I have read many King Arthur re-tellings and I'm always surprised by how different each story is told. Although I didn't enjoy that the Christians were the villians in this series, it is so well researched and the story takes you away to the time period.

I have been obsessed with this world since I first picked up The Lost Queen a few years ago. This conclusion was so bittersweet to me, because I'm not sure I was ready to leave this world and characters.

Signe Pike writes some of the best multi-faceted characters with intense motivations. Languoreth's development from the first book to now is staggering. I feel like in the first two books in the series, I was primarily rooting for Languoreth, but this book opened me up to other characters and introduced me to their inner struggles.

I would recommend this series to anyone who really loves Arthurian legends and historical fiction. I happen to love both, so this was a god-tier series for me!

The third book in The Lost Queen series (no longer a trilogy, woohoo!) was impatiently awaited by me for over a year. I was so happy to get back into this series and world that captivated me so much. The characteristic that sets this third book apart from the first two is what I believe to be its biggest weakness: points-of-view from four different characters. The first book was just Languoreth, the second was Languoreth and Lailoken, and this one added Artúr and Angharad. It was interesting to be able to switch points-of-view so that the reader had the best front-row view to whatever was going on in the book, but it also took away from us being able to dig deep into the characters and really understand what they were feeling and experiencing, as I feel we were able to do for the first two books. BUT, the stories of these people are based as close as possible to what could have really happened and I can see how that could limit a writer who wants to do justice to their stories. I guess the only remedy for this would have been to make it longer?
A few small grumbles from me: the sword in the stone scene felt like an underwhelming few sentences and I would have loved to see this a little larger. And we didn’t hear about the men who follow the old ways as having multiple wives until the end of the third book. I feel like this should have been at least mentioned in the earlier books, and find it odd that none of the men we’ve encountered thus far have had more than one at a time (that have been mentioned anyway).
Overall though, this is an excellent continuation in the series and I hope going forward we can have closer links to the characters.

A highly anticipated release this year, this book lived up to my expectations! Langoureth and Lailoken deserved a happy ending after everything they’d been through. To see their spouses and children imagined in this way, capped off by an appearance of Artur (the famed King Arthur) pulling the sword from the stone, no less?! It’s been a gorgeous trilogy and ended with *almost* everything I wanted (rip to Langoureth’s other love 😭) for the conclusion of their stories.

✨BOOK REVIEW✨
The Shadowed Land by Signe Pike
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🔹SYNOPSIS 🔹
We return once again to ancient Scotland, where Languoreth has survived the Battle of the Caledonian Wood and is reunited with Angharad and Lailoken. But the happy reunion is short lived, as each travels to face their own destiny. With new POVs and a deeper dive into the world of Artur mac Aedan, Signe Pike reshapes her readers’ view of Arthurian Legend, piece by well-researched piece.

🔹MY TAKE 🔹
Signe Pike is back again with her exquisite prose. I highlighted quote after gorgeous quote as I read this third installment. This book (this whole series, really) speaks directly to a mother’s heart with all the mess and pain and powerful love contained within. With new POVs from Artur and Gladys, the world is expanding and we seem to be focusing more on the new generation of leaders (Angharad, Artur, Gladys). While I loved their stories, I really wanted more time with our OGs, Languoreth and Maelgwn. I’M STILL ROOTING FOR THEM WITH MY WHOLE HEART. I did feel that we got a bit mired down in the historical facts surrounding Artur mac Aedan’s life, and it lost a bit of the typical flow I’ve come to expect from Pike’s writing. I do think that much of this is because she is setting us up for book 4 and I still very much enjoyed the story. The introduction of Glady’s POV makes me think she is going to play some pivotal role in book 4. I cannot wait to read the last installment and I will continue to recommend this series to everyone!!

Since 2020 I have been patiently waiting for the third book in this saga of Queen Languoreth and her brother Lailoken. Signe Pike has beautifully written this story taken from the legend of Arthur and Merlin. Although fictional, with little historical account available it is masterful in its retelling of the Druids, Scots, Angles and Picts and the onset of Christianity. I heartily recommend these stories for anyone who enjoys this history. My understanding is there will now be a fourth book. Thankful to Netgalley and Atria publishing for this read.

