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Gael Song Era 2 #1
Daughter of the Otherworld
From the author of the Gael Song trilogy, an epic new historical fantasy set in the tumultuous, magical world of medieval Ireland during the time of the Norman invasion.
Over a hundred years after she went missing, Isolde, born to the family of a famous Irish king and a powerful immortal, inexplicably reappears.
Her mother's kin, the Descendants, are one of the two magical races of Ireland. But no Descendant can understand the reasons for Isolde's disappearance, and worse yet, she is giftless – born with no magical ability, a dangerous thing when the magic-rich Fomorians, ancient enemies of the Descendants, are growing in strength.
The Fomorians no longer control any Irish kingdoms, but they still desire control over the mortal world. They seek to spread their dangerous webs wider by manipulating England's Norman lords to invade Ireland.
Not yet eighteen, Isolde's world is about to change for ever. But when death and destruction seem inevitable, her true worth will show itself, for Isolde is far more than she seems.
Reviews for Shauna Lawless
'Highly recommended' Lucy Holland
'Highlander meets The Last Kingdom' Anthony Ryan
'Gripping and beautiful' Anna Smith Spark
'An excellent read' Mark Lawrence
Over a hundred years after she went missing, Isolde, born to the family of a famous Irish king and a powerful immortal, inexplicably reappears.
Her mother's kin, the Descendants, are one of the two magical races of Ireland. But no Descendant can understand the reasons for Isolde's disappearance, and worse yet, she is giftless – born with no magical ability, a dangerous thing when the magic-rich Fomorians, ancient enemies of the Descendants, are growing in strength.
The Fomorians no longer control any Irish kingdoms, but they still desire control over the mortal world. They seek to spread their dangerous webs wider by manipulating England's Norman lords to invade Ireland.
Not yet eighteen, Isolde's world is about to change for ever. But when death and destruction seem inevitable, her true worth will show itself, for Isolde is far more than she seems.
Reviews for Shauna Lawless
'Highly recommended' Lucy Holland
'Highlander meets The Last Kingdom' Anthony Ryan
'Gripping and beautiful' Anna Smith Spark
'An excellent read' Mark Lawrence
480 pages, ebook
First published September 11, 2025
77 people are currently reading
2751 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
August 4, 2025
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Having DNFed two books in quick succession - one massively popular, one a little known self-published book - it's great to be reading something that I'm actively enjoying.
Finished!
Another fine book from Shauna Lawless. The four Gael Song books so far have maintained an excellent standard and have been extremely readable from start to finish.
If I say that despite a 150 time gap (not so disruptive when your main characters live for ~500 years) book 4 delivers "more of the same", it's not meant in a discouraging way. More of the same excellence. The style and dilemmas are similar, and beautifully painted for us. The background has changed somewhat - still Ireland but now the Normans are spilling over post conquest of England and are mixing things up.
We have some of our old characters and some very engaging new ones. Youngsters from book 3 have grown up into formidable adults. There are twists and surprises. There's incipient romance mixed with brutal violence. There's the life of women of the time contrasted with the life of men, and there's the overlap and interaction both at societal levels and personal ones. Plenty of myth-based magic in the mix too.
It's great stuff and if you've not jumped on this series yet, then do so!
Join my Patreon
Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
Having DNFed two books in quick succession - one massively popular, one a little known self-published book - it's great to be reading something that I'm actively enjoying.
Finished!
Another fine book from Shauna Lawless. The four Gael Song books so far have maintained an excellent standard and have been extremely readable from start to finish.
If I say that despite a 150 time gap (not so disruptive when your main characters live for ~500 years) book 4 delivers "more of the same", it's not meant in a discouraging way. More of the same excellence. The style and dilemmas are similar, and beautifully painted for us. The background has changed somewhat - still Ireland but now the Normans are spilling over post conquest of England and are mixing things up.
We have some of our old characters and some very engaging new ones. Youngsters from book 3 have grown up into formidable adults. There are twists and surprises. There's incipient romance mixed with brutal violence. There's the life of women of the time contrasted with the life of men, and there's the overlap and interaction both at societal levels and personal ones. Plenty of myth-based magic in the mix too.
It's great stuff and if you've not jumped on this series yet, then do so!
Join my Patreon
Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
Read
May 31, 2025Hello everyone,
So Book 4 in the Gael Song will be out soon!
To be clear, this is a new era - but a few of the characters from the first era are here...
I enjoyed writing Daughter of the Otherworld so much - and I'm really excited about everybody getting a chance to read it! If anyone wants to join in a readalong, my discord channel will be hosting one.
(The readalong for The Children of Gods and Fighting Men will begin on the 1st June 2025)
Here is the link code for the discord group - https://discord.gg/7RrGJPUy
So Book 4 in the Gael Song will be out soon!
To be clear, this is a new era - but a few of the characters from the first era are here...
I enjoyed writing Daughter of the Otherworld so much - and I'm really excited about everybody getting a chance to read it! If anyone wants to join in a readalong, my discord channel will be hosting one.
(The readalong for The Children of Gods and Fighting Men will begin on the 1st June 2025)
Here is the link code for the discord group - https://discord.gg/7RrGJPUy
October 3, 2025
Wow, I don't know how, but Shauna Lawless has somehow once again upped her previous work. I fell in love with her debut, but since then she has consistently improved her craft and that trajectory continues with Daughter of the Otherworld.
Whilst connected to the first trilogy, much of Era 2 is a separate story, so of course there was an element in the back of my head wondering how this could create and capture the genius of the first trilogy whilst keeping it fresh and introducing something entirely new. It is no mean feat to do so, but Lawless managed to do it. This is her sharpest novel to date. The plot cuts like a knife, and keeps you hooked to the page. It feels lyrical but far from ornamental or over-the-top in terms of prose, and introduces you to a new cast of characters that similarly leap from the page.
Mythology, history and fantasy merged into a whirlwind of immersion and compelling characters with mysteries aplenty. There is so much tension as the multi-PoV approach is utilised brilliantly. I already cannot wait to pick book 2 up!
5/5 STARS
Whilst connected to the first trilogy, much of Era 2 is a separate story, so of course there was an element in the back of my head wondering how this could create and capture the genius of the first trilogy whilst keeping it fresh and introducing something entirely new. It is no mean feat to do so, but Lawless managed to do it. This is her sharpest novel to date. The plot cuts like a knife, and keeps you hooked to the page. It feels lyrical but far from ornamental or over-the-top in terms of prose, and introduces you to a new cast of characters that similarly leap from the page.
Mythology, history and fantasy merged into a whirlwind of immersion and compelling characters with mysteries aplenty. There is so much tension as the multi-PoV approach is utilised brilliantly. I already cannot wait to pick book 2 up!
5/5 STARS
October 6, 2025
I love Shauna Lawless' books. I love the world she has created in this series. I love the way she writes. I love how wonderfully complex and beautifully flawed her characters are. But as hard as I tried (and our Lord Shrimp know I TRIED), I just didn't love this book.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad book. (How could it be when Shauna Lawless wrote it 😬.) It's just that it doesn't live up to previous installments in the series. Mostly because it's somewhat "lighter" than the first trilogy and lacks its depth and complexity. (What it sure doesn't lack is wonderfully unpronounceable Gaelic names like Derbhfhorgaill—try saying that three times fast. Actually, I love the character list/pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book so much I'm thinking of framing it up.) It's not as gripping or exciting either. Actually, it's all rather flat. It's also predictable, when previous installments were anything but.
I guess what disappointed me most was the main character. Isolde is pretty bland compared to Fódla, the female lead of the first trilogy. She is not as engaging a character, and I couldn't bring myself to care much about her. Oh, how I wish there had been more chapters dedicated to Gormflaith (the most scrumptious resident villainess)! Her character is amazingly complex and much, much more interesting than Isolde's. She's such a fantastic role model for wannabe evil wretches, too! (Maleficent has absolutely nothing on her and is as sweet as a newborn lamb compared to dear Gormflaith here. Also, I'm pretty sure even Lady—aka the #1 Villainess of All Time—could learn a thing or two from her. That should tell you something.)
