DREAMS OF SORROW is a novella set in Shauna Lawless’s Gael Song series. I definitely recommend reading the first two books prior to picking up this installment.
Author: Shauna Lawless
Series: Gael Song #2.5
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Publish Date: July 4, 2024
Print Length: 101
Purchase: Amazon
Dreams of Sorrow Synopsis
Synopsis
A tale of magic, power and heartbreak set in the tumultuous world of medieval Ireland, Dreams of Sorrow is the powerful new novella in Shauna Lawless’s Gael Song series.
Senna is sixteen and deeply in love. When a traumatic event leads to her unleashing powers she never knew she had, she learns her true heritage: her grandmother was a witch and a Descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the legendary former rulers of Ireland.
But such gifts are hard to control, and Senna’s abilities mean that she might forever lose her place in the mortal world.
When she encounters other Descendants with similar powers, things start to look brighter. Anaile, old and wise, can help guide her path. Tomas, deeply ambitious, reveals the truth behind many strange mysteries. And Gobnat, a vivacious young witch, shows Senna how to control her magic.
But torn between a mortal existence and a magical one, Senna must make a decision that will shape her life… in more ways than she could ever expect.
Dreams of Sorrow Review
DREAMS OF SORROW is a novella that occurs within Shauna Lawless’s Gael Song series. The recommended reading order is to read this after THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS. Although the events in DREAMS OF SORROW occur before those in the books, it contains spoilers for certain characters’ dispositions and histories.
This novella focuses on Senna and the revelation that she has powers that she needs to learn to control. A traumatic event leads to the unleashing of her powers. So her mother, who is powerless, brings her to Anaile, an old Descendant who lives in the forest. The intent is to make sure Senna makes her way to the home base of the Descents to learn control. While at Anaile’s home, she meets his son, Tomas, who seems keen and ambitious.
This novella is nearly a full story in itself, which I appreciate, as someone who is not a fan of open endings. Clearly, I think it also benefits from being part of a series, so the reader has background information on the characters. But Lawless is a wonderful story teller and here shows the reader why Tomas is the way he is. I liked learning more about him even if I don’t like him as a character. The story flows effortlessly and the reader can easily sympathize with Senna having to leave behind the only life she knows.
I definitely recommend this to fans of the Gael Song series. And, if you haven’t yet read any books from the series, get started! It’s a wonderfully crafted blend of historical fiction and fantasy.
Rating: 4.25
Content warnings: death
Reading format: Kindle e-book
Oh wow, I didn’t know there was a novella.
I do have book one on my TBR List for this year. And if it can capture me from the start, I will hopefully burn through the whole trilogy, including this novella, which I just added to my wishlist. 😀
Yep, there’s two novellas out now and a third one will be published sometime this year (I can’t remember when). They’re only on Amazon right now, but after the third one comes out I believe the author said her publisher will put them together in one volume to buy as a physical book.
Yeah, I saw the two novellas and for under €5 for both it was an immediate download. I also saw the cover for the compilation and it will be called “Songs of Gael” if I remember right. But the publishing date is yet for 2027.
I think the third novella will be published in summer this year.