The Land of the Living and the Dead

by Shauna Lawless · 2024

In the year 1011 AD, Ireland teeters on the brink of chaos. Mortal kingdoms rise against the legendary High King Brian Boru, but a deeper, more ancient conflict threatens to consume the island. The Fomorians—dark, elemental beings—have long coveted the land, and their queen, Gormflaith, is revealed as a powerful Fomorian in disguise. Determined to seize control, she plots to annihilate the rival magical race, the Descendants, and bend the mortal world to her will. Caught in the crossfire is Fódla, a fierce Descendant who once served in Brian’s inner circle. As the Descendants fracture over whether to dominate mortals or protect them, Fódla must navigate treacherous loyalties and rally a divided people. With secret schemes reaching their deadly climax, she faces a harrowing choice: sacrifice herself to expose Gormflaith’s machinations or watch the old world burn. Lawless weaves a vivid tapestry of medieval politics, mythic warfare, and heartbreaking sacrifice, delivering a pulse‑pounding climax that will reshape the fate of Ireland forever.