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Gael Song #0.6
Dreams of Chaos
A young Irish prince must forge his own path in a land of war and magic. Part of Shauna Lawless's critically acclaimed Gael Song fantasy series set in medieval Ireland.
Murchad is born into one of the royal families of Munster. His uncle is king, and his father is the mighty warrior Brian Boru, who is often away fighting to keep their borders safe.
When he is still a boy, Murchad's world is torn apart when Viking raiders assail his homeland. Having witnessed the carnage, Murchad grows up in a whirl of conflict, as thoughts of vengeance and rage mingle with his desire for peace.
In an Ireland where strength of arms or weight of gold convey the ultimate power, can Murchad tread his own path, or will he be destroyed by the weight of expectations in a world caught between a legendary past and a dangerous future?
Reviews for the Gael Song series
'Lawless blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect' SFX
'Lawless's writing is absolutely luminous' Irish Independent
'Swept me along and refused to be put down' H.M. Long
'A Celtic Last Kingdom with wild magic and fierce heroines' Anna Smith Spark
'An excellent read' Mark Lawrence
Murchad is born into one of the royal families of Munster. His uncle is king, and his father is the mighty warrior Brian Boru, who is often away fighting to keep their borders safe.
When he is still a boy, Murchad's world is torn apart when Viking raiders assail his homeland. Having witnessed the carnage, Murchad grows up in a whirl of conflict, as thoughts of vengeance and rage mingle with his desire for peace.
In an Ireland where strength of arms or weight of gold convey the ultimate power, can Murchad tread his own path, or will he be destroyed by the weight of expectations in a world caught between a legendary past and a dangerous future?
Reviews for the Gael Song series
'Lawless blends fantasy with historical fiction to great effect' SFX
'Lawless's writing is absolutely luminous' Irish Independent
'Swept me along and refused to be put down' H.M. Long
'A Celtic Last Kingdom with wild magic and fierce heroines' Anna Smith Spark
'An excellent read' Mark Lawrence
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2025
20 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 31, 2025
One of my favourite characters taking centre-stage in a Gael Song novella... count me in! Shauna Lawless' craft improves with each work. That trajectory continues with Dreams of Chaos.
Just as with Lawless' other novellas, these are prequels to Gael Song featuring a mix of central characters to the main instalments as well as vivid new characters. Unlike most novellas, these new characters manage to form a strong presence that leave a mark. They feel like well-rounded, fleshed-out stories that do not serve just to build-up those we already know. Lawless again succeeds in crafting another fantastic novella in Dreams of Chaos. We are provided with the history that weights Murchad down, and it is executed so well. I love how history is imbued with characterisation and intimacy among the grand-scale events.
I cannot wait to dive into Daughter of the Otherworld. There really is no limit for Lawless as she continues to show her development as an author. She started with The Children of Gods and Fighting Men as great, and she has climbed ever higher and higher since. Please try out these novellas!
Just as with Lawless' other novellas, these are prequels to Gael Song featuring a mix of central characters to the main instalments as well as vivid new characters. Unlike most novellas, these new characters manage to form a strong presence that leave a mark. They feel like well-rounded, fleshed-out stories that do not serve just to build-up those we already know. Lawless again succeeds in crafting another fantastic novella in Dreams of Chaos. We are provided with the history that weights Murchad down, and it is executed so well. I love how history is imbued with characterisation and intimacy among the grand-scale events.
I cannot wait to dive into Daughter of the Otherworld. There really is no limit for Lawless as she continues to show her development as an author. She started with The Children of Gods and Fighting Men as great, and she has climbed ever higher and higher since. Please try out these novellas!
Read
July 8, 2025Hello everyone!
My third novella, Dreams of Chaos, is now out.
This follows Murchad, son of Brian Boru and is set about 30 years before The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.
This is a historical fiction novella and I delve into what is going on in the Kingdom of Munster at this time
My third novella, Dreams of Chaos, is now out.
This follows Murchad, son of Brian Boru and is set about 30 years before The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.