Lastly but not leastly, (spoiler for the end of the book)
And that is all. I haven't yet decided whether I'll read the next book in the series when it's published. I think I'll probably letone of my favorite Guinea pigs Karen road-test it for me. Then again, she enjoyed this installment a lot more than I did, so I'm not sure she can be trusted.
👋 Until next time and stuff.
Gael Song Era 1:
· 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 2.5: Dreams of Sorrow ★★★★★
· Book 3: The Land of the Living and the Dead ★★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
A miserable 3-star rating for a Shauna Lawless book? Surely this must be the end.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
P.S. Yeah yeah yeah I know, I read it wrong.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad book. (How could it be when Shauna Lawless wrote it 😬.) It's just that it doesn't live up to previous installments in the series. Mostly because it's somewhat "lighter" than the first trilogy and lacks its depth and complexity. (What it sure doesn't lack is wonderfully unpronounceable Gaelic names like Derbhfhorgaill—try saying that three times fast. Actually, I love the character list/pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book so much I'm thinking of framing it up.) It's not as gripping or exciting either. Actually, it's all rather flat. It's also predictable, when previous installments were anything but.
I guess what disappointed me most was the main character. Isolde is pretty bland compared to Fódla, the female lead of the first trilogy. She is not as engaging a character, and I couldn't bring myself to care much about her. Oh, how I wish there had been more chapters dedicated to Gormflaith (the most scrumptious resident villainess)! Her character is amazingly complex and much, much more interesting than Isolde's. She's such a fantastic role model for wannabe evil wretches, too! (Maleficent has absolutely nothing on her and is as sweet as a newborn lamb compared to dear Gormflaith here. Also, I'm pretty sure even Lady—aka the #1 Villainess of All Time—could learn a thing or two from her. That should tell you something.)
Lastly but not leastly, (spoiler for the end of the book)
And that is all. I haven't yet decided whether I'll read the next book in the series when it's published. I think I'll probably let
👋 Until next time and stuff.
Gael Song Era 1:
· 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 2.5: Dreams of Sorrow ★★★★★
· Book 3: The Land of the Living and the Dead ★★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
A miserable 3-star rating for a Shauna Lawless book? Surely this must be the end.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
P.S. Yeah yeah yeah I know, I read it wrong.
September 30, 2025
I was a fool and forgot to update my Goodreads for this book!
I know I say it every time I read a new book by Shauna but... this might be my favourite one.
Characters we know and love (and hate), some new faces, Lawless' classic immersion with character relationships at the centre. This is a beautiful and powerful story that has some of the most profound character dynamics I've ever read.
I know I say it every time I read a new book by Shauna but... this might be my favourite one.
Characters we know and love (and hate), some new faces, Lawless' classic immersion with character relationships at the centre. This is a beautiful and powerful story that has some of the most profound character dynamics I've ever read.
December 25, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for access to this eARC! All opinions are my own.
____________
The first half and second half of this feel like entirely different books. The first half had a gripping premise: two warring families fighting over hundreds of years and a prophecy detailing the death of someone in one family by the hands of someone in the other. It was intriguing, but after the 50% mark it really went downhill for me. Everything after that got very dull, and the introduction of all these new, random characters that we are supposed to care about did not work at all. The original premise felt forgotten, and the most POVs that we got were of the character I liked the least, while the more interesting POV was hardly seen.
A great premise, with some weak characters and a meandering plot.
____________
The first half and second half of this feel like entirely different books. The first half had a gripping premise: two warring families fighting over hundreds of years and a prophecy detailing the death of someone in one family by the hands of someone in the other. It was intriguing, but after the 50% mark it really went downhill for me. Everything after that got very dull, and the introduction of all these new, random characters that we are supposed to care about did not work at all. The original premise felt forgotten, and the most POVs that we got were of the character I liked the least, while the more interesting POV was hardly seen.
A great premise, with some weak characters and a meandering plot.
June 21, 2025
Historical Irish fantasy!
A continuation of the Gael Song trilogy, fifty years later.
Isolde, the last Descendant, Fódla’s baby who had been taken to the otherworld is the prophesied daughter able to destroy fire. She lives in obscurity on an island protected by Broccan, unknowing of her family and her magic with no gift showing.
Gormflaith is living in Paris with her brother, son, niece and grandson. They have been running from Broccan’s hunting until recently. Now they see a chance to return to Ireland to meddle in wars and kill the prophesied daughter.
Isolde is a great protagonist to follow. She isn’t a hero, she didn’t even know of the magical world at the start. She is careful, yet curious. Independent and self-sufficient, but often naive.
For who wanted love when they could be a queen?
Gormflaith continues her manipulation and her pessimistic outlook on love and the position of women.
I would not recommend reading this series without having first reading the initial trilogy. There are past characters, continuations of character arcs, conflicts, and history. Whilst there is a little bit of background infomation given, it is not near enough.
I think that is one of my biggest grievances as I felt unsatisfied by the ending of the first trilogy and now we have this trilogy following on years later extending the feuds and grudges.
There was also a plot pointed I despised towards the end as it felt like cheating, but I will not spoil it. If you have read it, please message me.
The first 40% was my favourite and then after that felt very similar to the earlier trilogy.
Physical arc gifted by Head of Zeus.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
A continuation of the Gael Song trilogy, fifty years later.
Isolde, the last Descendant, Fódla’s baby who had been taken to the otherworld is the prophesied daughter able to destroy fire. She lives in obscurity on an island protected by Broccan, unknowing of her family and her magic with no gift showing.
Gormflaith is living in Paris with her brother, son, niece and grandson. They have been running from Broccan’s hunting until recently. Now they see a chance to return to Ireland to meddle in wars and kill the prophesied daughter.
Isolde is a great protagonist to follow. She isn’t a hero, she didn’t even know of the magical world at the start. She is careful, yet curious. Independent and self-sufficient, but often naive.
For who wanted love when they could be a queen?
Gormflaith continues her manipulation and her pessimistic outlook on love and the position of women.
I would not recommend reading this series without having first reading the initial trilogy. There are past characters, continuations of character arcs, conflicts, and history. Whilst there is a little bit of background infomation given, it is not near enough.
I think that is one of my biggest grievances as I felt unsatisfied by the ending of the first trilogy and now we have this trilogy following on years later extending the feuds and grudges.
There was also a plot pointed I despised towards the end as it felt like cheating, but I will not spoil it. If you have read it, please message me.
The first 40% was my favourite and then after that felt very similar to the earlier trilogy.
Physical arc gifted by Head of Zeus.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
November 7, 2025
The first thing I will say is dont read this book if you haven't read the first trilogy. This is being sold as a new trilogy and the next era of Shauna Lawless' first trilogy, Gael Song, but it honestly felt like book 4 to me. I say that having only read the first book of Gael Song, but the beginning of this book felt like such a continuation that it took a while for it to stand on its own. Some of the characters from the first trilogy are still alive and present or POVs even. While I still enjoyed this book, I'm now very spoiled on the first trilogy, which I still want to read... if I ever give up my quest for a matching hardcover of book 2. I swear they printed like 5 of those suckers...
Anyway, while I struggled to get into this in the beginning, it turned into something I couldn't put down, and I ended up crushing the second half of the book in a night. I do really love Shauna's writing. Her storytelling is impeccable, and yet... this is going to sound so stupid, but something always keeps me from completely being blown away. I have no idea what, and I literally just said I couldn't put it down, so yes, I'm raving like a crazy lady here, but its just not something I feel like I will think about more now that its done.
I think the biggest nitpick is her character work. There's no one I truly adore? Isolde is fine. I enjoyed her more at the beginning because she's lived a very sheltered life, and later on in the story, she just feels so naive and passive. She spends a lot of the book being bounced around and talking of escape but making zero moves to achieve it. I get that this is more the reality of women at the time, but I could have used something more. Just think of a plan, even if it never comes to fruition. I sense some feminine rage ahead, and I'll be delighted if she evolves into that.
The other characters feel like maybe a spoiler for the first trilogy to mention? I still hate one all the way from book 1. The other I liked disappeared for most of the book and didn't have a POV till the end.
