Wow. Just wow. All I have to say is: HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!?!

For any historical fiction, fantasy, Outlander fans, this is a guaranteed great read for you. The Lost Queen is not getting the hype it deserves. Set in ancient Scotland, this Aurthurian tale focuses on Languoreth, the daughter of one of the Scotland kings. Readers will follow her through an impeccable historical fiction starting with her childhood and ending as a mother and new queen.

Here are some of the reasons I love this story
1) It is a new twist on the Merlin tales. Languoreth's brother, Lailoken is a druid who is now known as Merlin.
2) It discusses the violence and issues that came with the beginning of Christianity.
3) The loveliest of love triangles.
4) A brave and ferocious protagonist who fights for all the right things.
5) Really great, and really awful characters

I will continue to recommend this book to all book lovers for the rest of my days. I will also continue to count down the minutes until the second installment of this story is released.

I've read my share of Arthurian stories. I mean, what's not to like about tales of heroic deeds, romance, and mystical quests, right? But I'd have to go all the way back to my reading of The Mists of Avalon in the late 1980s before I came to a book that entranced me as thoroughly as The Lost Queen. Nearly everything about this book from the setting, to the characters, to the political maneuverings of different factions made the book hard to put down.

I've long understood that Arthurian lore recounts a king from the Dark Ages, rather than Middle Ages, but I'd never before considered the idea that Arthur's stories were misplaced geographically as well as temporally. Signe Pike researched extensively for this book and writes a convincing tale set in 6th century Scotland. (Be sure to read the end note — it's fascinating.) Although The Lost Queen is not a scholarly book, Pike gives so much attention to detail that the story feels real. It's not just that the setting and customs are realistic, the characters themselves are also largely historical figures, albeit ones we know little about beyond their existence.

Pike richly evokes each character, giving them realistic motivations, distinct personalities, and relatable weaknesses. Languoreth, the bright and occasionally willful daughter of a regional king, finds herself forced into a political marriage with Rydderch, son of the King of Strathclyde, despite having given her heart to a warrior named Maelgwyn. Lailoken (who comes down to us as Merlin), studious and yet eager for battle, is chosen to become a Wisdom Keeper (druid) in the face of the growing Christianization of his people. In keeping with the social strictures of the historical period, the author allows her characters to suffer and readers to feel that suffering. Seriously, Pike is so mean to them. It was glorious.

The plot of The Lost Queen is a bit of a slow burn. The story starts with the two main characters, Languoreth and Lailoken, at about ten years old, and progresses about five years between each of the four sections of the book. As the children grow into their adult roles, the story becomes more complex. Dark Age warfare and politics impinge on the lives of the twins and channel them into specific roles, putting each in greater and greater danger, especially where duty conflicts with personal desires.

I absolutely loved The Lost Queen—the story, the characters, the history. I probably would have read this book straight through if it hadn't been for my kids wanting to be fed and have clean clothes. I was so sucked into my e-reader that I didn't even realize the book was over 500 pages until I sat down to write this review! I will definitely be rereading The Lost Queen and recommending it to family and friends.

And now, to wait (im)patiently for the next book in the series...

P.S. You might want to photocopy or take a screenshot of the pronunciation guide for reference. It will make your reading much easier if you're like me and have difficulty with Celtic names.

What a tremendous work of historical fiction this book is!

The Lost Queen is a large book, coming in at just over five hundred pages, and somehow the entire book is page-turning and impossible to put down. This book touches on so many topics that it's almost hard to bring all of the thoughts I've had together into one book, but suffice to say that this is a novel that truly brings historical figures and stories to life.

Pike has a wonderful quality of prose that makes the pages fly by. I also appreciated how obvious it was that Pike put a lot of effort and detail into her research for this book, and it absolutely paid off. Languoreth is a fascinating character that I could not get enough of, and the rest of the characters that are featured in this book (and there are quite a few!) are all equally interesting and well-drawn, whether I liked them personally or not.

Overall, I've given The Lost Queen four stars! I highly recommend this one if you love historical fiction!

I LOVED this book. Seriously, could not have loved it. Filled with rich, historical details and sumptuous settings. Can't wait for the next book.

