Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Children of Gods and Fighting Men (4, 2023) | Shauna Lawless

SHORTLISTED FOR BEST DEBUT AT THE BRITISH FANTASY AWARDS. The first in a gripping historical fantasy series intertwining Irish mythology with medieval history, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is the thrilling debut novel by Shauna Lawless. They think they've killed the last of us... 981 AD. The Viking King of Dublin is dead. His young widow, Gormflaith, has ambitions for their son – and herself – but Ireland is a dangerous place and kings tend not to stay kings for long. Gormflaith also has a secret. She is one of the Fomorians, an immortal race who can do fire-magic. She keeps her powers hidden at all costs, for there are other immortals in this world – like the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann, sworn enemies of all Fomorians. The Descendants dwell in a fortress hidden from the mortal world. With Ireland on the brink of war, Fódla, a Descendant with the gift of healing, agrees to help her kin by entering the retinue of Brian Boru, a powerful man who aims to be High King of Ireland, as a spy. Fodla is desperate to stop the coming conflict. But preventing the loss of mortal lives will not be easy with Ireland in turmoil... and the Fomorians on the rise. Readers love The Children of Gods and Fighting Men 'Lawless blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect.' SFX 'Celebrates the extraordinary history and traditions of Ireland while giving voice to the women who helped shape it.' Lucy Holland 'An excellent read.' Mark Lawrence 'Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic Last Kingdom .' Anna Smith Spark ' Highlander meets The Last Kingdom ... I was hooked from page one.' Anthony Ryan 'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics.' D.K. Fields 'Vividly written... makes the ancient past feel contemporary.' Joseph O'Connor 'Swept me along and refused to be put down.' H.M. Long