A little less than 4 stars, rounded up. The story drew me in and kept me entertained and I do plan on reading the rest of the books in the series. I felt like the writing was almost too simplistic (I just looked to check that it wasn't considered a "young adult" book) but I may feel that way because the book I finished previously was long (and part of a longer series) and quite detailed. We are also told numerous times in the book that the main character is so clever but there isn't much if any evidence of her actually being clever (I hope this changes in the next book). There were a few times that she does something, is told to never do that again, promises not to, and then immediately does it again which was frustrating. Overall entertaining but could have been much better.

The Lost Queen
By Signe Pike

When I heard that this was the untold story of Languoreth and the setting of 6th century Scotland and the twin sister of the man that inspired the legend of Merlin, Lailoken. As much as we hear about Merlin, there really was not much that we know about his twin sister and this was such a compeling read that I enjoyed reading about. I was completely sold. I read this in a matter of few days with very few rest in between because yes, I was just that hooked. In the end after a few sleepless nights with my nose stuck in this book, I could not have been more satisfied and ready to read the next books in the series.

The writing was impeccable and I loved the pacing of this book with a lot of excitement for me - the story was easy to follow and I loved how easy it was to get lost in this world of 6th century Scotland. I was in awe the whole time and loved the characters as they were introduced into this magical story of love and adventure.

I loved this so much I highly recommend this book and what an amazing start of the series. i am a fan!!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book!

This was SO easy to get lost in! I loved every second of this, and am going to get my hands on the next books ASAP. Definitely would recommend!

'"#The Lost Queen' by author # Signe Pike is #1 in her historical trilogy. This takes place in sixth-century Scotland. This is a wonderful beginning of her series.
A queen of Scotland. She was the twin sister of the magical man, Lailoken, who inspired the legend of Merlin. A geographical map is included in the beginning.
Thank you,
#Netgalley, # Signe Pike, and # Atria Books for the advanced copy 🌟🐾🐾

Wow! I was hooked from the start. I really enjoyed this book. Well researched and it was a beautiful magical read.
Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read.

This is the fascinating start to this exceptional historical trilogy. This book starts the story of Languoreth—a forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland. She was the twin sister of the man of the legend of Merlin. I have read the entire trilogy and loved each book. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to revisit this first in series. The writing of the author is so exceptional and engrossing that the author transports the reader into this vivid world.

The setting of Scotland in the 6th century is wonderfully atmospheric in this trilogy. The author writes so well of the start of Christianity and the Anglo Saxon rise. The invasions are epic in description. I loved this first in series which led to the next two books which are fantastic reading. I highly recommend this trilogy for your reading enjoyment

This book has been wildly released since 2018, so if you’re looking for an easy YA read to get you out of a slump, this might be it. I’m halfway through but I fear that I might dive into my new books when they arrive (tomorrow!) that I forget about this one, so I wrote a quick ‘likes and dislikes’ review for the book, thus far:

Like:
– It’s a world founded on spirituality and concepts of healing

– The point of view from which it is written (Languoreth, the young woman) is easy to follow and read and gives the book a good perspective as if you’re immersed there as well

– It is interesting enough to keep you reading

– No character feels unnecessary

– I love that it’s about cult-like Christianity moving into Briton lands and pushing people from old world ways: very fitting for our times

– It’s historical fiction; it brings life to a long-forgotten woman (the twin sister of Merlin)

Dislikes:
– The end of chapter hooks are… not… “hooky” enough

– All. The. Confusing. Gaelic. Names. I literally had to look up the main character’s name for this post but apparently, this is historical fiction of sorts so the names haven’t just been made up to make your life difficult (cough, cough, Game of Thrones)

– The age (she goes from 10 to 14) is really bizarre; she sounds too wise for ten at the beginning of the book but then turns into a big baby sometimes, and at 14 she sounds like she’s 17 or 18, but then goes back into that baby mentality at points – I don’t understand it, it’s inconsistent

– She is attracted to a moody, angsty, boring character who ignores her, and I’m so sick of the moody loser being the love interest; he’s supposed to be around 24, grow up

– There could be more action but I suppose this is historical story development

– I didn’t know it was 544 pages when I agreed to read it (as a reviewer for NetGalley), and now I don’t want to leave it as a DNF because I actually like it (lol)

Currently, I rate this book a Three out of Five. There’s a second book to the series, but unless the ending of this one is super spectacular, I don’t anticipate that I will read it.

