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Gael Song Trilogy #0.5
Dreams of Fire
The immortals of Ireland renew their ancient warfare as the new generations come to terms with their place in the world. Part of Shauna Lawless's critically acclaimed Gael Song series, Dreams of Fire introduces medieval Ireland as it was a century before The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.
Rónnat and Fódla are Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann. They live a peaceful life with their aged warrior father in the north of Ireland. The Fomorians – age-old enemies of their kind – are thought to be battle-vanquished, for no conflict has been fought between their immortal races for generations.
But rumours of war and endless shifting allegiances mean that the Descendants' position is not secure in the mortal world. There are powerful voices among the Descendants who want their kind to dwell permanently in strongholds hidden from mortals – threatening Rónnat's love of freedom.
And the Fomorians, though greatly reduced in number, are far from vanquished. Led by their mighty prince, Balorach, the remaining Fomorians, with their gift of fire-magic, seek to destroy the Descendants.
The Descendants have the advantage of their own magical powers, and mighty warriors defend them... but if they cannot be beaten, why do the voices Rónnat hears on the wind speak of death and destruction?
Rónnat and Fódla are Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann. They live a peaceful life with their aged warrior father in the north of Ireland. The Fomorians – age-old enemies of their kind – are thought to be battle-vanquished, for no conflict has been fought between their immortal races for generations.
But rumours of war and endless shifting allegiances mean that the Descendants' position is not secure in the mortal world. There are powerful voices among the Descendants who want their kind to dwell permanently in strongholds hidden from mortals – threatening Rónnat's love of freedom.
And the Fomorians, though greatly reduced in number, are far from vanquished. Led by their mighty prince, Balorach, the remaining Fomorians, with their gift of fire-magic, seek to destroy the Descendants.
The Descendants have the advantage of their own magical powers, and mighty warriors defend them... but if they cannot be beaten, why do the voices Rónnat hears on the wind speak of death and destruction?
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2024
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August 14, 2024 Dreams of Fire is free for the rest of this week on kindle!!
If you haven't got it yet, now is a good time to get a copy!
This is my new PREQUEL novella! Told from the viewpoint of Rónnat, Dreams of Fire delves into a previous struggle between the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians!
As it’s a prequel, it can be read by anyone - even if you haven’t started the main series.
Please add to your TBRs!
Released on ebook on the 14th March 2024 ☘️
If you haven't got it yet, now is a good time to get a copy!
This is my new PREQUEL novella! Told from the viewpoint of Rónnat, Dreams of Fire delves into a previous struggle between the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians!
As it’s a prequel, it can be read by anyone - even if you haven’t started the main series.
Please add to your TBRs!
Released on ebook on the 14th March 2024 ☘️
March 19, 2024
My complete review of Dreams of Fire is published at Before We Go Blog.
“Tears spring to my eyes, despite my best efforts to keep them down. Hidden.”
Dreams of Fire by Shauna Lawless is a prequel novella that takes place almost a century before the events of her main Gael Song trilogy. Lawless proves once again why she is the Emerald Empress of Grimdark, weaving strands of Irish history, mythology, and fantasy into a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss.
Dreams of Fire is set in medieval Ireland in the early tenth century as two races of immortal beings—the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann and their ancient enemies, the Fomorians—renew their age-old battle for supremacy in the Emerald Isle. While the first and last slices of Dreams of Fire are told from a Fomorian perspective, the main part of the novella is narrated from a single point-of-view character, the Descendant Rónnat.
Rónnat and her sister, Fódla, wish only to live a long and peaceful life with their beloved father. But the waning magic of the Descendants threatens to bring an end to these once immortal beings:
“Don’t be unhappy, daughter. Three hundred and fifty years have been long enough, and when I die, I will join with your mother in the otherworld. There is no sadness there, only joy.”
Meanwhile, Rónnat is haunted by strange voices and visions that foretell a future battle against the Fomorians and their blazing fire-magic. Could this be a prophecy of the inevitable? Or will Rónnat have the freedom to choose her own path forward?
Shauna Lawless expertly explores themes of kinship, freedom, and finding peace with one’s own mortality. The author brings an understated lyricism to her writing that captures feelings of both mysticism and lamentation.
The novella format of Dreams of Fire provides just the right-sized canvas for Shauna Lawless to paint this intimate portrait of Rónnat, who has become one of my favorite characters in the Gael Song series.
