The Land of the Living and the Dead is the final installment in the first trilogy of the Gael Song series. I loved the first two books, and this book did not disappoint. The story picks up several years after the events in the second book. As with the first books mythology is expertly woven into the story which is beautiful, engaging, and heartbreaking. Gormflaith continues to manipulate and scheme to maintain and build power for herself and the Formorians. Fódla continues to be an empathetic and strong (with a strength that is so opposite of Gormflaith's). There is love and betrayal, happiness and heartbreak. Readers learn more about the internal Irish conflicts and the fate of Brian Buru's kingdom while seeing the conflict between the Formorians and Tuatha Dé Danaan grow . This story is filled with love and betrayal, success and failure, happiness and heartbreak. This was a beautiful conclusion to this first trilogy, and I can't wait to read whatever Shauna Lawless writes next. Hopefully, I won't have to wait too long.

Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

ARGH!! That is the only thing to be said at the end of this trilogy!! How on earth such a fantasy twist on historical fiction gripped me and had me so invested in the battles and wars from almost a millennium ago I'm not sure but wow. There was more of the expected twists, turns, deceit, romance, betrayal and murder.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to enjoy this book at its fullest, because I didn't understood this was the third part of a saga.
Reading it while missing the previous volumes was not the best but at least I could enjoy a rich plot full of well detailed characters, energy and twist. Lawless' language is amazing, everything comes out from the page so vividly. And in spite of being a fantasy novel, the historic background is very accurate.

I've been a fan of Irish history for a long time, and I'm very fond of Brian Boru's times. But rarerly I've found a novel that could retell it so well.

There's only one thing I have to do now: read the first 2 chapters and then re-read this. And enjoy the whole Gael Song for real.

This book picks up many years after the last instalment. War is on the horizon, Gormflaith is still playing her game and is about to pull all her strings into place. Fódla and Broccan as well as Colmon have been in hiding but decide to come back once Broccan is fully grown.

This book delivered quite a different finale to what I expected. It was well executed in the build up but when it came to the final scenes things were left very ambiguous. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I would have likely preferred something more concrete, hence the lower rating to the other books in this trilogy.

I still really enjoyed this book for the most part. The pieces have been left in place for future stories. There are great character moments throughout, as well as all the political manoeuvring you could wish for and some great historical links and battles scenes. If you liked the other two books please pick this up. Despite my mixed feelings on the ending, I think this trilogy is well worth a read.

This read like a manual but also poetry idk weird. I still liked it. I just had to read it a bit slower than other things i read.

Thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for the ARC.

I.....just........just.....what am I supposed to do now?? (other than cry) for goodness' sake Shauna!??!! I think I was in denial throughout this story that it was heading toward where it was heading at the end. HEAVY SIGH. The Gael Song series is just so marvelous, and I wish my words would do justice to what Shauna has accomplished with this trilogy and the novellas. The ability to bring this period of Irish history to life in these characters and to capture how turbulent at times the political situation was is an amazing talent. The addition of this battle between the Fomorians and the Descendants adds such a unique and heart wrenching element to the story as each side is so set on doing everything in their power to defend themselves. I am continually amazed at how Shauna crafted Gormflaith to be this antagonist that at moments you truly hate, but still understand why she is doing what she is. And Tomas......don't let me start on Tomas. The portrayal of the battle of Clontarf is gripping. This final book has a terrific blend of political maneuvering and action that just ups the tension and anxiety until that brutal and crushing ending that will take a long time to get over. This is a series that I cannot recommend enough, whether you want to focus on the historical figures or the fantastical elements, it will keep you glued to the pages. I am so glad that there will be more novellas and books to come in this battle between the Tuatha de Dannan and the Fomorians.

**Thank you for the ARC**

Firstly I'd like to apologise for taking so long to read this. Every time I picked it up I read a large chunk at a time and then put it down for too long. I put it down and left it because I didn't want the story to end! I've loved this series since book one, which I took home from the library because "ooo pretty cover page, and Vikings!"

Second, I don't think I've cried this much while reading a book.

