You might have read my recent five star review of Book One of the Gael Song Series, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless where I talked about how much I loved the story and Lawless’ way of bringing the characters to life on the pages. Second books in a series sometimes fall short of the first but that is not the case with The Words of Kings and Prophets! I enjoyed the development of the story in book two even more than the first which rarely happens for me in series.

I won’t be going into the details of the plot of book two so I don’t spoil it for anyone. Book 2 continues the stories of Gormflaith and Fódhla. The reader is thrown straight into the centre of the action in TWOKAP which really ramps up the tension in the story. This book is gripping; Lawless’ ability to weave together the stories and lives of the characters is a masterclass in how it should be done. I loved watching the arcs of both of the female protagonists’ stories and their evolution in this story- Gormflaith’s takes a decidedly darker path which I loved to watch unfurl throughout this book. She really stands out to me as one of the fiercest and most deadly characters and I can’t wait to see what lies in store for her in book three.

All of the characters operate in a morally grey area; each with their own hidden agenda and Lawless’ writing of this aspect is sublime. Hooked from the very first page, be prepared to move through this story at a faster pace than book one with savage battle scenes and plenty of secrets and revelations along the way… oh and some of the most heartbreaking betrayals too.

Lawless’ ability to successfully combine fact and fantasy and the level of detail in her writing makes The Words of Kings and Prophets a stand out book for me this year.

5 ⭐️ all the way- I’m so looking forward to seeing what happens in book three. Lawless is a writer to watch- no doubt about it!

Thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the arc. The Words of Kings and Prophets is out now!

Lawless is now an auto-buy author for me and if you haven’t already started reading The Gael Song series, go get your hands on the first two books asap!

One of the rare five-star reads for me this year, The Words of Kings and Prophets was an un-put-downable second installment in the Gael Song trilogy. The author’s ability to set the atmosphere and bring characters to life really shined, and the story itself had an inescapable gravitational pull as Gormflaith’s and Fódla’s paths drew closer and closer.

I especially enjoyed the character development of the FMCs and a couple of the more prominent secondary cast members because I was split on how I felt about them after the first book. This sequel gave me a lot of clarity on the characters’ true natures, and my reading buddy gets all the points for being 10000% right about Gormflaith during our read of Children of Gods and Fighting Men. Fódla has my heart now, and I am so worried about how events will unfold for her in the 3rd book (especially with Tomas’ scheming).

As far as historical fantasy books go, this series is now at the top of my recommendations list. Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for the ARC.

The Gael Song series has proven to be a marvelous and engrossing journey into the world of ancient Ireland and the second book is just as marvelous as the first book was. The breadth of Irish history, the culture and the addition of magic make this a must-read series for fans of historical fantasy. The first book set the table with rich, fully realized characters, along with the competing magics of the Fomorians and the Tuatha De Danann. This story lets you really sink your teeth into the politics of the era with our two protagonists Fodla and Gormflaith, along with the historical figures of the era, including Brian Boru, Sitric Silkbeard and Sechnall. It really is a fascinating time period to explore with the political machinations, marriages of opportunity and changing culture with the increased presence of Christianity. Layering the magic throughout the story as these two complex women strive to take control of their fates really ramps up the stakes and the tension. Having Fodla and Gormflaith in such close proximity through this story is a marvelous dance of who finds out about who first and its brilliantly written by Shauna as she keeps you guessing as to what will befall each of these characters next.
Shauna has taken what little is known and speculated about in regard to Brian Boru and crafted a thoroughly realistic character who struggles to walk the line between keeping his people safe while expanding his reach. He's written as such a complex figure, and it really makes history come alive. Fodla's story here has so many layers that make her someone to root for and I loved her growing relationship with Murchad. Gormflaith is completely delicious in all of her plotting's and manipulations of others and it's so easy to see how close to the edge of disaster she is. Where each of the characters ended up sets up what is sure to be a fantastic finish to one of the best series I have had the pleasure to read.

