I couldn’t have asked for a better follow up for the first trilogy. Living and Dead left me emotionally ruined and I need this book to give me life again. It certainly did though once again I was put through the absolute emotional wringer while reading. Shauna writes characters and plot like no other. The intrigue, the history, it was such a beautifully crafted story and I highly recommend for all fantasy, and historical fantasy lovers out there!

SO good to be back in this world - this new trilogy is already off to such a fantastic start, promising all the magic, tension and intricate plotting of the Gael Song trilogy with a cast of characters both new and familiar. Very glad to see Gormflaith up to her usual scheming, and also very glad to see the same flavour of subtle but heart wrenching romantic subplotting that coloured the Gael Song is back in the new trilogy. The reveal at the end had me absolutely gasping - can’t wait for the next instalment!!

A dreamy delight for anyone drawn to Irish and Gaelic mythology.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this—it was honestly such a treat!

This is exactly the kind of book I love to get lost in. Daughter of the Otherworld had me completely under its spell from page one—I didn’t want to put it down.

The way the author weaves old folklore into something fresh and full of heart is just magic. The writing has this lovely, lyrical quality, and the whole story feels like it’s been plucked from the misty edge of a fairy tale.

If you love stories with a touch of the mystical, rooted in ancient legend and full of wonder, this one is for you.

Daughter of the Otherworld was a really engaging read! I enjoyed the unique world and the magical elements were quite compelling. The characters were interesting, and the plot kept me turning pages. It was a solid fantasy, and while I definitely recommend it, it didn't quite hit that five-star mark for me personally. Still, a great book!

Ambientada en la Irlanda medieval, Daughter of the Otherworld entrelaza mitología celta, política, venganza y magia ancestral. La historia comienza con Donnchad, un rey caído en desgracia que huye de sus enemigos mortales y mágicos. Portador de dones sobrenaturales de fuego y agua, herencia de su linaje Fomoriano, Donnchad escapa con su hijo hacia Roma buscando redención por sus pecados ante el Papa. Sin embargo, es su madre una hechicera inmortal quien lo encuentra, marcando el inicio de una nueva huida por Europa.

Décadas después, Broccan, un guerrero descendiente de los Tuatha Dé Danann, sigue la pista de los Fomorianos, decidido a vengar a los suyos. Pero un mensaje en medio del desierto lo obliga a regresar a su tierra natal, a Rathlin Island, donde una niña recién llegada del otro mundo, Isolde, cambiará el destino de todos.

Isolde crece en la isla bajo la protección de Broccan, ajena a su linaje y al conflicto ancestral que la envuelve. Pronto, su deseo de libertad y su espíritu indomable la llevarán a descubrir secretos que pondrán su vida en peligro. Mientras el fuego del pasado amenaza con arrasarlo todo, Isolde deberá elegir entre el amor, la lealtad y el poder que arde en su interior.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

Shauna Lawless never fails to leave me in awe. Her stories weave myth, history and heartbreak into something utterly breathtaking — and Daughter of the Otherworld is absolutely no exception.

Coming back to this world felt like stepping through a familiar door only to find the entire landscape transformed. Over a century has passed, Ireland is shifting, power changes hands, old grudges fester, and yet myth and magic still weave through the land, never truly gone. It’s like watching legends refuse to rest, determined to carve out their next chapter and I couldn’t get enough.

Isolde is such a compelling lead — torn between who she is and who everyone expects her to be. I loved the way she balances quiet vulnerability with a hidden spark of her mother Fódla’s fierce spirit. I just know there is so much more to come with her and I can’t wait to see it unfold.

And Broccan… gods, he shattered me. Carrying centuries of grief and loyalty, his moments with Isolde felt raw and painfully human. Their bond was tender and magnetic, and I was completely swept up in it.
Cuan added a beautiful undercurrent of quiet sorrow — his steadfastness tinged everything with a bittersweet note that I adored.

