“Ireland is our home. It is a land of myth and magic, but our magic is fading.”
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This is the story of tenth century Ireland told from the viewpoint of two women of vastly different clans of magical immortals. Gormflaith is the widow of the Viking king of Dublin and she is enamored with her mortal son, manipulating everything she can to make him the new king. She and her brother are the last fire-wielding Fomorians. Fodla is a healer of the Tuatha Dé Danann sworn to not meddle in human affairs and yet has found herself in the court of Brian Boru. History plays out as true history did but we get a unique perspective from these two women and how their choices and magic impacted it all.
I LOVED this story, I did not want to put it down. I have been spending more time reading Irish history this year and really loved my recent read Follett’s The Morning and the Evening. It too tackles Viking culture but in England and Normandy. The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is just as immersive and powerful but the magical, mythical elements were fabulous. I also appreciated that we got a little more of a female perspective, especially since both of these are badasses. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Head of Zeus via Netgalley for advanced access to this novel. I have since purchased a copy. All opinions above are my own.
I am obsessed right now with Viking mythology and history… Give me a recommendation for my shelves!
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