An amazing historical novel that will make everyone finish it in one breath. Just like Diana Gabaldon’s and Philippa Gregory’s book series pulled the reader in their world this trilogy will be a new favorite. We know all about Merlin, his myth and life in Camelot with Arthur and Lancelot, but what about his past and family. This book focus on Merlin’s twin sister, Lailoken.
I absolutely loved it, it was thrilling, immersive and just draw me in through the whole story.

Anyone else currently suffering through a “Droughtlander”, especially with not knowing when the next Outlander season will start? Well, I have a Scottish literary balm to help get you through. It is the historical fiction novel of former book editor turned writer, Signe Pike, in her second book “The Lost Queen”. Although it was originally published in 2018, it is surging again in popularity and interest, due to its sequel “The Forgotten Kingdom” (the second book in its triology) scheduled for publication in September of this year. However, the only caveat is that you may be so immersed, invested, and connected to this tale, you may suffer a Signe Pike book drought until September along with your “Droughtlander”!

“The Lost Queen”, Book One in the triology, focuses on Languoreth and her journey from a child to a woman, mother, wife of a Lord, and future Queen. Perhaps even more interesting though, is that she was born a twin, to none other than Lailoken, the man believed to be ‘Myrddin’ or as he is known to us today - ‘Merlin’. However, she is purportedly also well known in her own right, for she is part of the legend of the fish with a ring in Glasgow’s Coat of Arms. Be prepared to dive into the world of medieval Scotland in the 6th century, a world full of druids (“wisdom keepers”), Lords, Chieftains, Kings, and Warriors. A time where people of the “Old Ways” still believed in fate, signs and omens like the fatal foreboding of crows, spirited festivals honoring the change in seasons and various solstices, and following in the belief of multiple gods. A time when marriages were often not born out of love, but instead were formed by obligations to tie families together, to keep peace, and create kingdom alliances, as was in the case of Langoureth, when she married Prince Rhydderch. The novel also highlights the time period where Christianity is beginning to take a foothold amongst the Britons and bishops are becoming as powerful as the wisdom keepers of old - creating clashes btwn the old and new believers.

It also may seem when you watch shows like Outlander and read books like “The Lost Queen” , it seems like it’s a never-ending fight for survival, whether it be against conflicts, war, nature, or any other number of threats, and it is no different for Languoreth. She speaks in the book of everything and everyone always being taken away from her. Yet, this isn’t just for soap opera and story continuation effects, life during medieval Scotland was full of constant hardships. In particular in Langoureth’s time, the Britons are fighting the advancements of the Angles and Anglo-Saxon influence as well as wars and local civil unrest like in the The Battle of Arderydd. For Langoureth specifically, she fell in love with the Dragon Warrior Maelgwyn, only to not be able to be with her true love due to her arranged marriage that was her duty as daughter of King Morken. Fulfillment of this marriage deed was imperative to protect and ensure her family’s survival and prosperity. Finally, speaking of enduring hardships, it was particularly hard for women living in this patriarchal time period with little free will and independence of their own. However, Signe Pike features in this book, strong and bold women, not only in its main heroine Languoreth, but also in her counselor: wisdom keeper Ariane and in her mother-in-law: Queen Elufed, wife of King Tutgual. Whether the men acknowledged it or were unaware, behind the scenes powerful women such as these could exact significant changes to traditions, change courses of wars, and lead kingdoms just to name a few of their esteemed abilities and accomplishments. Signe said, as quoted in an author interview: “Langoureth lived fifteen hundred years ago and we are still carrying on the battle women like her began: to have influence in a world of men.”

Upon finishing this book you will likely have a book hangover, going through withdrawals of speed reading its pages or listening to the Scottish brogue of Toni Frutin in the audiobook version, to find out what happens next, and it won’t help that the author has left you on a precipice with suspensefully ending the novel in the middle of one of Scotland’s bloodiest civil battles, The Battle of Arderydd. And to make the finale tightrope even higher and tauter, so many of the main characters’ fates and lives will be decided right here in this battle, as each family member must fight and wage war against another fellow family member. Yet, you can delay the inevitable for another moment longer, by going to the author’s website, signepike.com, to find a comprehensive book club kit. Not only does it provide discussion points and questions about the book and an author interview, it even creates a section on ideas on book club enhancement activities. At last, take heart and hope, that September and the next publication book release, The Forgotten Kingdom, is inching closer and closer!