This is a historical fiction novella and I delve into what is going on in the Kingdom of Munster at this time
July 6, 2025
And the Queen of Novellas is back, better than ever. This is a Murchad prequel that is, imho, the best of the bunch. Lawless can pack so much into a short work count. This is full of emotion and she trickles in details that elevate the world in perfect doses. Soooooooo excited for Daughter of the Otherworld!
July 7, 2025
Will Shauna Lawless ever write a bad Not Absolutely Fantastic (NAF™) book/novella/whatever in this series? I think not.
P.S. Murchad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.P.S. Those Gaelic names, I love them to death. And I mean that quite literally, as I might die trying to pronounce them 🥴.
· Book 0.5: Dreams of Fire ★★★★★
· Book 1: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Words of Kings and Prophets ★★★★★
· Book 2.5: Dreams of Sorrow ★★★★★
· Book 3: The Land of the Living and the Dead ★★★★★
· Book 4: Daughter of the Otherworld · to be released September 2025
P.S. Murchad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.P.S. Those Gaelic names, I love them to death. And I mean that quite literally, as I might die trying to pronounce them 🥴.
· Book 0.5: Dreams of Fire ★★★★★
· Book 1: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Words of Kings and Prophets ★★★★★
· Book 2.5: Dreams of Sorrow ★★★★★
· Book 3: The Land of the Living and the Dead ★★★★★
· Book 4: Daughter of the Otherworld · to be released September 2025
Want to read
April 8, 2025MURCHAD PREQUEL??? I will be there
July 8, 2025
The final installment of Gael Song Era 1 is as stunning as the rest of the series. Dreams of Chaos is a prequel for everyone's favorite prince, Murchad. This takes us back to his childhood and let me tell you...if you thought you loved Murchad before, get ready to turn into a big puddle of mush, because OHMYGOD. I will go out on a limb and say he's in the top 5 for best book men everrrrrrr. I don't even want to know what he was like in real life, because Shauna's version of him is perfection.
In this emotional lil tome, Murchad is writing to his son on the eve of the Battle of Clontarf (which is where The Land of the Living and the Dead takes us ultimately) and recounting his youth and family history. This is very much also Brian Boru's story as well as we see the war mongering side of the eventual king of the Dál gCais. I believe it's recommended to read this last, but I perhaps would have liked to read it before book #3.
If Shauna wrote it, I would read an entire series strictly on the historical fiction side of the clans and Irish kings. Take all my money and give me all the stories.
In this emotional lil tome, Murchad is writing to his son on the eve of the Battle of Clontarf (which is where The Land of the Living and the Dead takes us ultimately) and recounting his youth and family history. This is very much also Brian Boru's story as well as we see the war mongering side of the eventual king of the Dál gCais. I believe it's recommended to read this last, but I perhaps would have liked to read it before book #3.
If Shauna wrote it, I would read an entire series strictly on the historical fiction side of the clans and Irish kings. Take all my money and give me all the stories.
August 9, 2025
It may be a novella, but Lawless knows how to rip your heart out in less than 200 pages. 🥺
July 3, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Dreams of Chaos is a prequel novella in the historical fantasy series Gael Song, written by Shauna Lawless, and published by Head of Zeus. A novella that puts us in the shoes of Murchad, son of Brian Boru, told in the style of a letter written to his son before the battle of Clontarf, trying to pass the lessons that life has taught him, putting the focus on his own perspective over many historical events in his life, without forgetting the emotional punch that is usually packed at Lawless' pieces.
A letter that describes Murchad's life since he was eight; a life in a turbulent Ireland, where almost every county has its own king, not all Irish, with a fragile equilibrium that is easily broken. Through his eyes, we will see many of those figures that mark the evolution of Munster and how Brian Boru passes from being a warrior to leading the clan; all with his own impressions of those people, and how it marked the way Murchad behaves.
