Lann Dàn - Blades of Destiny Revised Edition II by James Raquepau is such a good story. I rated it 5 stars because it's that good. The characters are fantastic. I loved it.

"Lann Dàn: Blades of Destiny" by James Raquepau is a captivating blend of Celtic mythology, historical fiction, and fantasy, set against the backdrop of 5th-century Ireland. The story weaves together the clash of cultures, the intervention of gods, and the hero's journey of Breanna Ban Morna, a Gaelic warrior caught between her loyalty to her people and the divine quest thrust upon her.

The narrative centres on the struggle between the Celtic Tuatha Dé Danann gods and the invading Norse raiders, who have begun to settle in Ireland. The Tuatha, led by the Mother Goddess Danu, seek to reclaim their land by using ancient magic, including the Lann Dàn (Blades of Destiny), one of three magical artifacts needed to defeat the Norse leader. Breanna, chosen by the Croí Dàn (Heart of Destiny) as Erin’s Hero, is tasked with finding the Blades, but her path is fraught with challenges, including the Norse leader’s invocation of ancient enemies of the Tuatha.

Breanna’s internal conflict adds depth to the story. Her loyalty to her Chief and her people complicates her divine mission, raising the stakes and creating tension. Her decision to prioritize her Chief over the quest for the Blades of Destiny introduces a moral dilemma: will her choice save her people or lead to their downfall under Norse rule?

The novel explores themes of destiny, loyalty, and the interplay between mortal and divine will. The rich mythological backdrop, combined with the historical setting of pre-Viking Norse incursions into Ireland, provides a vivid and immersive world. The intervention of gods like Lugh and the presence of ancient magic add layers of intrigue and fantasy to the story.

Ultimately, "Lann Dàn: Blades of Destiny" is a tale of heroism, sacrifice, and the struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming odds. Breanna’s journey is not just a physical quest but also an emotional and spiritual one, as she grapples with her role as Erin’s Hero and the weight of her decisions on the fate of her people. The novel leaves readers questioning whether destiny can be altered or if it is an unchangeable force, shaping the lives of mortals and gods alike.

☆ Fun Factor 5/5 (I ate this book in one sitting it was ADDICTING)
☆ Writing Style 5/5
☆ Characters 5/5 (The Tuatha Dé Danann are here and they're amazing, the human cast is lovely too)
☆ Plot 5/5
☆ Setting 4/5
☆ Feels 5/5 (I was screaming for the last 30% of the book, this had my blood pumping)

Ultimate verdict ☆☆☆☆☆☆6/5 off my charts, a new favorite, I will buy a copy to highlight certain passages and yell about them with my friends

☆☆☆Best Character Award goes to:☆☆☆ LUGH!!!!!!!!!! He was characterized amazingly with love and reverence for how he is in myth

Review: Live Laugh Lugh (and there's other characters here too)

I keep making Lugh jokes, but that's because he's one of my favorite mythological heroes across any culture, he needs to be in more books!!! I picked this book up because the blurb referenced the Tuatha Dé and I'm extremely pleased to say that the rich mythos of Ireland is very relevant to the story of our leading lady, Breanna Ban Morna. This was an EXCITING read. Epic fights, great dialogues, high stakes, a despicably evil villain, it had everything. Breanna was a really likeable lead for me, and her supporting cast of humans and gods was rich and wonderful, whether fighting for her or against her. Highly, highly recommend if you're in the mood for magical historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my honest review!