As always, Shauna Lawless creates a world of inescapable terror and wonder. I actually have not been aware of any Irish mythology prior to reading her first book, and I was genuinely surprised at how immersive her book was. Never before has a book ever convinced me to sit down in front of my computer and look up Irish mythology. I have had the honour of reading her previous book through NetGalley as well and I honestly must say looking at this series progress brings tears to my eyes! Well done!

Review copy (eARC) provided by via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second installment of in the historical fantasy "Gael Song" series. It's a fantastic blend of history, fantasy, politics and intrigue. The amount of love, devotion, care and effort the author put into the series jumps out of the pages and I cannot recommend this story enough.

My only feedback would be that I wish there was a "story so far" section at the beginning (wish all books had those!).

I cannot wait to see what happens next in this trilogy.

We all love to think we are the rivers of our own actions but in reality; our pasts, our families, our societies and out culture all impact our decision making. Be it to be aligned with it or to rebel against it. Good stories can explain why people do things and great stories can explain why a whole world acts the way that it does. I am so pleased to confirm that Shauna Lawless’s compelling fantasy novel The Words of Kings and Prophets offers an immersive journey with fantastic characters and struggles that faces Ancient Ireland at the dawn of the Eleventh century and delivers a further excellent instalment in this very strong historical fantasy series.

A brief recap Ireland for mortal humans is divided between many lands and Kings very few of whom work together. It has also been the site for a centuries old battle between The Descendants of the Tuatha De Danaan now in forced seclusion from mortals but spying, watching and internally discussing if they should fee, fight or continue to watch on the sidelines. Their leader Tomas has sent his onetime lover Floda out into the human world. She has found and agreed to guard her sister’s child Broccan. In the process she has arrived in the Kingdom of Munster under the guise of a healer and made friends with King Brian’s son Murchad. To Floda’s surprise she finds she has a home and purpose. But she knows Tomas could very easily upset all of this violently.

King Brian after his last great victory has married the reluctant Gormflaith, previously of the rival Kingdom of Dublin. Gormflaith dislikes her captive role and is also continuing to hide that she is one of the last Fomorians – the long-lived fire-magical rivals to the Descendants. Gormflaith seeks power of her own and the various battles of Ireland brewing everywhere will offer her a surprising way to escape the constraints of being a simple Queen.

There is a beautiful scene where Floda watches two young boys play-fighting with wooden swords and a realisation that the boys are just doing this to prepare for their futures as warriors. It illustrates the predicament that so many of the characters have in this lyrical and intricate tale that they are doing what is expected of them. That road to destruction seems to the one destined for so many of the cast we now meet.

Gormflaith was married as a bargaining tool; her family line of Fomorians has always fought the Descendants and even her Mother just expected her to be an active piece on the gameboard of politics. Is it any wonder that this is both something Gormflaith does to the extreme - constantly plotting and weighing up opportunities for power and yet also hating that she is in this role as woman even if one titled Queen. Only given any respect when doing womanly things be that making polite compliments of rivals at court or bearing children. She manages to be a character we both sympathise with and constantly worry that she is about to release all her anger at the world. Lawless excels at fleshing out this complex character for whom intrigue and scheming is second nature but now adds a potential new magical source of power for her to exploit and watching how she reacts to this drives her plotline into really interesting places.

Floda a one-time powerful member of the Descendants is now at the other end of human society in the guise of a hideously scarred healer. In this tale she must deal with suspicion; be accused of being a leper and losing her place (and new home for Broccan) again society expects little else of a woman but also Floda is finding her time with humans continuing to challenge her pre-conceptions of them.

Floda’s arc is interesting as the Descendants are declining in numbers and the strength of their many magical powers. She finds herself pitted against Tomas her leader and he is also thanks to his history increasingly drawn to taking back power over Ireland. We watch these two powerful beings go on sperate but linked arcs – one into doing increasingly darker deeds for what he believes is best and another who decides to care for others; share her problems and in so doing stand up to those betraying what she feels her people’s right path. From a reluctant passive character she is now ready to fight and that is both an empowering change and one that makes us worry what she will face next.