I only needed to see this book marketed as a cross between Outlander and an Arthurian legend and I was immediately excited about reading and reviewing this one.

This book is a debut novel and what a debut it is! I was blown away by the story and you need to immediately move this one up on your TBR list, the hype for this book is real. I was torn between devouring the book to find out what happened and slowing down because I didn’t want the magic to end.

Intelligent, passionate, rebellious, and brave, Languoreth is the unforgettable heroine of The Lost Queen, a tale of conflicted loves and survival set against the cinematic backdrop of ancient Scotland, a magical land of myths and superstition inspired by the beauty of the natural world.

One of the most powerful early medieval queens in British history, Languoreth ruled at a time of enormous disruption and bloodshed, when the burgeoning forces of Christianity threatened to obliterate the ancient pagan beliefs and change her way of life forever.

Together with her twin brother Lailoken, a warrior and druid known to history as Merlin, Languoreth is catapulted into a world of danger and violence. When a war brings the hero Emrys Pendragon, to their door, Languoreth collides with the handsome warrior Maelgwn.

Their passionate connection is forged by enchantment, but Languoreth is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of the High King who is sympathetic to the followers of Christianity. As Rhydderch’s wife, Languoreth must assume her duty to fight for the preservation of the Old Way, her kingdom, and all she holds dear (summary from Goodreads).

On it’s surface, this book promises all the great things that people love about Arthurian legend…..battles, magic, romance, and court intrigue. But at it’s heart, it’s more than just that. Pike explores the depths of religion—-Christianity meets the Old Ways—-and the impact it has on the characters and the landscape of Scotland. It’s a remarkable novel and to say that I am excited about the remaining books is a vast understatement.

One of the things that stood out most in this story was the directness of the plot. Sometimes with epics (and certainly an epic legend of this magnitude), the authors tend to get caught up in sub plots and other details to bring authenticity to the story. Pike has a much more direct prose that gives the reader only the details that they need and lets the readers imaginations take over.

For example, we meet Languoreth first as a young girl when her mother has just died, and rather the pour over her mother and their bond that they shared and spending too much time on this part, Pike touches on it and moves on but it doesn’t lessen the impact. She brings impact with symbolism rather than words.

Much of the story continues in this way and it moves the story without letting it get bogged down by too much world building and epics descriptions and explanations.

At first I was worried that the strange names and places would be distracting, I often struggle with names that I can’t pronounce. But the Arthurian legend and the characters are quickly evident so that the reader can recognize their characters and focus on the story rather than the names.

This book is neither too short or too long…..it ends at just the right moment and doesn’t get overly long and detailed. At roughly 500 pages, it’s a very appropriate length and shouldn’t be intimidating to most readers. I was surprised that I read it as fast as I did. I was easily done in a few days and happily set down my other books in favor of reading this one.

I can’t sing this books praise enough. It’s beautiful, enchanting, and a story that will stick with you long after you are done. Many have praised this book as a feminist Arthurian legend, and sure it has feminist qualities, but for me it was subtle and that was just fine. Had it been overly feminist, it would have had a ring of falseness when it came to a representation of the period.

Pike has written an impressive debut and I am eager to read the next book in the series.

One last thing…..that cover is to DIE for. Do not waste your money on an e-copy…..spring for the hard copy because it’s truly stunning and will find a place of honor on your bookshelf, both for the story as well as the cover.

Challenge/Book Summary:

Book: The Lost Queen (The Lost Queen Trilogy #1) by Signe Pike

Hardcover, 527 pages
Published September 4th 2018 by Touchstone
ISBN 1501191411 (ISBN13: 9781501191411)
Review copy provided by: Publisher/Author in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own
Recommendation: 5 out of 5 (can I give this one more?!)
Genre: historical fiction
Memorable lines/quotes:

After reading about one hundred pages of this book I put it down. It just wasn't a story I could get interested in but I could tell it was very well written. For those who like fantasy fiction it will likely be a very enjoyable and absorbing read. Unfortunately I am not one of those lucky people.