Again, I have no idea why I'm complaining? at all about a book I devoured. The writing is great. The storytelling is definitely what sinks its teeth into me, I just wish for characters I am slightly more in love with. I will say the one thing that kinda got me screaming (again for good and bad) is that this book felt like an enemies to lovers by the end, and like bestie, please don't force this into a romantasy just to appease and attract the TikTok girlie. Im all for romance in my fantasy, but please dont turn this into tropey nonsense, which you have such a delightful historical base and strong story. 🙏
I still highly recommend these, and im determined to go back to the first trilogy. It might just be that this one is gearing up because I am excited for book 2. I make no sense. It's literally fine. Just go read these for yourself. 🤣
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for the free arc in exchange for a review. As you can see, it didn't affect my crazines... I mean review.
Anyway, while I struggled to get into this in the beginning, it turned into something I couldn't put down, and I ended up crushing the second half of the book in a night. I do really love Shauna's writing. Her storytelling is impeccable, and yet... this is going to sound so stupid, but something always keeps me from completely being blown away. I have no idea what, and I literally just said I couldn't put it down, so yes, I'm raving like a crazy lady here, but its just not something I feel like I will think about more now that its done.
I think the biggest nitpick is her character work. There's no one I truly adore? Isolde is fine. I enjoyed her more at the beginning because she's lived a very sheltered life, and later on in the story, she just feels so naive and passive. She spends a lot of the book being bounced around and talking of escape but making zero moves to achieve it. I get that this is more the reality of women at the time, but I could have used something more. Just think of a plan, even if it never comes to fruition. I sense some feminine rage ahead, and I'll be delighted if she evolves into that.
The other characters feel like maybe a spoiler for the first trilogy to mention? I still hate one all the way from book 1. The other I liked disappeared for most of the book and didn't have a POV till the end.
Again, I have no idea why I'm complaining? at all about a book I devoured. The writing is great. The storytelling is definitely what sinks its teeth into me, I just wish for characters I am slightly more in love with. I will say the one thing that kinda got me screaming (again for good and bad) is that this book felt like an enemies to lovers by the end, and like bestie, please don't force this into a romantasy just to appease and attract the TikTok girlie. Im all for romance in my fantasy, but please dont turn this into tropey nonsense, which you have such a delightful historical base and strong story. 🙏
I still highly recommend these, and im determined to go back to the first trilogy. It might just be that this one is gearing up because I am excited for book 2. I make no sense. It's literally fine. Just go read these for yourself. 🤣
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for the free arc in exchange for a review. As you can see, it didn't affect my crazines... I mean review.
August 21, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Another magical installment in the Gael Song series!
I so loved being back in this world, with some old characters and getting to fall in love with some new ones. I think it took me awhile to get into the story but somewhere around 40% things started to really take off and I was hooked. I hadn’t reread Gael Song which I regretted a bit as I struggled to remember a lot of minor characters and pick up on clues to lineages from Era 1 that fed into Era 2. I think the romance pacing felt a bit off. A great first setup novel to the new era.
My jaw was pretty much on the floor for the last 10%, the end so was explosive and amazing and I can’t believe I have to go back to waiting for more from Shauna 😭 Everyone go pick this up when it comes out so I have more people to chat theories with eek!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the eARC, all opinions my own.
Another magical installment in the Gael Song series!
I so loved being back in this world, with some old characters and getting to fall in love with some new ones. I think it took me awhile to get into the story but somewhere around 40% things started to really take off and I was hooked. I hadn’t reread Gael Song which I regretted a bit as I struggled to remember a lot of minor characters and pick up on clues to lineages from Era 1 that fed into Era 2. I think the romance pacing felt a bit off. A great first setup novel to the new era.
My jaw was pretty much on the floor for the last 10%, the end so was explosive and amazing and I can’t believe I have to go back to waiting for more from Shauna 😭 Everyone go pick this up when it comes out so I have more people to chat theories with eek!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the eARC, all opinions my own.
July 13, 2025
SO good to be back in this world - this new trilogy is already off to such a fantastic start, promising all the magic, tension and intricate plotting of the Gael Song trilogy with a cast of characters both new and familiar. Very glad to see Gormflaith up to her usual scheming, and also very glad to see the same flavour of subtle but heart wrenching romantic subplotting that coloured the Gael Song is back in the new trilogy 😫😫😫
November 28, 2025
This is the start of an intriguing new series set in the 12th century in the same universe as Gael Song, an earlier trilogy of which was set in the 10th century. I thought I would be totally lost not having read the Era 1 books, but I could follow along pretty well as this series introduced some new characters; I was just in the dark about the backstory and I didn't connect as well to the Fomorians, the villains in this universe.
Infused with Irish mythology and medieval history, I found this to be a gripping entry in this universe, though at times it felt like a filler book. The new characters were intriguing, however, and I especially loved the FMC, Isolde. My disconnect with the worldbuilding and some of the characters is likely due to being late to the party in this universe.
A descendent of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Isolde is raised in ignorance of her true nature on a remote island by her cousin, Broccan, who schools her in languages and combat but not the way the real world works. But her small world is shattered when their enemies, the Fomorians, come for her, leaving violence and destruction in her wake. Alone now, she leaves the island in search of family who can teach her how to use her witch gifts, and along the way becomes swept up in the camp of an enemy king. I loved her slow burn romance with Cuan, a warrior destined to become a king, and also her enemy.
At times the story kind of dragged and got lost in the worldbuilding, and I found the history and mythology interesting but sometimes it also read like a history lesson. But overall I found the story gripping and Isolde's chosen one character really drew me in. The romance at times lacked some heat and tension, because for so much of the book I only saw friendship between them, but when things changed for them it wasn't a sudden revelation.
I learned quite a bit about Irish gods and medieval history from reading this book. I would read more in this series and check out the earlier books. I definitely need more historical Irish fantasy in my life. I'm not tired of all European fantasy worlds; I just want European cultures that don't get explored enough, and not just a generic white medieval setting with knights and magic.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Infused with Irish mythology and medieval history, I found this to be a gripping entry in this universe, though at times it felt like a filler book. The new characters were intriguing, however, and I especially loved the FMC, Isolde. My disconnect with the worldbuilding and some of the characters is likely due to being late to the party in this universe.
A descendent of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Isolde is raised in ignorance of her true nature on a remote island by her cousin, Broccan, who schools her in languages and combat but not the way the real world works. But her small world is shattered when their enemies, the Fomorians, come for her, leaving violence and destruction in her wake. Alone now, she leaves the island in search of family who can teach her how to use her witch gifts, and along the way becomes swept up in the camp of an enemy king. I loved her slow burn romance with Cuan, a warrior destined to become a king, and also her enemy.
At times the story kind of dragged and got lost in the worldbuilding, and I found the history and mythology interesting but sometimes it also read like a history lesson. But overall I found the story gripping and Isolde's chosen one character really drew me in. The romance at times lacked some heat and tension, because for so much of the book I only saw friendship between them, but when things changed for them it wasn't a sudden revelation.
I learned quite a bit about Irish gods and medieval history from reading this book. I would read more in this series and check out the earlier books. I definitely need more historical Irish fantasy in my life. I'm not tired of all European fantasy worlds; I just want European cultures that don't get explored enough, and not just a generic white medieval setting with knights and magic.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2025
ARC provided by NetGallery, thank you!
More than a century after era one, we re-enter the world of the Descendants and Fomorians. Isolde emerged from the Hawthorne tree nearly 18 years ago, while the Fomorians have spent more than a lifetime away from Ireland. Prophecies, schemes, wars, and magic simmer below the surface as this new story begins to unfold.
This book is yet another masterful blend of history and magic. It feels both fresh and familiar, threading new and old characters and stories together.
Lawless combines Irish mythology, political intrigue, history, and a coming-of-age story together into an addictive and powerful read. It contains complex and well-rounded characters that have distinct voices and motivations. The stakes, the struggles, and the emotional depth of this novel is rich, and told through thoughtful, beautiful, prose. Which makes every revelation and heartbreak land devastatingly. While the pace is suspenseful and exciting (or gut wrenchingly tense).
In this new era, I'm still engaged and surprised by the magic and mythology. It's expanded but retains its essence; I was enthralled and theorising as I read. The world's brutality strikes contrastingly with the tenderness of the love in this book and creates a juxtaposition that is consuming.
