Series: Gael Song #0.5
Release date: March 14 2024
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Pages: 105
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: I received an E-ARC via Netgalley
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

The immortals of Ireland renew their ancient warfare as the new generations come to terms with their place in the world. Part of Shauna Lawless’s critically acclaimed Gael Song series, Dreams of Fire introduces medieval Ireland as it was a century before The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.

Rónnat and Fódla are Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann. They live a peaceful life with their aged warrior father in the north of Ireland. The Fomorians – age-old enemies of their kind – are thought to be battle-vanquished, for no conflict has been fought between their immortal races for generations.

But rumours of war and endless shifting allegiances mean that the Descendants’ position is not secure in the mortal world. There are powerful voices among the Descendants who want their kind to dwell permanently in strongholds hidden from mortals – threatening Rónnat’s love of freedom.

And the Fomorians, though greatly reduced in number, are far from vanquished. Led by their mighty prince, Balorach, the remaining Fomorians, with their gift of fire-magic, seek to destroy the Descendants.

The Descendants have the advantage of their own magical powers, and mighty warriors defend them… but if they cannot be beaten, why do the voices Rónnat hears on the wind speak of death and destruction?

Review

Dreams of Fire is a short novella set in the world of Shuana Lawless’s Gael Song series. The story follows Rónnat and Fódla at a much younger age. They live a quiet life with their father, safe in the knowledge that the Fomorians have been vanquished from the world. When rumours start to stir about war, the descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann begin to suggest they should remove themselves from the mortal world. Rónnat is dead set against this, but with those she loves being threatened, will she have a choice?

I really loved both The Children of Gods and Fighting Men and The Words of Kings and Prophets so I was incredibly excited to pick up this new release from Shauna Lawless. This story might be just over 100 pages, but it definitely packs a punch. Full of beautiful writing, I loved being back in this story and reading Dreams of Fire has made me even more excited for the release of book three. The story is well paced and contains quite a bit of action.

I loved being back with Rónnat and Fódla and it was so intriguing to see them as young girls and see how their relationship has changed between the events of Dreams of Fire and The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. This novella is definitely a great addition to the series, but I also think this would be a terrific place for new readers to start the series. The story hooks you in straight away and will have you itching to pick up the main series.

Dreams of Fire is a captivating story and I read the entire thing in one sitting. If you’ve read the main series already this is an excellent tale that gives the reader the chance to learn more about the descendants and their history. If you’ve not yet had a chance to pick the series up yet and you’re looking for a fantasy series full of brilliant characters, magic and action, then Dreams of Fire is the perfect introduction.