The Shadowed Land by Signe Pike is a fast-paced and enjoyable read. It is a page-turner, constantly keeping you on your toes.
I loved this book! I was glued to the pages the entire time.
This is the best romantasy series I have ever read.
I felt attached to the characters and as though I was actually there, experiencing these events with them.
The characters were captivating, their adventures gripping, and I learned so much!
The writing is atmospheric and you feel like you are living inside this story with the characters.

I wanted to love this book but found it okay like the previous ones. It may have helped to have a previously on as I did not remember much from the previous books and found it hard to track what was going on with each of the characters. There is a lot of history woven into the story. Languoreth's story was still me favorite. The series is best read as a binge.

The Shadowed Land by Signe Pike is the third booking her groundbreaking series exploring the fascinating historical figures of sixth century Scotland including Queen Langoureth and her brother Lailoken, the man who becomes known as Merlin. This third release in the series finds them once again in conflict with a not-so-saintly Mungo who is vicious in his determination to eradicate the old ways. This book also brings the characters of Angharad and Artur to center stage. I enjoyed reading about Angharad's journey to the northern stronghold of the Pictish King Bridei to advance in her learning under the tutelage of the fierce Wisdom Keeper Briochan- if he will accept her. Meanwhile Artur is growing into a position of leadership and has become Bridei's enemy. Where will Angharad stand if the two come to battle? There is exciting new scholarship concerning the probability of Scotland's claims to Arthur and Merlin, not to mention other people of note, and these novels are a feat of historical fiction. Thank you to Net galley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this arc.

Set in 6th century Scotland, we see battles brewing between kingdoms as the old ways (druid teachings) that Queen Languoreth, her brother Lailoken (Merlin) and her daughter Angharad follow struggle against the new Christians rapidly gaining followers. Queen Languoreth’s own husband is a Christian and together they rule Strathclyde in a delicate balance. Angharad leaves her mother to become an initiate of Bricohan in the land of the Picts, something Languoreth wanted to do herself as a young girl. And Artur (King Arthur) is introduced in this book, showing the reader his rise to power and the traits we have come to know from his legend—fairness, humor and humility. Each character’s journey is compelling, but Angharad’s had me hooked from the start.

To understand this novel, you really need to read the first two in the series as there is so much depth to each character’s story. Signe Pike’s prose is eloquent and captivating, and it is evident the research put into her books. I will say I enjoyed the audiobook versions better, as I didn’t get tripped up in pronunciations, but a more patient reader will still very much enjoy the printed version. Pike even gives a character list and pronunciations at the beginning to help. The Lost Queen series will stick with the reader long after the last page, and I’m not the only one who thinks that as the series has been optioned for television.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and author Signe Pike for the advanced copy of the book. The Shadowed Land is out on December 3rd! All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book and was so sorry when it ended…I just want more! The third book in the series, The Shadowed Land follows those introduced in the first two: Languoreth, the queen of Strathclyde; her daughter Angharad, a Wisdom Keeper in training; her brother Lailoken, and the evil bishop Mungo, who would do anything (literally) to drive out the old gods and install the Christian god across the land. In Strathclyde Languoreth manages to keep a balance between the two sides. Meanwhile the Angles continue to invade, King Aedan (father of Artur and king of Dailraida) has plans of his own for extending his empire to include the lands of the Picts….there are lots of factions and relationships and challenges to be overcome. It can be confusing but fortunately Signe Pike helps us out with a cast of characters at the very beginning of the book, and how to pronounce the names (super helpful!). It’s a completely different take on the Arthur story, one based on the historical record, and clearly explained in the historical notes at the end. But enough of the technical details! The Shadowed Land is riveting, one of those books you won’t be able to put down. The characters are so vivid, the book so well written, the story so engaging and compelling, you live it with every page you read. I hope there is another book coming, theres so much more of the story I want to know. Definitely a book not to miss! Grab a glass of wine, curl up by the fire and travel back in time; you won’t regret it!

The Shadowed Land just left me wanting more of the stories of the Ancient people of Scotland and Great Britain. Pike ties up the origin story of Arthur, Laloiken, and Langoureth and introduces elegantly twists on well known legend stories. Her prose is elegant and mystical.

A triumphant finale that will keep me reeling for weeks.

Signe Pike's "The Shadowed Land" masterfully concludes her Arthurian saga, offering a fresh, feminist perspective on the legendary tale. This capstone novel deftly weaves together intricate plot threads, providing satisfying resolutions for its ensemble cast, particularly the compelling female protagonists, Langoureth and Angharad.