This is a beautiful historical fantasy that is powerful and full of heart (and breaks). Shauna Lawless is a must-buy must-read author for me, and this book has yet again proved that right.
More than a century after era one, we re-enter the world of the Descendants and Fomorians. Isolde emerged from the Hawthorne tree nearly 18 years ago, while the Fomorians have spent more than a lifetime away from Ireland. Prophecies, schemes, wars, and magic simmer below the surface as this new story begins to unfold.
This book is yet another masterful blend of history and magic. It feels both fresh and familiar, threading new and old characters and stories together.
Lawless combines Irish mythology, political intrigue, history, and a coming-of-age story together into an addictive and powerful read. It contains complex and well-rounded characters that have distinct voices and motivations. The stakes, the struggles, and the emotional depth of this novel is rich, and told through thoughtful, beautiful, prose. Which makes every revelation and heartbreak land devastatingly. While the pace is suspenseful and exciting (or gut wrenchingly tense).
In this new era, I'm still engaged and surprised by the magic and mythology. It's expanded but retains its essence; I was enthralled and theorising as I read. The world's brutality strikes contrastingly with the tenderness of the love in this book and creates a juxtaposition that is consuming.
This is a beautiful historical fantasy that is powerful and full of heart (and breaks). Shauna Lawless is a must-buy must-read author for me, and this book has yet again proved that right.
August 15, 2025
That ending had my jaw on the floor. 🤯
My goodness. Lawless embraces villain character developments in way that are equal parts infuriating and impressive.
I think what I love about this series is it cleverly weaves mythology and historical fiction in a way makes me wish I would have studied it more seriously in college. 😅
I know this is a new generation of characters, but I still recommend reading this series in order to fully appreciate its brilliance. (First book is called The Children of Gods Fighting Men- I highly recommend the audio books!)
Watching Isolde go stumble into her unsure future and go through growing pains made this a solid page-turner. I’m so thankful this was a buddy read because I definitely needed to talk through the Fomorian family sneaky tactics with someone. *shakes fist* May karma be ready to bite them in the next book.
I’m very grateful for this ARC - my thanks to Bloomsbury USA & netgalley.
I’m already yearning for the next book- but will ponder character conspiracy theories until then. 😅
4.75/5
Rounded up because I’m begging you to get Lawless on your TBR.
My goodness. Lawless embraces villain character developments in way that are equal parts infuriating and impressive.
I think what I love about this series is it cleverly weaves mythology and historical fiction in a way makes me wish I would have studied it more seriously in college. 😅
I know this is a new generation of characters, but I still recommend reading this series in order to fully appreciate its brilliance. (First book is called The Children of Gods Fighting Men- I highly recommend the audio books!)
Watching Isolde go stumble into her unsure future and go through growing pains made this a solid page-turner. I’m so thankful this was a buddy read because I definitely needed to talk through the Fomorian family sneaky tactics with someone. *shakes fist* May karma be ready to bite them in the next book.
I’m very grateful for this ARC - my thanks to Bloomsbury USA & netgalley.
I’m already yearning for the next book- but will ponder character conspiracy theories until then. 😅
4.75/5
Rounded up because I’m begging you to get Lawless on your TBR.
June 11, 2025
Oh this is was just as good as I’d hoped it would be! The story follows on a century after the events of the last book, so in a ‘new era’ with some familiar characters and plenty of new ones!
Isolde is Folda’s daughter, her would is turned upside down and she discovers the truth about her heritage the and the strange powers she has within
Ahhhh I just love Shauna Lawless’s writing. This is just a such a perfect blend of historic fiction and fantasy. The pacing was great, the characters just have so much depth and the writing is just beautiful.
I also love that you don’t technically need to have read the previous trilogy in order to understand what’s going on. This story sands up on its own (although I’d recommend reading them a steady, equally as brilliant)
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review
Isolde is Folda’s daughter, her would is turned upside down and she discovers the truth about her heritage the and the strange powers she has within
Ahhhh I just love Shauna Lawless’s writing. This is just a such a perfect blend of historic fiction and fantasy. The pacing was great, the characters just have so much depth and the writing is just beautiful.
I also love that you don’t technically need to have read the previous trilogy in order to understand what’s going on. This story sands up on its own (although I’d recommend reading them a steady, equally as brilliant)
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review
October 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC!
🤍 Tropes 🤍
✨ Magic
🗡️Revenge
🥠Chosen One/Prophecy
⚠️ Warnings ⚠️
╰➤ Adult Themes/Language
╰➤Violence
╰➤Death
╰➤ Violence Against Family Members
When I requested this ARC, I did not realise that this was a second era book in this series! I haven’t read the original trilogy and like some of the other readers have mentioned, you really need to read the original series in order to fully understand what is going on. So I am not able to give this the fullest review that I would like because I don't know anything about the original books.
I think because I did not know the backstory of this world that it prevented me from really being gripped by the story in all honesty.
I did like the characters and the plot of the story overall. Isolde (FMC) was a delight in many scenes and I enjoyed her character development immensely.
There was also some great dialogue in this book. This sentence in particular made me chuckle: ‘“There you go, Isolde.” Fearghus said. “When we met, you were boy, last night a horse. When I see you tomorrow, you shall be a woman.”’ - When they met she was disguised initially and they thought her a boy, then she slept in the stables under arrest, and finally she gets to sleep in a bed! I thought this little sentence was great!
If you have read the original series, then this is the book for you! I need to read the original series and then circle back to this one I think!
Thank you for reading!
🤍 Tropes 🤍
✨ Magic
🗡️Revenge
🥠Chosen One/Prophecy
⚠️ Warnings ⚠️
╰➤ Adult Themes/Language
╰➤Violence
╰➤Death
╰➤ Violence Against Family Members
When I requested this ARC, I did not realise that this was a second era book in this series! I haven’t read the original trilogy and like some of the other readers have mentioned, you really need to read the original series in order to fully understand what is going on. So I am not able to give this the fullest review that I would like because I don't know anything about the original books.
I think because I did not know the backstory of this world that it prevented me from really being gripped by the story in all honesty.
I did like the characters and the plot of the story overall. Isolde (FMC) was a delight in many scenes and I enjoyed her character development immensely.
There was also some great dialogue in this book. This sentence in particular made me chuckle: ‘“There you go, Isolde.” Fearghus said. “When we met, you were boy, last night a horse. When I see you tomorrow, you shall be a woman.”’ - When they met she was disguised initially and they thought her a boy, then she slept in the stables under arrest, and finally she gets to sleep in a bed! I thought this little sentence was great!
If you have read the original series, then this is the book for you! I need to read the original series and then circle back to this one I think!
Thank you for reading!
August 23, 2025
4.04 / 5
Daughter of the Otherworld is the start of a new trilogy in Shauna Lawless’s Gael Song series. Much like with the original trilogy and the three accompanying novellas, Lawless seamlessly blends fantasy, historical fiction and folklore amid hero quests, tales of revenge and Machiavellian politicking. It is impossible not to hold the novel up against the other entries in the series, so… how does this new entry compare? In many ways it exceeds expectations, in others it falls just short.
Pacing has always been a strong suit in these undeniably entertaining series of books. There’s a plain-spoken simplicity of story and a clarity to the plotting within these novels, no easy feat when you consider the stage that needed to be set up for Ireland’s complicated history as well as the ground rules for the fantasy elements. But Lawless proved successful by driving the narrative through two engaging female protagonists, Gormflaith and Fódla. They could not be more different, yet both are forced to navigate a world dictated by men, their ambitions, the gods they worship, the lands they rule, as blood follows in their wake. And amid it all, it is clear, these two women are destined to antagonize and collide.
Daughter begins in similar thrilling fashion and features some of the most exciting moments in this series so far, but it does not maintain the same narrative propulsion as the previous novels. There is a particular storyline that dominates the middle section that goes on a bit too long and feels like a placeholder as a slow burn romance develops. I wouldn’t say this middle portion was a slog, Lawless is too talented a writer and she intersperses intrigue throughout. But it is clear there is something missing. And for me, that something is Gormflaith.