Altogether, Dreams of Fire is an expertly crafted novella and a must-read for fans of Shauna Lawless, who will love the opportunity to spend this quality time with Rónnat and Fódla. At the same time, Dreams of Fire may be the perfect starting point for readers new to the Gael Song series.
“Tears spring to my eyes, despite my best efforts to keep them down. Hidden.”
Dreams of Fire by Shauna Lawless is a prequel novella that takes place almost a century before the events of her main Gael Song trilogy. Lawless proves once again why she is the Emerald Empress of Grimdark, weaving strands of Irish history, mythology, and fantasy into a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss.
Dreams of Fire is set in medieval Ireland in the early tenth century as two races of immortal beings—the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann and their ancient enemies, the Fomorians—renew their age-old battle for supremacy in the Emerald Isle. While the first and last slices of Dreams of Fire are told from a Fomorian perspective, the main part of the novella is narrated from a single point-of-view character, the Descendant Rónnat.
Rónnat and her sister, Fódla, wish only to live a long and peaceful life with their beloved father. But the waning magic of the Descendants threatens to bring an end to these once immortal beings:
“Don’t be unhappy, daughter. Three hundred and fifty years have been long enough, and when I die, I will join with your mother in the otherworld. There is no sadness there, only joy.”
Meanwhile, Rónnat is haunted by strange voices and visions that foretell a future battle against the Fomorians and their blazing fire-magic. Could this be a prophecy of the inevitable? Or will Rónnat have the freedom to choose her own path forward?
Shauna Lawless expertly explores themes of kinship, freedom, and finding peace with one’s own mortality. The author brings an understated lyricism to her writing that captures feelings of both mysticism and lamentation.
The novella format of Dreams of Fire provides just the right-sized canvas for Shauna Lawless to paint this intimate portrait of Rónnat, who has become one of my favorite characters in the Gael Song series.
Altogether, Dreams of Fire is an expertly crafted novella and a must-read for fans of Shauna Lawless, who will love the opportunity to spend this quality time with Rónnat and Fódla. At the same time, Dreams of Fire may be the perfect starting point for readers new to the Gael Song series.
September 17, 2025
This book is as revoltingly short as it is despicably good.
Shauna Lawless weaves her magic once again and immerses theslightly hysterical fangirl in me reader into Medieval Ireland and the Most Scrumptious World (MSW™) of Gael Song.
This prequel gives great insight into Rónnat's and Fódla's characters, takes the Tuatha Dé Danann vs Fomorians shenanigans up a notch (or three), reawakens any homicidal thoughts one may have previously harbored towards Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not the character's real name, in case you were wondering), and might quite possibly make some people consider unleashing their murderous crustaceans on the publisher so that the next book in the series is released YESTERDAY, not next SEPTEMBER.
P.S. Prophecies, yay! 😍😍
· Book 0.6: Dreams of Chaos ★★★★★
· Book 1: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Words of Kings and Prophets ★★★★★
· 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 ★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
Of course I'm giving it 5 bloody shrimping stars, what did you expect?
➽ Review to come and stuff.
Shauna Lawless weaves her magic once again and immerses the
This prequel gives great insight into Rónnat's and Fódla's characters, takes the Tuatha Dé Danann vs Fomorians shenanigans up a notch (or three), reawakens any homicidal thoughts one may have previously harbored towards Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not the character's real name, in case you were wondering), and might quite possibly make some people consider unleashing their murderous crustaceans on the publisher so that the next book in the series is released YESTERDAY, not next SEPTEMBER.
P.S. Prophecies, yay! 😍😍
· Book 0.6: Dreams of Chaos ★★★★★
· Book 1: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Words of Kings and Prophets ★★★★★
· 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 ★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
Of course I'm giving it 5 bloody shrimping stars, what did you expect?
➽ Review to come and stuff.
March 13, 2024
One of the best novellas I have read!
Once again Shauna Lawless weaves the threads of reality and mythology into a story brilliantly.
Set around a century before the events that take place in Gael Song, we see many familiar characters at a younger age, as well as an assortment of new characters as well. Often in prequels, it is the new characters that suffer, as the focus is on those the reader is already familiar with. That is not the case here. Figures such as Ciarán immediately had a strong presence.
I loved the history that was explored here, with the ancestors of many key characters of Gael Song being present, as well as seeing the early days of the decline of magic in the Fomorians and the Descendant.