It is interesting to see the comparison that is established between Murchad and Brian's way of seeing the world and the value of life: for Brian Boru, war means pride, power and revenge, without taking into account the possible loss of lives; Murchad is less ambitious, and prefers to avoid war if peace might be achieved by other means. He's much more empathic that other people at his time, but that shouldn't be mistaken with weakness; Murchad has endured much since he was young, marking him and leaving a colossal weight to carry in life.
This novella particularly focuses on the historical aspects of the Gael Song series, putting the fantasy in a secondary role; but Lawless also takes the opportunity to explore through Murchad's eyes themes such as immigration, the belonging to a land feeling, and toxic masculinity, all while weaving a really compelling story.
Choosing to write it as a letter makes the pacing to be a bit irregular, but the final 50 pages are an absolute rollercoaster.
Dreams of Chaos is another excellent entry in the Gael Song series, giving us more insight into one of my favourite characters of the saga; if you like historical fantasy, Shauna Lawless should be in your to be read list.
Dreams of Chaos is a prequel novella in the historical fantasy series Gael Song, written by Shauna Lawless, and published by Head of Zeus. A novella that puts us in the shoes of Murchad, son of Brian Boru, told in the style of a letter written to his son before the battle of Clontarf, trying to pass the lessons that life has taught him, putting the focus on his own perspective over many historical events in his life, without forgetting the emotional punch that is usually packed at Lawless' pieces.
A letter that describes Murchad's life since he was eight; a life in a turbulent Ireland, where almost every county has its own king, not all Irish, with a fragile equilibrium that is easily broken. Through his eyes, we will see many of those figures that mark the evolution of Munster and how Brian Boru passes from being a warrior to leading the clan; all with his own impressions of those people, and how it marked the way Murchad behaves.
It is interesting to see the comparison that is established between Murchad and Brian's way of seeing the world and the value of life: for Brian Boru, war means pride, power and revenge, without taking into account the possible loss of lives; Murchad is less ambitious, and prefers to avoid war if peace might be achieved by other means. He's much more empathic that other people at his time, but that shouldn't be mistaken with weakness; Murchad has endured much since he was young, marking him and leaving a colossal weight to carry in life.
This novella particularly focuses on the historical aspects of the Gael Song series, putting the fantasy in a secondary role; but Lawless also takes the opportunity to explore through Murchad's eyes themes such as immigration, the belonging to a land feeling, and toxic masculinity, all while weaving a really compelling story.
Choosing to write it as a letter makes the pacing to be a bit irregular, but the final 50 pages are an absolute rollercoaster.
Dreams of Chaos is another excellent entry in the Gael Song series, giving us more insight into one of my favourite characters of the saga; if you like historical fantasy, Shauna Lawless should be in your to be read list.
June 28, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
Shaunaaaaaaaa 😭💕 what a beautiful addition to the Gael Song story. What a heart twister (as opposed to a heart ripper).
This is written as a love letter from Murchad to his son, and spans Murchads early life to the beginning of events that happen in Gael Song book 1, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, but also references events that happen at end of book 3. This really explores Murchad’s relationship with his father, and I loved getting this deliciously complicated backstory. That being said, my tiny one issue was that it took me awhile to get into the rhythm of this being told letter style, and sometimes took me out of the story. But the payoff of the letter style did feel worth it to me in the end. Shauna pulls no punches when it comes to exploring themes of toxic masculinity and male rage, as well as immigration and who really belongs to a land.
And she does this all in 100 pages.
In terms of reading order, if you are a first time reader of this series, definitely save this one for post book 3, The Land of the Living and the Dead, for maximum emotional gut punch and to avoid a couple spoilers for book 3. However, if you are planning your reread for Daughter of the Otherworld (Sep 2025 for UK, Nov 2025 for US - I think, need to confirm) and are worried about remembering all of the characters and events, I would say this is actually a great way to ease back into the world and start the reread.