This book is so good, and the series is easily in the top five I've read. I love Fodla and Gormflaith for very different reasons. Gormflaith will stop at nothing to get what she wants - she is terrifying and I love that for her. Fodla has a gentle kind of strength and is kind and generous, she goes through so much but still has love.

The supporting characters are well fleshed out and the ones who are to be liked are likable and the ones to be despised are despicable. Murchad might be my favourite. And I'm glad Tomas' story ended the way it did.

I knew very little about this period of Irish history. We don't learn much about it here in New Zealand, so it was interesting learning about it.

Again, I appreciated the pronunciation guide for the names.

I look forward to the next era of this series.

Thank you Head of Zeus for the copy of this book.
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Read if you like: historical fantasy
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The third book in the Gael Song series did not disappoint and I think this is my favourite of the series. This felt faster paced. I love how the author blended history and fantasy elements into the story. I loved the characters, especially Fodla, and I hope there is another book in the series because that cannot be how it all ends!! If you like historical fantasy then you should definitely check this series out!

I know this series was originally meant as a trilogy, and since it's beginning it has expanded to include two novellas that have given us excellent stories about Ronnat and Senna. So, that being said, I dearly hope this is not the endo of this story. I am not the type of person that needs a Happily-Ever-After all tied up in a pretty ribbon but I at least want to see some kind of definitive closure. Some parties certainly got a type of closure, to be sure, but even then I doubt it's the end of their story.

I have come to absolutely love Shauna Lawless' writing and her ability to weave history and fantasy together. Whenever I talk about this series I always tell people it's at section an amazing intersection of people and religious history because of how many different people, faiths, and beliefs were residing in Ireland at the time. This series has been nothing short of amazing, enlightening, and so much fun that I am eagerly awaiting whatever next project she chooses to undertake (though I desperate hope it is a continuation, in someway to this story).

Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC Copy!

I loved the continuation of the story, the steeping in Irish Mythology and the fast pace kept me hooked from start to finish. I was a but surprised by the ending being the end of a trilogy, but I am exited for the world to continue in the next series.

Breathtaking
Spectacular
Astounding
Stunning
EPIC

Holy smokes! What a way to end. I cannot express how utterly brilliant and talented I think Shauna Lawless is. She brought to life and color the Irish history and mythology in such a remarkable way.

And I cried my heart out.

I think I was confused throughout this book as I’ve just realised this was the third book in the series which I guess makes sense.

I love the combination of history and magic in this book. The magic system was interesting and I loved the way that a lot of the magic was interwoven with the land and the elements around (this is my favourite type of magic system).

I liked some of the POVs, others I really didn’t like which I think is the reason it took me so long to finish this book just because I could not stand to read some of them as I just found them infuriating to read.

I liked how the book was divided into seasons which made the book easier to digest. I also really like how passionate you can tell the author is about the history and about the characters and the world.

Overall, I liked the book but I just wish I realised this was the third book before I read this as I think I would have been less confused and enjoyed this book a lot more.

This is the third and final book in the series. One of the best authors out there. Steeped in folklore, human emotions, magic and Irish history, this is the tale of battles, love, sadness, death and survival. It is gripping from the start (as the series itself has been). I simply could not put this book down until I had finished it. The characters are formed with skill so you even love the ones you dislike. The story is a rollercoaster of twists of power, manipulation, personal connections, love and fear. Simply wonderful.

What a beautifully satisfying conclusion. This series is wonderful to read, the political machinations and juggling is so skillful and clever its been wonderful to follow. And the characters! So well written, I love to hate them all. And yet you understand why so many of them are doing what they do and why they act that way, even if it's terrible. Every character is so well fleshed out, and there is no more weight given to our heroes than our villians, everyone has a role to play.

There is more action in this than the previous instalments, however that fits exactly with what you expect with the stakes as high as they are, and of course these are cleverly written as well. Both the battles on screen and off screen seem to hold huge importance though, and the stakes for every character you love and hate are high, and can change at a moments notice.
The Irish history and lore beneath the series and the mythology and magic breathe a deeper level of life into the series, and ultimately all these parts interact and create a strong emotional journey for the reader. Its heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. It will give you every single emotion in one book and I am not okay after that ending. If you havent already, go pick this series up!

