began in the first book in dramatic and compelling fashion. Now that all of the parties are known and the introductions are out of the way, I found this book flowed more easily for me and I was able to just kick back and get totally immersed in the action taking place. The chapters alternated primarily between the viewpoints of Gormflaith and Fodla and each of their stories are extremely powerful in their own distinct way. While they both have different motivations and are on different sides of the conflict that is gradually unfolding, they are strangely similar in many respects when it comes to their determination/perseverance in accomplishing their endgames.
One thing that I really enjoyed about this book, and the overall series quite frankly, is how Lawless is able to build such a wonderful sense of tension into every single encounter. Whether it be marauding Vikings, the political dealings/strategy of kings and clan leaders, the feuding between various Christian and pagan factions, there are so many instances where the anxiety and suspense are at a fever pitch and so much of the plot teeters on a knife's edge that could plunge everyone into war with the slightest of missteps. It really kept me completely engrossed the entire time.
I can't say enough about the extraordinary quality of this series. This is by no means a dry and plodding historical retelling, on the contrary, Shauna Lawless infuses her historical setting of 10th/11th century Ireland with a very special kind of magic. It's a magic that is manifested through her vivid prose, convincing characters, gripping dialogue, heart-stopping battle scenes, and passion-imbued romance. All of this and more are what truly makes THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS one of my favorite reads of the year so far. But I wasn't really surprised to be honest.
Ultimately I thought this was a brilliant sequel that expands on the first book considerably and throws in quite a few unexpected turns that had me not wanting to put this book down for the last half of it. THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS is a tremendously told story that everyone should be reading right now. Not too many books will move you in the ways that the first two books in the Gael Song series by Shauna Lawless do. I highly recommend giving them a go, especially if you are looking for something outside of the standard male-dominated epic fantasy fare.
THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS continues the tale began in the first book in dramatic and compelling fashion. Now that all of the parties are known and the introductions are out of the way, I found this book flowed more easily for me and I was able to just kick back and get totally immersed in the action taking place. The chapters alternated primarily between the viewpoints of Gormflaith and Fodla and each of their stories are extremely powerful in their own distinct way. While they both have different motivations and are on different sides of the conflict that is gradually unfolding, they are strangely similar in many respects when it comes to their determination/perseverance in accomplishing their endgames.
One thing that I really enjoyed about this book, and the overall series quite frankly, is how Lawless is able to build such a wonderful sense of tension into every single encounter. Whether it be marauding Vikings, the political dealings/strategy of kings and clan leaders, the feuding between various Christian and pagan factions, there are so many instances where the anxiety and suspense are at a fever pitch and so much of the plot teeters on a knife's edge that could plunge everyone into war with the slightest of missteps. It really kept me completely engrossed the entire time.
I can't say enough about the extraordinary quality of this series. This is by no means a dry and plodding historical retelling, on the contrary, Shauna Lawless infuses her historical setting of 10th/11th century Ireland with a very special kind of magic. It's a magic that is manifested through her vivid prose, convincing characters, gripping dialogue, heart-stopping battle scenes, and passion-imbued romance. All of this and more are what truly makes THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS one of my favorite reads of the year so far. But I wasn't really surprised to be honest.
Ultimately I thought this was a brilliant sequel that expands on the first book considerably and throws in quite a few unexpected turns that had me not wanting to put this book down for the last half of it. THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS is a tremendously told story that everyone should be reading right now. Not too many books will move you in the ways that the first two books in the Gael Song series by Shauna Lawless do. I highly recommend giving them a go, especially if you are looking for something outside of the standard male-dominated epic fantasy fare.
February 15, 2024
My brother and I now have a booktube called The Brothers Gwynne. Check it out! The Brothers Gwynne
Another superb entry by Shauna Lawless who proves to me why I love to read well-written historical fantasy!
This feels like a series written for me and I loved the slightly slower, more character-driven pace of this middle novel, setting up what is inevitably going to be an incredible third book.