So I’d recommend:
1. Children of Gods and Fighting Men
2. Dreams of Fire
3.The Words of Kings and Prophets (my personal favorite)
4. Dreams of Sorrow
5. The Land of the Living and the Dead
6. Dreams of Chaos
7. Reread or jump straight to Daughter of the Otherworld if you’re seeing this post fall 2025
Big big thank you to Head of Zeus, Shauna Lawless, and NetGalley for making my dreams come true and providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This is one of my favorite series of all time and I cannot wait for Daughter of the Otherworld!!
Shaunaaaaaaaa 😭💕 what a beautiful addition to the Gael Song story. What a heart twister (as opposed to a heart ripper).
This is written as a love letter from Murchad to his son, and spans Murchads early life to the beginning of events that happen in Gael Song book 1, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, but also references events that happen at end of book 3. This really explores Murchad’s relationship with his father, and I loved getting this deliciously complicated backstory. That being said, my tiny one issue was that it took me awhile to get into the rhythm of this being told letter style, and sometimes took me out of the story. But the payoff of the letter style did feel worth it to me in the end. Shauna pulls no punches when it comes to exploring themes of toxic masculinity and male rage, as well as immigration and who really belongs to a land.
And she does this all in 100 pages.
In terms of reading order, if you are a first time reader of this series, definitely save this one for post book 3, The Land of the Living and the Dead, for maximum emotional gut punch and to avoid a couple spoilers for book 3. However, if you are planning your reread for Daughter of the Otherworld (Sep 2025 for UK, Nov 2025 for US - I think, need to confirm) and are worried about remembering all of the characters and events, I would say this is actually a great way to ease back into the world and start the reread.
So I’d recommend:
1. Children of Gods and Fighting Men
2. Dreams of Fire
3.The Words of Kings and Prophets (my personal favorite)
4. Dreams of Sorrow
5. The Land of the Living and the Dead
6. Dreams of Chaos
7. Reread or jump straight to Daughter of the Otherworld if you’re seeing this post fall 2025
Big big thank you to Head of Zeus, Shauna Lawless, and NetGalley for making my dreams come true and providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This is one of my favorite series of all time and I cannot wait for Daughter of the Otherworld!!
July 3, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Shauna Lawless for the eARC
Oh Murchad 😭😭😭😭 Another brilliant novella from Shauna. I LOVED getting some more background on Murchad and getting to see some more historically accurate battles. Something about Shauna’s writing just scratches an itch in my brain. I love it. What am I going to do now that I have nothing else to read from her??????
Oh Murchad 😭😭😭😭 Another brilliant novella from Shauna. I LOVED getting some more background on Murchad and getting to see some more historically accurate battles. Something about Shauna’s writing just scratches an itch in my brain. I love it. What am I going to do now that I have nothing else to read from her??????
August 31, 2025
Book one ended in 999, we then skip 15 years ahead and Murchad writes a letter to his son.. explaining Munster’s rise. The story jumps back to 968 (I believe) and Murchad explains the dynamics within his family.. he’s 8 at that point and his sister 4.
I read Dreams of Chaos after The Children of Gods and fighting Men .. although this is technically book 0.6 .. I’m glad I did, as book 1 gave me background to Munster and its people.. which made this novella stick better. It filled in the gaps and I feel this made me connect dots better..
Should you read it? Yes.
Do you have to, in order to understand what’s happening? No.
But once you’ve read book 1, you will appreciate this insight greatly! And yes, I’m fangirling.. I think this might become my favorite series.
Alright, rant over.. back to book 2 The Words of Kings and Prophets !
I read Dreams of Chaos after The Children of Gods and fighting Men .. although this is technically book 0.6 .. I’m glad I did, as book 1 gave me background to Munster and its people.. which made this novella stick better. It filled in the gaps and I feel this made me connect dots better..
Should you read it? Yes.
Do you have to, in order to understand what’s happening? No.
But once you’ve read book 1, you will appreciate this insight greatly! And yes, I’m fangirling.. I think this might become my favorite series.
Alright, rant over.. back to book 2 The Words of Kings and Prophets !
July 9, 2025
Strong novella. Expected nothing less. Murchad is one of the good ones.