All of this is happening on a very dangerous gameboard of warring Kings and constant vying for power. This is a society that allows Kings to be challenged and the right person in the right place with the right support (and army behind them) can soon take charge of a throne – and then immediately start planning to defend it. There is a wealth of characters, but I am impressed yet again how Lawless lightly introduces them enough to explain the tale and keep it constantly moving and evolving without ever dragging us into history. Instead, as we watch characters interact, we get a fascinating exploration of the complex society this period represents – the changing of religions; the battles or trading relationships with Vikings (which can easily flip from one to the other) and that this is a society where slavery is a known concept that drives even the economies of certain Kingdoms that say they outlaw it.

Lawless moves us constantly from fighting scenes to court intrigues, tender scenes of people admitting their feelings and scenes of the fantastical powers lurking behind the surface of this world so it is a constantly moving story. In so doing we get to understand social classes, politics and traditions of the time just by seeing it live and breathe in front of is which is a sign of an immensely skilled writer. Lawless weaves actual historical events and figures with a fantastical plotline using the many myths and beliefs of the time and we get the overall feel of this novel is everything is coming to a head – the warring kingdoms, the magical war behind the scenes and the threat of the Vikings ever present.

The second volume in a trilogy can often be a difficult read but for me I hugely enjoyed reading The Words of Kings and Prophets because it builds and enriches the first tale and subtly but powerfully transforms our lead characters into places neither of them (or us) will have imagined when we first met them. It was also a pleasure to read a story by someone who knows how to write great characters, plot a complex story’s development and creates a world that I know little about come alive before my eyes. You feel like a witness to these events and that by the end we understand the world and can savour the final conflicts to come make me both excited to read that story and that Shauna Lawless is very much one of the most interesting fantasy writers to watch. This series is very strongly recommended.

The Words of Kings and Prophets is the second book on the Gael Song series, a historical fantasy based on Irish mythology, written by Shauna Lawless. After an excellent debut novel, the expectations were extremely high, and apart from delivering them perfectly, it raises the level a bit more, giving an extra layer of depth to the characters while making the plot advance with the historical facts.

Gormflaith is unhappily married to the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, in a delicate position, as her power as queen is quite limited. As a Fommorian with the gift of magic, she starts using her abilities, discovering she's more skilled than she thought. However, magic comes with a cost, and lacking the control of her abilities comes with a cost, putting her between the wall and the sword. This Gormflaith is stronger, but at the same time, we will see her struggling on several occasions, on the verge of collapsing and fleeing.
Meanwhile, Fódla is still mourning her disappeared sister, but taking care of her nephew will become her reason to be; she's just looking for a safe place for both. The only problem is that her nephew hides some gifts that could be used for evil.

Outside of our main characters, we will be following how Lawless weaves mythology and history, creating a really vivid story about Ireland and the different people fighting for power; focusing mostly on the figure of Brian Boru, and his climb to the position of High King of Ireland.
Lawless definitely manages to insufflate life into history, making of reading an excellent experience; all of that while being great at any registry, from the introspective to the big scale of battles.

The Words of Kings and Prophets is the confirmation of Shauna Lawless as an excellent novelist; if you are looking for a brilliant series that combines history and mythology, Gael Song should be one of your first elections.

Shauna Lawless once again proves she's a force to be reckoned with.
The Words of Kings and Prophets proved to be Lawless 's finest work.
This sequel is "EVERYTHING" you were expecting and so much more!!

Praise for Lawless once again!!! ❤️️

A book i couldn't put down and read as fast as I could because I wanted to know what was going to happen. I loved the first book, this one is even better.
Great storytelling, fabolous world building, intriguing characteres
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

What a sequel!

I was hooked from the first page of this book.

