I haven’t read that many books based on King Arthur so I was curious enough to try this and there aren’t too many books set in sixth-century Scotland either.

Languoreth is a twin of Lailoken who will be known as Merlin. Growing up Languoreth wants to become a Wisdom Keeper, a druid, like her brother and hates the fact that her fate lies in marriage. She is wed to Rhydderch, son of a Christian High King, but she has fallen in love with Maelgwn, one of Pendragon’s man.

3,5 stars

Languoreth is an easy character to like. Strong and fearless who soon learns the ways of the court intrigues. Her marriage to Rhydderch doesn’t start in a promising way but in time they develop mutual respect for each other.

It was interesting to see the coming of Christianity and slowly losing the Old Ways. Anglo-Saxons are coming and there are wars and bloodshed. The book is from Languoreth’s point of view and I think it kind of restricts the story. It would have been nice to see what happens elsewhere, like in battles and such.

One real complaint from me is that Languoreth and Maelgwyn’s romance was a bit too instalove for me. They meet and in a manner of days, they’re so in love with each other that they’ll pine for each other for nearly 20 years.

The start dragged a bit but once things start to happen it flows nicely. In the end, I just wanted to know what happens next. All in all, I think this was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the next book.

I was thrilled to read The Lost Queen by Signe Pike because honestly; I have had some bad reads the previous couple weeks. This book is a welcomed refreshment of pure reading bliss. The novel carried me into a journey where life is much harder. Pike weaves a story surrounding Languoreth, princess of Cadzow and her journey into a world of arranged marriage, a religious war, tyrannical kings, and gender bias.
Languoreth and her twin brother are absolutely adorable. They are so endearing as siblings surviving a chaotic world together. Their relationship for me is what defines loyalty, friendship, and honor. Pike managed to make me fall in love with almost all the characters in the story such as King Morken and Cathan, the wisdom keeper.

In the novel, there is a lot of religious upheaval as Christians move in on the old ways in an attempt to extinguish the old religion entirely. I found this aspect of the plot to be extremely well done. The author alludes to a lot of the details and masterly shows the pivotal moments to us readers. This was greatly appreciated because it provided me with a clear picture that was entertaining and didn’t leave me feeling bored enough to start skimming sentences. It wasn’t overly done or pretentious. I was filled with the same outrage, heartbreak, and anger the people of Briton were feeling at the time against evil men such as Mungo and the ruthless High King, Languoreth’s future father-in-law. The characters are so uniquely vivid and felt so real to me throughout the story.

Romance is something I always enjoy in any story and love to see something heartwarming; luckily, this book had plenty of it! From an affair with a warrior following Emrys Pendragon that results in a baby to a brooding husband that is more kind-hearted than first impressions reveal. There is plenty of juicy emotional feels stacked into a beautifully set novel that really just sucks you right into the story.

The characters are what really made this book so appealing; however, the history, setting, and research into structuring this novel allowed me to form pictures in my head that smoothly kept up with the story as I went through it.

This book receives a 5 out of 5-star review from me. I highly recommend checking it out especially if historical fiction is something you enjoy. This book was just a delight!

Thank you to NetGalley and Touchstone for an ARC of this book!

This is a really tough one to rate. I really feel like 3 stars is entirely too low. Even 3.5 seems too low. But it doesn’t quite reach that 4 Star enjoyment level.

First off, the good. And there was a lot of it! I absolutely fell in love with these characters and the author did an incredible job of bringing them to life. As little is known about Languoreth she really did what the best historical fiction writers do, stuck to the history where it is known, and then filled in emotions and motivations and dialogue where it has been lost, presenting a complete story. I found myself thinking about these characters, Languoureth and Lailoken and Ariane and Cathan and Gwenddolau, even when I wasn’t reading. I’m not super familiar with this time period in history, but from what I can tell the author was as historically accurate as she could be.

The setting too was wonderfully imagined and described. I really felt like I was in 6th century Scotland. All of the different places really came to life.

