The Shadowed Land provides irresistible insight into the brutal reality of war, religion, politics, duty, honor, womanhood, and survival in sixth-century Scotland. A masterclass in historical fiction, Pike’s third novel manages to balance rich worldbuilding with thorough character development, complex political intrigue, moving relational conflict, and nuanced discussion of critical themes like grief, morality, misogyny, and motherhood. Pike is a brilliant new voice in the realm of Arthurian narratives, and her Lost Queen series is sure to go down as an unforgettable interpretation of a time-honored epic.

Thank you, Atria Books, for the copy of this book!
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Read if you like: mythology retellings, Arthurian Legend, strong female characters
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The long-awaited third book in the Lost Queen series is finally here and I loved it so much. The book continues after the second left off with the aftermath of the Battle of the Caledonian Wood. We follow our beloved cast of characters as they battle against enemies and try to maintain a balance of power between many warring groups in Britain. This was such a fun take on the Arthurian Legend and I love the author's attention to detail on the history of the Briton, Scots, and Picts. I highly recommend this series if you haven't started it yet!

Thank you NetGalley for a prerelease of The Shadowed Land.

Languoreth’s story continues as fate twists its magical course. The third book in the trilogy delivers. I highly recommend the whole series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: December 3, 2024

4 stars
Well I thought this was going to wrap up the series but I guess there is at least a book 4 coming out next year! This was a great continuation of the series. A lot of character growth and overall development. I'm excited for the next book!

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!