Lets not forget Gormflaith — her return hit like a lightning strike. Watching events twist through her eyes left me reeling between empathy and dread. Lawless never gives us simple villains; her characters are flawed, aching, vividly human, and that’s what makes them truly unforgettable. Even the secondary characters are written to perfection.

There’s also such a profound exploration of grief and loss here, all handled with incredible tenderness. Lawless’s writing is gorgeous!! Immersive and lyrical, yet always anchored in raw emotion. By the end, I was desperate for more. It’s killing me knowing I have to wait to see how it all plays out. I don't regret pickign this up so soon, but also, I do!!

This series has more than earned its place on my all-time favourites shelf. And Lawless on my all-time fave author list.
It’s stories like this — rooted in folklore, tangled in politics, brimming with heartbreak and love — that remind me exactly why I read fantasy. I’ll be championing these books to anyone who’ll listen.

If you crave historical fantasy that feels rich, lived-in, and achingly real, please do yourself a favour and pick this up. 💛 You won’t regret it.

PS: While you technically could jump in here, I wholeheartedly recommend starting with the first trilogy and novellas. It changes everything and it’ll simply hit harder.


PPS: Days later and I still can not stop thinking about this book and this series. The amount of times I come back to change up my review, to sing the books/series praises, all in the hopes it at least convinces one person to pick up up this series and fall in love!

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it completely won me over. Honestly, it’s easily one of the best historical fantasy novels set in a Middle Ages–inspired world that I’ve ever read. I have a strong feeling this series might become one of my all-time favorites.

Let me start by saying that I hadn’t read the first three books. I didn’t even realize Daughter of the Otherworld was the fourth in a series rather than the first in a new one when I requested the ARC. At first, I was a little worried I might feel lost or miss out on important context. But I decided to give it a try, and thankfully, I ended up really enjoying it as it was. Sure, readers familiar with the earlier books will likely catch more references and feel more grounded in the world, but for me, the lack of prior knowledge didn’t detract from the experience. I don’t mind mild spoilers, and I wasn’t bothered by not fully grasping all the lore. Quite the opposite – it actually made me even more excited to go back and read the previous installments. Not having read them didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book at all.

That said, I’m not necessarily recommending that everyone start the series with the fourth book – but I do want to emphasize that it might not be a problem for everyone. It wasn’t for me.

The main characters here are new, and I completely fell in love with Isolde’s storyline – she’s the daughter of Fódla from the earlier books, but her journey is very much her own. I was immediately intrigued by her quiet, sheltered life under Broccan’s care, and equally invested when she left that behind to embark on a journey that led her to Cuan. I’m really hoping for good things to happen to them in the next books.
The second storyline, featuring Donnchad, Angelo, and Gormflaith, was also really engaging. While it’s clear that the biggest developments for these characters are still to come in the next installments, the groundwork laid here was promising, and I found myself invested in their arc.

Shauna Lawless strikes a perfect balance between political intrigue and deeply personal character arcs: my absolute favorite combo in both historical fiction and historical fantasy. The stakes feel high on both fronts, which makes for truly compelling reading.

Also, the writing flows effortlessly. Not a single moment felt slow or drawn out. I was completely absorbed from beginning to end.
I’m definitely going to read the next book, and obviously, I have to go back and catch up on the previous ones too!

A thrilling mix of Irish Mythology and Medieval History.

I loved Daughter of the Otherworld for its story of the mythological magical races of Ireland battling for supremacy and survival whilst hiding in plain sight amongst the medieval landscape.

I particularly loved the naïveté of Isolde living a sheltered Island life shielded from life’s hardships by the immortal descendant warrior Broccan.

I also loved the despicable Fomorians and their fire magic with their battle to wipe out their historical enemy, the Tuatha Dé Danann.

I found the story's mixture of history and mythology delightful.

When Isolde falls in love with Cuan O’Connor, then finds out he’s of Fomorian descent this adds a wonderful Romeo and Juliet like quality to the story and is just one of the many highlight of this book for me.