Another superb entry by Shauna Lawless who proves to me why I love to read well-written historical fantasy!
This feels like a series written for me and I loved the slightly slower, more character-driven pace of this middle novel, setting up what is inevitably going to be an incredible third book.
March 22, 2024
I very much enjoyed book one of The Gael Song trilogy, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, which I felt was a very unique meshing of historical fiction and fantasy done in a very readable and very enjoyable manner. The blending of real historical characters and places with mythology based on Irish history and folklore was so interesting in the telling that I was captivated. It felt so realistic that I could easily imagine it in my minds eye. I can often say that about historical fiction I’ve read, but not as many times with the fantasy. It felt unique and refreshing.
I was privileged to be able to read an advanced copy now of the second book and feel absolutely the same about it as well. The story picks up right after the events in book one and expands the storylines and character arcs wonderfully. There are many levels to what is going on in these books, not just with multiple characters, but with different elements of the overall history. I love the interlacing of so many elements like that.
Bottom line, I can say that for me it was terrific, every bit as good as book one. A solid continuation and one that leaves so many openings for where it could go into book 3. So many characters I want to know more about. I happily give it 5/5 stars and look very forward to reading more books from Mrs Lawless (hopefully in the near future!). I can’t recommend this series enough!
Update: Reread by audiobook in the Spring of 2024 in preparation for reading book three. What a wonderful presentation the audiobook is too! I can definitely recommend that as well.
I was privileged to be able to read an advanced copy now of the second book and feel absolutely the same about it as well. The story picks up right after the events in book one and expands the storylines and character arcs wonderfully. There are many levels to what is going on in these books, not just with multiple characters, but with different elements of the overall history. I love the interlacing of so many elements like that.
Bottom line, I can say that for me it was terrific, every bit as good as book one. A solid continuation and one that leaves so many openings for where it could go into book 3. So many characters I want to know more about. I happily give it 5/5 stars and look very forward to reading more books from Mrs Lawless (hopefully in the near future!). I can’t recommend this series enough!
Update: Reread by audiobook in the Spring of 2024 in preparation for reading book three. What a wonderful presentation the audiobook is too! I can definitely recommend that as well.
June 28, 2024
y’all are sleeping on this series!!!!!
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December 13, 2023
This was a very good follow up! I liked it more than book one, the magic and lore kicked it up a notch, the villain was more interesting and engaging, and I actually rooted for Gormflaith this time! (I mean, I did last time too, but against my will).
My cons for this series remain the same, however. Several first person POVs is just hard for me, and I still don't think the two main POVs sound different enough from each other, which can make it hard for me to ground myself. This was much better in this one, though, due to being more familiar with their various supporting cast. And I still find Fodla to be very passive. She spends most of this novel having others once again make decisions for her...I suppose that makes it better when she actually DOES make decisions, but following such a passive character can be frustrating for me.
My cons for this series remain the same, however. Several first person POVs is just hard for me, and I still don't think the two main POVs sound different enough from each other, which can make it hard for me to ground myself. This was much better in this one, though, due to being more familiar with their various supporting cast. And I still find Fodla to be very passive. She spends most of this novel having others once again make decisions for her...I suppose that makes it better when she actually DOES make decisions, but following such a passive character can be frustrating for me.
October 9, 2023
RTC. ⚔️✨
April 6, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded UP!! I loved it. This series is fabulous! If you love historical fiction + fantasy this is the real deal. Can’t wait to get to book 3!
July 7, 2024
Gormflaith is now unhappily married to King Brian and finds herself removed from the political power she once had.
Fódla healed Murchad even though it was against the Descendants' laws. Now she fears Tomas and her future in the fortress with her nephew.
Gormflaith is extremely astute and ruthless, yet is shackled by her sex and the society of the time. Even if she is not particularly liable, you can sympathise with her plight.
