Seldom does a sequel surpass a first part, especially when the first pat was a wonderful as The Lost Queen. For me, this was perfect. I was drawn into a story that was as rich and character driven as it was complex and plot driven. I didn't even realize it was possible to have both with such intensity in the same story. It's a sweeping historical epic that despite its length has me craving more. When the world is as absorbing and the story as thrilling, I don't imagine it'd be possible to get enough.

In this part I got to see more of Lailoken, without giving away anything, his story is just so full of emotion. There is a great range to him and what he goes through. It also kept me in Languoreth's world allowing me to keep up with her husband and mother-in-law, whose stories are so intertwined in the most unexpected ways with what is going on outside of their view. But it was Angharad who absolutely blew me away in this part, just wow! I really want to tread lightly on spoilers so I'll back away and say that I never saw any of that coming and it was fascinating as light was shed on a part of the world that had only been hinted at before. The notes at the end of the book shed even more light, and inspired me to do further reading as well.

It's a truly complex story with so many beautiful, heartbreaking, thrilling, and fascinating things going on that I know I'll be reading it again, and again, and it will have a home on my shelf, where I've made room for the third part, which I hope will be announced soon... please, please, I can't wait.

This is hands down the most well-crafted story I've read in a long while, Must read.

This book picks up where The Lost Queen left off. Langoureth's children have grown and the family finds themselves on opposing sides of battle. Lailoken is supposed to take Angharad as a student, but soon she is lost and finds her own way to priesthood by embracing the magic and signs of the world around her. Eventually she is reunited with the people of her ancestors and is introduced to the hero Artur.

I love how the author has included historical notes on her studies and interpretations on the lives of the real man who inspired Merlin and the mystery of the ancient Briton's way of life.

Wow, I had literal goosebumps reading this novel! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Lost Queen a couple years ago and it was easily my favorite book of 2018. I was thrilled to be given a chance to read the sequel! I loved that the story wasn't just told from Languoreth's POV this time around and we got to explore more of Ancient Scotland. While I was devastated that she didn't get a proper reunion with Maelgwn, I did really enjoy the author's choice to have her stay loyal to Rhydderch, it was such a hard decision but I admire how she puts duty above all else. Angharad's storyline was probably my favorite for this novel, she had such a tumultuous journey and I can't wait to see where she goes in the final book... especially with Artur! I'm so happy that all three of them had a reunion before the end and I can't wait for the last book!!!

I absolutely love this series by Signe Pike. I read alot of historical fiction, and this series is my favorite by far. She has done an excellent job weaving the plot and array of characters together. I really feel like I'm part of the story with how it elicits my emotions. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I went straight into this book on the heels of finishing The Lost Queen, so everything was still fresh in my mind. At first, it seemed as though it was going to be disappointing. Once the pace picked up, and I adapted to three points of view, I enjoyed this a great deal. Very much looking forward to reading volume 3. Be sure to read the author’s note - fascinating.

I absolutely love this series, and was so excited for this book. I was not disappointed. Pike does such an amazing job of both expanding this world we think we know, and taking it into a different direction, It's not Arthurian completely because that is not the royal, nay the person, we really are meant to be interested in. It's the players before Arthur even comes into the picture that we are drawn into. It's very poignant in not only growing in power of each character since in this book most are mature, but it's a very interesting look at the "history", the myth of the time before and during Arthur. And the importance of the battle of religions and the coming of Christianity in a place that followed the Old Ways and the Old Gods and what that means. Such a fun and magical series and I cannot wait for book three.

I loved Signe Pike's previous book, THE LOST QUEEN, and I was thrilled when the second book was announced. I blew through this book in a matter of days. The attention to detail and historical accuracy is really important to me and this book does not disappoint. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly encourage this book!

This novel is the second in the Lost Queen trilogy, and is set in 6th century Scotland. Languoreth is imprisoned in her chamber, and her husband and his men have set off to fight her twin brother Lailoken. Her young daughter Angharad is traveling with her uncle, training to be a wisdom keeper. There are many tribal rivalries, and followers of the old ways find their beliefs challenged by Christians. Is Angharad dead, as Languoreth fears? Can any of these tribes co-exist when the desire for power is paramount? This book sweeps the reader away to another world, combining history with a compelling family saga. If you enjoyed The Mists of Avalon, consider embarking on this remarkable series. I'm glad that the publisher and Netgalley provided me with an ARC.

This is a very addictive series! I love the history I am learning but also find myself very invested in the characters. Also I enjoy learning more from theAuthor’s Note in the back detailing any hypothesized and researched pieces of Pike’s story.
Many people compare this novel to Mists of Avalon due to the “pagan” or Old Gods/Natural Gods perspective of many of the cast of characters. I find these parts to be some of my favorite perspectives.
I will be eagerly awaiting the final installment and always read any of Signe Pike’s writing.