I honestly could not fault this book. I would highly recommend it to any fan of historical fiction, mythology and fantasy. I rated it 5 stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Perfect for lovers of Irish and Gaelic mythology.

Thank you NetGalley for this read! It was such incredible

This isn’t my usual genre, but OMG I just couldn’t stop!
Daughter of the Otherworld had me hooked from the very first page.

The way the author weaves folklore into a fresh and compelling narrative is masterful. The writing is lyrical, the pacing tight, and the characters unforgettable.

If you’re drawn to tales rooted in Irish or Gaelic lore with a touch of the mystical, this one’s for you.

I was unable to complete this book I got a good 80 pages in and couldn't focus. Maybe I need to read up more on Irish lore. It would interest me. I think of I knew more about everything. I would like to revisit it

Thank you so much Head of Zeus and Netgalley. To say I was thrilled to receive an eARC of Daughter of the Otherworld would be an understatement! I adored Era 1 of the Gael Song and could not wait to read book 1 in Era 2.

Shauna Lawless continues with this series with multiple first person narration, which is unique in itself and worked very well in Era 1. In this novel however, I started to get frustrated and my attention waned. I am not sure if it was due to the personalities of the characters (more on that soon) or the amount of dialogue. It was ALOT! The plot developments were slow and unlike Era 1, the beautiful storytelling wasn't quite there. It didn't feel as smooth or engaging. I found myself constantly looking for the next Gormflaith chapter. To be honest, if she wasn't in this book, I think my rating would have been lower.

Overall, I can't say I was as captivated with Daughter of the Otherworld as I was with every book in Era 1. Am I going to continue with the series?....absolutely, yes!

3.75/5

This is part of a series, Gael Song, and would not make much sense as a stand alone book, dear reader.
It is a fun series about Irish mythology and history.
We have Isolde as our protagonist.
She is complex and likeable.
Broccan is another super curious character.

If you are familiar with Fomorians and Irisg mythology, you will like this series. and this book.
If not familiar, you will like it, because it will all be new to you.

I did not enjoy the ending in this book very much.
3.5 stars.

Daughter of the Otherworld is an atmospheric and beautifully crafted novel that weaves history and myth into a compelling tale of loyalty, power, and the unseen forces that shape our world. Shauna Lawless has a gift for immersing readers in a vividly realized setting — the blend of folklore and historical detail feels both authentic and enchantingly fresh.

The characters are complex and memorable, with motivations that feel grounded and human, even when the story edges into the mystical. Lawless’ prose is lyrical yet accessible, drawing you deep into a world where every choice carries weight and consequences ripple through generations.

What I especially loved is how the story balances quiet, intimate moments with tense, high-stakes intrigue. The pacing is steady but never dull, and the worldbuilding is layered and thoughtful without ever feeling heavy-handed.

This is the kind of book that stays with you after the last page — thoughtful, haunting, and full of questions about loyalty, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves.

I highly recommend Daughter of the Otherworld to readers who enjoy historical fantasy with rich folklore elements and strong, nuanced characters. I can’t wait to see what Shauna Lawless writes next.

After starting this book feeling very confused, I realised that this book was the fourth in a series I had never read before.

Whilst this story is described as a new era of, my score is reflects an "on the fence" viewpoint as I can't bring myself to continue this without the world-building of the previous novels. You could definitely complete this without the previous knowledge, but I found I couldn't connect with the story as a consequence.

If you've read the series, I encourage you to continue. The writing is incredible and Isolde as a character has a lot of room for growth, lending a curiosity to the reader for where she takes her life.

I hope to read this series, with the promise shown from Daughter of the Otherworld, but ideally in order.

This was an enjoyable read that kept my attention all the way through and when I wasn't reading it I couldn't stop thinking about it.

