The Land of the Living and the Dead

Shauna Lawless

$22.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Head of Zeus -- an AdAstra Book
02 September 2025

Celtic religion & mythology

Series: Gael Song

With war on the horizon in medieval Ireland, everything is at stake for mortal and magical folk alike. The third volume in the critically acclaimed GAEL SONG historical fantasy series. A LoveReading Book of the Year!

THE OLD WORLD WILL DIE IN FLAMES.

Ireland, 1011 AD. The mortal kingdoms rise up against High King Brian Boru as they seek to wrest his crown from him. Yet the real struggle is between the two magical races of Ireland, the Fomorians and the Descendants, eternal enemies who both seek dominion over the mortal world.

Gormflaith, King Brian's queen, remains unmasked as the powerful Fomorian she is. Gormflaith plans to gain mastery over Ireland and destroy the Descendants in one fell swoop... but she cannot do it alone.

The Descendants are bitterly divided. Fódla, a Descendant who was once part of King Brian’s inner circle, must use this division to thwart a treacherous plot long in the making – even if it means sacrificing herself. But with other lives on the line, can Fódla reveal the evil in time?

As secret schemes come to deadly fruition, the only possible outcome is war. Ireland has bled red and often, but the coming clash will change the course of history for ever.

Reviews for the Gael Song series

‘Blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect’ SFX ‘Lawless’s writing is absolutely luminous’ Irish Independent 'Utterly magical and completely captivating' Sarah Underwood

'A fine piece of storytelling' Mark Lawrence

By: Shauna Lawless
Imprint: Head of Zeus -- an AdAstra Book
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 38mm
Weight: 420g
ISBN: 9781803282749
ISBN 10: 1803282746
Series: Gael Song
Pages: 592
Publication Date: 02 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Shauna Lawless is an avid reader of Irish mythology, folklore and history, which inspired Gael Song, her historical fantasy series set in turbulent mediaeval Ireland. Her critically acclaimed novel, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, was nominated for Best Debut at the British Fantasy Awards. She lives in Northern Ireland with her family, where you can often find her writing or curled up with a good book. Follow Shauna via her newsletter or shauna lawless.com and IG: shauna_lawless_author

Reviews for The Land of the Living and the Dead

Celebrates the extraordinary history and cultural traditions of Ireland while giving voice to the women who helped shape it. Highly recommended. -- Lucy Holland on Shauna Lawless Highlander meets The Last Kingdom… I was hooked from page one. -- Anthony Ryan on Shauna Lawless Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic Last Kingdom with wild magic and fierce heroines. -- Anna Smith Spark on Shauna Lawless I really enjoyed the book. It’s an excellent read. -- Mark Lawrence on Shauna Lawless