I thought the storyline was excellent too. It follows Languoreth from the time she is 10 years old to when her oldest child is about 17, so a good chunk of her life. The main plot is about the conflict between pagans (like Languoreth and her family) and Christians (her father-in-law and many of his court). What I loved about this was it showed how when many of the pagans became Christians, or the Christians took over a pagan place of worship, the customs remained and were just incorporated into Christianity. For example, in the book the pagans worship a river goddess at a sacred spring. When the Christians take over this location, they begin to call the river goddess “Mary.” It’s just incredible to me that this is what really happened throughout history and that many supposed Christian customs today still have these lingering pagan influences.

Now a few complaints. As great as the overall story was, I felt that it was lacking in some places, especially when it came to the reason certain things happened. Languoreth and Maelgwyn’s love felt like the definition of instalove. They literally did not know each other and yet they were so in love they thought about and pined for each other for like 20 years despite their initial meeting being like a couple days. I felt similarly about the battle at the end. One day these two kings are allied with each other and in complete trust of each other, and the next they are fighting. It doesn’t give a reason for the change. I know these things happen but usually there is some reason.

My second complaint is that this is a long book. And while I didn’t really feel like any parts of it dragged...the goal is for it to be a trilogy. And I’m just afraid there isn’t enough story to stretch out into three books. Maybe I’m just mad about the cliffhanger and the fact that the author said it took 6 years for her to research and write this one, so Im currently feeling like it will never continue and why couldn’t the whole story have just been one book?

And along the same lines, one last complaint is that this is marketed as the historical story behind the legend of King Arthur, and specifically Merlin, who is supposed to be Lailoken. And yet we didn’t get to that AT ALL in this book. Yes Uther Pendragon is here, Arthur’s father, and Lailoken as a young man. But it just seems like starting when Lailoken and Languoreth are 10 years old is too much. I’m again afraid this will be dragged out over 3 books when it could have easily been one.

Overall though I’m really glad I read this book. It immersed me in a time period in history I was wholly unfamiliar with but now am so interested in. I loved these characters and I loved the writing style and I truly hope it doesn’t take forever for the sequel because I want to read it!

This is a very long, slow book but it’s rich and wonderful as well!

This is the story of Merlin’s twin sister, The Lost Queen and also of Melin and who he truly was. The writing is magnificent and beautiful, I loved the world building, how I really felt like I was back in that time. I loved all the characters but I wish there were some I got to see more of and learn more about.

I wished to learn more about Rhyderrach, Langoreths husband, I felt like he was a kind husband and man but also a coward and never stuck up for what was right or Anything for that matter. He was very bland and one dimensional.
I also wanted more form Maelgyn who was supposed to be this EPIC love and I didn’t see it. It was instant and it was blah. He was blah and I truly didn’t understand nor car for their relationship.

I did love Langoreth though and Lailoken. I loved Morken and Cathan! These characters were amazing and rich! I loved Langoreths kids and I’m super excited to read more about them and hopefully learn some more about other side characters!


A great story, slow but very detailed and interesting. I wished for a little bit more character development for some characters and the ending was extremely confusing which is why it is a 4 and not a 5!

I’m not usually a fantasy reader but this one sounded like it would hold my interest. This story follows Languoreth and her twin. This takes place in Scotland. languoreth is destined to become queen one day and this books focuses on her childhood her brother is to be a famous warrior and a wisdoms keeper also known as Merlin. There’s a clash on following the old ways and the new effect of the new ways . This was an interesting book and held my interest it’s just not my usual type book

Billed as Mists of Avalon meets Philippa Gregory, The Lost Queen is that and so much more. Part Mists of Avalon, parts Outlander, parts Camelot and parts Game of Thrones, this book is a stunning page turner. Signe Pike weaves an extraordinarily researched world of historical fiction (that is truly believable). The Lost Queen is simply incredible with a quickly moving plot, beautiful history and complex, real characters. Already recommended to friends and family.

It's a big book, it's a debut, it's a twist on the Arthurian legend, and it's a novel that really needs to be on the top of your TBR pile ASAP. THE LOST QUEEN follows the story of Languoreth and her twin, Lailoken (later known as Merlin). Sixth century Scotland comes to life in vivid color under Pike's pen. She artfully delivers up rich, colorful characters that you deeply care about and will want to follow not just in this book, but in the other two that are to follow. The story of Languoreth in this book is that of her coming to age, struggling against the restrictions of being part of the royal family. It's gorgeous, magical and extremely well-wrought. I can't wait for the next book by Signe Pike!

