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the_library_of_toddy 's review for:
The Children Of Gods And Fighting Men is a historical fantasy novel by Shauna Lawless set at the close of the 10th Century in Ireland. This was a highly anticipated novel of 2022 and one I was very excited to read - particularly as Irish history and mythology is something I know practically nothing about so I was keen to discover some more about this.
This book tells the story of 10th Century Ireland told from the perspective of Gormflaith and Fódla, two women from two different and opposed long-lived magical races, the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé Dannan. Gormflaith is one of the last of the fire magic-wielding Fomorians (long-believed to be extinct by the Tuatha) and seeks to see her son, Sitric, crowned King of Dublin. Meanwhile the Tuatha Dé Dannan who have reached a New Agreement to silently observe humans from afar. Fódla looks to care for her banished sister’s son whilst also going to spy on Brian Boru, a man who has his eyes on being High King of Ireland. The themes of a mother’s love are prevalent throughout both stories.
TCOGAFM is very much a character driven book - the development of the main characters throughout is excellent, particularly both POV characters. Gormflaith’s POV in particular was interesting to read as she is a true Machiavellian-type willing to do whatever it takes to see her wants for her family fulfilled. This is not a fast-paced action filled novel, instead Lawless offers us a slow-paced, character-focussed story full of political intrigue and tension. I understand that Lawless has kept very well to the true history of events from this time whilst mixing in mythology and magic. For the most part I felt like I was reading a historical fiction novel rather than a fantasy, but when the fantastical elements did show up, they really served to accentuate the story.
I massively enjoyed this book - it felt very different from anything else I have read this year - and really look forward to the release of the sequel The Words of Kings and Prophets.