This is a great novella. With smooth prose, vivid characters and a concise, engaging story, I highly recommend Dreams of Fire, no matter where you are in Gael Song, even if you have not dived into the series yet.
4/5 STARS
Once again Shauna Lawless weaves the threads of reality and mythology into a story brilliantly.
Set around a century before the events that take place in Gael Song, we see many familiar characters at a younger age, as well as an assortment of new characters as well. Often in prequels, it is the new characters that suffer, as the focus is on those the reader is already familiar with. That is not the case here. Figures such as Ciarán immediately had a strong presence.
I loved the history that was explored here, with the ancestors of many key characters of Gael Song being present, as well as seeing the early days of the decline of magic in the Fomorians and the Descendant.
This is a great novella. With smooth prose, vivid characters and a concise, engaging story, I highly recommend Dreams of Fire, no matter where you are in Gael Song, even if you have not dived into the series yet.
4/5 STARS
September 18, 2024
My brother Will was right, this is superb! A novella with more weight and depth to it that some full-length novels. Wonderful, sharp prose, lyrical dialogue and a promise of fire.
April 16, 2024
This felt like an egg hunt for Lawless fans (like me!).
TBH, this makes me even more excited about book 3, due out in September 2024.
4.25/5
TBH, this makes me even more excited about book 3, due out in September 2024.
4.25/5
February 26, 2024
My friend Evie messaged me to make sure I knew this novella was available on NetGalley - I immediately requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher, Head of Zeus, and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader. (Thank you, Evie!!)
This novella was written for fans of the Gael Song historical fiction series. You'll never convince me otherwise. The delight I felt to be afforded the opportunity to see the moment where it was foretold what the culminating conflict of this series would be - I don't have the words, friends.
Don't let me scare you off if you have not read the first two books - this is a rare occurrence where the prequel novella can be read first instead of publication order. It is the beginning of our story - a century before conflict boils over in The Children of God and Fighting Men - told in a way that would make an excellent series teaser for new readers.
For readers who are already fans of the series, like me, it's an added bonus. A literary love story to accentuate our current reading experience.
Shauna Lawless was very clever with her choice of using a different POV - Rónnat - than the ones readers of the series are accustomed to. This gave a fresh feel to the narrative, provided insight and answered some niggling questions as to the character's motivations.
As has been the case with the previous two novels, the writing was just exquisite. When I read the first book, I immersion read using the audiobook, Aoife MacMahon was the narrator. Aoife did such a wonderful job that I still "hear" her voice when I read this one.
This novella was a delightful addition to the unforgettable story of immortals and mortals who battle for power and control of Ireland. I cannot wait for the next installment to the Gael Song series!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
This novella was written for fans of the Gael Song historical fiction series. You'll never convince me otherwise. The delight I felt to be afforded the opportunity to see the moment where it was foretold what the culminating conflict of this series would be - I don't have the words, friends.
Don't let me scare you off if you have not read the first two books - this is a rare occurrence where the prequel novella can be read first instead of publication order. It is the beginning of our story - a century before conflict boils over in The Children of God and Fighting Men - told in a way that would make an excellent series teaser for new readers.
For readers who are already fans of the series, like me, it's an added bonus. A literary love story to accentuate our current reading experience.
Shauna Lawless was very clever with her choice of using a different POV - Rónnat - than the ones readers of the series are accustomed to. This gave a fresh feel to the narrative, provided insight and answered some niggling questions as to the character's motivations.
As has been the case with the previous two novels, the writing was just exquisite. When I read the first book, I immersion read using the audiobook, Aoife MacMahon was the narrator. Aoife did such a wonderful job that I still "hear" her voice when I read this one.
This novella was a delightful addition to the unforgettable story of immortals and mortals who battle for power and control of Ireland. I cannot wait for the next installment to the Gael Song series!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
June 23, 2024
This is one of the best novellas I have ever read!
I don’t normally like novellas and I was tempted to skip this one, yet the reviews were all full of praise. Boy, am I glad I didn’t!!
Whilst you could read this before reading book one, I would recommend reading The Children of Gods and Fighting Men first otherwise I feel you would miss the impact and not feel the connection to the characters or pick up on things that will link to the rest of the series!
This tells the story of Rónnat who is fiercely protective of her younger sister Fódla before all the Descendants agreed to live in the safety of the Fortress.