Pike's narrative prowess shines through impeccable pacing and skillful character development. The author's rich world-building transports readers to a medieval realm where old mysticism and new faith intertwine, creating an authentically enchanting historical atmosphere.

With its strong female leads, vivid settings, and reimagined Arthurian lore, "The Shadowed Land" is a must-read for epic fantasy enthusiasts. Pike's trilogy culminates in a spellbinding conclusion that will leave readers yearning for more of her masterful storytelling.

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for my free books for review.

The Shadowed Land is the third book in The Lost Queen series, and Pike continues to tell an intriguing story of the Arthur legend. All of the characters have pivotal roles, and they are each moved into important places in this book. It was exciting to see POV chapters from Artur in this book, while still hearing from Languoreth, Lailoken and Angharad.

There are several battles that take place and it is emotional seeing how they affect each of our characters. Throughout the story, the characters are separated, but there are moments when they are reunited. And it is heart-warming to see some of the storylines and characters come full circle.

Even though The Shadowed Land gives equal time to the different characters, I still find myself drawn to Languoreth’s POV chapters. Her character started the story and has grown so much, so I enjoy seeing how she navigates the different stages of her life. She goes through several struggles in this book, and I am just fascinated with her story, as a woman, during this time period.

I really appreciate this series for the amount of research Pike put into telling this story. She offers some further information in the Author’s Note that sheds light on different versions of the origins of the Arthur legend. I find the idea that Arthur could have been inspired by a Scottish historical figure, Artur mac Aedan, intriguing because the legitimacy of some of the Arthur origin stories have been brought under speculation (and I’m 40% Scottish!!).

The ending of this book leaves me hoping that Pike will continue telling this story with future books. If you enjoy historical fiction, with well-developed characters and a lush setting, then I highly recommend The Shadowed Land, as well as the first two books in the series.

I enjoy this series so much. There seems to be me evidence that Arthur is Scottish and Pike incorporates this man with other real life kings and leaders of the sixth century. We still see Langueroth but not as much as the men vie for more lands from each other. Angharad plays a significant role as she becomes more powerful in her Wisdom Keeper role.
I thought this as the last book but it seems we will learn more about these delightful people.

This was the next book of a great series. The flow of the characters and their growth is great! I can't wait to see what the fourth installment brings!

Signe Pike continues her outstanding work in this series that reimagines the King Arthur myth with a focus on the women of the time. I'm always sad to finish these books, knowing there won't be another one for several years, but the research and craft that Pike puts into this series makes it absolutely worth the wait! This volume focuses largely on Languoreth's daughter Angharad as she undergoes her training in the Old Ways, but there are important moments of growth and change for all the characters. I love this immersive world and the richly drawn characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital review copy.

“You are the last lights of our people. Your beacon must not flicker.”

Oh, how I love to be back in the Lost Queen world! This historical fiction novel of Artur mac Aedan is brought to life with Signe Pike’s magical writing.

The Lost Queen has been one of my favorite series ever, and I find myself constantly recommending it to everyone. The world and the characters are researched so well, and the day-to-day events unfold in a fascinating complex tale. Unearthing the true Artur mac Aedan and Queen Languoreth of early Scotland is both beautiful, and enchanting. Signe Pike offers a glimpse of the world during the intersection of Christianity and the ancient Druids (here called Wisdom Keepers), in early Scottland. Signe has seamlessly woven actual events into her story, and her Authors note at the end will make you appreciate the book so much more!

The Shadowed Land by Signe Pike
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley, and I'm so glad I did! I still remember discovering the first book at my local bookstore with a friend and being completely captivated from start to finish. Signe Pike takes the familiar tale of a princess forced into marriage and breathes new life into it, allowing the story to continue beyond the marriage and into the complexities of motherhood. The portrayal of a mother as the central character is incredibly powerful and adds a depth that makes this story even more compelling.

“And motherhood changed a woman more than becoming a queen ever could. Each of these men had been a woman’s babe once, no less beloved than my own.”

This is a highly character-driven story, with the plot focused on positioning all the pieces for the final book. I was thrilled to see new POV characters introduced in this installment, adding fresh perspectives and depth to the narrative.

Languoreth – upon seeing her lost child, now grown into a woman, at the end of the last book we pick up right away with their storyline. Languoreth’s despair at missing her daughter’s childhood, and pride in seeing her as the priestess she had become was so beautiful and raw. I’m still grasping to the hope that she gets a happy ending, but I’m not sure we are gonna see that.