Thanks, NetGalley and Touchstone Books, for the advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Sagas usually confound me but this is also a historical fiction based on the legend of Merlin. The story has an excellent pace and the characters are lively. A good start to a trilogy can't wait to read the next one.

In The Lost Queen, Signe Pike has delivered a fantastic historical novel. She skillfully draws her readers into the tumult of 6th century Scotland. Languoreth and Lailoken are twins who are at the epicenter of the invasion of Christianity and the Angles into their home country. Languoreth is destined to become a queen and her brother to be a famous warrior and Wisdom Keeper (later to be popularly known as Myrddin/Merlin).
The clash between the Old Ways and the new effect every aspect of Languoreth and Lailoken's lives. Languoreth must strive to keep the Old Ways alive while being married to Rhydderch, son and heir apparent to Tutgual. Lailoken must learn the ways of the Wisdom Keeper and the warrior, so he can serve as counselor to Uther Pendragon.
Languoreth's story sweeps over miles and decades as she grows to become the strong queen her family and people need her to be. Hers is a story of great love and great sacrifice.
I am thrilled that Languoreth's story will continue - The Lost Queen is the first book of a trilogy.
Signe Pike has wowed me and moved onto my list of must-read authors.

This novel is set in sixth century Scotland—I initially read this book because it was compared to one of my favorites, The Mists of Avalon. This saga follows Languoreth and her twin, from around age 10 when they lost their mother, through finding love at 15, marriage to cement an alliance shortly after, and a terrible war when she is in her early thirties, pitting family members against each other. I like historical fiction which seems as if the author has done extensive background research, and I definitely got this sense with Lost Queen. The plot was compelling—a real page-turner—and the characters were well-drawn, nuanced, and memorable, especially the strong female protagonist. I understand this is the first volume of a trilogy, and I look forward to reading the next book..

I had never heard of Languoreth. I'm guessing you haven't, either.
I'll never forget the name after reading The Lost Queen.
Set in the 6th century AD in Scotland, we follow Languoreth (and her twin, Lailoken) as they grow up in a changing world. The old religion is waning with the rise of Christianity, the individual kingdoms battling one another as well against the English, and the coming of age of a girl who feels trapped in her role of a princess, a twin, and the lady of the kingdom.
There's magic, war, love, death, and mystery in this historical tale. It has all the magic of The Mists Of Avalon and Outlander, but the writing is superior (in my opinion) and the story more compelling, given the newly discovered history of the woman that is Languoreth.
I, for one, can't wait for the next installment of this trilogy.

Historical fiction and Merlin fans will be absolutely delighted with this novel! I really appreciate all of the research and thought Pike put into this story. I haven’t read around 550 pages this quickly for a long time. The best part is it’s all based on true people, events, and locations. I am beyond ecstatic that this is the first in a trilogy and I definitely will be reading Adam Ardrey’s books that Pike recommends in the Author’s Note. I have read Mists of Avalon as well and like others, have been so disappointed with the author so much that I didn’t continue the series. I am extremely happy to get my fix from Pike instead.

There are no words.....this is possibly the best historic fiction based in Arthurian legend that I have read in a very long time. Taking the unusual perspective to tell the story from 'above the wall' in Strathclyde, the story mixes intrigue, bloodshed, power games and philosophies in ways unexpected.

Langoureth is a complete character - human, flawed, contradictory and utterly palpable, and she's influenced by the history, myths and superstitions of her place, often coming into conflict with her own desires, choices and dreams that seem impossible, and all are presented in a clear and evocative prose that feeds the imagination as it transports you to places unknown. THIS is a story that, like Outlander and Game of Thrones could easily garner millions of viewers and fans, if only people are willing to delve into the book and just escape within its pages.