[UPDATE]
So, a few days after posting my mid-read review I finally finished, and these are my final thoughts:

-There was a very predictable character twist that I guessed as soon as they were introduced. That was disappointing.

-I don’t understand the infinite tie to the childhood love who, once again, acts like a child in ever further adulthood.

-The word “booty” is used for treasure and it seems inconsistent with the period of the novel.

-Warning: random softcore porn scene and a pedophilia reference

-The final section of the book seems rushed and the ending leaves much to be desired. And the reference to Merlin was clearly to sell the novel (and the second book) because it’s lacking in the Merlin department.

Final decision: 2.5 out of Five
Would not read the second book.

I requested this book when I kept reading so many great reviews. Signe Pike did such an amazing job on this book.
The characters were very likable and the world building was pretty good. I know it’s been out for over a year but I won’t give any spoilers.
I just went to say, do yourself a favor and read this book! I’ll be reading book 2 soon and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.

Wow! The Lost Queen is truly a joy to read. Woven throughout with deeply rich characters, imagery and action, it was hard to put down. I rarely give five stars for review, and I just love this book!

The Lost Queen is a great start to Signe Pike's series The Lost Queen Trilogy. I thought it was a fabulous read. It is getting five stars from me.

I absolutely could not stop reading this book! The author does a fantastic job of weaving together history, myth, and legend, all with richly developed characters. Please tell me there's more!

This book was the perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy, and I loved it!

Set in 6th century Scotland, this story is loosely based around real figures in Scottish history, one of the most powerful early medieval queens in British history, Languoreth, and her twin brother Lailoken, a Wisdom Keeper who later becomes the inspiration for the character, Merlin. Set in a time where a new system of belief, Christianity, is threatening the ancient Pagan beliefs of her kingdom, Languoreth makes selfless choices within her family and her own life to strengthen the kingdom and see herself in a position of power and influence. Forbidden love, tyrannical kings, bloodthirsty warriors and family on both sides, Languoreth has braced herself for a war that she will lose no matter what the outcome.

If that synopsis didn't do it for you, I don't know what will. I couldn't even say the good parts, or it would've been filled with spoilers! While it started off slowly, it didn't take long for me to be completely devoured by the story, the history, the characters and the conflict. I'm so happy to already have book two in my possession, because this one ends on a CLIFF HANGER and I needed to immediately see what happens.

5 stars

Thank you! I reviewed this book for THRIVE GLOBAL
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/escape-into-fiction-this-fall/

I read both The Lost Queen and The Forgotten Kingdom written by Signe Pike who researched extensively about Languoreth who was a twin to Lailoken who inspired the legend of Merlin. She was a queen in sixth-century Scotland but the first book starts at Cadzow Fortress, Strathclyde Land of the Britons Late Winter, AD 550 when the ten-year-old twins lose their mother, Lady Idell. Although they have been brought up in the Old Ways of signs and omens, Languoreth is not to be a Wisdom Keeper or druid like her twin. She must deal with betrayal, bloodshed, brawls and a very handsome soldier named Maelgwn although she is pledged to Rhydderch, son of a Christian king.

I felt like I was walking in the woods with her as the descriptions are so vivid. We are now dealing with violence and political intrigue, and like Languoreth we must learn who we can trust and how to adapt to changing times. As Cathan tells her, “Each of us has the power to fight.” Languoreth tells us, “We are a people of choices, and in these choices we find our freedom. I choose for whom I fight.”

I am so glad that Pike has shared the story of Languoreth with us as we need these stories of strong women. Ariane told Languoreth that, “We may not always have the choice we would like. But we always have a choice.” Please use your choice to vote in our upcoming elections and be part of making a change.

When we are allowed to travel again, I will visit Scotland and the sites Ppike describes. Pike tells us, “My hope is that these novels will encourage you to undertake a journey of your own. For although the legends of Arthur and Merlin have their roots in events that took place nearly 1,500 years ago, their enchantment and ability to enrapture us has failed to diminish over time. But their magic is still accessible to any who seek it.” Where will your journey take you?