Review will be posted week of 10/15/18

Languoreth and her twin brother, Lailoken, are the children of the king, but things aren't entirely happy in their household currently as they just lost their mother. Their father, being a 6th century king, is often gone for long periods of time, so the children find themselves at home with their tutor as well as druid who often takes care of them. One day, Languoreth encounters Ariane, a Wisdom Keeper, who pledges herself to Languoreth. This is just what she needs as she has been longing for a female presence in her life. Their world is unsettling as their are enemies are surrounding and consequently, the war brings many warriors to their home including Pendragon and Maelgwn. There's also the issue of Christianity reaching their shores and challenging their Celtic old beliefs. The Lost Queen by Signe Pike is an interesting start to a new historical trilogy giving readers a new perspective on the Arthurian Legend surrounding Merlin and his long-forgotten queen sister.

Languoreth is a character I instantly warmed up to in The Lost Queen. I felt for her after the recent death of her mother and readers could really feel the absence of her on the page. Languoreth is surrounded by mostly men, so when she meets Ariane, I was happy for her as she really needs some guidance. But Ariane is a Wisdom Keeper, so what Languoreth is in store for might not be what readers were initially expecting. Also, as the story progresses and Languoreth ages, she meets warrior, Maelgwn, and sparks fly. I won't give away too much, but things get very complicated.

I really liked the idea of exposing a new story surrounding the person who inspired the character of Merlin and his twin sister, who happened to be a queen that's forgotten by history. I love uncovering stories in history like this, especially if the character is female. I thought that Pike really brought the Dark Ages to life in The Lost Queen and really illustrated the clash between the old Celtic way of life along with Christianity.

My issue with The Lost Queen is that parts of the story truly dragged. There were various times when reading this novel that I almost put it down for good even though I truly cared about Languoreth. I felt that the writing lacked that special something at various points that keep readers completely engaged. Once we got to more action, I felt the pace quicken, but it took quite awhile to get to that point. I also am perplexed by the comparisons of The Lost Queen to Philippa Gregory as well as Outlander. That is a reach. A big one. Other than the setting of Scotland what on earth makes this novel similar to Outlander?

If you are looking for the start of a new historical trilogy give The Lost Queen a try this fall. I am not sure I will continue with the trilogy, but by the novel's end I was glad I read it nonetheless.

This is a great book with a very clever protagonist who is caught between the right thing to do, and herself. With well-rounded characters and magical happenings, this is a historical fiction that feels like a high fantasy.

Although based on the twin sister of the legend who inspired Merlin, I would not say this is the Arthurian legend. "Pendragon" is featured, but he's not among the main characters. It's really about the daughter of a Celtic chieftain, Languoreth (aka Gwendydd in Welsh folklore), after the withdrawal of the Romans, during the invasions of the Angles and Christianity. This has always been a time period that fascinated me because there's so little reliable written history from it. This novel is a mixture of that history and the folklore that predates Geoffrey of Monmouth's Arthurian legend, and really brings this obscure time period to life.

The Celtic mysticism was a little heavy for me, but it was very well written with fleshed out characters, and the plot moved along at a steady pace.

Languoreth character was a little frustrating though. The book goes on and on about how important it was that she marry the high king's son so she (and therefore her father and brother) would have influence at court. But I really didn't see any examples of how she used her influence and power to aid her family, or her people. On the contrary, she usually does precisely the opposite of what her father, advisers, or any other allies tell her to do, and usually with unsuccessful results. She is otherwise a likable character, and the author does well to evoke empathy for her, but I kept waiting for her to do something politically significant since that's what the book had been building up to the whole time.

Additionally, there was one thing that didn't make sense to me but this one might be a bit of a spoiler:
Ariane gives Languoreth this big lecture about how important it is for her to marry the prince even if her heart is with another man. And then in the next moment, Ariane is encouraging her and even setting up a rendezvous for Languoreth and the man she loves. I get that Ariane is not Christian and doesn't believe in the Christian ideals of no sex outside marriage - but in no culture or religion would a man be cool with finding out his soon-to-be bride had sex with another man only weeks before the wedding. So if it was discovered, it would ruin everything that Ariane has just lectured Languoreth about 5 minutes ago (okay, not literally 5 minutes). If the marriage was really as important as Ariane believed, why would she then risk it by helping Languoreth hook up with someone else? Supposedly, Ariane wove some kind of magic that assured no one noticed they were gone while they did the naughty - but this is one of the very reasons why I felt like the mysticism was heavy handed. It just seemed too convenient sometimes.