Their father had let the two young girls father let run wild in the north. They grew up swimming, climbing mountains, hunting, and getting into fights with mortal boys.
However, they return to the Fortress for the Gathering where the Council talks about the increasing danger and Rónnat becomes more aware of the politics and rising figures.
A few of the older members had already started to speak of their memories, and soon the tears became mingled with laughter. Not all sorrow, not all joy, but a reflection of life itself. A weave. Threads moving around each other, sometimes pulled low, sometimes high
How Lawless manages to make your heart ache in just 100 pages is incredible. Despite the short length, her characterisations are rich and profound and her descriptions don’t even seem to suffer!
It also adds depth to the world, fleshing out the past and the characters who set the current events in motion. It also lies foreshadowing for the future.
”Death and fire are coming, child. Death and fire. A war within a war. There is a way to change it. A way to save your sister. Will you listen?"
This series is definitely one I will be recommending!!
Bookstagram
I don’t normally like novellas and I was tempted to skip this one, yet the reviews were all full of praise. Boy, am I glad I didn’t!!
Whilst you could read this before reading book one, I would recommend reading The Children of Gods and Fighting Men first otherwise I feel you would miss the impact and not feel the connection to the characters or pick up on things that will link to the rest of the series!
This tells the story of Rónnat who is fiercely protective of her younger sister Fódla before all the Descendants agreed to live in the safety of the Fortress.
Their father had let the two young girls father let run wild in the north. They grew up swimming, climbing mountains, hunting, and getting into fights with mortal boys.
However, they return to the Fortress for the Gathering where the Council talks about the increasing danger and Rónnat becomes more aware of the politics and rising figures.
A few of the older members had already started to speak of their memories, and soon the tears became mingled with laughter. Not all sorrow, not all joy, but a reflection of life itself. A weave. Threads moving around each other, sometimes pulled low, sometimes high
How Lawless manages to make your heart ache in just 100 pages is incredible. Despite the short length, her characterisations are rich and profound and her descriptions don’t even seem to suffer!
It also adds depth to the world, fleshing out the past and the characters who set the current events in motion. It also lies foreshadowing for the future.
”Death and fire are coming, child. Death and fire. A war within a war. There is a way to change it. A way to save your sister. Will you listen?"
This series is definitely one I will be recommending!!
Bookstagram
December 6, 2024
The whole series is one of the beat aI’ve read this year! Only book 2.5 and the finale remains and I cannot wait to read them! Just too many other books I have already in my Reading pile 😩
May 21, 2025
4.5 stars! This was an EXTREMELY good novella, I'm so impressed. There are so many easter eggs for those who've read the first two novels AND a pretty big reveal that had my jaw on the floor. I especially liked Dreams of Fire because it follows a character I've been super interested in since the moment they appeared on page. Truly book three can't come soon enough!
June 13, 2024
A 5⭐️ novella???? I think a huge part of my enjoyment with this novella is the love that I have for the characters, so I definitely recommend reading after at least book 1.
Loved getting some history about such an intriguing character.
Loved getting some history about such an intriguing character.
February 10, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This is excellently written and immersive, with fascinating characters, but it does suffer a little from novella syndrome - the plot is given very little room to breathe, and the character development happens a bit too quickly. If it had been fifty pages longer, it would have been perfect.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This is excellently written and immersive, with fascinating characters, but it does suffer a little from novella syndrome - the plot is given very little room to breathe, and the character development happens a bit too quickly. If it had been fifty pages longer, it would have been perfect.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 21, 2024
This prequel novella follows Ronnat and delves into the long festering war between the two magical groups in 10th century Ireland. I enjoyed the novella quite a bit, it answered a fair amount of questions about the backstory of this world. I do think it's better as an introduction than as a continuation, because I knew what would happen and basically how it would happen already, but there are a few unraveled details that make it worthwhile anyways.
December 12, 2024
Such a delightful novella! Dreams of Fire adds extra lore to characters and events that inform the rest of the series. I loved learning more about Fódla's sister, Rónnat. Shauna also gave us more of the history of the struggles between the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians. I blew through this 100 page novella and it made me excited to finish off the series!
