Dreams of Sorrow

Gael Song Trilogy #2.5

by Shauna Lawless

A tale of magic, power and heartbreak set in the tumultuous world of medieval Ireland, Dreams of Sorrow is the powerful second novella in Shauna Lawless's Gael Song series.

Senna is fifteen and deeply in love. When a traumatic event leads to her unleashing powers she never knew she had, she learns her true her grandmother was a witch and a Descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the legendary former rulers of Ireland.

But such gifts are hard to control, and Senna's abilities mean that she might forever lose her place in the mortal world.

When she encounters other Descendants with similar powers, things start to look brighter. Anaile, old and wise, can help guide her path. Tomas, deeply ambitious, reveals the truth behind many strange mysteries. And Gobnat, a vivacious young witch, shows Senna how to control her magic.

But torn between a mortal existence and a magical one, Senna must make a decision that will shape her life... in more ways than she could ever expect.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Novella, Historical Fantasy, Mythology, Adult

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2024

Reviews

[William Gwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been provided access to Dreams of Sorrow by Head of Zeus via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.

Absolutely loved the first novella and the first instalment of Gael Song, so of course I was excited to see if Shauna Lawless was going to make this 3/3 for me.

In short, she did!

Senna is a great, compelling younger character who is suddenly thrown into a whole new world, as she discovers she has unique abilities, and must instantly leave behind all that she knows, including the man she loves.

We have a great mix of new and familiar characters, so you can read this to enhance your Gael Song experience, or to dive into after reading just the first novella of the series. In just a short page count, we are provided a compelling, engaging read that had an incredible finale.

[Shauna Lawless]

Hello everyone - this is my second Gael Song novella!

This one is a reward for my loyal readers and should be read after The Children of Gods and Fighting Men and The Words of Kings and Prophets.

I’m very excited for you all to discover more about Senna 🐦‍⬛

Out on July 4th!!

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are only five things I want to say about this story:

① Shauna Lawless writes some of the best novellas I've ever read.

② A miserable 101 pages?! This cannot be! This will not do! I demand an explanation! And at least a hundred more novellas in this series.

③ Tomas, you are such an EVIL BASTARD. Please have the decency to die a slightly excruciating death post haste. Thank thee kindly and stuff.

④ To those who are familiar with the series and don't remember who Senna is. Please, for the love of all that is shrimpy, DON'T LOOK IT UP BEFORE READING THIS NOVELLA. It will make the ending even more mind-blowing for you. You are quite welcome.

⑤



· Book 0.5: Dreams of Fire ★★★★★
· Book 0.6: Dreams of Chaos ★★★★★
· Book 1: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Words of Kings and Prophets ★★★★★
· Book 3: The Land of the Living and the Dead ★★★★★

Gael Song Era 2:
· Book 1: Daughter of the Otherworld ★★★

[Edward Gwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's Gaelic for 'Tomas is a git'?

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged enough to receive an ARC copy of this novella in the Gael Song series, and needless to say, I enjoyed my chance to spend a little more time in this historical world immensely! This book is set before the main trilogy takes place and is noted as best read between books 2 and 3. It sets up some of what happens in the 3rd book very well. I actually didn't mind at all reading this after I'd read book 3 as it just went back and filled in some background very nicely. I can definitely say that if you've enjoyed reading any of the other books in this series or are looking for a great historical fantasy, you will enjoy reading this as well. It fits in perfectly and has the same distinct style and feel to it as the others, a style and feel that I really find easy to read and enjoy. I cannot recommend reading all of the books and novellas in this series enough. The characters, storyline, setting are all magical, and so well written and I have had nothing but fun reading them all. 5/5 stars for me.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Dropped everything when I received an arc of this novella!!

Absolutely heartbreaking. To see the start of a certain character brought so much added depth to the overall narrative and will make me reconsider everything as I get ready to reread book 2. Also loved the window into the evil of a CERTAIN SOMEONE.

The only reason this is rated slightly lower than the first novella is because I didn’t feel quite as connected to the main pov but I would say this is faster paced and everyone that enjoys the Gael song will love this.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to speak my truth: I can’t wrap my head around why everyone hates Tomas so passionately. He’s such a bland, generic villain to me. He’s, like, a cartoon-evil-laugh villain. Just straight up Bad Guy™️. Characters like Gobnat and Cedric, who have some complexity and some understanding of right and wrong but do shitty things anyway, are a million times more hateable to me.

[Patrycja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like those additional novellas, they don't have any plot-changing event but add quite some background to the creation of several side characters. I really recommend them to every fan of Gael Song.

[Lezlie The Nerdy Narrative · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU to the publisher, Head of Zeus, and the author, Shauna Lawless, for graciously providing a NetGalley link to this book for me to read and review! All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.

Shauna Lawless has delivered another impeccably written installment for her Irish-inspired historical fantasy series, Gael Song.