So there were definitely things that let this book down a little bit, but overall it was a good story with excellent prose - the author certainly knows how to bring a scene and setting alive. It begs for a sequel, hopefully one in which the main character is a little more useful.

Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own

The Lost Queen is the first book in a trilogy set in 6th century Scotland. It’s recommended for fans of Outlander (which I love) and Philippa Gregory books (which I’ve been meaning to try). It features Langoreth, one of Scotland’s former queens, who has mostly been lost to history. Langoreth was the twin sister of the man who inspired the well known character, Merlin, and had a huge impact on Scotland herself. Signe Pike delves into the histories of both Langoreth and her brother, Lailoken, starting with their childhood and formative coming of age years.

I have mixed feelings about the book. The authors note at the end was fascinating – I love historical novels that explore the history of lesser known figures, especially women because women’s history is rarely recorded and often lost. But I struggled to stay engaged in the book. I’ve had this problem with several books this year (Naomi Novik’s, Uprooted, and Madeline Miller’s, Circe, come to mind), reflecting on the book, I generally enjoyed it and learned a lot, but it wasn’t that enjoyable a reading experience.

I did find this book a bit better than previous books in that I got pretty into it in the last 30 percent and I am interested to see what happens to these characters. We’re told in the book summary that both Langoreth and Lailoken led remarkable lives, but we don’t discover in this book what made their lives so remarkable. This might be why the book read a little slower and may have lended itself better to a single volume instead of a trilogy. It was pretty slow moving and served mainly to introduce us to the characters and the setting. I think it has the potential to get much better in subsequent books.

However, the setting was pretty great. I can say for sure that I’ve never read a book set in 6th century Scotland. I’m not sure I’ve even ever read a book set in the 6th century. I haven’t read a lot of old, old history, so I found this fascinating in that the history is so ancient that England and Scotland don’t remotely resemble the countries they are today. This was a time when Christianity was starting to spread. Scotland had always practiced the “old ways”, but in an effort to gain support from powerful Rome, Christianity comes to the country, creating tension between this new religion and the old ways. It’s incredibly frustrating to read about the injustices committed in this book in the name of Christianity, but still relatable to today.

I also appreciated the familial relationships. So often in this time period, women were seen as little more than property. But I liked how both her father and brother respected and treated Langoreth. Everyone was forced to acknowledge that despite their wishes that things could be different, Langoreth would need to wed to form political alliances for their kingdom. Both the King and Lailoken see value and strengths in Langoreth outside of being a wife, but they also acknowledge that in their time and age, marrying is one of her greatest strengths as well.

Like I said, I struggled with the book in the first half, but ultimately I am interested to see what happens to Langoreth in the next 2 books and to discover what makes her such a remarkable woman. I think this book could have been shorter and I’m hoping for more action in the next book, but I really liked learning about the spread of Christianity and the tension it created in it’s condemnation of the old ways.

This book sounded interesting to me, but I had no idea that I would love it sooo much!

This story follows Languoreth from child to forgotten Queen. Languoreth and her twin Lailoken were raised according to the Old Way. They knew from a young age that one of them would be Chosen as a Wisdom Keeper, and the other would rule their lands. Languoreth wanted so badly to be Chosen. Not only would she be following in her mother's footsteps, she also wouldn't be forced to marry someone for the good of her people.

Her wish did not come true. Lailoken was Chosen. Now she must prepare herself to be married off to whoever her father decides is the best match. With a new religion overtaking the Old Way, Languoreth knows it is all political. This new religion is home to a few fanatics that believe it is the only way and are willing to start a war to prove it.

Between Christanity, the Picts, and the Angles, Languoreth is surrounded by war. All she can do is try to make decisions that will keep those she loves safe.

I absolutely loved this book! I fell in love with the characters, I could picture the world, and the story itself kept me hooked through the whole book. I cannot wait for the next one!!