“It is a wonder, is it not, what the heart can survive?”

Angharad –raised by the Picts, Angharad knows she cannot return home to her mother and marry as her sister did. Instead, she chooses the challenging path of weatherwork, to apprentice under Briochan, and old Wisdom Keeper who hasn’t taken on an apprentice in decades. Her training and experiences offer us an extraordinary glimpse to the Pictish culture, their ways, and their gods.

Artur – I was both surprised and thrilled to see that Artur gets to have a POV chapter! I thought the battle sequences were really well done, and that his introduction of characters was seamless. Watching him marry a woman who was not Angharad was so sad, but those characters remembering each other was beautiful.

Lailoken – Seeing Lailoken and Eira be welcomed back to his childhood home was beautiful. This is where Singe Pike’s writing shines, she has made ordinary events into magical stories that we get to witness. Seeing his rage at how his sister was treated, I have huge expectations for him in the final installment of this series.

Gladys – my heart broke for Gladys I was so happy to see her POV, she reminds me so much of her mother, and her inclusion in the book was emotional for me, I do hope she gets to impact the story in a powerful way. I highlighted everything in her chapters.

“I was forty-four winters, yet I had lived a thousand lifetimes since I was a girl.”

Languoreth’s love story continues to break my heart, my stomach dropped when she was accused, and my despair was so palpable that I had to take a break because I could not read another word. A true testament to the authors writing and pacing in this section. Memories from the first 2 books are called back, and the characters get to interact with those memories as a new person full of the knowledge and experience of the years since.

“Fighting for your land only makes it more beautiful. These lands have sheltered me. They’ve given me clear waters to drink to help me survive.”

This book series continues to be one of my favorites, and while I loved this installment, it felt a little bit like the first half of the final book. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for the Book 4 announcement!

Would I reread? Oh yes, I’ll def pick this one up again and review in advance of the book 4 release. And I can’t wait to get a copy for my mom who has also enjoyed this series with me!

Would I recommend? Absolutely yes. This series is heart wrenching and its full of characters to cheer for. I think fans of the Arthurian Legend will enjoy this, fans of Morgan is My Name by Sophie Keetch, and Lancelot by Giles Kristian, and the Winter King by Bernard Cornwell. I also think fans of Sistersong by Lucy Holland, and Circe by Madeline Miller & Queen Hereafter by Susan Fraser King and the Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley will enjoy this series!

Recommended for Fans of Arthurian Legend, Historical Fiction and Mythology retellings!


This book comes out December 3, 2024

This continues to be one of the most well-written, engaging, and emotional series. Our POVs expand once again to include chapters from not just Langoureth, Angharad, and Lailoken, but also Artúr and Gladys.

We do spend the bulk of our time with Angharad I think as she continues in her journey to become a full Wisdom Keeper. But I treasured every second we got with Langoureth. Her chapters are always the most emotional for me, and Pike definitely had me in tears at several points with Langoureth.

This is such a balanced tale mixed with battles, reunions, separations, self reflection, and so much love and heartache. I seriously love these characters so much, and once again I’m left bereft in the wait for another installment.
I highly recommend picking up this series!

Many thanks to both NetGalley and the author for the preview. All opinions are my own.

I recieved an early copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I read the Lost Queen when it first came out years ago and honestly lost track of it until this book was announced. So I purchased book 2 to prepare to review this book and wow, I forgot how much I loved Signe's writing and the story she is weaving together. I have always been fascinated with King Arthur and the legend that follows him, but I have become even more fascinated in the truth behind the legend and Signe gives me everything I want in these books. There is so much excitement in reading a book that feels like a fictional story (and do not get me wrong, there is certainly fictional aspects of this book) but knowing there is also so much truth behind it all. I am not sure a synopsis of this part of the story ould be helpful to get you to read it as this is book three, I do think knowing that these books follow several characters that we know and have heard in legend. We have sister and bother Languoreth and Lailoken (who is believed to be Merlin) separated for years. Languoreth's daughter, Angharad, lost after battle and believed to be dead studying to be a Wisdom Keeper, what we would call druids. And Artur mac Aeden, a Scot, is our King Arthur.

I love the lore and legend built into this story. This early medieval time period is beyond fascinating to me and I honestly wish the was a companion book to the series that expands on her author's notes!

If you like historical fiction, historical fantasy, vikings, druids, etc. This series is a must for you, I know I just read this, but I am itching for more!