August 21, 2025
I'm pretty shocked I didn't love this one as much as I've loved the Gael Song series and the other novellas, but I just couldn't get invested in Murchad's narration. Maybe if it was presented as real-time action instead of him putting it in a letter? I've never particularly got on well with the tell, not show type of stories, so that's my best guess as to why this one didn't land a 5 star rating like all the other ones.
Onwards and upwards to the next installment next month!!!
Onwards and upwards to the next installment next month!!!
August 12, 2025
Like everyone probably expected, I loved this. Review to come! ⚔️
(FINAL REVIEW:)
I’ve once again had my heart ripped out and served back to me on a golden platter by one of my favorite authors, and man was it worth it. 🥹
Lawless once again nails another amazing novella, and gives the girlies what they wanted which was another and longer Murchad POV, and man did I ever feel so bad for him in this. He recounts the story of his life for his son right before the end of the first Gael Song Trilogy which makes this all the more heartbreaking to read. I won’t be talking too much about this because it’ll reveal too much about this novella and the character overall, but all I’ll say is that I am just in awe that this character has every reason to want nothing to do with people and yet still wants to see the world changed for the better for the future generations. 🥲
For those who have been dying to dive into this series, I would suggest waiting to read this novella until after The Land of the Living and the Dead as the punches are just so much more understandable and heart wrenching in this. The other two novellas, Dreams of Fire and Dreams of Sorrow I think are better to be read before diving into the trilogy, but this is just my suggestion. I do think you can read this without being in chronological order, but the reveals that Lawless has in these novellas just make much more sense if read in the order I recommended (that is, if you enjoy being emotionally devastated as much as I do). 💁🏻♀️
All in all, loved this last novella and can’t wait to get the physical version of this and the other two novellas when the hardback releases in 2027. 😍
Overall: 5/5 (DUH!!!) ⭐️
(FINAL REVIEW:)
I’ve once again had my heart ripped out and served back to me on a golden platter by one of my favorite authors, and man was it worth it. 🥹
Lawless once again nails another amazing novella, and gives the girlies what they wanted which was another and longer Murchad POV, and man did I ever feel so bad for him in this. He recounts the story of his life for his son right before the end of the first Gael Song Trilogy which makes this all the more heartbreaking to read. I won’t be talking too much about this because it’ll reveal too much about this novella and the character overall, but all I’ll say is that I am just in awe that this character has every reason to want nothing to do with people and yet still wants to see the world changed for the better for the future generations. 🥲
For those who have been dying to dive into this series, I would suggest waiting to read this novella until after The Land of the Living and the Dead as the punches are just so much more understandable and heart wrenching in this. The other two novellas, Dreams of Fire and Dreams of Sorrow I think are better to be read before diving into the trilogy, but this is just my suggestion. I do think you can read this without being in chronological order, but the reveals that Lawless has in these novellas just make much more sense if read in the order I recommended (that is, if you enjoy being emotionally devastated as much as I do). 💁🏻♀️
All in all, loved this last novella and can’t wait to get the physical version of this and the other two novellas when the hardback releases in 2027. 😍
Overall: 5/5 (DUH!!!) ⭐️
July 4, 2025
4.20 / 5 💫
Yet another winner for Shauna Lawless. We are now 6 books into the Gael Song series, with the original trilogy and 3 novellas (not to mention Daughter Of the Other World on the horizon). And somehow Lawless connects… Every. Single. Time. This novella focuses on Murchad’s backstory from a young boy. If you dug his character before Dreams of Chaos, prepare yourself because I found this already likable character even more endearing here.
This is Murchad’s story on the surface but less directly this is really a look at how Brian Boru goes from the vengeful warmonger we kept hearing about to the more thoughtful King we meet in The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. More consistent excellence from Lawless.
Yet another winner for Shauna Lawless. We are now 6 books into the Gael Song series, with the original trilogy and 3 novellas (not to mention Daughter Of the Other World on the horizon). And somehow Lawless connects… Every. Single. Time. This novella focuses on Murchad’s backstory from a young boy. If you dug his character before Dreams of Chaos, prepare yourself because I found this already likable character even more endearing here.