Fódla, on the other hand, is impossible not to like. She is kind and good, unselfish, and attempts to see the best in people even when people around her recoil from her burns.
”I think if you looked around, you would see bravery in many of the women here. We don't hold swords the way you do, but we are still fighting."
A main theme of this series is motherhood. Both Fódla and Gormflaith begin their journey being driven by love for the children they must protect, but their attitudes and actions are very different.
When he was a child, I would have done anything for him, for his love.
I thought he had returned it, but it wasn't true. As a child he had needed me, but need was a separate thing to love.
I hate Tomas.
As the head of the Tuatha Dé Danann, he is sowing discord as the Descendants tire of living in their fortress, many of them wishing to leave and live among the mortals once more. Yet, he craves power, to be the King of Ireland, above the mortals.
His deviousness is appalling and genially executed by Lawless.
Whilst I preferred book one, this was still good!
Bookstagram
Fódla healed Murchad even though it was against the Descendants' laws. Now she fears Tomas and her future in the fortress with her nephew.
Gormflaith is extremely astute and ruthless, yet is shackled by her sex and the society of the time. Even if she is not particularly liable, you can sympathise with her plight.
Fódla, on the other hand, is impossible not to like. She is kind and good, unselfish, and attempts to see the best in people even when people around her recoil from her burns.
”I think if you looked around, you would see bravery in many of the women here. We don't hold swords the way you do, but we are still fighting."
A main theme of this series is motherhood. Both Fódla and Gormflaith begin their journey being driven by love for the children they must protect, but their attitudes and actions are very different.
When he was a child, I would have done anything for him, for his love.
I thought he had returned it, but it wasn't true. As a child he had needed me, but need was a separate thing to love.
I hate Tomas.
As the head of the Tuatha Dé Danann, he is sowing discord as the Descendants tire of living in their fortress, many of them wishing to leave and live among the mortals once more. Yet, he craves power, to be the King of Ireland, above the mortals.
His deviousness is appalling and genially executed by Lawless.
Whilst I preferred book one, this was still good!
Bookstagram
September 21, 2023
Review originally on JamReads
The Words of Kings and Prophets is the second book on the Gael Song series, a historical fantasy based on Irish mythology, written by Shauna Lawless. After an excellent debut novel, the expectations were extremely high, and apart from delivering them perfectly, it raises the level a bit more, giving an extra layer of depth to the characters while making the plot advance with the historical facts.
Gormflaith is unhappily married to the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, in a delicate position, as her power as queen is quite limited. As a Fommorian with the gift of magic, she starts using her abilities, discovering she's more skilled than she thought. However, magic comes with a cost, and lacking the control of her abilities comes with a cost, putting her between the wall and the sword. This Gormflaith is stronger, but at the same time, we will see her struggling on several occasions, on the verge of collapsing and fleeing.
Meanwhile, Fódla is still mourning her disappeared sister, but taking care of her nephew will become her reason to be; she's just looking for a safe place for both. The only problem is that her nephew hides some gifts that could be used for evil.
Outside of our main characters, we will be following how Lawless weaves mythology and history, creating a really vivid story about Ireland and the different people fighting for power; focusing mostly on the figure of Brian Boru, and his climb to the position of High King of Ireland.
Lawless definitely manages to insufflate life into history, making of reading an excellent experience; all of that while being great at any registry, from the introspective to the big scale of battles.
The Words of Kings and Prophets is the confirmation of Shauna Lawless as an excellent novelist; if you are looking for a brilliant series that combines history and mythology, Gael Song should be one of your first elections.
The Words of Kings and Prophets is the second book on the Gael Song series, a historical fantasy based on Irish mythology, written by Shauna Lawless. After an excellent debut novel, the expectations were extremely high, and apart from delivering them perfectly, it raises the level a bit more, giving an extra layer of depth to the characters while making the plot advance with the historical facts.
