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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such a good time. I listened to the audiobook and really like the narrator.
I was so immersed in this world, and I immediately went and started book 2 because I needed to know what would happen.
I saw reviews saying that this is very niche and would only be interesting to people that have a previous interest in Irish mythology and history, which I did not have (but now do!). I think it might make you feel a bit lost at first if you lack historical context, but if you just go with the flow, it all falls into place.
I was so immersed in this world, and I immediately went and started book 2 because I needed to know what would happen.
I saw reviews saying that this is very niche and would only be interesting to people that have a previous interest in Irish mythology and history, which I did not have (but now do!). I think it might make you feel a bit lost at first if you lack historical context, but if you just go with the flow, it all falls into place.
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was bored. I don’t think historical fantasy is for me. I also think I’ve played too much AC Valhalla to enjoy the time period so soon after playing
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
SO EXCITED THAT WE GOT TO INTERVIEW SHAUNA LAWLESS! Check it out here - The Brothers Gwynne
I am very lucky to have received an ARC of one of my most anticipated releases of 2022! I received this in return for an honest review. And here it is...
Two leading female characters of incredible depth operating in 10th century Ireland, weaving historical events, political intrigue, mythology and a sprinkling of fantastical elements into a truly fascinating story. Can it get much better? Oh wait, it can when it is accompanied by the brilliant yet understated prose of Shauna Lawless, who displays a masterful grip on plot progression and character development.
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is a new historical fantasy tale that takes place in Ireland, exploring the state of this land in the 10th century, showing us the clash of cultures between the Norse and the Irish, as well as the religious split growing ever more prominent. Then, on top of that, we have our fantastical elements which are taken and inspired by Irish Mythology.
Our two PoV characters are part of different magical groups that have both abilities, and the gift (or curse) of long life. The groups they belong to are the Tuatha Dé Danann and then the Fomorians, but these are rivals who both yearn to destroy the other.
There is no 'good' or 'bad' side in this book. There are a group of characters in the middle. Some whose motivations are admirable, but the course they take most decidedly not, and others of the opposite nature, and then some who have immoral motivations and also take an evil path.
Gormflaith was probably my favourite character. One of our leading female PoVs, her main intention and motivation is to keep her son alive and aid him in his endeavours. She takes a leading role in the politics aiming to make her son King of Dublin, acting as a Machiavellian politician who concedes rarely to moral obligations. She is a fantastic character who has to operate in a patriarchal society, yet uses her almost supreme wisdom to dominate and mould the events unfolding around her. She is most certainly a force of nature, and a joy to follow on the page.
One more thing I will mention before I wrap up is that there is little action, but the constant threat of it breaking out and the fragile political nature of this book keeps you so engaged. And then, the action we are shown is written expertly, with the suspense built so well and then erupting into a crescendo of brutality, adrenaline and fear from our characters who witness these events.
In The Children of Gods and Fighting Men we have a book that hits high high levels in every aspect of storytelling. The plot is thoroughly engaging. Shauna Lawless builds a vivid world and conveys the fragile state of the land, also exploring the constant presence of death. The themes of war, patriarchy, grief and more are built on subtly and powerfully through the understated, efficient prose which had an enchanting quality about it. In short, it is safe to say that I loved this, and I am pretty sure that most people will.
5/5 STARS
I review this with my brother on our book channel - The Brothers Gwynne
I am very lucky to have received an ARC of one of my most anticipated releases of 2022! I received this in return for an honest review. And here it is...
Two leading female characters of incredible depth operating in 10th century Ireland, weaving historical events, political intrigue, mythology and a sprinkling of fantastical elements into a truly fascinating story. Can it get much better? Oh wait, it can when it is accompanied by the brilliant yet understated prose of Shauna Lawless, who displays a masterful grip on plot progression and character development.
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is a new historical fantasy tale that takes place in Ireland, exploring the state of this land in the 10th century, showing us the clash of cultures between the Norse and the Irish, as well as the religious split growing ever more prominent. Then, on top of that, we have our fantastical elements which are taken and inspired by Irish Mythology.
Our two PoV characters are part of different magical groups that have both abilities, and the gift (or curse) of long life. The groups they belong to are the Tuatha Dé Danann and then the Fomorians, but these are rivals who both yearn to destroy the other.
There is no 'good' or 'bad' side in this book. There are a group of characters in the middle. Some whose motivations are admirable, but the course they take most decidedly not, and others of the opposite nature, and then some who have immoral motivations and also take an evil path.
Gormflaith was probably my favourite character. One of our leading female PoVs, her main intention and motivation is to keep her son alive and aid him in his endeavours. She takes a leading role in the politics aiming to make her son King of Dublin, acting as a Machiavellian politician who concedes rarely to moral obligations. She is a fantastic character who has to operate in a patriarchal society, yet uses her almost supreme wisdom to dominate and mould the events unfolding around her. She is most certainly a force of nature, and a joy to follow on the page.
One more thing I will mention before I wrap up is that there is little action, but the constant threat of it breaking out and the fragile political nature of this book keeps you so engaged. And then, the action we are shown is written expertly, with the suspense built so well and then erupting into a crescendo of brutality, adrenaline and fear from our characters who witness these events.
In The Children of Gods and Fighting Men we have a book that hits high high levels in every aspect of storytelling. The plot is thoroughly engaging. Shauna Lawless builds a vivid world and conveys the fragile state of the land, also exploring the constant presence of death. The themes of war, patriarchy, grief and more are built on subtly and powerfully through the understated, efficient prose which had an enchanting quality about it. In short, it is safe to say that I loved this, and I am pretty sure that most people will.
5/5 STARS
I review this with my brother on our book channel - The Brothers Gwynne