Reviews - The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

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888 reviews for:

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

Shauna Lawless

4.1 AVERAGE

shona_reads_in_devon's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was such a strong start to this trilogy. I ate this up. Really gorgeously narrated too.

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is a vivid and luscious story utilising Irish folklore to fascinating effect. Shockingly, I know almost zero about Irish mythology but my goodness this has whetted my appetite. I also know nothing about the Viking presence in Ireland so I am all over this because I love stories rich in local folklore so much.

We've got two stonking FMCs here in Gormflaith and Fódla. I love them both - very different characters, both motivated by the same love for their children but it manifests in each in very different ways. I'm all for reading about scheming and murderous female protagonists, give me more!

The magic, the machinations, the marriages of political convenience are all ramping up and I am ready to sink straight into the next one.

beeah's review against another edition

5.0

dark reflective 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: Complicated

mel91's review

4.25

adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

dumbbrunettetrope's review against another edition

2.5

slow-paced

Really interesting take on ancient Irish history and mythology but felt like the plot took ages to get going- but i did enjoy the plot once it got to more action

bella_nizhoni's review against another edition

4.0

Shauna Lawless really takes her time building out the world in this book. Irish lore and history live side by side with myths and fantasy. I really enjoyed how the dual perspectives were both women who seemed quite different, but had similar goals in caring for a loved one. Gormflaith is wildly chaotic and has no loyalties save for her son and sometimes her brother. At times, I struggled to root for her and the often terrible decisions she makes. Her choices never felt out of character and I would often try and rationalize her case.
Fódla was my favorite of the two. I found myself sympathizing and cheering her on at every turn. She deserves so much better and I hope she gets her comeuppance in the next book.
Would greatly recommend the audiobook, the voice actor really makes the story take on a new life.