Gormflaith is unhappily married to the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, in a delicate position, as her power as queen is quite limited. As a Fommorian with the gift of magic, she starts using her abilities, discovering she's more skilled than she thought. However, magic comes with a cost, and lacking the control of her abilities comes with a cost, putting her between the wall and the sword. This Gormflaith is stronger, but at the same time, we will see her struggling on several occasions, on the verge of collapsing and fleeing.
Meanwhile, Fódla is still mourning her disappeared sister, but taking care of her nephew will become her reason to be; she's just looking for a safe place for both. The only problem is that her nephew hides some gifts that could be used for evil.
Outside of our main characters, we will be following how Lawless weaves mythology and history, creating a really vivid story about Ireland and the different people fighting for power; focusing mostly on the figure of Brian Boru, and his climb to the position of High King of Ireland.
Lawless definitely manages to insufflate life into history, making of reading an excellent experience; all of that while being great at any registry, from the introspective to the big scale of battles.
The Words of Kings and Prophets is the confirmation of Shauna Lawless as an excellent novelist; if you are looking for a brilliant series that combines history and mythology, Gael Song should be one of your first elections.
July 7, 2024
Reread and 5⭐️ both times. One of my favourite romances!!!!
September 25, 2023
MacHalo Buddy Read
BOUNCY?!! OH BOUNCY!!! Where are you? Time to come out! We're reading a Shauna Lawless book.
Favorite read of 2023, without a doubt! Oh man, this was SO GOOD! It was BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK! Bouncy was all over this book that he left little jello splats everywhere.
There is so much going on in Shauna Lawless' stories. Sometimes it's a lot to take in — story wise and historical. I got side tracked a lot looking at pictures of Ireland. It's such a rich country. Full of lore and history. There was a part in the story where Tomas said he would bring forth his treasure the Lia Fail. This is a real thing! Shauna has it on her website.
https://shaunalawless.com/2021/04/07/...
All this crazy searching around the internet brought me to a Facebook page FULL of stunning pictures of Ireland. https://www.facebook.com/monumentalir...
As you can see, The Words of Kings and Prophets is more than a story for me. It's an adventure for the soul. Thank you Shauna Lawless!
BOUNCY?!! OH BOUNCY!!! Where are you? Time to come out! We're reading a Shauna Lawless book.
Favorite read of 2023, without a doubt! Oh man, this was SO GOOD! It was BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK! Bouncy was all over this book that he left little jello splats everywhere.
There is so much going on in Shauna Lawless' stories. Sometimes it's a lot to take in — story wise and historical. I got side tracked a lot looking at pictures of Ireland. It's such a rich country. Full of lore and history. There was a part in the story where Tomas said he would bring forth his treasure the Lia Fail. This is a real thing! Shauna has it on her website.
https://shaunalawless.com/2021/04/07/...
All this crazy searching around the internet brought me to a Facebook page FULL of stunning pictures of Ireland. https://www.facebook.com/monumentalir...
As you can see, The Words of Kings and Prophets is more than a story for me. It's an adventure for the soul. Thank you Shauna Lawless!
November 23, 2024
5/5
Oh boy, Gormflaith is getting her sweet spot in my top 5, probably top 3 of female main characters.
This woman is a MENACE.
I had my doubts about book 1 being a full five stars, I don't have doubts on the sequel. Shit is hitting the fan, characters have gone nuts, other painted an aim on their backs for a bitter knife five inches deep.
For the life of me, if Murchad disappoints me I'm crying. He's HIM, he's the man, he doesn't even flinch to help Fodla blindly.
Poor Broccan... He's not going to end up well, I see the pain behind his eyes. And Senna? I was not expecting that, fucking crow.
The politics keep getting messier and messier. Tho I hope they slow down a bit and we see a bit of action with this tension that's building.
Oh boy, Gormflaith is getting her sweet spot in my top 5, probably top 3 of female main characters.
This woman is a MENACE.