What a book.

Normally I don't care for long battle scenes, and this book had plenty, but in this case I was tense and gripped the entire time. This author knows how to hold your interest and describe things in detail without it boring me.

And the romance in this series was built up so well, I was rooting for them since they met and even though it took a long time for them to truly be together, it didn't feel like it was dragging on like a lot of slow burn romances do, but in a realistic way. Not everything works out the way you want it to and when you want it to.

I got so attached to Broccan too, as we got to watch him grow from a small child into a young man. I need him to be happy in potential future books I beg. Senna too, I loved the novella and would love to see more of that character.

I'm not sure what else to say other than I'm so sad to finish this. God what a fantastic series. I have no idea if or when this series will continue but I desperately want more.

Thank you to NetGalley as always for the ARC. Here's hoping I can get another ARC for any future books by this author.

In the latest instalment of the Gael Song series Shauna Lawless masterfully crafts and concludes a story arc that the readers have been following since her first novel in this series - The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.

It's not easy to write about the 3rd book in a series (5th if you count the novellas) without spoilers, but it's sufficient to say that The Land of the Living and the Dead is written in a true Shauna Lawless way. This book will make you go through a rollercoaster of emotions; the reader will be at the edge of their seat, flipping through pages to anxiously find out what happens next. You will fear for your favourite characters and rejoice when something goes right for them.

For anyone who enjoys historical fantasy, fabulous (but deeply flawed and human) characters who have plenty of (page) time to develop and grow, a lot of political and other shenanigans + an emotional rollercoaster of a read, I cannot sufficiently praise this series. Pick it up, you will not regret it, and the journey at the end of this instalment is worth it!

Thank you once again Shauna for the emotional trauma xxx

Shauna’s character work is impeccable. As a supporter of women’s crimes I love Gormflaith as much as Fódla, but it is richly populated with so many more people - with wickedness and wholesomeness that you’ll just delight to revel in. Their loves, their hates, their jealousy and savagery and treachery and companionship - it’s a gorgeous human tapestry, even when the characters aren’t entirely human.

Set this against the backdrop of continuing royal drama and political struggle, add magic to the mix and whip it up to an exciting pace, add a healthy dose of heartbreak and you have this novel. Shauna just kicks me in the heart every time. I should have learned to expect it now. Another excellent piece of historical fantasy.

Woooooooo here we are - the conclusion to the epic historical fantasy series by Shauna Lawless. I thought I knew where this story was headed, but I was so wrong at multiple turns. The story kept me on edge the entire time, and I chewed down more than one fingernail as Gormflaith's scheming unfolded. And while there were some incredibly satisfying comeuppances for certain characters, there were also unfairly heartbreaking fates for others. The author pulled no punches, so be prepared going into it. Definitely a series that will be a top of mind recommendation for years, but Shauna, I will be very upset if we don't get a follow-up book to find out what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The land of the living and the dead is a masterpiece of a finish. The author is not afraid to kill off some characters and really hit you where it hurts. Such a satisfying ending with twist and turns I never saw coming. Magic, intrigue, betrayal, battles and romance, what more could you want? All the characters are as vivid and fabulous as ever and I cant wait to see what Shauna has in store for us next!

War lingers on the horizon, everything is at stake and eternal enemies now seek dominion over the mortal world. Secret schemes come to deadly fruition with the only possible outcome being war. The land is awash in blood and the coming clash will change the course of history. A blending of historical fiction and fantasy that brings the past into a new light.

There is something beautiful about the authors way of writing, the historical significance of the story being explored in a fantasy setting and characters that will do anything to keep their tenuous hold on their crowns. There are tangled webs of deception, royal espionage and carnage that is explored in epic proportions. This story will leave your hands blood soaked and your mind reeling.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐙𝐞𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