There are simply not enough words to describe how much I loved this book. I simply devoured it much the same as I did the first book. Signe Pike is incredible and makes history come alive and glitter in intrigue as well as appeal in a truly dynamic manner. Similar to the first book in this series (The Lost Queen....which is fabulous and a must read as well), this story takes readers to a time in 6th century Scotland. In the first book, we are introduced to Languoreth and learn her story among the forests, the wild, and the fortresses that surround her in this magical place. This story is told in multiple points of view, including Languoreth as well as her twin brother, Lailoken (aka Merlin) and Angharad (Languoreth's young daughter). The three characters are separated by a truly epic battle that takes place near the beginning of the book. We then follow their lives for seven years following the battle as they navigate the circumstances and aftermath while they determine the roles they will play in their ever changing world.

This is a must read for any fan of historical fiction, fantasy, or just plain great stories. The skills displayed by Pike through telling this story are superb and sure to engage even the most reluctant of readers. My only problem will be waiting for the third book to be published because it is sure to be an epic hit as well!

Thank you for this Netgalley. I most certainly enjoyed it and am sure to tell many others about this fabulous read!

Not having read the first book in this trilogy won't hurt, as this feels as though it could be a stand-alone in addition to part of a series. Set in an alternate version of the Arthur tale but set in Northern England/Scotland rather than closer to Cornwall and Glastonbury, and with three main POV, we get the backstory on how Merlin (Myrddin) emerges during the war between the New and the Old Religion. We also spend time with women of power, part of the Old Religion and with the first people, the Picts, as they battle the Angles and other tribes of Britain.

Many of the places still, to some extent exist, and readers will get a sense that this version of the story is, quite possibly, more real than others because of the setting and the known history that is interwoven with the myths. I'm looking forward to Book Three to see who the Lost Queen is (I have a guess, but could be wrong).

eARC provided by publisher.

I. Loved. This. Book.

I read the first volume in this (hoped for) series, and enjoyed it very much, but this book grabbed me from the first page and maintained its grip on me until the end of the historical notes pages at the end of the book.

Such well done characters, such historical vivacity! To me, this book exemplifies historical fiction at it’s best. Enthralling, illuminating and such great reading!

I can only hope that this may be a planned trilogy because I want to read more of this tale! I hope that I won’t have to wait too long!

Cross posted to Goodreads and Amazon

I loved this book so much. The second book in the Lost Queen Trilogy, this is pre-Arthurian British historical fiction at its best. Languoreth continues her journey as an imprisoned Queen, awaiting news of her husband's victory in the British Isles. This story interweaves Languoreth's daughter and twin brother's fate as well in just beautiful writing. I was sad when it ended. A perfect read for historical fiction fans.

Well, I gobbled up nearly 500 pages of this novel in two days-- and so my wait for the conclusion of Signe Pike's amazing trilogy begins!

Like the first book in the series (The Lost Queen) this novel transports readers to sixth century Scotland--the forests, the fortresses, the King's Halls and hermit's huts. While the first book was primarily Languoreth's story, this second book is told from three points of view-- Languoreth, her twin brother Lailoken (Merlin) and Angharad, Languoreth's young daughter. The three are separated by an epic battle near the beginning of the novel, and we follow their lives for seven years following the battle, as they grapple with their circumstances and ultimately decide what roles they will play in the changing world that lies ahead.

I've heard this series described as "Outlander" meets "Camelot," but I would also add that it would also appeal to fans of Sharon Kay Penman's works as well as readers of historical fiction, in general.

I will also add that the afterword of this book is a must read (if there is anyone out there who doesn't usually read afterwords.) With the afterword, Signe Pike made me re-think calling this trilogy "historical fantasy," and so, in spite of some supernatural elements, I've reclassified it as historical fiction.

Anyhow-- if you haven't started this series yet, you have all summer to read The Lost Queen before The Forgotten Kingdom is published. Put it on your TBR list now!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Netgalley and the author for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Forgotten Kingdom is the second book in Signe Pike's The Lost Queen Trilogy. It spans the years of 573AD to 580AD. The story continues with twins Langoureth and Lailoken as they continue to see the country go from the old gods to the new Christian religion. We also watch Langoureth's daughter, Angharad come of age as she studies first to be a Wisdom Keeper and then a Priestess.

The research that has gone into this book, to study this era must have been difficult, but it has resulted in an amazing book. Pike is emerging into an elite category, where she actually writes about real people and brings them to life for us. Her book is based on facts and history. Where it's common right now to take a fact from history and make everything else. To write in the manner that Pike is doing makes the book so much more fun to read, you are there with these people through the wars, through the celebrations. Thank you to #NetGalley for allowing me to give my honest review on #TheForgottenKingdom, it is the best book I have read this year.

