There are no words.....this is possibly the best historic fiction based in Arthurian legend that I have read in a very long time. Taking the unusual perspective to tell the story from 'above the wall' in Strathclyde, the story mixes intrigue, bloodshed, power games and philosophies in ways unexpected.

Langoureth is a complete character - human, flawed, contradictory and utterly palpable, and she's influenced by the history, myths and superstitions of her place, often coming into conflict with her own desires, choices and dreams that seem impossible, and all are presented in a clear and evocative prose that feeds the imagination as it transports you to places unknown. THIS is a story that, like Outlander and Game of Thrones could easily garner millions of viewers and fans, if only people are willing to delve into the book and just escape within its pages.

Secondary characters are also rich and developed in ways that conversations are easy to hear, the moments unfold with a richness and fullness that place you in the space: sights, sounds, and smells all are palpable, and there is an uncanny sense that darkness is creeping in on the edges - ready to take away progress and redirect the choices in ways that both limit and expand the progress of Langoureth's journey. I can't wait for the next in the series!

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review .I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9ZC” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I was drawn to this book by the blurb that states the main character, Languoreth, is a forgotten queen of sixth century Scotland and the twin sister of the man who inspired the legend of Merlin. That definitely caught my interest.

From the very beginning of the book, the author dropped me into a time that was from the past and captivated me with vivid scenic descriptions and characters who seemed larger than life. I could actually feel emotions and visualize what it would be like to live in this story. The desires of the characters and their actions are told in such a way that completely immersed me into their lives.

I’m thrilled that this is only book one in the trilogy, and I am looking forward to reading the next one.

Languoreth is being raised in the Old Way of her ancestors as a new religion starts rising in Scotland. As this religion becomes more prominent, she must learn to adapt in a world of uprising violence and political intrigue.
What drew me to the book was another perspective to the tale of Merlin. I have to be honest when I say that I have not read much Merlin material, but I’ve always been fascinated by the tale. I really should have paid more attention. I always assume the fantastical element of the tale would be more prominent and I should be more aware.

This book is historical fiction. As the first book in a trilogy this book introduces us to Languoreth as a child to womanhood. The pacing is slow but builds on the world at the time. I grew fascinated at what the Old Way entailed especially with titles such as Keepers. As the story progresses it felt as if the Old Way slowly disappeared into the background as the events in the story overtook the story. The environment was strictly patriarchal so Languoreth did not have a lot of freedom or choice which I found frustrating; however, I appreciated the authenticity of the rhetoric.

There is a romance but the romance is more subplot to all the events that occur. This was a love-at-first-sight romance where her social position and political climate do not allow her to make her own decisions.

When reading I was trying to find some way to connect with Langoureth because while I enjoyed the story I just could not find a reason to care as much as I would have liked to.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Much of what I’ve read about this book compares it with The Mists of Avalon. In fact, that was one of the main reasons I was drawn to it in the first place. Many went on to say that The Lost Queen is a fitting successor to Mists. I’m sorry, but no. While The Lost Queen was fairly enjoyable and had much the same feel to it as The Mists of Avalon, it is really unfair to expect it to replace such a classic. It simply is not in the same league.

I found the writing to be extremely uneven with some parts moving at a good pace and others dragging. Also, I wasn’t sure if the book was meant to be YA or adult fiction due to the simplicity of the story. Everything and everyone was good or bad; there was little question of where everyone stood.

I did, however, enjoy the author’s physical descriptions of the characters and the setting. I could see the people so clearly, along with the places they populated. Unfortunately, I never became invested enough in the main characters to really care what happened to them. A number of the secondary characters, such as Ariana and Elufed, were quite intriguing.

As I said before, it was a fairly enjoyable book for me but it suffered by comparison to one of my favorites. Perhaps others who have not read The Mists of Avalon will enjoy it more.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book reminded me completely of The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley almost to the point of retelling the story completely just set in a few years ahead of The Mists of Avalon, but that is my opinion. You will find most of the same characters in this book, but you have to figure out who they are. This books is long and at spots quite slow, but it is worth the read. It gives you another look of how Christianity came and over took (destroyed) the old religion (very unfortunate and cruel, in my opinion). The story line was very informative and you really felt you were there with Languoreth and her family fighting for the old religion and trying to work alongside the Christian monks even though the monks wanted nothing but to obliterate the old religion. I highly enjoyed this book and would not have been disappointed if I had purchased it. I can not wait to see the next book in the series.

