Series: Gael Song #2
Release date: September 14 2023
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Pages: 476
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

The sequel to the critically acclaimed The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, The Words of Kings and Prophets is the powerful new historical fantasy novel by Shauna Lawless.

Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and although a queen she struggles with her limited position. As an immortal Fomorian with the secret gift of magic, Gormflaith has a burning desire: to find and destroy the hidden fortress of her sworn enemies, the Descendants, who seek to kill her kind at all costs. She begins to use her magical powers, and discovers she is more skilled than she ever realised… but can she control what she will become?

Meanwhile Fódla, the Descendants’ healer, mourns her banished sister but clings to life as the guardian of her young nephew. She seeks a place of safety for them both, but he has secrets of his own that could threaten everything – and Fódla must do all in her power to keep him hidden away from those who would use him for evil.

When a mysterious man comes to King Brian’s court, his presence could spell disaster or deliverance for both Gormflaith and Fódla – and for Ireland herself. For he is Tomas, an ambitious immortal with few scruples – and he will do anything to see his plans become reality.

Soon, mortals and immortals alike are drawn towards a bitter conflict that could decide the future of Ireland and all her people.

Review

The second book in the Gael Song series, The Words of Kings and Prophets follows on from the events of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. Gormflaith is now married to Brian Boru, and finds herself without the power she once had. She is unhappy at being sent to marry Brian and will do anything to regain her power. Gormflaith still desires to wipe out the Descendants and soon realises there is more to her power than she ever thought possible. Meanwhile, Fódla continues to live in the mortal world to protect her nephew, but can she hide him from the evil in this world, especially when war is brewing? Back home there is trouble brewing amongst the Tuatha Dé Danann, but who is behind it and will Fódla be able to see the truth?

I really enjoyed reading The Children of Gods and Fighting Men so I was incredibly intrigued to see where Lawless would take the story in book two. This time, the stakes are even higher and Lawless does a brilliant job of creating tension. The story is well paced and I loved being back with Gormflaith and Fódla. Lawless has created some truly fascinating characters and I particularly love Gormflaith. She’s ruthless and determined to succeed at all costs. The way she schemes and manoeuvres is fascinating and I found her chapters particularly compelling. I also felt Fódla came into her own more in this installment, determined to do what is right even if it goes against the rules of her people.

The story is full of political scheming and makes for a really engrossing read. The story did go in some directions I didn’t quite expect, and I am so looking forward to seeing what Lawless has in store for book three. I was lucky enough to hear Shauna Lawless talk at Cymera Festival this year and one of the things she mentioned was the research that went into this series. The story does feel incredibly well-researched and the sights and sounds of Ireland in the 10th Century really come to life in Lawless’s writing. The Irish mythology in this story is utterly fascinating and I love the way Lawless weaves this into the story.

The Words of Kings and Prophets is a fascinating, well crafted story and if you’re looking for some historical fantasy that will keep you hooked right till the very last page, this series is a must read.