The Forgotten Kingdom, Book 2, starts with an imprisonment which mirrors how many of us have felt during COVID, stuck at home. As Trish Todd, Vice President & Executive Editor of Atria Books, shared: “In recent months, we’ve all felt like Languoreth, locked inside our homes waiting for the battle outside to be over. What will the world look like when we open the door? Who has survived? When will we see our loved ones again? The Forgotten Kingdom echoes the frightening uncertainty of our time while showing us that disasters that seem unprecedented or insurmountable have always inspired us.”

I hope you enjoy both of these books as much as I did. I will be waiting for the arrival of Book 3 in September 2023. I wonder what will happen with Angharad. I wish I could read it right now!

(Provided a copy via publisher and NetGalley for an honest review).

The Lost Queen is as much a story of the coming of Merlin as it is for his twin sister, the lost queen, Langoureth, who has all but been forgotten from many histories. Impeccably well researched, the story follows Langoureth as she forges her own path despite the weight of her duties as the only daughter of Morken King.

Pike masterfully weaves lore, history, and elements of magic into this epic first edition of The Lost Queen Trilogy.

What I Liked:
-Pike's dedication to Langoureth's voice. Throughout the novel you feel attached to Langoureth and her emotional journey, mourning, and celebrating with her.
-Introduction of lore and mystical history. The book is grounded in history enough that it doesn't feel fantastical, but provides enough insight into traditions and superstitions that the reader feels the impact of the religious desecration and ecclesiastical courts.
-While long, the book was a quick read once you get past the first 1/4 or so. I enjoyed the layout of the book into three distinct sections, skipping ahead years without feeling that you missed critical information.

What I Didn't Like:
-While descriptions of the scenery were plentiful, I felt that I didn't get the true character development I wished for many of the characters. While it's possible that this will come in the next books, I wish more time was spent building emotional connections with secondary characters.
-The book is written from Langoureth's perspective, and as such is primarily focused on her story. However, I wish that there would have been intercessions in which the reader was a "fly on the wall" for some of the conversations the male leaders had behind closed doors. I think that this would have upped the emotional tension in the book.
-The book opens with a short paragraph about a body excavated in the 1800s but fails to provide any sort of insight into who Pike is suggesting the body belongs to, or whether we will be provided any more research on or hints about it in coming books.

I love anything that is remotely related to the Arthurian legends so I was super excited to read “The Lost Queen” by Signe Pike. This book, though, tested my resolve to never give up on a book. It started very, very slowly. There are ALOT of characters, and ALOT of settings, and there are factions and alliances to keep straight. Then there are those who are Picts, those who are Christian, and those who follow the Old Way. Thankfully, there is a “cheat sheet” of who’s who at the beginning of the book. I struggled through the story of Lailoken (who would later be known as Myrrdin, now Merlin) and how twin sister, Langoureth until around page 300, when Langoureth is now married though she carries another man’s child. The story took off from there as the women formed alliances, and the men fought amongst themselves, ultimately coming together to wage war on the Pendragon. The writing is a bit wordy, and the pace could have been quicker if more dialogue were involved, but overall, I enjoyed “The Lost Queen” and look forward to the next installment in this trilogy.

I love this take on the well known legend of Merlin. In this story, we get the scope of Languoreth, the twin sister of Lailoken (who the Merlin legend is inspired by). This book brings you historical fiction, with adventure and war, action, and romance. Best of all of the worlds!

This story drew me in and I was lost in another world. The writing was very atmospheric and rich with history. Amazing!
Many thanks to Atria Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I tend to read a lot of synopses and then choose my books far ahead of reading them, resulting in my forgetting most of what they were supposed to be about before I read them. Thus, I went into my read of The Lost Queen without knowing the connection to history/myth/legend. This may have worked both to my advantage and disadvantage in this case. Pro: I had no preconceived notions of where I expected the book to go or how it should turn out. Con: I had nothing to propel me forward in moments where the pacing was slow, adding some frustration to some pieces of my reading. Spoiler: I think the pro outweighed the con this time around.