This is Murchad’s story on the surface but less directly this is really a look at how Brian Boru goes from the vengeful warmonger we kept hearing about to the more thoughtful King we meet in The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. More consistent excellence from Lawless.
August 27, 2025
This novella is told through Murchad’s letter to his son. I wasn’t a fan of him in the first book, but here we see the depth of his pain over losing his family, the bitterness that shaped his worldview, and the vengeance that hardened him into the man we meet later. It trades big fantasy moments for a raw look at medieval power, grief, and legacy. I’d say it’s a good piece to read this before continuing with Words of Kings and Prophets since it adds essential context to Murchad’s choices and makes his role in the series far more compelling.
August 21, 2025
It was absolutely incredible.
This is the best novella I've ever read. It felt so rich, developing Murchad’s past and character in a way that added so much depth and nuance. Some scenes even caught me off guard and made me tear up, which is -really- rare for me with a novella.
It’s an easy 5 stars from me and I'm so excited to continue my journey in the Gael Song series!
This is the best novella I've ever read. It felt so rich, developing Murchad’s past and character in a way that added so much depth and nuance. Some scenes even caught me off guard and made me tear up, which is -really- rare for me with a novella.
It’s an easy 5 stars from me and I'm so excited to continue my journey in the Gael Song series!
July 9, 2025
Shauna has done it again. An incredible novella which offers so much additional characterisation and context to the Gael Song Saga as a whole. I didn't think I could love Murchad more, but I was wrong. This was compelling and packed such a punch considering how short it was (all of Shauna's novellas manage to emotionally devastate me!). I can't wait to start Daughter of the Otherworld.
July 4, 2025
If you loved Murchad's character in Gael Song, this will break your heart.
If his story in Gael Song broke your heart, this will crush it into little pieces that can't be put back together.
What Shauna achieves in less than 200 pages is a coming of age story rooted in history and written as a letter from father to son. It's the perfect book balm to carry fans through the time until Daughter of the Otherworld and the perfect balm for ruining a sunshine filled summer day.
Fuller RTC.
If his story in Gael Song broke your heart, this will crush it into little pieces that can't be put back together.
What Shauna achieves in less than 200 pages is a coming of age story rooted in history and written as a letter from father to son. It's the perfect book balm to carry fans through the time until Daughter of the Otherworld and the perfect balm for ruining a sunshine filled summer day.
Fuller RTC.
Read
August 9, 2025Dreams of Chaos is such a stunning addition to the Gael Song world. Set before the main series, this novella is written as a letter from Murchad to his son, looking back on a life tangled up with history, violence, regret, and quiet hopes for something gentler. It’s a beautifully intimate way to explore his character—giving so much depth and heartbreak to someone who’s already meant so much to me. Honestly, I love Murchad so much. This story only made that love grow deeper.
Through Murchad’s eyes, we see Ireland at the turn of the first millennium: fractured, constantly under threat, where every county seems to be its own kingdom and Viking settlers are still carving out pieces of the land. But it’s also a deeply personal story. Murchad is so different from his father, Brian Boru ... where Brian sees war, pride, and power, Murchad looks for peace, even if it means carrying guilt and burdens his whole life. That difference, and how it shapes him, is what makes this novella hit so hard.
Lawless doesn’t shy away from big themes here—belonging, toxic masculinity, immigration, and what it means to live under constant invasion. It’s all wrapped up in such a raw, vulnerable telling. By the end, my heart absolutely ached for Murchad. Seeing him try to pass on the lessons he’s learned (and mistakes he’s made) to his son felt like watching a man reach for something he’s never truly had himself: peace.
It’s short, but packed with emotion, history, and some absolutely gutting moments. Honestly, if you’ve loved Gael Song, this is a must-read! It deepens everything. And now I’m even more desperate for Daughter of the Otherworld.