March 16, 2024
Review to come! 🐦⬛
(FINAL THOUGHTS):
This was such an incredibly well written novella set about 100 years before the events in the Gael Song series. It follows Rónnat with some chapters in the POV of Balorach and Ethlinn. I really enjoyed getting to see some more history into the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians, especially on the side of Fódla and Rónnat’s family. I thought this novella did a great job really fleshing out the characters for those who’ve already read the series, but without leaving new readers confused. ❤️
The reveals at the end of the novella really help set up the the conclusion of the series this fall, and I’m both excited and incredibly stressed out for the characters now. Doesn’t help the fact that I know the outcome for the historical characters thanks to my time in Dublin, so I think I’m going to be pretty distraught this fall. 😅
All in all, this would be a fantastic place to start for those who want to dip their toe into the series without really committing just yet, and it provides a wonderful return to the story for die hard fans such as myself. 🌳
Overall: 5!! (Duh!)/5 ⭐️
(FINAL THOUGHTS):
This was such an incredibly well written novella set about 100 years before the events in the Gael Song series. It follows Rónnat with some chapters in the POV of Balorach and Ethlinn. I really enjoyed getting to see some more history into the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians, especially on the side of Fódla and Rónnat’s family. I thought this novella did a great job really fleshing out the characters for those who’ve already read the series, but without leaving new readers confused. ❤️
The reveals at the end of the novella really help set up the the conclusion of the series this fall, and I’m both excited and incredibly stressed out for the characters now. Doesn’t help the fact that I know the outcome for the historical characters thanks to my time in Dublin, so I think I’m going to be pretty distraught this fall. 😅
All in all, this would be a fantastic place to start for those who want to dip their toe into the series without really committing just yet, and it provides a wonderful return to the story for die hard fans such as myself. 🌳
Overall: 5!! (Duh!)/5 ⭐️
April 3, 2024
Irish myth and early mediaeval history blend in this fantasy novella, returning us to the world of Lawless’s fine 2022 novel The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. Dreams of Fire is set before the events of that novel, a time when Children’s protagonist Fódla is in her formative years.
But rather than offering an origin story for Fódla, the novella focuses more on her older sister Rónnat’s evolution from a young witch-in-training to something more, called onwards toward an unsuspected gift by a mysterious disembodied voice.
Both sisters are Descendents of the Tuatha Dé Danann, demigods endowed with a range of magical gifts—witches, warriors, healers, prophetesses. Around the story’s centrepiece—a deadly battle pitting the Descendents against their nemeses, the fire-wielding Fomorians—a family drama plays out, a passing of the mantle from one generation to the next.
The writing is brisk and transparent, the story compact; fans of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men who are impatient for the forthcoming release of the second full novel in the series can slake their hunger with this brief return to its enchanted past.
But rather than offering an origin story for Fódla, the novella focuses more on her older sister Rónnat’s evolution from a young witch-in-training to something more, called onwards toward an unsuspected gift by a mysterious disembodied voice.
Both sisters are Descendents of the Tuatha Dé Danann, demigods endowed with a range of magical gifts—witches, warriors, healers, prophetesses. Around the story’s centrepiece—a deadly battle pitting the Descendents against their nemeses, the fire-wielding Fomorians—a family drama plays out, a passing of the mantle from one generation to the next.
The writing is brisk and transparent, the story compact; fans of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men who are impatient for the forthcoming release of the second full novel in the series can slake their hunger with this brief return to its enchanted past.
June 25, 2024
Rating: Loved It, 4.5 Stars
This is a novella in the Gael Song series, which I read and really loved last year. It follows the early life of Rónnat and Fódla when Fódla was first inducted as a healer and Rónnat first heard from the wind. This book is technically listed as 0.5 in the series, but I definitely think that you need to have read the other books first. We learn more about some of the prophecies around the end of the Fomorians and possibly the Descendants as well. It is a very well-written and well-paced novella. I appreciated that we got more of Rónnat's personality, and I came to like her quite a bit. I was very happy to be back in this world, and I am so excited for more!
Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zues for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a novella in the Gael Song series, which I read and really loved last year. It follows the early life of Rónnat and Fódla when Fódla was first inducted as a healer and Rónnat first heard from the wind. This book is technically listed as 0.5 in the series, but I definitely think that you need to have read the other books first. We learn more about some of the prophecies around the end of the Fomorians and possibly the Descendants as well. It is a very well-written and well-paced novella. I appreciated that we got more of Rónnat's personality, and I came to like her quite a bit. I was very happy to be back in this world, and I am so excited for more!
Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zues for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2024
This novella is set in the Gael Song universe of medieval Ireland. It’s immersive and thrilling. I was initially worried about the short length and this impacting on the depth of writing, I worried needlessly. There’s a whole story in these short pages that not only enriches the main trilogy but holds its own. I just love fantasy, myth and history woven together. I cannot recommend this series more. It’s beautifully written and you are absolutely transported into another world.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
February 21, 2024
This novella although short, managed to tell a thrilling story that hooked me from page one. Strong female protagonists, great action scenes with awesome magic and a strong emotional impact. What's more important is that the world and it's story are so addictive that I imediately ordered book one in the series.
I really can't find anything negative to say about this book (except that I want more pages) and as a bonus I think it will appeal equally to both fantasy and historical fiction readers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with this arc.
I really can't find anything negative to say about this book (except that I want more pages) and as a bonus I think it will appeal equally to both fantasy and historical fiction readers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with this arc.
February 4, 2025
This novella was absolutely amazing too… loved getting back story on Ronnat! Seeing her and Fodla with their father… more heartbreak (Lawless is amazing at this), but excitement for the final novel whose title is name dropped in this… excited for that, but again, this was stellar… and makes you hate Tomas that much more!!!
May 20, 2025
5/5 Stars
An engrossing novella, delving into the younger years of Rónnat, Fódla and the Fomorians. Shauna Lawless’ storytelling has a way of capturing my imagination and fully investing me in the characters and world. Simply put, I can’t put these books down and I don’t want the story to end.
Regarding Dreams of Fire, it does a spectacular job at delving into a past hinted to within books 1 & 2 of the series. Exploring the history between the Tuatha Dé Danann and Fomorians, and how both Rónnat and Fódla became the people they are within the main series. Answering questions while opening up so many possibilities.
The character work continues to be skilled, attentive to detail and even with this being a glimpse into the past, growth is still present within the character work.
This novella also does justice to Rónnat’s character. Giving me great respect for her journey throughout the books thus far, that I wouldn't have without this novella. While there are many characters to cheer for, adore or despise, Rónnat is quickly becoming a favourite character for me due to her depth, nuance and ultimately her spirit.
Finally it gives better insight into a political power play and how far back these games go within the story line.
Overall, this is a series I can’t recommend enough and personally don’t want to put down.
An engrossing novella, delving into the younger years of Rónnat, Fódla and the Fomorians. Shauna Lawless’ storytelling has a way of capturing my imagination and fully investing me in the characters and world. Simply put, I can’t put these books down and I don’t want the story to end.
Regarding Dreams of Fire, it does a spectacular job at delving into a past hinted to within books 1 & 2 of the series. Exploring the history between the Tuatha Dé Danann and Fomorians, and how both Rónnat and Fódla became the people they are within the main series. Answering questions while opening up so many possibilities.
The character work continues to be skilled, attentive to detail and even with this being a glimpse into the past, growth is still present within the character work.
This novella also does justice to Rónnat’s character. Giving me great respect for her journey throughout the books thus far, that I wouldn't have without this novella. While there are many characters to cheer for, adore or despise, Rónnat is quickly becoming a favourite character for me due to her depth, nuance and ultimately her spirit.
Finally it gives better insight into a political power play and how far back these games go within the story line.
Overall, this is a series I can’t recommend enough and personally don’t want to put down.
February 25, 2024
Thank you to Head of Zeus publishing and NetGalley for the advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and my review is unbiased.
Dreams of Fire is a wonderful tale of dreams and prophecies; of the awakening prophetic power of Rónnat, a descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and one of the secondary characters from Lawless’s main novels in the Gael Song series.
Rónnat is the older sister of Fódla, who is one of the two female main characters in the Gael Song trilogy. Here we see the strength of her bond with her sister in early womanhood and Fódla’s introduction to Tomas and the rest of the Descendants. This story helps to explain why Rónnat lives where she does in the first novel of the series and answers a few other questions from the main series too.