An immersive, beautifully-written story, fast-paced with carefully-woven plots. The characters and the rich setting really came to life. The last part of the book was especially moving, Langoureth’s love for her family and the difficult, heart wrenching decisions she had to face. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was fantastic! Although it was alittle slow in the first 25% of the book, the characters stole my heart, the plot was well written and it was a joy to read. I liked this book WAY better than Outlander. I'm very excited to continue reading the series.

This was simply an amazing and engrossing read. I have long been fascinated by Celtic history and anything to do with Camelot, so I was engrossed by this story set in 6th century Scotland of Queen Languoreth and her brother Lailoken on whom Merlin is based. Pike has done a magnificent job with all the characters and has also brought the setting to life in a beautiful way. It was also very informative to read about the Celtic religion, which was pagan, versus Christianity during this time, and the role it played in their lives. What a marvelous read for any historical fiction lover! I cannot wait to read the sequel.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

Long a historical fiction reader, I enjoyed this book about Languoreth, a queen of Scotland in the 6th century. With Christianity on the rise, Languoreth and her brother Lailoken are followers of the earlier Celtic religion. The realization that Lailoken will go on to become Merlin of Arthurian legend made this book more appealing and I recommend this for any lover of this time period.

This book was vividly amazing. Equal parts Outlander, Camelot, and Game of Thrones, the characters are vibrant, the settings surround you and the story draws you right in.It’s funny how circular Langoureth’s story is. It all pinpoints to singular moments, unspoken choices, longed for dreams of a different life. Darkness colors the edges of the parchment just waiting to swallow the ink, and yet there is so much life, love and light keeping the darkness at bay that in the end, it boils down to a good story, woven in the richest of inks, and set with the sands of time.The book boyfriends in this novel are insatiable - be it the winter-eyed Rhydderch or the emerald richness of Maelgwn’s peepers. I would choose either equally and live out my days in happiness. Nope - I’d choose Maelgwn! His destiny is his own.This is by far the best #arc I’ve received and had the pleasure to consume to date! Could not put it down! The history burns from the page in all its bitter glory as if it only happened yesterday and I loved it. I loved every minute of it!

I was given a copy of The Lost Queen by Signe Pike from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book has been on my radar for months. I really love Juliet Marillier and the summary gave me strong vibes for her works. Lush, atmospheric with characters you can root for. And that's what this book gave me.

The setting. I really loved the Dark Age Scottish setting. Pike does a great job in setting up a world that seems real. Her research into the era/area is extensive and it shows. She also does a good job in making it understandable. We’re dealing with numerous locations and courts and I was never confused while reading.

The characters were good. Some I liked, some I loved. I really liked Languoreth. She did things that drove me nuts and I wanted to yell at her sometimes, but mostly I felt extremely invested in her journey. I loved Lailoken, I hope we get even more from him in the future. I also loved Rhydderch. I thought he was a good husband to Languoreth. Many of the side characters were wonderful too.

The issues I had with the book... This book had two tropes that I loathe. I really hated the romance. It almost ruined the book for me. I get that insta love is very Arthurian but it is also something that I hate to read about.. They definitely had insta lust or attraction. But this tragic pining bordered on ridiculous. Their relationship felt juvenile. I also hate romanticized cheating. I get that with the actual history of Languoreth that it had to happen but still. If Pike had just taken more time to develop the relationship it would have worked so much better. They spent, maybe 24 hours together in 20 years.I also didn’t love Desdemona’s character arc. She’s a slave. She shouldn’t have been villainized, I had a lot of empathy for her.

Overall I really liked this book. I loved the politics at play. Courts vs Courts. The Old Ways vs Christianity. The exploration of Druidism. Nature basically being a side character. I will definitely pick up the sequel.

4 stars

A very interesting and fascinating mix of fantasy and historical fiction. It's engrossing and entertaining, the characters are well rounded, the world building is fascinating.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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.

Gripping and well researched historical fiction with light fantasy elements and a strong Celtic mystical feel. Really enjoyed this - a bit like Mists of Avalon, a bit like Julliet Marrillier's Sevenwaters series. 100% its own thing. There was plenty of political intrigue and a very satisfying romance too. Can't wait for the next book.