*i received an ARC of this book from NetGalley/Publisher for an honest review *

This book was amazing! A M A Z I N G! It’s great from start to finish not a single dull moment. I felt like I was watching a season of Vikings/White Queen it was that good! Languoreth is what I would inspire to be! She is everything and what I wouldn’t give for a love like Maelgwn. It’s a wonderful historical fiction and the way the author draws you into the past and the scenery is perfect!

“You burn young and bright. Death comes to steal your breath, your eyes go sightless, and you are snuffed out, a candle burned to its wick. They tell those who loved you, This is the way of the Gods.”

This was such a beautiful and unique story. It was such a breath of fresh air after reading some not-so-exciting books lately. It was beautifully written, atmospheric, and addicting. The story is very memorable and flowed in such a way that it played out like a movie in my head. I can't wait for people to start reading this so I can talk about it. I haven't read anything this spellbinding in a while.

This was a very interesting start to a series set in 6th-century Scotland. I enjoyed this book, however, I found the pacing to be a little odd. I would quickly devour sections of this book while other chapters would take me forever to get through.

Is it possible that Merlin was real? Were there people called Pendragon? Who was Lailoken and his twin sister Languoreth? The Lost Queen provides well researched answers for these questions. Languoreth is a young girl that grows up to marry for duty, even though her heart is not in it. She continually struggles between duty and her hearts desire. In truth, she wanted to be a Druid like her twin brother, but that is not what the gods ask of her. She shows her strength as a girl, then as a wife, a mother, as battles and chaos rage around her. Will this new religion of one god destroy her religion of the old gods? What becomes of her brothers, her children?

This book pulled me in from page one and carried me along until the end. I can't wait for the sequel. The Lost Queen is an experience, the descriptions of the daily life from the smell of the warm bread to festivals lends to the feeling of complete immersion in the story,

This was an interesting take on some of the Arthurian tales in the vein of Mists of Avalon. I adored the dark age setting of Scotland, which was an interesting setting to place the Arthurian myth. I think it was a great choice to set this in Strathclyde instead of the more typical Welsh/English. Languoreth took some time to grow on me but once she did, I really liked her. I loved this take on Arthurian legend and I'm excited to see what the rest of the trilogy holds.

Holy shit! Can I say shit on a Netgalley review? This is the Arthurian novel I needed to replace The Mists of Avalon in my heart, since I can't have that one as my favorite anymore since Marion Zimmer Bradley is revolting. The Lost Queen is my new favorite Arthurian novel! This was a marvelous bit of historical fantasy. I love the idea that the man who became Merlin has a sister, and of course she would be a powerful woman. I am very eagerly awaiting more in this trilogy!

A wonderful story. I devoured it. It reminded me of "The Mists of Avalon". I couldn't put this book down. I would recommend it to fans of fantasy, myth,and legend. I loved it. I highly recommend it.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

To say that I devoured this book would be a gross understatement. I read this book in record time and am left sitting here, wishing that I had more...so much more...from this author! The story itself was utterly incredible. The plot moved at a quick pace, with the story building upon itself seamlessly. The characters however...oh my goodness, the characters. The characters were created so beautifully. They were complex, human, raw, emotional and unique, and made their way into my heart permanently.

Dear Signe Pike: You have a new forever fan!

Now that I can no longer re-read The Mists of Avalon, and because I really liked the Sarmatian take on the Arthurian legends embedded in Gillian Bradshaw's Island of Ghosts, this is a very promising new series centered on an interpretation of the Arthurian stories originating in Strathclyde above the wall rather than Wales. Pike uses the freedom of a novel to reconstruct from a handful of mentions in historical documents, the life of a 6th century high queen at the center of transition between Christianity and suprisingly unromanticized Druidic practice, and the piecemeal invasions of Angles and Saxons.

The man who inspired merlin, or maybe who was merlin, has a sister. This is her story. In the vein of mist of avalon but not as bogged down and dry, comes a story about a women who shapes a myth we know.