It is incredibly satisfying to get the full story behind some of the most mysterious characters from the Gael Song series. In the case of this novella, DREAMS OF SORROW, it has inspired a few predictions of what may (or may not) occur in the next book of the main trilogy.

The ability to do magic is not always a gift one would want, especially for young Senna, whose is on the verge of having the life she's been dreaming of. Those who are meant to help her, train her to use her magic safely - none of than the fabled Descendants of the Tuatha De Danann, the former rulers of Ireland.

This is Senna's story, where she is torn between the mortal world and the magical one she never knew existed.

Shauna Lawless captured the inner turmoil of Senna so poignantly. It also stoked within me a rage - a thirst for vengeance which I do so hope to see come to bear in the next full length novel in this series later this year.

I've been recommending this series since I read the first book, but if there were ever a time to jump on board, it is now.

If you prefer watching video reviews, 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., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E. & Mel

[Patrícia R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Tomas has 100 haters, I’m one of them.
It Tomas has 10 haters, i’m one of them.
If Tomas has one hater, it’s me.
If Tomas has no haters, I’m dead.

That said, I loved it. Can't wait for The Land of the Living and the Dead to come out! I hope to see more of Senna. The poor girl deserves a happy ending after all she was put through.

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacHalo Buddy Read

Another outstanding novella by Shauna Lawless. Gael Song has fast become my favorite series. I love Shauna's storytelling and everything to do with the Tuatha De Danann.

If you have read the other books of Gael Song, you MUST read this one! If you haven't read any of the Gael Song please read The Children of Gods and Fighting Men and The Words of Kings and Prophets first.

[Machiavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to love Gael Song. Every one has been 5-stars and this novella continues that trend. Was a great little story that’s also heartbreaking…. One more novella then I will finish out the trilogy

[Sarah Allwarden · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point I will read anything Shauna Lawless writes for this series and love it. The queen of heartbreak and betrayal and writing fascinating and love to hate them characters. Can’t wait for September!

[Cortnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

August 2025 re-read. I wish nothing but an unrelentingly itchy butthole for Tomas.







I don't know that I have ever rated a novella 5 stars, but here we are.

I've seen some discourse on when to read this novella in the series, and I read it before The Words of Kings and Prophets and do not regret that decision one bit. This gives us the back story of Senna (yes, exactly who you're thinking) and the lecherous behavior of a certain druid. This gave me the fuel I needed to rage every time Tomas appeared in the second book.

Shauna Lawless, take all my money. I will buy anything you write.

[Aleksandra Z. | cranky_ola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was heartbreaking. I knew Tomas was evil but this is a whole new level. And now his sidekick witch becomes my enemy #3 (after this sick bastard and Gormflaith).
I devoured the novels and novellas within a week. I'm ready for the next book!

[lookmairead · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the villain award goes to… *shakes fist*

Tomas! 🐦‍⬛

4.5/5 Rounded up because I’m running to the book 3 ARC later this month!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐
This almost felt like reading a horror fantasy story.
The writing was absolutely exquisite, as always. Written in a way that it pulls you in immediately, and makes you feel all the emotions, even on a 100 pages novella.

[Huck · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Sheeb ⚔️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually anti novella because I need more than a quick jaunt to satisfy my curiosity.. but this was incredible. I love this series. It is fantastically detailed, totally unique, and wonderfully layered. Each character has so much depth, down to the tiniest crow!

I cannot wait for book 3 to arrive and absolutely captivate me :)

[Matt Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gael Song series so far:

1. The Children of Gods and Fighting Men: 5 stars
2. The Words of Kings and Prophets: 5 stars
3. Dreams of Fire: 5 stars
4. Dreams of Sorrow: 5 stars

Total: 20/20 stars

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this brilliant novella which should be read after The Words of Kings and Prophets. Such an eye opener to the characters we have learned to hate!!! Oh the sleekedness of Tomas!!!!

[Jamilyn Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! #justiceforsenna in book 3 🙏

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t mind me, just brainstorming all the horrible things I want to happen to Tomas in The Land of the Living and the Dead!

[Mair Alys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate Tomas. I hate him so much.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book from NetGalley and Shauna Lawless in exchange for a fair and honest review

First of all I must recommend you all read this novella after reading “The Words of Kings and Prophets” for a better experience of the journey. Get to know Senna’s “present” before going back to its past.

Because this is such a short book there is so much I can tell you about it. I cannot give away anything of the plot for it would spoil your experience reading it and you should be surprised by the revelations in this book. I can only say that some of the characters in the main “Gael Song” story show their real nature here, there’s a lot of anger, pain, and violence in a way. Shauna controls that masterfully so it doesn’t sound too much, just the right amount for us to feel what the characters are feeling, even those we don’t like. She calls our empathy and she succeeds in that. And it explains some aspects of the trilogy that at least so far are a mystery. So the real question is, is this book worth it? And my answer is, yes, definitely yes.