Through Murchad’s eyes, we see Ireland at the turn of the first millennium: fractured, constantly under threat, where every county seems to be its own kingdom and Viking settlers are still carving out pieces of the land. But it’s also a deeply personal story. Murchad is so different from his father, Brian Boru ... where Brian sees war, pride, and power, Murchad looks for peace, even if it means carrying guilt and burdens his whole life. That difference, and how it shapes him, is what makes this novella hit so hard.
Lawless doesn’t shy away from big themes here—belonging, toxic masculinity, immigration, and what it means to live under constant invasion. It’s all wrapped up in such a raw, vulnerable telling. By the end, my heart absolutely ached for Murchad. Seeing him try to pass on the lessons he’s learned (and mistakes he’s made) to his son felt like watching a man reach for something he’s never truly had himself: peace.
It’s short, but packed with emotion, history, and some absolutely gutting moments. Honestly, if you’ve loved Gael Song, this is a must-read! It deepens everything. And now I’m even more desperate for Daughter of the Otherworld.
August 30, 2025
I love getting more background!
July 6, 2025
I enjoyed reading this so much.
Oh Murchad .... you will forever have a place in my heart!
Thank you Shauna for telling us more about Murchad.
Dreams of Chaos is my favourite novella so far.
Highly recommended!
Oh Murchad .... you will forever have a place in my heart!
Thank you Shauna for telling us more about Murchad.
Dreams of Chaos is my favourite novella so far.
Highly recommended!
July 7, 2025
missed reading about murchad, absolutely loved learning more about his past and how he grew up. it makes so much sense to me how he became who he became.
it always impresses me how well shauna is able to craft a story, even in a short novella, it felt as satisfying as a full length novel.
reading this in preparation for era 2 just made me that much more excited to return to this world , now that netgalley approved me for daughter of the otherworld it's finally time to see what happens next
it always impresses me how well shauna is able to craft a story, even in a short novella, it felt as satisfying as a full length novel.
reading this in preparation for era 2 just made me that much more excited to return to this world , now that netgalley approved me for daughter of the otherworld it's finally time to see what happens next
August 4, 2025
I love it when Shauna Lawless releases a novella. The extra depth they give to the main books is fantastic. I loved getting to know not only young Murchad but also Brian. I really enjoyed the times Murchad spoke directly to his son. I feel like it made it more genuine rather than being just another story. Does that make sense? Probably not, but that's ok it makes sense to me. I see exactly why this seems to be everyone's favorite of the novellas.
July 8, 2025
I am soo happy we got a Murchad prequel before 4! As per usual, this one was absolutely fantastic and definitely my favorite prequel of the bunch. Getting to read the key - and very emotional - moments in Murchad's life that made him be the man we see in future books was such a delight! Now I just need to lie down and patiently wait for September...
July 7, 2025
unsurprisingly, another 5 star read by Shauna!
July 8, 2025
Another pre-sequel story set in the Gael Song series. One of my favorite series that uses Ancient Ireland historical figures mixed with Irish Mythologies and fictional fantasy characters. I do love these novella from Shauna Lawless as she provide backstories to major and minor characters.
July 14, 2025
Could not put this down!! I will read anything Shauna Lawless writes - she is amazing at creating these historical stories and truly thrives at novellas!
July 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – A Powerful and Poignant Glimpse into the Past
Review of Dreams of Chaos by Shauna Lawless
Dreams of Chaos is a beautifully crafted novella that adds incredible emotional weight to The Land of the Living and the Dead series. Told as a letter from Murchad to his son, it’s a deeply personal, often heart-wrenching backstory that casts new light on the Murchad we’ve come to know—and makes the events of the main series all the more devastating.
One of the novella’s biggest strengths is how it explores Murchad’s relationship with his father. The generational tension, pain, and growth are all woven with nuance and care, giving us a layered view of a man shaped by legacy and loss. It’s a gift to see not only the familiar faces from the series but also to finally meet characters we’ve only heard whispers about—making the world feel richer and more lived-in.