I had my doubts about book 1 being a full five stars, I don't have doubts on the sequel. Shit is hitting the fan, characters have gone nuts, other painted an aim on their backs for a bitter knife five inches deep.
For the life of me, if Murchad disappoints me I'm crying. He's HIM, he's the man, he doesn't even flinch to help Fodla blindly.
Poor Broccan... He's not going to end up well, I see the pain behind his eyes. And Senna? I was not expecting that, fucking crow.
The politics keep getting messier and messier. Tho I hope they slow down a bit and we see a bit of action with this tension that's building.
August 14, 2024
5 stars - What a great, great sequel. I rarely find myself picking up a sequel so soon after finishing the first book, but with this series, I just couldn't resist diving back in. With the groundwork of exposition and character introduction already laid out in the first book, the story was much smoother and well-paced. Lawless has a gift for crafting chapters that flow seamlessly; her descriptions are lush and vivid without tipping into the overly poetic. There’s a directness to her scenes that I found refreshing, making it impossible to put the book down. Exquisite writing.
The theme of motherhood continues to resonate with me. I love that Fódla and Gormflaith's desires for freedom and ambition are as integral to their identities as their love for their children. It’s evident that these characters were written by a woman, with empathy, depth and nuance that speaks to the complexity of their experiences. It would have been easy, with the level of politicking and backstabbing, to portray Gormflaith as a power-hungry-bad-woman. But she is so much more than that.
This book really puts front and center the abuse these women have lived through and how it has consequences on their lives in the present. Tomas is a truly hateful character; the way he controls Fódla (basically spying on her 24/7 with his raven, casting a spell that makes her scared and IN PAIN so other men won’t go near her) is cruel and malicious. Let's say he is easy to hate.
As I eagerly await the release of the third installment on September 17th, I can only say that the wait feels far too long. This series has quickly become a favorite, and I have no doubt that the next book will continue to deliver the same level of excellence.
The theme of motherhood continues to resonate with me. I love that Fódla and Gormflaith's desires for freedom and ambition are as integral to their identities as their love for their children. It’s evident that these characters were written by a woman, with empathy, depth and nuance that speaks to the complexity of their experiences. It would have been easy, with the level of politicking and backstabbing, to portray Gormflaith as a power-hungry-bad-woman. But she is so much more than that.
This book really puts front and center the abuse these women have lived through and how it has consequences on their lives in the present. Tomas is a truly hateful character; the way he controls Fódla (basically spying on her 24/7 with his raven, casting a spell that makes her scared and IN PAIN so other men won’t go near her) is cruel and malicious. Let's say he is easy to hate.
As I eagerly await the release of the third installment on September 17th, I can only say that the wait feels far too long. This series has quickly become a favorite, and I have no doubt that the next book will continue to deliver the same level of excellence.
January 10, 2025
Loved book 2! This world grows as does the intrigue, battles, and magic. Love these characters… Fodla, Broccan, Murtag and Gormflaith…. Excited to read the novellas and Book 3 soon, but if you want a great mix of history and fantasy in the year 1000 in Ireland, this is for you. It was definitely for me!
July 2, 2023
The Words of Kings and Prophets is book 2 in the Gael Song series by Shauna Lawless. Gael Song is a beautiful blend of Irish history and mythology and I recommend it to all readers of historical and political fantasy.
Writing a middle book is a hard task. You need to set up all plot points, introduce the stakes, place your characters in the right places, and not make it too boring or full of infodumps. There is even a term for problematic middle books - middle book syndrome.
So it was such a delight to read The Words of Kings and Prophets because it made everything a middle book should do and also had an amazing pacing, a nice plot and at times it was a real page-turner. I just can't compliment the author's writing enough, especially considering it's a debut series.
It's hard to write reviews of sequels - anything I can say will be a spoiler. So let me tell you how I feel about it instead.
After The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, I was invested in one of the main characters and also found new favorites among the secondary cast. So reading this book I was so engaged and nervous about everything. I didn't want anything bad to happen to my favorites, but it was pretty obvious that they were all in grave danger. The stress was real from the first pages till the last.