Dreams of Fire is full of atmospheric threads of Irish folklore and mythology set amidst a backdrop of medieval history, with witches and druids pitting themselves against the murderous fire-wielding Fomorians who want nothing more than to wipe the Descendants off the face of the earth. The fight between the two sides in this novella is exciting and the losses are tragic. Rónnat has had a vision and must transform so she can fly with all haste to the aid of their father in battle. Her transformation ensures that the reader gets a bird’s eye view of the battle:
“He ran forward and threw a huge bolt of fire at the trees, aiming for the crows perched on the branches. The fire enveloped the branches, burning hot. I watched, helpless, as the debris and ash blew in the wind, the crows turned to smouldering embers along with the wood. The branches and roots of the neighbouring trees suddenly shuddered. The ground shifted again, and the trees pulled themselves out of the soil, roots heaving them forward so that their branches could swing at the Fomorians. The roots of the first yew tree weaved around the feet of the Fomorian who had killed the witches, pulling him into the ground. He disappeared from sight, his screams fading. A thick branch slammed to the ground, crushing another Fomorian as he ran underneath.”
The tragedy of individual loss that follows is described with such poignant pain-filled prose that it took my breath away. Rónnat’s vision of the ancestors arriving to claim the bodies of the fallen was beautifully moving:
“I could see our ancestors moving from within the light. One of them was Mother, wearing her silk dress and fur cloak. She kneeled beside Father and touched his face. He woke up, smiling. Without wasting another moment, he jumped onto his feet. Laughing. Throwing his arms around her and holding her in the air. Others came forward. A man who looked just like my father, save for shorter hair and a thinner nose. Grandfather, I thought, though I had never met him. Father hugged him too and together they disappeared into the light.”
The author’s Irish lilt comes through in her writing and the resultant prose is often quite poetic as a result.
Dreams of Fire is a truly gripping story that will work well as an introduction to the series for new readers but equally can be read after the other books to help fill in information about the fabulous characters of the main novels. I highly recommend it to fans of folklore, mythology and stories with intriguing strong female characters. More soon please, Shauna!
Dreams of Fire is a wonderful tale of dreams and prophecies; of the awakening prophetic power of Rónnat, a descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and one of the secondary characters from Lawless’s main novels in the Gael Song series.
Rónnat is the older sister of Fódla, who is one of the two female main characters in the Gael Song trilogy. Here we see the strength of her bond with her sister in early womanhood and Fódla’s introduction to Tomas and the rest of the Descendants. This story helps to explain why Rónnat lives where she does in the first novel of the series and answers a few other questions from the main series too.
Dreams of Fire is full of atmospheric threads of Irish folklore and mythology set amidst a backdrop of medieval history, with witches and druids pitting themselves against the murderous fire-wielding Fomorians who want nothing more than to wipe the Descendants off the face of the earth. The fight between the two sides in this novella is exciting and the losses are tragic. Rónnat has had a vision and must transform so she can fly with all haste to the aid of their father in battle. Her transformation ensures that the reader gets a bird’s eye view of the battle:
“He ran forward and threw a huge bolt of fire at the trees, aiming for the crows perched on the branches. The fire enveloped the branches, burning hot. I watched, helpless, as the debris and ash blew in the wind, the crows turned to smouldering embers along with the wood. The branches and roots of the neighbouring trees suddenly shuddered. The ground shifted again, and the trees pulled themselves out of the soil, roots heaving them forward so that their branches could swing at the Fomorians. The roots of the first yew tree weaved around the feet of the Fomorian who had killed the witches, pulling him into the ground. He disappeared from sight, his screams fading. A thick branch slammed to the ground, crushing another Fomorian as he ran underneath.”
The tragedy of individual loss that follows is described with such poignant pain-filled prose that it took my breath away. Rónnat’s vision of the ancestors arriving to claim the bodies of the fallen was beautifully moving:
“I could see our ancestors moving from within the light. One of them was Mother, wearing her silk dress and fur cloak. She kneeled beside Father and touched his face. He woke up, smiling. Without wasting another moment, he jumped onto his feet. Laughing. Throwing his arms around her and holding her in the air. Others came forward. A man who looked just like my father, save for shorter hair and a thinner nose. Grandfather, I thought, though I had never met him. Father hugged him too and together they disappeared into the light.”
The author’s Irish lilt comes through in her writing and the resultant prose is often quite poetic as a result.
Dreams of Fire is a truly gripping story that will work well as an introduction to the series for new readers but equally can be read after the other books to help fill in information about the fabulous characters of the main novels. I highly recommend it to fans of folklore, mythology and stories with intriguing strong female characters. More soon please, Shauna!
May 31, 2024
Well, consider me hooked!