I went into this book thinking it was a the first of a new series, separate from Gael Song. While it is a new series, it's a sequel. Having not read the previous series I'm sure there's a lot I have missed but things were explained well enough not to feel confusing. So you can begin here but it will spoil the first three so probably best start there if you want to read the rest.
That said, I loved this book. It was so full of depth and intrigue, I couldn't wait to get my hands on my kindle each day. Will absolutely be continuing the series as they're released.

4.25/5

Thank you Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with an eARC.

A brilliant set up to era 2!! While I found that there were some pacing issues in the middle, the ending was perfect and already leaving me itching for the next book.

Because this takes place 150 years after the original trilogy there is a whole new setting and cast to get used to again, however, I do think reading the OG trilogy is fundamental to fully enjoy this. The amazing atmosphere we got in the first trilogy is slightly lacking in this book but the character development is just as top notch.

Overall, I had a great time with this. Thank god the new novella comes out soon because I just love Shauna’s writing and storytelling

A continuation of the Gael Song trilogy, fifty years later.
Isolde, the last Descendant, Fódla’s baby who had been taken to the otherworld is the prophesied daughter able to destroy fire. She lives in obscurity on an island protected by Broccan, unknowing of her family and her magic with no gift showing.

Gormflaith is living in Paris with her brother, son, niece and grandson. They have been running from Broccan’s hunting until recently. Now they see a chance to return to Ireland to meddle in wars and kill the prophesied daughter.

Isolde is a great protagonist to follow. She isn’t a hero, she didn’t even know of the magical world at the start. She is careful, yet curious. Independent and self-sufficient, but often naive.

<b>For who wanted love when they could be a queen?
</b>
For faith conies her manipulation and her pessimistic outlook on love and the position of women.

I would not recommend reading this series without having first reading the initial trilogy. There are past characters, continuations of character arcs, conflicts, and history. Whilst there is a little bit of background infomation given, it is not near enough.

I think that is one of my biggest grievances as I felt unsatisfied by the ending of the first trilogy and now we have this trilogy following on years later extending the feuds and grudges.

There was also a plot pointed I despised towards the end as it felt like cheating, but I will not spoil it. If you have read it, please message me.

The first 40% was my favourite and then after that felt very similar to the earlier trilogy.

Physical arc gifted by Head of Zeus.

i picked this up, unaware that it was 4th in a series. a silly mistake to make! but from the blurb it sounded really interesting and seemed like maybe I could manage to read it as a standalone.
sadly the more I read the more I realised I couldn't really do this. there were so many characters and I was having real trouble keeping track of who was who. and every time I got the hang of it, another several characters seemed to appear.
so in the end, I had to give up on reading it. the story wasn't grabbing me and there were just too many characters to keep track of.
I've given it 3 stars because I don't think it's necessarily a bad book, I just tried to read it at the wrong time, and starting a series at book 4 is never a smart move.

Thank you to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for the ARC! Rating: 4.25/5

Ok.... where to begin?

First things first, I want to say that this is the 4th book in a series- not a standalone or book one! It is the first book in the next cycle of the Gael Song saga, yet I truly feel that without first reading the previous trilogy you will be missing out on a lot here. When I received this ARC, I went and first read the original 3 books to get the necessary background, and can confirm that those are also great reads, equally as entertaining and richly woven as this one!

Daughter of the Otherworld is set 150 years after the original trilogy, but because many of the main characters live multiple centuries, you still have many of the same POVs and characters in this book, which is why reading the first 3 books is so necessary. There were a few new characters and POVs for this book, namely Isolde (my new favourite character by far) and Donnchad, who together with other characters help continue painting the complex world of Irish mythology that Shauna Lawless describes to us. The character development in this book and the previous ones really stand out as exceptional, with fully-fleshed, morally grey narratives. The one character here which I couldn't attach to so much was Donnchad- he mainly talked of the battles he was in/ his political scheming and I did find myself skipping through some of his sections as they felt less gripping.

However, overall this book was really well-paced and cunningly crafted, and I definitely recommend it for fans of epic fantasy! (But read the first three first :)