Shauna Lawless is so good at creating nuanced characters. If you love the deep character work, this series is for you. Especially I want to mention layered and complex villains. I enjoyed reading from or about them, you can definitely see where they are coming from and in some moments even feel compassion, but seeing them crossing the line and willingly endangering your beloved characters - still hate them.
Oh, there is one I just hate without any compassion though, really gets under my skin. Great writing!
All in all, a very satisfying read(4.5 stars from me) and my favorite sequel of the year.
The release date is the 14th of September. And the only thing I can think of is book 3.
I'm sooo grateful to head of zeus, netgalley and Shauna Lawless for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
Writing a middle book is a hard task. You need to set up all plot points, introduce the stakes, place your characters in the right places, and not make it too boring or full of infodumps. There is even a term for problematic middle books - middle book syndrome.
So it was such a delight to read The Words of Kings and Prophets because it made everything a middle book should do and also had an amazing pacing, a nice plot and at times it was a real page-turner. I just can't compliment the author's writing enough, especially considering it's a debut series.
It's hard to write reviews of sequels - anything I can say will be a spoiler. So let me tell you how I feel about it instead.
After The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, I was invested in one of the main characters and also found new favorites among the secondary cast. So reading this book I was so engaged and nervous about everything. I didn't want anything bad to happen to my favorites, but it was pretty obvious that they were all in grave danger. The stress was real from the first pages till the last.
Shauna Lawless is so good at creating nuanced characters. If you love the deep character work, this series is for you. Especially I want to mention layered and complex villains. I enjoyed reading from or about them, you can definitely see where they are coming from and in some moments even feel compassion, but seeing them crossing the line and willingly endangering your beloved characters - still hate them.
Oh, there is one I just hate without any compassion though, really gets under my skin. Great writing!
All in all, a very satisfying read(4.5 stars from me) and my favorite sequel of the year.
The release date is the 14th of September. And the only thing I can think of is book 3.
I'm sooo grateful to head of zeus, netgalley and Shauna Lawless for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
January 19, 2025
The Words of Kinds and Prophets, book 2 of the Gael Song Series by Shauna Lawless.
This story takes readers through a story that covers many themes including politics, war, and plenty of schemes. To counter this we have plenty of adventure and betrayal, love and community. The plot was engaging I was hooked the entire way through. Following on shortly after the events of the first book, the lives of Fodla and Gormflaith have changed so much from the first book. Both Fodla and Gormflaith have to learning to adapt and deal with the consequences of their actions. In the process learning more about themselves and those around them as the politics of the Irish kings play out.
Lawless writes some interesting morally grey characters that adds tension and depth to an already detailed world. I am looking forward to where book three will take us. An exciting reading experience and highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this electronic ARC.
This story takes readers through a story that covers many themes including politics, war, and plenty of schemes. To counter this we have plenty of adventure and betrayal, love and community. The plot was engaging I was hooked the entire way through. Following on shortly after the events of the first book, the lives of Fodla and Gormflaith have changed so much from the first book. Both Fodla and Gormflaith have to learning to adapt and deal with the consequences of their actions. In the process learning more about themselves and those around them as the politics of the Irish kings play out.
Lawless writes some interesting morally grey characters that adds tension and depth to an already detailed world. I am looking forward to where book three will take us. An exciting reading experience and highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this electronic ARC.
August 27, 2024
I can't believe that I have to wait a few weeks for book 3! I need it now! This series is not 5 stars, it is a million stars. Shauna Lawless must be touched by magic as the story and writing are intricate and wonderful.
June 28, 2024
LOVE LOVE LOVE this series
June 27, 2023
Solid 5-Stars!
I'll get a full review put together after I figure out how to put into words how beautiful of a story this was in a truly magical and historical Ireland!