This was my first dive into the Gael Song series and I absolutely loved it. I knew it would be up my alley because I tend to enjoy stories around Irish folklore, but this was just beyond all expectations! And since it is a novella, it was the perfect introduction to get me into the series. I'm so excited to go read The Children of Gods and Fighting Men and explore more of this world that Shauna has created. Absolutely recommend!
This was my first dive into the Gael Song series and I absolutely loved it. I knew it would be up my alley because I tend to enjoy stories around Irish folklore, but this was just beyond all expectations! And since it is a novella, it was the perfect introduction to get me into the series. I'm so excited to go read The Children of Gods and Fighting Men and explore more of this world that Shauna has created. Absolutely recommend!
April 24, 2025
4.25 / 5
I can't believe how absorbing is this 100 page novella. I really fell in love with Ronnat and felt even more immersed in this world here than I ever did in Children of Gods and Fighting Men - a book a quite enjoyed. I especially loved watching the Descendants work together in battle, gaining a better understanding of what they were all capable of.
Bring on the next Gael Song!
I can't believe how absorbing is this 100 page novella. I really fell in love with Ronnat and felt even more immersed in this world here than I ever did in Children of Gods and Fighting Men - a book a quite enjoyed. I especially loved watching the Descendants work together in battle, gaining a better understanding of what they were all capable of.
Bring on the next Gael Song!
August 19, 2025
I’ve started reading the first chapter of The Children Of Gods And Fighting Men and was made aware that I should read Dreams Of Fire first.
& I’m glad I did. Jumping into this new world was somewhat disorienting at first, but taking a step into Dream Of Fire cleared the waters. The dynamics have been explained and the backgrounds of key characters. This was the perfect start of this saga and although it may be 12.30 AM.. I’m continuing with Book one!
I am ensnared and truly enjoy the uncertainty of who is “good” and who is “evil”.. I’m not sure that truly exists.
Nonetheless, if you’re considering starting this series - don’t skip this rich and powerfully weft introduction!
& I’m glad I did. Jumping into this new world was somewhat disorienting at first, but taking a step into Dream Of Fire cleared the waters. The dynamics have been explained and the backgrounds of key characters. This was the perfect start of this saga and although it may be 12.30 AM.. I’m continuing with Book one!
I am ensnared and truly enjoy the uncertainty of who is “good” and who is “evil”.. I’m not sure that truly exists.
Nonetheless, if you’re considering starting this series - don’t skip this rich and powerfully weft introduction!
March 27, 2024
A very short prequel novella to Shauna Lawless's The Children of Gods and Fighting Men novel. Introduces the reader to a few of the main characters that play an important role in the Gael Song series. If you want a series with strong women characters, and a series that mixes Ancient Irish History with Irish Mythologies, put this on your "To Be Read" list.
August 27, 2025
Terrific novella that gives us more background to a a couple of my favorite characters. I love getting some more history and this definitely helps to build more of the story. I think I would have liked to read this originally before the main series, but honestly it works at any time. What’s fun about this also is that for such a short story, it packs in a lot of tension and action. Give this a shot!
March 16, 2024
WOW!!
Shauna always leaves me in a brilliant light of her awesomeness. This novella was in no way lacking because of it's small size. If anything, it filled that hole in me as I await for book #3.
I'm so glad this was about Rónnat. She was always a bit of a mystery, and I didn't feel as close to her character as Fódla's. But now, I have all the feels for Rónnat! I hope we'll get more of her in the third book!
Shauna always leaves me in a brilliant light of her awesomeness. This novella was in no way lacking because of it's small size. If anything, it filled that hole in me as I await for book #3.
I'm so glad this was about Rónnat. She was always a bit of a mystery, and I didn't feel as close to her character as Fódla's. But now, I have all the feels for Rónnat! I hope we'll get more of her in the third book!
October 30, 2024
Ditch the TBR cuz I'm finishing this series.
October 3, 2024
It was everything I wanted and more! It's not often that I end up loving a novella, I'm quite picky with them.
I already liked Ronnat's characters in the first Gael Song book but having read this prequel I love her even more and I'm so excited to continue this series. Going to start book 2 right after I'm done typing this review!!
I already liked Ronnat's characters in the first Gael Song book but having read this prequel I love her even more and I'm so excited to continue this series. Going to start book 2 right after I'm done typing this review!!
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