Taking place 150 years after the events of the original trilogy, Gormflaith, the Fomorian who can control fire and is slow to age, does return. She is Lawless’s greatest creation: cold and calculating. She was always going to be tough, but the world of men has made her cruel (and oh, is she fun). Yet here she is sadly designated for assignment to the sidelines. Readers will understand this is not for long, that Lawless is merely setting up what is to come - and Gormflaith does appear throughout the novel - but not at as much as I would have liked and I could not help but miss her.
Instead, the narrative mainly belongs to Donnchad, Gormflaith’s equally Machiavellian son, and Isolde, Fódla’s daughter. The problem with Donnchad is... he is not his mother. Donnchad was a bit of a cypher in The Land of the Living and the Dead, which the author worked to the novel’s advantage. But he is less successful with his own primetime spot. He shares his mother’s intelligence, ambition and cruelty, but none of her charisma as a character. I found his son Angelo (who barely speaks) far more compelling - especially by the end.
On the other hand, I found Isolde to be a serviceable replacement for Fódla. She doubles in her mother’s naivete, but this also makes her a valuable avatar for the reader, discovering this version of Ireland with us.
And then there is Cuan, the aloof, mysterious outsider of a royal family. He’s actually maybe too mysterious as he lacks the depth of the previous trilogy’s romantic interest, Murchad. And while I appreciated the slow burn romance that develops, the culmination is a bit clumsy. It lacks the sweetness of the previous trilogy’s romance, though by the end, Lawless dials up the stakes in a major way. It is clear there is a lot of real estate to explore with this character, even more so than his predecessor.
Despite my quibbles, I found Daughter of the Otherworld to be incredibly satisfying. There are some thrilling set pieces throughout the story, intriguing chess moves and delicious reveals. Sure, there isn’t enough Gormflaith but you can see her treachery billowing on the horizon and I for one cannot wait to see the fire.
Daughter of the Otherworld is the start of a new trilogy in Shauna Lawless’s Gael Song series. Much like with the original trilogy and the three accompanying novellas, Lawless seamlessly blends fantasy, historical fiction and folklore amid hero quests, tales of revenge and Machiavellian politicking. It is impossible not to hold the novel up against the other entries in the series, so… how does this new entry compare? In many ways it exceeds expectations, in others it falls just short.
Pacing has always been a strong suit in these undeniably entertaining series of books. There’s a plain-spoken simplicity of story and a clarity to the plotting within these novels, no easy feat when you consider the stage that needed to be set up for Ireland’s complicated history as well as the ground rules for the fantasy elements. But Lawless proved successful by driving the narrative through two engaging female protagonists, Gormflaith and Fódla. They could not be more different, yet both are forced to navigate a world dictated by men, their ambitions, the gods they worship, the lands they rule, as blood follows in their wake. And amid it all, it is clear, these two women are destined to antagonize and collide.
Daughter begins in similar thrilling fashion and features some of the most exciting moments in this series so far, but it does not maintain the same narrative propulsion as the previous novels. There is a particular storyline that dominates the middle section that goes on a bit too long and feels like a placeholder as a slow burn romance develops. I wouldn’t say this middle portion was a slog, Lawless is too talented a writer and she intersperses intrigue throughout. But it is clear there is something missing. And for me, that something is Gormflaith.
Taking place 150 years after the events of the original trilogy, Gormflaith, the Fomorian who can control fire and is slow to age, does return. She is Lawless’s greatest creation: cold and calculating. She was always going to be tough, but the world of men has made her cruel (and oh, is she fun). Yet here she is sadly designated for assignment to the sidelines. Readers will understand this is not for long, that Lawless is merely setting up what is to come - and Gormflaith does appear throughout the novel - but not at as much as I would have liked and I could not help but miss her.
Instead, the narrative mainly belongs to Donnchad, Gormflaith’s equally Machiavellian son, and Isolde, Fódla’s daughter. The problem with Donnchad is... he is not his mother. Donnchad was a bit of a cypher in The Land of the Living and the Dead, which the author worked to the novel’s advantage. But he is less successful with his own primetime spot. He shares his mother’s intelligence, ambition and cruelty, but none of her charisma as a character. I found his son Angelo (who barely speaks) far more compelling - especially by the end.
On the other hand, I found Isolde to be a serviceable replacement for Fódla. She doubles in her mother’s naivete, but this also makes her a valuable avatar for the reader, discovering this version of Ireland with us.
And then there is Cuan, the aloof, mysterious outsider of a royal family. He’s actually maybe too mysterious as he lacks the depth of the previous trilogy’s romantic interest, Murchad. And while I appreciated the slow burn romance that develops, the culmination is a bit clumsy. It lacks the sweetness of the previous trilogy’s romance, though by the end, Lawless dials up the stakes in a major way. It is clear there is a lot of real estate to explore with this character, even more so than his predecessor.
Despite my quibbles, I found Daughter of the Otherworld to be incredibly satisfying. There are some thrilling set pieces throughout the story, intriguing chess moves and delicious reveals. Sure, there isn’t enough Gormflaith but you can see her treachery billowing on the horizon and I for one cannot wait to see the fire.
October 7, 2025
Daughter of the Otherworld picks up more than 100 years after the first trilogy following the continued story of the Descendants versus the Formorians set in medieval Ireland. The return of familiar faces and the presentation of new ones gives this story both nostalgia and nuance.
I love Shauna Lawless's writing and her ability to tell a story. She takes her time giving characters depth and complexity while weaving together a story filled with Irish mythology and the history of Ireland. It's full of political manipulation, a tascinating magic system, and characters you both love and love to hate. I cant recommend this book, or really just the entire series, enough.
I love Shauna Lawless's writing and her ability to tell a story. She takes her time giving characters depth and complexity while weaving together a story filled with Irish mythology and the history of Ireland. It's full of political manipulation, a tascinating magic system, and characters you both love and love to hate. I cant recommend this book, or really just the entire series, enough.
August 16, 2025
No freaking NOTES to be made!!! Review to come when I get my thoughts in order. 🔥
(FINAL REVIEW:)
Lawless has done it yet again. From wonderfully crafted villains to a naive girl’s journey through a world she isn’t prepared for, my heart was left fighting for a break and yet more all at the same time. I knew the start to this new era of the Gael Song series would make me stressed, but man was I still in for a torturous treat. 🥰
This review might contain some elements that might be considered spoilers for those who still haven’t read the first Gael Song trilogy, so please proceed with caution if you are looking to use this review as your reason to FINALLY start picking up this incredible series. ‼️
The story follows the events of the previous trilogy, but about 150 years later. Returning characters are Broccan of the Descendants, and Gormflaith, Máelmórda, and Donnchad of the Fomorians. The former is someone who I just wish I could wrap up in a ton of blankets and give him endless hugs. He is still struggling with survivor’s guilt and yet is tasked with raising his cousin in a world that is rapidly changing once again. My heart just felt so bad for Broccan and Lawless about had me stress sobbing on a train ride back home because I was so stressed for my guy. The latter group . . . Man, this group of villains are the kinds of people that I love rooting for shit to hit the fan for them. One in particular I’m counting down the days till he gets what he rightfully deserves and another I’m scared shitless of but at the same time, can’t help but admire her strength of character. 😮💨
And all in the midst of this group of already written characters is Isolde. She’s feisty, wonderfully naive, and yet desperately wants to feel a part of something. This girl had me stressing for the entire book and the little nuggets of reveals that Lawless made about this character just added to this stress for this character. I’m so excited to see what she gets up to in the sequel and how else she can make me stress like I’m somehow her mother watching her child stick a fork into a live outlet. 😥
The other character that I would love to learn more about is Cuan. He’s a moody and broody kind of guy that gave me Murchad vibes the entire time he was around Isolde. I do wish we could’ve gotten a bit more of a longer period of time to see their relationship bloom instead of it feeling like it kind of came out of no where, but I’m trusting the process here. 🤞🏼
All in all, I loved this which should surprise no one at this point. I feel like a Swiftie looking for (dangerous and painful) Easter Eggs in the plot and from the previous trilogy. I have my stinking suspicions with a specific figure from Irish mythology and a story that Isolde told during the events of the book, but we’ll see if my ideas prove true or not. And the last 20% of the book?? Yea, Imma need a few days to wallow on that because AAAAAAHHHHH!!! I haven’t felt like this since Mohanty’s Dance of Shadows and that’s saying something! 🤯
Once again bowing down to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review. Whoever likes me there, please know that I love you and am so happy that you keep serving me emotionally traumatizing books on a golden platter. And to Lawless: ma’am, I would do ANYTHING just to look at your drafting notes at this point. I’m already trying to figure out what era you’re going to set your third trilogy in and it’s been such a fun rabbit hole dive into Irish history. 🤪
Shoutout to @lookmairead for doing a buddy read with me and being there to stress out about the characters and plot with. I swear Mohanty and Lawless have trauma bonded us. 🫶🏼
Publication date: September 11!!!
Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐️
(FINAL REVIEW:)
Lawless has done it yet again. From wonderfully crafted villains to a naive girl’s journey through a world she isn’t prepared for, my heart was left fighting for a break and yet more all at the same time. I knew the start to this new era of the Gael Song series would make me stressed, but man was I still in for a torturous treat. 🥰
This review might contain some elements that might be considered spoilers for those who still haven’t read the first Gael Song trilogy, so please proceed with caution if you are looking to use this review as your reason to FINALLY start picking up this incredible series. ‼️
The story follows the events of the previous trilogy, but about 150 years later. Returning characters are Broccan of the Descendants, and Gormflaith, Máelmórda, and Donnchad of the Fomorians. The former is someone who I just wish I could wrap up in a ton of blankets and give him endless hugs. He is still struggling with survivor’s guilt and yet is tasked with raising his cousin in a world that is rapidly changing once again. My heart just felt so bad for Broccan and Lawless about had me stress sobbing on a train ride back home because I was so stressed for my guy. The latter group . . . Man, this group of villains are the kinds of people that I love rooting for shit to hit the fan for them. One in particular I’m counting down the days till he gets what he rightfully deserves and another I’m scared shitless of but at the same time, can’t help but admire her strength of character. 😮💨
And all in the midst of this group of already written characters is Isolde. She’s feisty, wonderfully naive, and yet desperately wants to feel a part of something. This girl had me stressing for the entire book and the little nuggets of reveals that Lawless made about this character just added to this stress for this character. I’m so excited to see what she gets up to in the sequel and how else she can make me stress like I’m somehow her mother watching her child stick a fork into a live outlet. 😥
The other character that I would love to learn more about is Cuan. He’s a moody and broody kind of guy that gave me Murchad vibes the entire time he was around Isolde. I do wish we could’ve gotten a bit more of a longer period of time to see their relationship bloom instead of it feeling like it kind of came out of no where, but I’m trusting the process here. 🤞🏼
All in all, I loved this which should surprise no one at this point. I feel like a Swiftie looking for (dangerous and painful) Easter Eggs in the plot and from the previous trilogy. I have my stinking suspicions with a specific figure from Irish mythology and a story that Isolde told during the events of the book, but we’ll see if my ideas prove true or not. And the last 20% of the book?? Yea, Imma need a few days to wallow on that because AAAAAAHHHHH!!! I haven’t felt like this since Mohanty’s Dance of Shadows and that’s saying something! 🤯
Once again bowing down to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review. Whoever likes me there, please know that I love you and am so happy that you keep serving me emotionally traumatizing books on a golden platter. And to Lawless: ma’am, I would do ANYTHING just to look at your drafting notes at this point. I’m already trying to figure out what era you’re going to set your third trilogy in and it’s been such a fun rabbit hole dive into Irish history. 🤪
Shoutout to @lookmairead for doing a buddy read with me and being there to stress out about the characters and plot with. I swear Mohanty and Lawless have trauma bonded us. 🫶🏼
Publication date: September 11!!!
Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐️
September 13, 2025
First off, if you haven't read the previous trilogy in the Gael Song series (starting with The Children of Gods and Fighting Men) go and do that - they're all amazing: 5 stars, no notes. There are inevitably some spoilers for the earlier books in this review.
The main story of Daughter of the Otherworld picks up over 100 years after the end of The Land of the Living and the Dead. This means lots of new characters but also some returning favourites. The Descendants are safe in Ireland but dwindling in numbers; the Fomorians have increased in number slightly, but haven't set foot in Ireland since fleeing years ago and have been kept on the run by the dogged pursuits of Broccan.
When Broccan receives a message on the wind he returns home to find baby Isolde, daughter of Fódla and Murchad, finally returned from the Otherworld. He gives her a safe, idyllic childhood with no clue as to her ancestry waiting for signs that she has inherited powers of the Descendants. Free from pursuit, it doesn't take long for the Fomorians to start plotting and scheming (Gormflaith's true superpower) again.
I loved this just as much as the previous books. I think this reads as maybe slightly younger than the first trilogy due to Isolde's age and naivety at the start, but the world itself isn't more juvenile. Isolde must navigate this confusing world of politics, keep her newfound powers secret, navigate new relationships (and a bit a romance) and stay hidden from the Fomorians.
The Ireland we return to has changed. Christianity has a stronger hold and the Fomorians and Descendants feel even more distant, increasingly peoples of myth rather than history. Alliances and power dynamics of the Irish kingdoms have shifted and now they face the threat of Normans invasions from England and Wales.
The blend of mythology and history is perfect as always, creating a world that feels both realistic and magical. I can't wait to see how the mythology develop within this new era of history and what it will mean for the characters. The only thing I am sure of, is that there'll be heartbreak and tears before the end - this is a Shauna Lawless book after all.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for providing me with a review copy
The main story of Daughter of the Otherworld picks up over 100 years after the end of The Land of the Living and the Dead. This means lots of new characters but also some returning favourites. The Descendants are safe in Ireland but dwindling in numbers; the Fomorians have increased in number slightly, but haven't set foot in Ireland since fleeing years ago and have been kept on the run by the dogged pursuits of Broccan.
When Broccan receives a message on the wind he returns home to find baby Isolde, daughter of Fódla and Murchad, finally returned from the Otherworld. He gives her a safe, idyllic childhood with no clue as to her ancestry waiting for signs that she has inherited powers of the Descendants. Free from pursuit, it doesn't take long for the Fomorians to start plotting and scheming (Gormflaith's true superpower) again.
I loved this just as much as the previous books. I think this reads as maybe slightly younger than the first trilogy due to Isolde's age and naivety at the start, but the world itself isn't more juvenile. Isolde must navigate this confusing world of politics, keep her newfound powers secret, navigate new relationships (and a bit a romance) and stay hidden from the Fomorians.
The Ireland we return to has changed. Christianity has a stronger hold and the Fomorians and Descendants feel even more distant, increasingly peoples of myth rather than history. Alliances and power dynamics of the Irish kingdoms have shifted and now they face the threat of Normans invasions from England and Wales.
The blend of mythology and history is perfect as always, creating a world that feels both realistic and magical. I can't wait to see how the mythology develop within this new era of history and what it will mean for the characters. The only thing I am sure of, is that there'll be heartbreak and tears before the end - this is a Shauna Lawless book after all.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for providing me with a review copy
December 9, 2025
Daughter of the Otherworld is a richly crafted continuation of the Gael Song series. Which you don’t have to read first…but I would highly recommend due to all the interwoven connections and ongoing feuds. As ever I love the fierce female characters, the beautiful landscapes and the magic! The characters are so vivid, have great arcs and I enjoyed each point of view. Although Isolde is the main character. She has grown up naive to her families past and watching her discoveries and development was an amazing plot line, full of high stakes and a side of romance. What really shines in these books are the political manoeuvres and the scheming is relentless! I cannot wait for more! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
May 21, 2025
I had the immense pleasure and honour of reading Daughter of the Otherworld by Shauna Lawless in advance. After finishing the Gael Song trilogy, this series became my second favourite of all time, second only toThe City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty. Both authors have this rare ability to create incredibly vivid worlds, life-like characters, and complex, layered relationships, something I love in a book. But after reading Daughter of the Otherworld, I honestly can’t choose between them anymore. These two series now share first place in my heart.