***** Full Review Below *****
Shauna's works hit my radar almost a year ago now. I read book one of the Gael Song (The Children of Gods and Men) in July of 2022. Fast forward to this year and I was able to get my hands on a copy of book two The Words of Kings and Prophets via NetGalley recently. Book two is scheduled to release in September of 2023 so you can expect a follow-up reminder as we near the release date. Not only as a courtesy to the author and for being given the opportunity to read a copy before launch, but because I love the story that Shauna is weaving. I know she's put in a tremendous amount of work in her research of Irish mythology and history to put these together in her own telling. As much as I enjoyed the first book, I feel book two was even better.
The pacing was smooth. The only thing I struggle with are the names of characters and locations a bit. To Shauna's credit she does begin book two with a vast list of these people and places at the beginning of the book. This helps with reminding us of book one but also to help with pronunciations. Well that only helped my feeble brain so much. I tried my best to work with these over the first couple of chapters but then I decided to just let me own brain process them all as it will. Beyond that, I was devouring The Words of Kings and Prophets. I found myself picking this up almost whenever I could over the three days it took me to finish. I rarely found myself feeling like any part of the story was getting boring. If we aren't experiencing action, then it's more along the lines of drama and plot twists.
I can't say enough about the world building in this book and series in general. As a fan of history myself, and knowing the amount of work that Shauna is putting into this story, I have all the respect in the world for this! I love the fact that she also includes many of her reference materials so that we can look into this world even more. To get back on topic though it's such an interesting mix of locations both within Ireland as well as the factions and cultures outside as well. We have plenty of Vikings mentioned both directly and still indirectly. But we also get a good sampling of Roman influence as well as it relates to the religious side of things. I mean honestly the picture that Shauna paints for us is certainly beautiful if at times also brutal. Then you mix in the mythology and magic into this tale and it's almost impossible for me not to fall in love with this world.
Lastly, is the character development. I began my attachment with many of these characters in the previous book. But there is still so much growth as well as a few more characters we get to know more about. Sure the Fomorians are easy to dislike in this tale, I don't think anyone is going to argue that. But we see some of our heroes show their flaws and weakness in book two as well. Taking a step back and looking at the overall cast of Kings, does make you realize just how untrustworthy and power hungry humans can be. It takes some special people to either offset those individuals or attempt to steer them in a better direction. I'm sure most of us have heard of people that make us want to be better persons ourselves. Those are the true heroes. And this story has a good handful of them!
In closing, I will say just a couple of things. The first is that I'm going to say right now that The Words of Kings and Prophets is going to be a contender for favorite read of 2023. We will have to see how things shake out. It's easily in my top 2 or 3 right this moment. The other item I want to get off my chest is that, I can't wait to see what comes of our young gifted warrior! What a key part of Ireland's future he and his found brother/friend may yet be!
I feel that any reader that is a fan of epic fantasy would enjoy this book and series. I know Shauna has put the question out there on what to truly call this sub-genre she is writing in with this series. But I do think fans of Historical or Mythological Fantasy Fiction reads will love this as well. I can't wait to see what the third book has in store for us!
I'll get a full review put together after I figure out how to put into words how beautiful of a story this was in a truly magical and historical Ireland!
***** Full Review Below *****
Shauna's works hit my radar almost a year ago now. I read book one of the Gael Song (The Children of Gods and Men) in July of 2022. Fast forward to this year and I was able to get my hands on a copy of book two The Words of Kings and Prophets via NetGalley recently. Book two is scheduled to release in September of 2023 so you can expect a follow-up reminder as we near the release date. Not only as a courtesy to the author and for being given the opportunity to read a copy before launch, but because I love the story that Shauna is weaving. I know she's put in a tremendous amount of work in her research of Irish mythology and history to put these together in her own telling. As much as I enjoyed the first book, I feel book two was even better.
