Reviews

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless

kerstan's review against another edition

3.0

I really enjoyed this novel a lot. This writer seems to be following in the footsteps of greats like Marion Zimmer Bradley (The Mists of Avalon) and Gillian Bradshaw (Kingdom of Summer) and I’m all in for that! She clearly knows her history and folklore, is a deft storyteller, and does a fine job of grafting magic onto historical events.

ktlael's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

thiagoreal's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

trilbynorton's review against another edition

2.0

The Circe-fication of Irish mythology, but nowhere near as good as that should be. The problem is Lawless' prose. It's too modern. Early on a character says, "For real?" and that soured me on the book immediately.

mimosaeyes's review against another edition

adventurous informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In a note at the end of this book, the author states that it might have been easier to market this book if it'd been purely a historical fiction or purely a fantasy, but that "it was the merging of the Irish myths and Irish history that gave the story its soul". I completely agree with that sentiment. I love the end product of her decision to intertwine real history with magical elements. It makes for both an entertaining and somewhat educational read.

The characters really make this book. Each has their own motivations, and allegiances shift constantly. Politics and war storylines don't always hold my interest, but this is an exception because of the well-crafted characters. Having two POV characters - Gormflaith (a Fomorian) and Fódla (a Tuatha Dé Danann) - on opposing sides, is also an excellent device for drawing everything in shades of grey. There are no clear good or bad guys, and I was rooting for both of them.

So glad I happened across this book in a library and decided to give it a shot!

cazxxx's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

seanoboyle's review

4.0

Very strong debut from Shauna Lawless.

I loved the blend of history and mythology in the backdrop of 10th Century Ireland. Recognising the place names and people was very rewarding, and it scratched those long hidden memories of primary school history lessons.

The two POV characters were compelling and I find myself rooting for both of the opposing sides, although maybe I'm rooting for Fódla a little more haha. The sequel to this has now become one of my next anticipated books!

gigivu's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

illustriousnewt's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lilly_hartnett's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

3.75