I read The Lost Queen and was eagerly awaiting the second book of this series. I was beyond excited to see The Forgotten Kingdom on Netgalley and was thrilled to get to read it in advance.

The Forgotten Kingdom picks up where The Lost Queen finished. Whereas The Lost Queen was the story of Languoreth, mainly, I feel her daughter, Angharad, and Languoreth's brother, Lailoken, are at the center of this story. The Forgotten Kingdom follows both Angharad and Lailoken as they grow and develop alongside the gathering changes from the Angle invasions and the continued rise of Christianity. There is a lot of action (no spoilers) but some really great moments of character development.

This book had me hooked from the first chapter and it ended up being a fast read for me. The description is good without being over the top and I enjoyed reading the nuances between the different inhabitants and landscapes of Scotland. As with The Lost Queen, I enjoyed the movement of the Arthur/Merlin legend from Southern England/Wales to Scotland. It is very intriguing and, yet again, I am left wanting the next installment.

Really enjoyed this second book in Signe Pike’s trilogy! I love that we get the perspective of Lailoken and Langoureth but also of Angharad, as well. Smartly told and richly detailed, this story of the man who inspired the legends of Merlin and his sister is absolutely phenomenal! I can’t wait for the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

What a wonderful treat when confined to shelter in place to have received this marvelous novel from NetGalley and Atria Books to read and review. Thank you. This historical novel takes place in Scotland in the late 500s when it is constantly at war with both local kingdoms and invading Roman armies. It also includes what might be called magical realism.. Perhaps these are only aspects of the practices of religions more ancient than Christianity. It is also a time when the Church is trying to stamp out the old gods and their followers.

For the 5 days I was reading this book I was transported into Signe Pike's world so completely that when I stopped reading, I had to readjust to our own current grim reality. What could be more of an escape?

This novel is the back story to Merlin, or Myrrdin. I have not read the first book in this series but plan to do that,) although I think this one stands on its own.. Lailoken, twin brother of Languoreth, soon to be queen of Strathclyde, is off to fight on the side of the Pendragons against her husband.. Lailoken is a warrior, but also a Wisdom Keeper, and he brings with him his niece , Angharad, an eight year old child who is gifted with foresight, in order to train her. Told in alternating chapters from each of the twins and the child, we also encounter Eira (Guinevere) and Arthur.

The novel is packed with descriptions so deftly realized that you may sicken at the battles, dismemberments, and bloody ground.. The landscape is so immersive so to be almost visual. Pike also has an interesting way of describing eye and hair color. Never in nature have I noted the variety of red, chestnut. black, brown and eyes of blue ,green, gray, ice, amber and various nut colors. Interesting to note, these as part of Pike's gift of word-painting..

Seven years pass as Angharad is separated from her uncle, eventually becoming a Pict priestess and healer. She survives with the help of Eira, and a hermit monk. Different geographies of the country and different cultures, languages and customs contribute to Angharad's growth and development. Her longing for her home and her mother is poignant, yet when they reunite many years later, it is strained.

I can't stress enough how this novel draws you in to the point that when it ends, it feels as if you have returned to an alternate reality. Few novels can do that. I look forward to Signe Pike's third.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! This book is the second in a series (I recommend you read the first one prior to this one). It follows three narrators - Lailoken, who becomes Merlin of the Arthurian legend; his twin sister Languoreth, a Scottish clan queen who follows the "old ways" but is married to a Christian warrior king; and her daughter Angharad, who is training to become a Wisdom Keeper (mystical priestess).

Stars: Was tough to put down! I love the descriptions of the landscapes. Obviously well-researched and I really enjoyed learning about these forgotten/ignored female heroines.

Wishes: This version did not have a map to refer to, so I was constantly looking up where these ancient lands were in relation to one another. It was sometimes confusing following all of the threads, names, clans, etc. And it was pretty violent, which isn't my style.

I'm absolutely in love with Signe Pike's, The Forgotten Kingdom. I didn't get a chance to read her first book in this series, but I'm definitely going to pick it up. Let's start with the cool cover. It captures the cross of Christianity and the raven/bird for the Picts. Now I may have this wrong .... but it's how I interpreted it. A glimmer to what lies inside the pages. Signe manages to create a beautifully written historical fiction series of Languoreth of Caszow of Scotland (Scots of Dalriada), the Anglo Saxons and the Picts and the historical battles that not only tear them apart but bring them together. What I love most about this book is Signe's ability to help me visualize without the wordiness that other authors get lost in. The characters are so well grounded that I became emotionally attached. Most importantly I wasn't bored. I look forward to the third book and catching up with the first. Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to add this book to my list of favorites by providing me with a copy for my honest opinion (which I'm not afraid to give).