The pacing was smooth. The only thing I struggle with are the names of characters and locations a bit. To Shauna's credit she does begin book two with a vast list of these people and places at the beginning of the book. This helps with reminding us of book one but also to help with pronunciations. Well that only helped my feeble brain so much. I tried my best to work with these over the first couple of chapters but then I decided to just let me own brain process them all as it will. Beyond that, I was devouring The Words of Kings and Prophets. I found myself picking this up almost whenever I could over the three days it took me to finish. I rarely found myself feeling like any part of the story was getting boring. If we aren't experiencing action, then it's more along the lines of drama and plot twists.
I can't say enough about the world building in this book and series in general. As a fan of history myself, and knowing the amount of work that Shauna is putting into this story, I have all the respect in the world for this! I love the fact that she also includes many of her reference materials so that we can look into this world even more. To get back on topic though it's such an interesting mix of locations both within Ireland as well as the factions and cultures outside as well. We have plenty of Vikings mentioned both directly and still indirectly. But we also get a good sampling of Roman influence as well as it relates to the religious side of things. I mean honestly the picture that Shauna paints for us is certainly beautiful if at times also brutal. Then you mix in the mythology and magic into this tale and it's almost impossible for me not to fall in love with this world.
Lastly, is the character development. I began my attachment with many of these characters in the previous book. But there is still so much growth as well as a few more characters we get to know more about. Sure the Fomorians are easy to dislike in this tale, I don't think anyone is going to argue that. But we see some of our heroes show their flaws and weakness in book two as well. Taking a step back and looking at the overall cast of Kings, does make you realize just how untrustworthy and power hungry humans can be. It takes some special people to either offset those individuals or attempt to steer them in a better direction. I'm sure most of us have heard of people that make us want to be better persons ourselves. Those are the true heroes. And this story has a good handful of them!
In closing, I will say just a couple of things. The first is that I'm going to say right now that The Words of Kings and Prophets is going to be a contender for favorite read of 2023. We will have to see how things shake out. It's easily in my top 2 or 3 right this moment. The other item I want to get off my chest is that, I can't wait to see what comes of our young gifted warrior! What a key part of Ireland's future he and his found brother/friend may yet be!
I feel that any reader that is a fan of epic fantasy would enjoy this book and series. I know Shauna has put the question out there on what to truly call this sub-genre she is writing in with this series. But I do think fans of Historical or Mythological Fantasy Fiction reads will love this as well. I can't wait to see what the third book has in store for us!
July 14, 2024
Another spectacular 5 stars for The Words of Kings and Prophets! I am obsessed with this series! One of the best I have read in years. This book fell into none of the pitfalls that sequels can often have. There were no dull moments and Fódla and Gormlaith captured my attention the entire time with their complexity and depth. I never knew what was coming, and the plot thickened and twisted and turned, keeping me glued to the page! Each character is unique and carries a different motivation, and I found it hard to root for one over another, seeing as there are enemies at every turn. However, that being said, I love how both Gormlaith and Fódla seem to overcome the control that their male counterparts have over them, and grow more powerful. (Also anytime they interacted I was so stressed out, cannot wait to see what happens next!). Fódla and Murchad’s relationship and interactions were perfectly paced and I literally cannot get over how much they mean to me. I cannot believe how much I care for these two. The pacing was great and even though it was a little slower than the first novel, I was never bored. The character interactions, historical world building, and magic system were incredibly immersive and I cannot recommend this series more!
What a joy to read! Absolutely magical.
(Also loved the addition of Colmon’s perspective. He is becoming a favorite of mine, however Murchad is my favorite lad in this story! Absolutely despise Tomas and Maelmordia ofc, what goobers. And Gormlaith grows on me with how truly evil she is and I love it.)
What a joy to read! Absolutely magical.
(Also loved the addition of Colmon’s perspective. He is becoming a favorite of mine, however Murchad is my favorite lad in this story! Absolutely despise Tomas and Maelmordia ofc, what goobers. And Gormlaith grows on me with how truly evil she is and I love it.)
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