The characters leapt from the page and while told in first person, there was no doubt to who's head I was in. I love both Gormflaith and Foedla. Gormflaith feeling trapped and caged by the men in her life, was so fun to read about. How she grows and starts to do things for herself and not others. The relationships she has... I was glued to the page.

Gormflaith is a character I knew I would love but Foedla took my heart. Kind and sweet characters are not who I find myself liking and yet I love her.

Both characters are complex, and opposites of each other in more ways than their personalities.it makes for a great story. I love reading about different persepectives. Not to mention the plot and politics!

The worldbuilding was effortless. The writing flowed but the characters are the strongest part of this story.

This is by no means a fast book, but the moments between the characters, the hints at what is to come pulled me through the book in the best way.

The ending chapter has me salivating for book 3 as my suspicions of what could happen could come to pass and I just know I'll have the best time reading.

A huge step up from book one. Highly recommend.

I had the best time reading this.

Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Words of Kings and Prophets is an excellent follow up to the first instalment in the Gael Song series and would certainly be of interest to anyone interested in Irish history and mythology.

I did find that this book had a faster pace and the story was a bit easier to follow after doing much of the heavy lifting in the first instalment.

The book is again told from a first person perspective by Fódhla and Gormflaith, two women on opposite sides of an Ireland in conflict.

However, this book picks up with Fódhla and Gormlaith living in the same community with them being the healer and wife of King Brian Ború.

I really enjoyed the contrasting views of family and familial obligations throughout the book which are very obviously juxtaposing each other from the perspectives of the two women. Fódhla would do anything for her sister and nephew, whereas Gormflaith seems to be trapped by her obligations and the men that seem to be enforcing them.

Fódhla's chapters are a pleasure to read with her perspective being warm and inviting, but also she is not naive to the goings on around her.
Gormflaith's viewpoint was at times hard to read but you must appreciate her mind and its propensity for scheming to make the best of any situation.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who appreciates Irish history and mythology, and most especially to anyone who enjoyed The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.

The Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless is the second in her Gael Song trilogy, a series of books that layers fantasy and mythology on top of Irish history to create an engrossing story filled with plotting and intrigue and populated with compelling and complicated characters.
This book picks up right where the first book 'The Children of Gods and Fighting Men' ends and the reader is thrown into the centre of the action almost immediately. I would say that this is not a book that should be read without having read the earlier book, I think the character and world building of that book is necessary in order to get the most enjoyment out of this one. On that note, one of the minor issues I had with the first book was its pacing, it was quite a slow build, that is certainly not an issue here.
Once again the story centres around Gormflaith, the Fomorian with fire magic who is now married to Brian ,King of Munster, and Fódla the healer who is a descendant of the Tuath De Danann , and who has been sent to spy on Brian. Neither woman is aware of the other's powers as the book open, both are caught up in their own machinations and schemes, and it is the unfolding of these plots and the revelations that ensue that provide much of the drama and impetus of the story. That being said there is also a historical element that I found fascinating involving the kingships and politics of Ireland at that time, as well as the role of the Vikings , no longer raiders but now traders conquerors and even Kings. As I am Irish I had some understanding of the history involved, but this book brings it to life in an almost visceral way. The blend of fact and fantasy is not something that is easy to do well, but it is seamless here and I could not imagine the book would be nearly as good if it was missing either element. I don't want to spoil the ending for readers so all I will say is that I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy, especially given the revelations of the last few chapters - it promises to be something truly special.

The Words of Kinds and Prophets, book 2 of the Gael Song Series by Shauna Lawless.

This story takes readers through a story that covers many themes including politics, war, and plenty of schemes. To counter this we have plenty of adventure and betrayal, love and community. The plot was engaging I was hooked the entire way through. Following on shortly after the events of the first book, the lives of Fodla and Gormflaith have changed so much from the first book. Both Fodla and Gormflaith have to learning to adapt and deal with the consequences of their actions. In the process learning more about themselves and those around them as the politics of the Irish kings play out.