So yes, it is safe to say I loved this book. The quality is just as good as the previous installments. The events at the end of The Land of the Living and the Dead, the deaths, the losses, hit me even harder once I started the novel and realised the plot had to continue without them. I truly loved where the story is heading now and how it lets us witness history changing. The world is entering medieval times, it feels more Christian, more cosmopolitan, and I especially appreciated the mention of a famous Roman family, the Orsini, who also built the castle in the town where I live, near Rome.
I love the new characters, Isolde, Cuan, who feels like a knight stepped out of Arthurian legends, and Donnchad. But honestly, I would have been content to just follow Broccan and Isolde, to see their bond grow, and to follow her discovering the world I already love through curious eyes. And yet, around the twenty-six percent mark, I felt this sudden surge of emotion when Gormflaith appeared again. To witness both sides of the same conflict. To root for both sides, for someone you know is a villain.
These characters feel so real to me. They are fully fleshed out, not just existing within the story, but beyond it too. I can picture their pasts, imagine their futures.
One of the things I liked the most is how delicately this book handles complex themes like grief and loss. These emotions are always treated with the utmost care. Also, Shauna's writing style, as always, is incredible. It does not distract you from the story. On the contrary, it's poetic, immersive, transporting.
And this is why, in my eyes, Shauna Lawless has once again proven herself a master of storytelling. I’m incredibly grateful to have read this book early. Thank you to the author, Head of Zeus and Netgalley. Now I’ll wait for July to arrive so I can cry my eyes out while reading Murchad’s story.
So yes, it is safe to say I loved this book. The quality is just as good as the previous installments. The events at the end of The Land of the Living and the Dead, the deaths, the losses, hit me even harder once I started the novel and realised the plot had to continue without them. I truly loved where the story is heading now and how it lets us witness history changing. The world is entering medieval times, it feels more Christian, more cosmopolitan, and I especially appreciated the mention of a famous Roman family, the Orsini, who also built the castle in the town where I live, near Rome.
I love the new characters, Isolde, Cuan, who feels like a knight stepped out of Arthurian legends, and Donnchad. But honestly, I would have been content to just follow Broccan and Isolde, to see their bond grow, and to follow her discovering the world I already love through curious eyes. And yet, around the twenty-six percent mark, I felt this sudden surge of emotion when Gormflaith appeared again. To witness both sides of the same conflict. To root for both sides, for someone you know is a villain.
These characters feel so real to me. They are fully fleshed out, not just existing within the story, but beyond it too. I can picture their pasts, imagine their futures.
One of the things I liked the most is how delicately this book handles complex themes like grief and loss. These emotions are always treated with the utmost care. Also, Shauna's writing style, as always, is incredible. It does not distract you from the story. On the contrary, it's poetic, immersive, transporting.
And this is why, in my eyes, Shauna Lawless has once again proven herself a master of storytelling. I’m incredibly grateful to have read this book early. Thank you to the author, Head of Zeus and Netgalley. Now I’ll wait for July to arrive so I can cry my eyes out while reading Murchad’s story.
June 20, 2025
4.25/5
Thank you Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with an eARC.
A brilliant set up to era 2!! While I found that there were some pacing issues in the middle, the ending was perfect and already leaving me itching for the next book.
Because this takes place 150 years after the original trilogy there is a whole new setting and cast to get used to again, however, I do think reading the OG trilogy is fundamental to fully enjoy this. The amazing atmosphere we got in the first trilogy is slightly lacking in this book but the character development is just as top notch.
Overall, I had a great time with this. Thank god the new novella comes out soon because I just love Shauna’s writing and storytelling
Thank you Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with an eARC.
A brilliant set up to era 2!! While I found that there were some pacing issues in the middle, the ending was perfect and already leaving me itching for the next book.
Because this takes place 150 years after the original trilogy there is a whole new setting and cast to get used to again, however, I do think reading the OG trilogy is fundamental to fully enjoy this. The amazing atmosphere we got in the first trilogy is slightly lacking in this book but the character development is just as top notch.
Overall, I had a great time with this. Thank god the new novella comes out soon because I just love Shauna’s writing and storytelling
September 21, 2025
Finished in a cliff hanger
Loved this series, just finished the Daughter of the Other world and really don't want to wait a year to find out what happens. Downloaded the novellas to help me through
Loved this series, just finished the Daughter of the Other world and really don't want to wait a year to find out what happens. Downloaded the novellas to help me through
September 16, 2025
AMAZING. INCREDIBLE. I AM SHOOKETH
Lawless writes compelling characters in a fascinating world of historical Ireland weaved through mythology and I EAT THAT UP!
Now to wait in desperation for the next instalment.
Lawless writes compelling characters in a fascinating world of historical Ireland weaved through mythology and I EAT THAT UP!
Now to wait in desperation for the next instalment.
September 11, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Daughter of the Otherworld is the fourth book (and first in the second era) of the Gael Song series, the Irish historical fantasy proposal written by Shauna Lawless, published by Head of Zeus. An amazing return that sets all 150 years after the previous era, featuring an equally ambitious plot watered by schemes, prophecies and war, weaving together magic and history, and especially, the same kind of emotional damage that all Lawless' fans should be used to.
We will be mainly following Isolde, Fódla's daughter, who reappeared after going missing; taken by her uncle Broccan, who raises her on the remote Rathlin Island, unaware of the prophecy that marks her. She's forced to flee after the Fomorian attacks Rathlin, having to navigate the complicated landscape that is Ireland paired with the invasion of the England's Norman Lords.
An invasion that is partly fueled by the ambition of the Fomorian, no longer controlling Ireland, but with plans to get over the mortal world again; with my particular favourite character (and villain), Gormflaith, moving again the threads, influencing into the mortals, trying to survive the prophecy and destroying what might bring her downfall.
Lawless again blends together mythology and history in equal sizes, transporting the reader to a new period and gifting us with a new generation of characters while still keeping some fan favourites (or some hated ones, depending on who you ask). Isolde is an excellent leading character, and her bonding with Broccan feels really natural; she's forced to navigate a world she's not familiar with, but her bravery and compassion, especially in those difficult moments. Her own journey will also be accompanied by a slow-burn romance that suits well with the narrative.
As with previous instalments, readers will enjoy the mix between historical moments and mythology, with those two powerful races navigating behind the scenes; the new era also brings new conflicts and a different political landscape on Ireland, but still showing some reminiscent of what happened in book 3.
The pacing is excellent, slower at the start to reintroduce the readers to the world, but it picks quite soon, making this an authentic page-turner.
Daughter of the Otherworld is an excellent starting novel for a new Gael Song's era, an amazing proposal for readers that love complex and epic fantasy blended with historical fiction (also, if you like to be emotionally damaged? No problem, Shauna Lawless covers that). Can't wait for the next instalment on the saga!
Daughter of the Otherworld is the fourth book (and first in the second era) of the Gael Song series, the Irish historical fantasy proposal written by Shauna Lawless, published by Head of Zeus. An amazing return that sets all 150 years after the previous era, featuring an equally ambitious plot watered by schemes, prophecies and war, weaving together magic and history, and especially, the same kind of emotional damage that all Lawless' fans should be used to.
We will be mainly following Isolde, Fódla's daughter, who reappeared after going missing; taken by her uncle Broccan, who raises her on the remote Rathlin Island, unaware of the prophecy that marks her. She's forced to flee after the Fomorian attacks Rathlin, having to navigate the complicated landscape that is Ireland paired with the invasion of the England's Norman Lords.
An invasion that is partly fueled by the ambition of the Fomorian, no longer controlling Ireland, but with plans to get over the mortal world again; with my particular favourite character (and villain), Gormflaith, moving again the threads, influencing into the mortals, trying to survive the prophecy and destroying what might bring her downfall.
Lawless again blends together mythology and history in equal sizes, transporting the reader to a new period and gifting us with a new generation of characters while still keeping some fan favourites (or some hated ones, depending on who you ask). Isolde is an excellent leading character, and her bonding with Broccan feels really natural; she's forced to navigate a world she's not familiar with, but her bravery and compassion, especially in those difficult moments. Her own journey will also be accompanied by a slow-burn romance that suits well with the narrative.