A very impressive historical fiction/fantasy novel. It really did not easily fit into any one genre. I would learn more to historical fiction as the fantasy elements are very light and it also includes a very enjoyable romance. I loved the politics and character development in this book. I also felt the writing was atmospheric/descriptive enough for me to get absorbed in the world without being flowery or overdone.

I read the last few pages of THE LOST QUEEN very slowly, trying to avoid saying goodbye to the gorgeous mystical Celtic world Signe Pike has created. I loved this book, loved the richly drawn characters and the epic landscape and the light it shed on the legends that shaped first-century Scotland.

If you’re missing Game of Thrones, you’ll enjoy the scheming and family bonds at the heart of this book. Best of all, the next title in the trilogy, THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM, is due in September.

4.5 Stars

This is the year of reading books that have been gathering dust on my virtual TBR shelf. I first hear of this book a couple years ago and was excited to see it compared to another book series, Outlander, which I love. I personally do not think new books should be compared to another popular story when it is nothing like it. The writing style, plot, etc. was nothing like Outlander. Just my opinion. It did not, however, change how I felt about this story and the characters as I was taken along for the ride during this adventure. The writing style was graceful, smooth, and did not drag in any areas. Where details that are easy to assume would be, the author skips ahead in a way that makes sense to the story without adding unneeded fluff in between.
Languoreth is a young child at the beginning of the story. She and her twin brother have destinies that will lead them on different paths, but their bond remains strong. Languoreth wishes to become a Wisdom Keeper and healer like her mother. Unfortunately for her, she is the only daughter and her lot in life is to be married off to someone who will help her father and the kingdom. Her brother is instead called to be a Wisdom Keeper. There are quite a few characters along the way that I will not mention. Meeting them should be a surprise and exciting, so I will let others find them for themselves. There are enemies, plots, deceit, and Languoreth must learn to navigate and harden herself in her future husband's court. People may start out as enemies and turn into friends. Those she trusts may not be so trustworthy. Above all, she must keep who holds her heart a secret, even if the evidence is there for all to see.
It is a good thing that the next book comes out soon. I cannot wait continue the adventure with Languoreth and all the other characters!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I thought this book was ok . I did like the writing style but I just couldn't connect with the characters. I don't know if I will be reading the next book in this trilogy.

Yoooooo, I had no idea about this aspect of Scottish history and it's great to read about. Perhaps a movie pairing with the historical Outlaw King. However ahistorical, this was solidly entertaining. Thank you for the copy.

Oh, you cannot help but be taken in by Languoreth's fire, Queen indeed and before the world throws everything at her, she pledges to always have her brother's back and with every twist and turn, in her anguish she proves that though the world strikes her, it won't keep her down.
I enjoyed reading this book and this is because I've also read about Merlin, but never known anything about a sister or family member, so this was a delicious read.
On the story, I felt that there were some bits of it that were not complete and as the story came to an end, I could only guess what happened and in this case to Lailoken, and to Rhys, and also with her love.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fascinating historical novel that takes place in sixth century Scotland. I dont really know much about that time period so i cant vouch for the accuracy but it was such a good read does it really matter?
It does start a bit slowly as a warning but it is absolutely worth it!

I was delighted to read this book courtesy of Netgalley. It was beautifully written, evoking the scents and sounds of 6th Century Scotland. I was absolutely transported into the lives of the protagonists and it was an exciting well-paced read.
It was very well researched, Although I'd comment it was possibly unwise to mention Hengist and Horsa, who lived a century earlier. It was a big flaw in the case made by the author,. Vortigern arguably is an amalgam of semi-historical figures so I could accept him, but not Hengist and Horsa).

That said this is fiction and the joy of writing, is one is freed to follow what path you like, I so enjoyed the tale I really didn't mind. I am looking forward to the sequel with bated breath, what more can any author ask?

What a page turner! I loved reading the story of twins, Lailoken and Languoreth raised in the sixth century of Scotland. Lailoken’s story is the inspiration of the tales of Merlin. Whilst Languoreth becomes a brave and passionate Queen... I can’t wait for the next instalment.