The choice to frame the story as a letter was brilliant. It gives the narrative a quiet intimacy that builds slowly until it hits with full emotional force—especially for those who know what’s coming in the main timeline. That hindsight turns every moment tender, painful, and a little more precious.
The only minor letdown was not getting to witness Murchad’s marriage or the birth of his son. Those moments could’ve offered even more insight into how he evolved and how fatherhood may have shifted his view of the world and his own upbringing. It felt like a thread that was just shy of being fully explored.
Still, Dreams of Chaos is a strong addition to the series—a must-read for fans who want to dig deeper into the characters they love and the ghosts that haunt them. It’s always a pleasure to return to Shauna Lawless’s world, and this novella reminded me just how much I’ve missed it.
Huge thanks to Shauna Lawless and NetGalley for the eARC—this was an emotional, gripping return to a world I love.
Review of Dreams of Chaos by Shauna Lawless
Dreams of Chaos is a beautifully crafted novella that adds incredible emotional weight to The Land of the Living and the Dead series. Told as a letter from Murchad to his son, it’s a deeply personal, often heart-wrenching backstory that casts new light on the Murchad we’ve come to know—and makes the events of the main series all the more devastating.
One of the novella’s biggest strengths is how it explores Murchad’s relationship with his father. The generational tension, pain, and growth are all woven with nuance and care, giving us a layered view of a man shaped by legacy and loss. It’s a gift to see not only the familiar faces from the series but also to finally meet characters we’ve only heard whispers about—making the world feel richer and more lived-in.
The choice to frame the story as a letter was brilliant. It gives the narrative a quiet intimacy that builds slowly until it hits with full emotional force—especially for those who know what’s coming in the main timeline. That hindsight turns every moment tender, painful, and a little more precious.
The only minor letdown was not getting to witness Murchad’s marriage or the birth of his son. Those moments could’ve offered even more insight into how he evolved and how fatherhood may have shifted his view of the world and his own upbringing. It felt like a thread that was just shy of being fully explored.
Still, Dreams of Chaos is a strong addition to the series—a must-read for fans who want to dig deeper into the characters they love and the ghosts that haunt them. It’s always a pleasure to return to Shauna Lawless’s world, and this novella reminded me just how much I’ve missed it.
Huge thanks to Shauna Lawless and NetGalley for the eARC—this was an emotional, gripping return to a world I love.
July 20, 2025
Seeing the opening of this book- and knowing how book 3 ends with the battle of Clontarf and the death of Murchad and Troidelbach, was an absolute gut punch lol.
this book- expectedly- is not as heavy on the fanatsy side. We don't see any of the Formorians or Descendants apart from one encounter at the beginning of the book. But it still manages to be an absolutely reviting tale without the mythical background. Murchad struggling with his own wrathful nature- something he reviles his own father for- is incredibly compelling to read, and makes his actions in book 3 make so much sense.
Brian Boru himself is characterized very differently in this book- reading as far more ruthless, even borderline bloodthirsty. Seeing it was almost jarring at first, though you can see the beginning of his more benign transformation at the end of the book with his conversation with Murchad. The man *loves* his children, that much is undeniable- but as Gormflaith observed in book 3, he uses them too, a trait which never really goes away.
this is definitely my favorite out of the novellas. I can't wait to see how this man's kid handles the formorians lol
this book- expectedly- is not as heavy on the fanatsy side. We don't see any of the Formorians or Descendants apart from one encounter at the beginning of the book. But it still manages to be an absolutely reviting tale without the mythical background. Murchad struggling with his own wrathful nature- something he reviles his own father for- is incredibly compelling to read, and makes his actions in book 3 make so much sense.
Brian Boru himself is characterized very differently in this book- reading as far more ruthless, even borderline bloodthirsty. Seeing it was almost jarring at first, though you can see the beginning of his more benign transformation at the end of the book with his conversation with Murchad. The man *loves* his children, that much is undeniable- but as Gormflaith observed in book 3, he uses them too, a trait which never really goes away.
this is definitely my favorite out of the novellas. I can't wait to see how this man's kid handles the formorians lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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