I loved it! Grounded in the ancient history and legends of Merlin and his nearly-forgotten twin sister, this novel is at once epic and readable and is full of rich characters, political machinations, and religious conflict. The author’s note at the end makes clear that Pike did exhaustive research and based her fiction upon what scholarship there is of this mysterious time. But that research never overshadows her story or characters. I was quickly drawn into Languoreth’s life as she grew from a child to a powerful woman. Rest assured, this novel is a page-turner full of memorable characters rather than a recitation of dry facts and figures thrown in simply because the author learned them in the course of her research. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next two books in this trilogy.

This book was amazing. The characters are nicely developed and the plot was great. I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for the next one!

I have an interest in the legends that inspire us including those that are collectively known as the Matter of Britain. Most people call them Arthurian although some of these stories deal with figures who were only parenthetically involved in the tale of King Arthur.


Signe Pike decided to re-examine the Arthurian Mythos when she learned that a man who appears to have been the historical Merlin had a twin sister. A novel focused on Merlin's twin sister would certainly be covering new ground. That's why I agreed to review The Lost Queen by Signe Pike when the publisher made a review request. I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Net Galley and this is my honest review.


What sets this Arthurian novel apart is Signe Pike's source of inspiration. She wasn't inspired by earlier Arthurian fiction, but by a history book called Finding Merlin by Adam Ardrey. Ardrey's Merlin is an individual who actually lived in 6th century Scotland. If I had the time, I would have read this book and evaluated it as a work of historical scholarship before writing this review. Since I am trying to keep my commitment to the publisher who entrusted me with an ARC for review before The Lost Queen's release, I decided to look for independent confirmation online instead.


The search that I conducted first led me to a site called Undiscovered Scotland which has a page devoted to a man who lived during the same period and in the same location, but didn't use the name Lailoken which Ardrey associated with his Merlin. Yet I also found a book by historian Tim Clarkson called Scotland's Merlin which was published a number of years after Ardrey's. It did use the name Lailoken. Based on a review of Scotland's Merlin which I found on History Scotland's website, Clarkson dismisses the idea that Lailoken was a Pagan. The review states that Lailoken's story can be found in medieval legends dealing with St. Kentigern, one of those who is credited with having been involved in the process of converting Scotland. Lailoken is portrayed as a contemporary opponent of St. Kentigern in The Lost Queen. The Christian conversion of Scotland is known to have taken place during a period of two centuries during which Scotland was in a state of religious transition that involved a great deal of conflict. Stories associated with St. Kentigern are likely to have been hagiographic (celebrating his saintliness). So the perspective they convey might be very biased. Winston Churchill said that "history is written by the victors". I believe that this quote applies to the medieval source about Lailoken mentioned in the review of Scotland's Merlin.

The existence of Lailoken was confirmed by my research, but readers should decide for themselves whether to believe what the supporters of St. Kentigern wrote about him. Signe Pike's protagonist, who is Lailoken's twin sister Languoreth, is portrayed in the novel as defending her brother from slanders that were written about him.

Languoreth is not portrayed as a medieval feminist. As a woman who was a daughter of a King, she was constrained in her choices. She married the man that her father chose instead of the man she loved. She did this for the sake of her family. There was a great deal of tragedy in Languoreth's life. I felt compassion for her, and tried not to judge her.

This novel is compared to The Mists of Avalon because it takes the perspective of a woman, and portrays the struggle between Pagans and Christians that was taking place during that period. Since it's the first volume in a trilogy, I will be interested in seeing how Signe Pike will put her personal stamp on her version of the Arthurian legend in future books.

This is the type of novel I really enjoyed. The author really did her research on this story, history, Merlin and his twin sister. I just had to read this book! I was sadden when I finished this book. I was hoping there may be a sequel. It felt unfinished. I want more! Think of Mists of Avalon meets with Game of Thrones. This book kept my attention from start to end.
I received this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike is the first novel in a series about the Merlin and King Arthur legend. This is a legend I have love since I was a little girl. Signe Pike has turned that legend on it's head and the result is a meticulously researched novel that brings the true history behind the legend to life. This book is no romanticized version with little truth to back it up it is a historically meaty version that brings the 6th century Britons to life. It is one of the best books I've ever read on the subject of Merlin and those who surround him.

I've read The Crystal Cave and Mists of Avalon. Both are good but The Lost Queen is exceptional in it's ease of reading, authentic atmosphere and engaging storyline. It delves into the chaotic times when those who live above Hadrian's wall are being threatened by the Angles and Christianity. Both are trying to conquer a people in different ways and completely change their way of life.