Lawless writes some interesting morally grey characters that adds tension and depth to an already detailed world. I am looking forward to where book three will take us. An exciting reading experience and highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this electronic ARC.

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The Words of Kings and Prophets is the second instalment in Shauna Lawless' Gael Song series is a masterpiece and where the pace of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men was slower to aid the introduction of the characters we know and love/love to hate, depending on the character, this second book is not held back, the pace is full on, don’t hold the horses! Lawless picks up events immediately following the conclusion of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men telling this dramatic historic fantasy with aplomb.
The way that Lawless weaves this beautifully written story with immense historical detail, fantasy and Irish mythology to create a truly compelling story that you can’t put down – I only meant to read a few chapters and had to tear myself away from it at 3am because I had to sleep! I can only imagine how much more I could have learnt about history if my teacher had been only half as amazing as Lawless in bringing to life history and mythology!
Lawless has created a world where there are two factions unknown in Ireland who are at war with one another. These are the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians, whereas over the centuries the Descendants have aided the Irish humans, the Fomorians have sought power and control over the country. As the centuries have passed their numbers have dwindled but, the war continues and book two continues this story alongside historical fact, bringing to life the war of words and flesh between the Vikings and the Irish Kings. Whilst there is a lot less fighting in this second book in the trilogy, the warring continues through politics, scheming and manipulation, at the heart of which sit the characters and their relations with one another. Honestly, at times my heart was in my hands as I became so emotionally involved with this story as it continued.
I am full of admiration for the development of the characters and the arc that they continue to travel, this speaks volumes for the character introduction in book one and for Lawless’ skills in creating such beautifully crafted and developed characters that totally pull you in. This combination of characters and world building with historical fact and Irish mythology is crafted beautifully to deliver a second book in a series that is even better than the first! There is NO middle book syndrome in this trilogy!
I cannot recommend highly enough that you pick up The Words of Kings and Prophets and continue the Gael Song series, and if you haven’t read The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, grab it now! This series is multi-layered, weaves history and mythology and delivers a truly compelling story that you won’t be able to put down – trust me, the bags under my eyes attest to this.

Huge, huge thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the arc of The Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless....can I have book 3 now please! I'm not sure I can cope with the wait!

Thanks Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this advanced copy.

I loved everything about this book. The plot line was amazing. The pacing was enjoyable and the fight scene was epic. Loved it!!

The Words of Kings and Prophets is the compelling sequel to The Children of Gods and Fighting Men and covers a year in the life of the legendary Irish king, Brian Boru. His ambition to be the High King of Ireland plays out with the making of alliances and the forging of treaties, but all of this is mere background to the story of those around him whom we came to know in the first book. King Brian’s rise to power is interwoven with intriguing Irish mythology through the stories of Fódla the Descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the healer with magical powers who we met in the first book, and her natural enemy, Brian’s new queen, Gormflaith, an ancient Fomorian with the power of fire at her fingertips.
The historical information in this story is presented well. We learn much of the traditions and expectations of the time, concerning motherhood and the treatment of women in particular. Still, the focus is on the intriguing story of the Fomorians’ hunt for the fortress of the Descendants, and their aim to wipe them all from the face of the Earth. The Descendants themselves are suffering from a lack of unity in their ranks and Fódla is starting to realise that those she once trusted were not quite all that they seemed. Tasked with keeping her nephew, Broccan safe until he is grown, she is dedicated to her task and lives among the mortals of Brian Boru’s court, spying for Tomas, leader of the Descendants and her former husband. Will she be discovered by Gormflaith who comes to suspect that a spy is in their midst at court?
The characterisation of each of the historical characters as well as the author’s inventions in this novel is fabulous. All of them are believable and Fódla and Broccan were easy to become invested in. The scheming Gormflaith and her unscrupulous brother, Máelmórda make a great double act of villainry.
A battle in the river towards the end of the book is gripping to read and the aftermath leads to many questions and cliffhangers to keep readers interested for the next instalment. I for one can’t wait to see how the final act in this historical fantasy trilogy will play out!

