A review by mimosaeyes
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless

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!