This is a good historical fiction that both felt comfortable in the familiarity of its construction and new in its endeavors. I very much enjoyed the historical setting of the novel. 6th century Scotland still has the castles and warring factions of later history, but is rare to find a book of historical fiction from the British Isles that does not encompass the Renaissance or Plantagenet/Tudor England. This was refreshing. However, I will admit that I am a frequent reader of the latter, being a fan of the Philippa Gregory novels about that time period. Because of that, I was happy to have the same sort of focus in this novel. Told from a female point of view, encompassing some true historical fact, and still managing to balance war/politics with normal life and maybe a touch of a romantic side. The addition of the magical/natural healing element also made things interesting, though I definitely wanted more of this content than was provided.

The writing style is comfortable, both presenting historical detail and keeping things lyrical. There is fantastic description of the surroundings and some good background on the political and religious state of the region at the time of the story. I don't have the ability to judge the historical accuracy in full, but there seems to be good attention to different pieces of life during the time, so I would like to assume that the majority of the detail is correct.

The characters are interesting with a mix of both dynamic and static character builds. The primary characters are well described and seem to have unique and identifiable personalities. The secondary characters are a bit more cardboard in their feel, so this could have been improved. There were a few instances where having them better developed could have enhanced the richness of the prose and the overall story, but this didn't pose a big problem for me.

Pacing was my biggest issue with this novel. Though I very much enjoyed the writing style, there were some moments that slogged along a bit. That's quite difficult to brush aside when you've got a 500+ page book staring you in the face. But, the slow start eventually built up speed and there was still enough along the way to keep me intrigued. Once things got moving consistently, I became more wrapped up in the political intrigue of the story and the characters began to gain a little more footing. At that point the pages began to fly by pretty steadily.

There was a bit of cringy instalove, but at the same time the characters involved were both teenagers...so I give it a little latitude because of the whole irrationality of the teenage heart. Don't say you weren't prone to the same type of thing when you were a teen...we all know you were. Crushes happen...this one just had a little more tenacity.

I was really finding myself wrapped up in the story and turning the pages with ferocity when the ending came upon me. Dang it! Because of this, I was a little frustrated with where the book ended. The epilogue in particular made it feel both like a quick wrap up and a cliffhanger. However, I will admit that it does set up the second novel nicely and the approach worked...because I am antsy to get to the sequel.

* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

A wonderful Merlin (Arthurian)Tale. I read at least one Arthurian/Guinevere/Merlin series a year. I only say this to point out how many are written. This one stands heads and shoulders ABOVE most of them.
It does what excellent historical fiction does at its best it puts you in the time period and makes you live it. I briefly read the blurb and asked to read for review without going any further. Thank you #NetGalley for review copy. I’m so glad I did. To my mind it is one of the first truly unique takes on this tale in a very long (insert Mists reference here) time. Using the female voice to recount the tale of what it was like to live in Briton, Anglo Saxons being the enemy and the co-existence up to this point of Druids/pagans and the threat to ways of life from population of growing Christian beliefs. Varied stations in life are looked at realistically, the wisdom that could be found from ancient beliefs and ugly side of being royalty are shown with clarity. I loved the main character even though her anguish over not being able to marry for love but for her country was repeated one time too many. But as a woman I get it. Her life will drastically change and quite possibly not for the better. Who else will speak up for those who have lived on these for as far back as anyone can remember?
Overall, I loved this story and already downloaded the second book. The Narration was outstanding especially in light of so many characters. I never got lost or was unable to recognize who was speaking. I highly recommend this book. #NetGalley #TheLostQueen

Oh boy. I STRUGGLED with this book. It felt like a cross between Pride and Prejudice and Game of Thrones — a complex plot with writing that drones on. However, given the timeline, I do understand that this makes sense. Epic fantasies are typically harder to get into. I loved the main characters as children but not so much as adults and I found myself getting bored and really having to pull myself through. At that point I honestly would have rated it two stars because reading it felt like work — although I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of the church sector all the way through. But THEN — we get to the end and it’s exciting and action-packed and now I can’t wait for the sequel. I just hope that it’s more immediately exciting than its predecessor. Although it was a little hard to slog through, it’s also worth noting that the writing was BEAUTIFUL and the complexity of the plot is a testament to the author.