"The Words of Kings and Prophets" by Shauna Lawless is the 2nd book of the Gael Song series and picks up right where Book 1 stopped. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru in Munster, where Fodla is also living with her nephew, Broccan.

Like the first book, Lawless's writing is mesmerizing, and the world she created remains filled with Wonder! I was so quickly brought back into the fold of these characters' lives and adventures!

What I really liked in this book,  which I don't remember being present as much in the 1st one,  is how big the power reach was. It really showcases how Ireland was part of a big and wide world, trading and being visited even by people from other parts of Europe. To the point that the Descendants even had a spy in Constantinople/Istanbul.

Unlike book one, this time, Fodla stole the scene for me as I loved her development in this book. I loved her slow questioning of power, her subtle remorse and self reprimand for her daughter's life, and her ever growing, more intense, and genuine parental love for Broccan. It was a book she really shone up that she is not just able to see the mistakes of her people but also brave to act.

We also got to meet more intimately more characters, and there was not one I didn't love experiencing the world through their POVs!

Just an amazing book! Lawless is an amazing writer!

So, here we are with the second book in Shauna Lawless’s Gael Song Series.

Using Irish history as its backdrop, Gael Song tells the story of two women, Gormflaith (a member of a mystical race, The Fomorians, who is imbued with the mystical fires of her near extinct race) and Fodla (from the opposing Tuatha de Danaan, who also happens to be a healer).

The story picks up where The Children of Gods and Fighting Men left off. Gormflaith is now married to Brian Boru, High King of England. And similarly to the last book, her ambitions are her focus. For one, as a woman, she is not taken seriously and is expected to take her rightful place as a woman of the king. Except this is exactly the problem, because Gormflaith feels that she is destined for more in this world and she has to fight for every small victory that she makes, using whatever she thinks is useful, including her powers as a Fomorian and a woman.

Fodla, on the other hand is continuing to discover the secrets of the leader of Tuatha de Danaan and her people. Attempting to find a safe place for her nephew to live she discovers that the truths that she has always been told are not as they seem. And discovering that the things she has always been told were a threat, are not as they seem. Whilst the people of Ireland may indeed have their faults, they are not as evil as she has been told. Obviously this causes her conflict.

So, as with The Children of Gods and Fighting, Shauna Lawless continues to immerse the reader in the politics, history and mythology of Ireland to tell an engrossing story of two women fighting against the confines of expectations to find their own path.

I loved the two characters of Gormflaith and Fodla. However, for me, it is always Gormflatih that I like the best. Yes I know she’s not entirely the nicest of people, but I enjoy seeing her kicking against the structures that are imposed on her. She uses ruthlessness and cunning to get what she wants, and in this book, she is much harder. Much more willing to take power for herself and not trust what the fates decree for her.

However Fodla is equally as strong, railing against the teachings of her people and trying to find her own world. She definitely has more confidence in this book and she seems to throw off the past and is carving out her own way.

Besides the great characterisations of the two women, there is the added benefit of having all the other stuff which is really fascinating. There is an obvious love of the history and the mythology which shines through the narrative, which for me as a reader was equally as infectious and made me want to get a more in depth knowledge of the background on the history and mythology that are the building blocks of the story.

I felt that whilst The Word of Kings and Prophets really expanded on the initial story, it also showed a growing confidence in Shauna Lawless’s abilities as a writer, and I really enjoyed The Words of Kings and Prophets, and found that it actually exceeded the first book with its synergy of history and fantasy.

The lives of mortals and immortals in Ireland 1000 AD are all I want to read about.
The characters that Shauna Lawless has created are so real, vivid and complex. If you enjoyed book one then book two is a MUST READ. The journeys that happen, the tension and conflict are just riveting.
I love how the women are portrayed and their roles explored in the timeline. The setting is beautiful. Basically there’s nothing I don’t like about this book. I couldn’t even think to write a review afterwards and still can’t say anything as amazing as this book is.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.