If you’ve read anything from Shauna Lawless you already know how compelling, exciting and lyrical her writings are. This novella is written in the same line, but of course the story is less subtle, since there’s not much space to include more twists and turns than what it already has and there are no subplots. It goes straight to the point, more so compared to the novels. But the writing is the same dreamy and legendary as it always is with the author, and that’s what I love the most about her books. Each book she releases confirms that she is a favourite of mine.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what another amazing novella! Review to come! 🐦‍⬛

(FINAL REVIEW:)

Oh man. . . What can I talk about that won’t potentially spoil the series for those who haven’t read it yet? I guess first I’ll just say that this was a wonderful addition to the world of the Gael Song series and a great look into a side character that you don’t particularly question at first: Senna. 🌿

In this novella, we’re introduced to her as a young 16 year old who goes about her life as a seemingly normal mortal girl. But something happens that thrusts her head first into the world of the Descendants, and most importantly, into the path of Tomas. I found her story compelling as she tries navigate a world that she is suddenly abandoned into while at the same time, finding that she’s come at a rather tense moment in the Descendants’ politics. Her ending not only makes sense for the main series, but also makes her character even more tragic in my opinion. 😔

I really enjoyed a deeper look into Tomas’s intentions with the Druid seat and his relationship with Fódla and even Gobnat. While his hopes come from a good place, the way he goes about achieving them is despicable and incredibly questionable. I really loved the dynamic that Lawless introduced with Tomas’s father. This relationship really shows how desperate Tomas has become to achieve what he believes is a better path for the Descendants. 🪴

All in all, I had a great time with this novella and it makes me all the more excited for the final installment for the first age of Descendant/Fomorian influenced history of Ireland. I do secretly hope something will happen for Senna in the upcoming book, but knowing the epic fantasy genre, I’m not too optimistic. 🥲

Overall: 5/5 (if you know me, this rating won’t come as a shock) ⭐️

[Jamedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

Dreams of Sorrow is a new novella in the historical fantasy series Gael Song, written by Shauna Lawless, and which will be published by Head of Zeus. As a note, the recommendation of the author is to read Dreams of Sorrow after finishing The Words of Kings and Prophets, so consider this book as the 2.5 in the Gael Song series; and let me tell you, Lawless packs a big punch in this novella, an intense story of love, ambition and treason.

In Dreams of Sorrow, Lawless tells the story of an innocent teenager in love, Senna, who unexpectedly discovers her powers after she's angered during a festival; shortly after, her mother reveals the truth about her lineage, discovering that Senna is a Descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann. As a way to protect her, she's sent with other Descendants, where she can learn to control her gift and use her magic.

However, for a girl growing between the mortal and magical existence, things are not really easy and the appearances prove to be deceiving. The reader will soon recognise other characters from the Gael Song series, and especially, they will get a taste of the ambition and thirst of power of Tomas; together with Gobnat, he will try to gain the control over the druids.

In a short length, Lawless manages to pack a meaningful story, which can be enjoyed as a standalone, but that will reward those loyal readers that have accompanied her during the series. With her characteristic mix between history and fantasy, we are transported to that Viking Ireland and get a new taste of what this series can offer.

[Annie♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this a 4.75.

Dreams of Sorrow is a beautifully written, emotionally heavy novella that digs into the darker corners of the Gael Song world. Even though it’s short, it hits with the impact of a full novel. The atmosphere is tense from the start, and the way the story unfolds feels both intimate and haunting.

I was completely pulled in by Senna’s journey. There’s a rawness to her perspective that makes every choice, every discovery, and every moment of fear feel painfully real. Lawless balances magic, history, and emotion in a way that never feels rushed. And the ending… honestly, it shocked me. I thought I understood where the story was heading, and then it veered into a place I absolutely wasn’t prepared for—in the best, most devastating way.

I genuinely recommend reading this after finishing Book 2, The Words of Kings and Prophets. If you’re already invested in this world, this novella is absolutely worth your time. I’m diving straight into Book 3—I need to know where this all leads.

[Shanna (shannasaurus_rex_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars! Another excellent novella in the Gael Song series! This is a quick read that provides some heartbreaking backstory and reinforces my hatred of a certain character. Oh, I hate him so much. I love how Lawless uses her novellas to enhance the ongoing story rather than just giving readers a random side story set in the same world. Both ‘Dreams of Sorrow’ and ‘Dreams of Fire’ add a layer of background and detail that will give the final book a bigger impact, and I am SO READY to see how everything wraps up in ‘The Land of the Living and the Dead.’

[Jean Lindholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story of Senna

Putting a story together that involves many different peoples - magic and mortal - takes a myriad of moving parts. This short and not so sweet story is a tale of the origin of one of our characters. That character is not revealed until the end, and is very surprising. Thank you, Shauna, for feeding us these tidbits while waiting in anticipation for the next book!