The novel is told from the viewpoint of Languoreth a forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland and twin sister Lailoken the man who inspired the legend of Merlin. The story begins when they are ten years old and children of a lessor King Morken. Rather than reiterating what is known and has been written about Lailoken/Merlin the author introduces us to his sister Languoreth and we follow her journey to becoming a Princess through marriage to Rhydderch the son of King Tutgual of Strathclyde.

At age 15 Languoreth as the female head of household welcomes Emrys Pendragon to her father's hall. With him are his Dragon Soldiers. Maelgwy is his General and he and Languoreth share a spritual connection that grows to a consuming love. A love that can't be fulfilled because Languoreth must marry to strengthen bonds between kingdoms.

This novel has one of the best storylines I've ever read. It makes you feel what it must have been like to live in a century where you can't tell friend from enemy and everyone is a pawn in a game played by the powerful. You clearly see that power and wealth corrupts. It intertwines the story of the struggle of those of "the old faith" against the power of the emerging Catholic Church with the struggle of a people who have almost been conquered once by Rome and must fight again against the anglo-saxons flooding their shores. Amoungst those struggles there is also the need to stay vigilant because of changing politics between the Briton Kingdoms. The story is engrossing and historically informative as well as accurate. I was able to highlight names and places on my kindle and find them on Wikipedia if I wanted to know more.

There is a lengthy list of characters in this novel with Celtic names which are unfamiliar today. However, all of the characters are so well fleshed out and identifiable I had no problem keeping them straight in my mind as I read. I never had to refer back to the beginning of the book to figure out who each was and which kingdom or group they belonged to. I'm short, character development was excellent.

I highly recommend this book. For the history alone it's worth reading but the writing, storyline and characters make this a must read. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it

I thought this was a fantastic book. Everything about it was superb- the sense of place, the characterization, the writing. I thought the author seamlessly blended her use of real historical events and knowledge with the places where she got creative to fill in the blanks. I cannot wait until the next installment!

I enjoyed this book. I really appreciated that it was written for an older reader. Sometimes books of this genre can come across like they were written for a younger reader. The Lost Queen, was lyrical, emotional, and it had a gravitational pull attached to it, that kept calling my name. I ended up getting a physical copy, so I read that instead of my Netgalley version. The cover is simply stunning, and I am so happy one of my friends reached out and offered it to me. I have a feeling this book is going to be huge, and it's definitely gaining speed in the Bookstagram community. I know I for one, am going to be watching out for more books by Signe Pike. She's an Author who writes books that I could get lost in!

A powerful queen and one of the most influential women in early medieval Scotland, Languoreth has been largely forgotten. Her twin brother Lailoken, also known as Myrrdin, likely became the man that inspired the legend of Merlin. Signe Pike’s debut novel, The Lost Queen, fictionalizes their lives.

Primarily following the life of Languoreth – first as a girl who loses her mother, then as a political bargaining chip, and finally as a wife and mother – The Lost Queen is the first in a trilogy about early Arthurian legend. Although I was intrigued by its description as a cross between Outlander and The Mists of Avalon, the novel more than holds its own. It is a tale of forbidden love, familial duty, and embracing a destiny that you long to fight against.

Pike illuminates the lives of her characters with rich details, everything from their tragedies and their triumphs, to the smells, sights, and sounds of medieval Scotland. As the druid way of life competes with the newly arrived Christianity, Languoreth knows she must defend her family’s heritage if she has any hope of preserving it. She is a fierce heroine who fights for her family, even when she knows it could cost her everything.

"We may not always have the choice we would like. But we always have a choice."

The Lost Queen depicts Scotland at a tumultuous point in history. Pike’s novel shows how far and fast the ripples of change can alter lives near and far, and I could not put it down. Truly, it’s historical fiction at its finest.

I was amazed by this novel. It is so well researched and so well written that I felt like I was living through the book. The characters are so well described that I -- I don't even know how to describe them. The story is vividly told. I think you have to read to book to truly understand why I have no words!

I am so excited to read the second book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Touchstone for the opportunity to read and review this book.