As with previous instalments, readers will enjoy the mix between historical moments and mythology, with those two powerful races navigating behind the scenes; the new era also brings new conflicts and a different political landscape on Ireland, but still showing some reminiscent of what happened in book 3.
The pacing is excellent, slower at the start to reintroduce the readers to the world, but it picks quite soon, making this an authentic page-turner.
Daughter of the Otherworld is an excellent starting novel for a new Gael Song's era, an amazing proposal for readers that love complex and epic fantasy blended with historical fiction (also, if you like to be emotionally damaged? No problem, Shauna Lawless covers that). Can't wait for the next instalment on the saga!
October 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Spellbinding Return to the Gael Song Series
Daughter of the Otherworld by Shauna Lawless is an absolutely captivating continuation of her historical fantasy saga. The way she weaves real history into myth and legend is nothing short of mesmerizing — she makes the past feel alive, layered, and hauntingly beautiful.
What struck me most was how seamlessly she transitions into this next era. Lawless rebuilds your love for familiar faces while introducing new ones that feel instantly compelling. I read a lot of books, and it’s rare that an author truly surprises me — but she managed it more than once with twists I didn’t see coming.
I knew from early on that two characters were destined to be star-crossed lovers, but Lawless took that theme to an entirely new level of depth and heartbreak. The way she explores love, loyalty, and fate feels both ancient and rawly human.
Every character’s point of view adds a unique dimension — old souls repeating their patterns, new hearts struggling to forge different paths. The character development and shifting perspectives give the story an incredible emotional range.
I can’t wait to see where the next book leads. Shauna Lawless has crafted something truly special — rich in history, full of heart, and impossible to put down. I never wanted to put it down and never wanted it to end.
Daughter of the Otherworld by Shauna Lawless is an absolutely captivating continuation of her historical fantasy saga. The way she weaves real history into myth and legend is nothing short of mesmerizing — she makes the past feel alive, layered, and hauntingly beautiful.
What struck me most was how seamlessly she transitions into this next era. Lawless rebuilds your love for familiar faces while introducing new ones that feel instantly compelling. I read a lot of books, and it’s rare that an author truly surprises me — but she managed it more than once with twists I didn’t see coming.
I knew from early on that two characters were destined to be star-crossed lovers, but Lawless took that theme to an entirely new level of depth and heartbreak. The way she explores love, loyalty, and fate feels both ancient and rawly human.
Every character’s point of view adds a unique dimension — old souls repeating their patterns, new hearts struggling to forge different paths. The character development and shifting perspectives give the story an incredible emotional range.
I can’t wait to see where the next book leads. Shauna Lawless has crafted something truly special — rich in history, full of heart, and impossible to put down. I never wanted to put it down and never wanted it to end.
October 24, 2025
Amazing book and what a great story!
I felt such a wide range of emotions while reading it: I smiled, laughed out loud, felt sad, and was genuinely surprised by the plot several times.
I never thought I could hate Donnchad more than I did in Land of the Living and the Dead, but apparently, I can. Still, I’m curious to see where all his plotting will lead — he truly is his mother’s son.
Gormflaith was so … Gormflaith. As much as I despise her as a person, I absolutely love her as a character. Poor men, poor David — just run away from this woman, she’ll destroy you. 😂
And Isolde… I don’t know if it’s fair to reveal this fact, but I think I already like her even more than Fódla 🥹
A separate note on the love story — it’s a small part (for now?) of the overall plot devoted to war, political intrigues and betrayals, but it still intrigued me. The author made me question several times whether I truly saw what I thought I saw, or if it was just wishful thinking. I loved how that plotline eventually unfolded.🥰
The whole Gael Song series is definitely my new favourite and my biggest bookish discovery of this year.
October 18, 2025
If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of Shauna Lawless’ books. The excitement of getting my hands on her new book Daughter of the Otherworld, era II in the Gael Song saga a few months ago was insane and I managed to go to her book signing in Dublin last month. Set in the tumultuous period of medieval Ireland, Shauna has perfectly weaved Irish history, mythology and fantasy together again in her characteristic style.
We have the return of characters from the original Gael Song trilogy (no spoilers) as well as the introduction of a number of characters including historical figures like Strongbow. The Tuatha Dé Danann’s eternal battle with the Fomorians continues, the world around them has changed but their hatred for one another is unwavering.
There are a lot of characters to get your head around as is always the case with a new series but the return of existing characters and Shauna’s use of multiple points of view really help you to navigate the story 100 years after the end of the Gael Song trilogy.
Be prepared for epic backstabbing, magic, battles, subterfuge, a little bit of romance and twists that you just won’t see coming. There’s one particular character who I was so glad to see the return of and in truth I would read an entire book from their perspective! The book ends as expected in a cliff hanger situation and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out next year.
You don’t have to read the first trilogy to start this book but I would highly recommend it because it enriches your experience of this book. Be prepared to immerse yourself into the world of Medieval Ireland (and I was so happy to see Wexford feature heavily in this book - anyone need a tour guide to show them the places mentioned, I’m your librarian!)
Thanks to Head of Zeus for the arc. 5⭐️
We have the return of characters from the original Gael Song trilogy (no spoilers) as well as the introduction of a number of characters including historical figures like Strongbow. The Tuatha Dé Danann’s eternal battle with the Fomorians continues, the world around them has changed but their hatred for one another is unwavering.
There are a lot of characters to get your head around as is always the case with a new series but the return of existing characters and Shauna’s use of multiple points of view really help you to navigate the story 100 years after the end of the Gael Song trilogy.
Be prepared for epic backstabbing, magic, battles, subterfuge, a little bit of romance and twists that you just won’t see coming. There’s one particular character who I was so glad to see the return of and in truth I would read an entire book from their perspective! The book ends as expected in a cliff hanger situation and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out next year.
You don’t have to read the first trilogy to start this book but I would highly recommend it because it enriches your experience of this book. Be prepared to immerse yourself into the world of Medieval Ireland (and I was so happy to see Wexford feature heavily in this book - anyone need a tour guide to show them the places mentioned, I’m your librarian!)
Thanks to Head of Zeus for the arc. 5⭐️
November 14, 2025
Thus begins the second era of the Gael song. (Yes, I read the historical note. It was that good.)
I don’t know where to start with this one. This series as a whole, this world, is shaping up to be one of the best I’ve read.
During the first 100 or so pages, every mention of Tairdelbach would put me in a STATE you don’t understand. I should probably start accepting that I will never get over him, no matter how many Era 2 books without him I read. (“[…] I loved him more than life itself”? Yeah enough said.) Or Fódla for that matter.
Isolde is older than when we left her last, obviously. Broccan is like a big brother to her, he raised her and the connection between them is strong for how much of them together we had.
It was nice to see Aoife again, even if briefly. When she called Isolde her sister, that was all I needed to read.
I appreciated the fact that we got very few chapters following Gormflaith because if nearly everybody from Era 1 is gone, I don’t see why I have to read HER name on page. She really isn’t my favorite.
Anyway, Shauna Lawless continues to outdo herself, 5/5 stars, book two when?
I don’t know where to start with this one. This series as a whole, this world, is shaping up to be one of the best I’ve read.
During the first 100 or so pages, every mention of Tairdelbach would put me in a STATE you don’t understand. I should probably start accepting that I will never get over him, no matter how many Era 2 books without him I read. (“[…] I loved him more than life itself”? Yeah enough said.) Or Fódla for that matter.
Isolde is older than when we left her last, obviously. Broccan is like a big brother to her, he raised her and the connection between them is strong for how much of them together we had.
It was nice to see Aoife again, even if briefly. When she called Isolde her sister, that was all I needed to read.
I appreciated the fact that we got very few chapters following Gormflaith because if nearly everybody from Era 1 is gone, I don’t see why I have to read HER name on page. She really isn’t my favorite.
Anyway, Shauna Lawless continues to outdo herself, 5/5 stars, book two when?
June 8, 2025
Shauna Lawless proves again she's a must-read author!
Her prose is beautiful, the characters are so well built and feel very much alive.
Every time I pick up a book from Shauna I say goodbye to the world and wander off back to Ireland.
Her prose is beautiful, the characters are so well built and feel very much alive.
Every time I pick up a book from Shauna I say goodbye to the world and wander off back to Ireland.
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