Secondary characters are also rich and developed in ways that conversations are easy to hear, the moments unfold with a richness and fullness that place you in the space: sights, sounds, and smells all are palpable, and there is an uncanny sense that darkness is creeping in on the edges - ready to take away progress and redirect the choices in ways that both limit and expand the progress of Langoureth's journey. I can't wait for the next in the series!

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review .I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9ZC” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I was drawn to this book by the blurb that states the main character, Languoreth, is a forgotten queen of sixth century Scotland and the twin sister of the man who inspired the legend of Merlin. That definitely caught my interest.

From the very beginning of the book, the author dropped me into a time that was from the past and captivated me with vivid scenic descriptions and characters who seemed larger than life. I could actually feel emotions and visualize what it would be like to live in this story. The desires of the characters and their actions are told in such a way that completely immersed me into their lives.

I’m thrilled that this is only book one in the trilogy, and I am looking forward to reading the next one.

Languoreth is being raised in the Old Way of her ancestors as a new religion starts rising in Scotland. As this religion becomes more prominent, she must learn to adapt in a world of uprising violence and political intrigue.
What drew me to the book was another perspective to the tale of Merlin. I have to be honest when I say that I have not read much Merlin material, but I’ve always been fascinated by the tale. I really should have paid more attention. I always assume the fantastical element of the tale would be more prominent and I should be more aware.

This book is historical fiction. As the first book in a trilogy this book introduces us to Languoreth as a child to womanhood. The pacing is slow but builds on the world at the time. I grew fascinated at what the Old Way entailed especially with titles such as Keepers. As the story progresses it felt as if the Old Way slowly disappeared into the background as the events in the story overtook the story. The environment was strictly patriarchal so Languoreth did not have a lot of freedom or choice which I found frustrating; however, I appreciated the authenticity of the rhetoric.

There is a romance but the romance is more subplot to all the events that occur. This was a love-at-first-sight romance where her social position and political climate do not allow her to make her own decisions.

When reading I was trying to find some way to connect with Langoureth because while I enjoyed the story I just could not find a reason to care as much as I would have liked to.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Much of what I’ve read about this book compares it with The Mists of Avalon. In fact, that was one of the main reasons I was drawn to it in the first place. Many went on to say that The Lost Queen is a fitting successor to Mists. I’m sorry, but no. While The Lost Queen was fairly enjoyable and had much the same feel to it as The Mists of Avalon, it is really unfair to expect it to replace such a classic. It simply is not in the same league.

I found the writing to be extremely uneven with some parts moving at a good pace and others dragging. Also, I wasn’t sure if the book was meant to be YA or adult fiction due to the simplicity of the story. Everything and everyone was good or bad; there was little question of where everyone stood.

I did, however, enjoy the author’s physical descriptions of the characters and the setting. I could see the people so clearly, along with the places they populated. Unfortunately, I never became invested enough in the main characters to really care what happened to them. A number of the secondary characters, such as Ariana and Elufed, were quite intriguing.

As I said before, it was a fairly enjoyable book for me but it suffered by comparison to one of my favorites. Perhaps others who have not read The Mists of Avalon will enjoy it more.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book reminded me completely of The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley almost to the point of retelling the story completely just set in a few years ahead of The Mists of Avalon, but that is my opinion. You will find most of the same characters in this book, but you have to figure out who they are. This books is long and at spots quite slow, but it is worth the read. It gives you another look of how Christianity came and over took (destroyed) the old religion (very unfortunate and cruel, in my opinion). The story line was very informative and you really felt you were there with Languoreth and her family fighting for the old religion and trying to work alongside the Christian monks even though the monks wanted nothing but to obliterate the old religion. I highly enjoyed this book and would not have been disappointed if I had purchased it. I can not wait to see the next book in the series.

*i received an ARC of this book from NetGalley/Publisher for an honest review *

This book was amazing! A M A Z I N G! It’s great from start to finish not a single dull moment. I felt like I was watching a season of Vikings/White Queen it was that good! Languoreth is what I would inspire to be! She is everything and what I wouldn’t give for a love like Maelgwn. It’s a wonderful historical fiction and the way the author draws you into the past and the scenery is perfect!

“You burn young and bright. Death comes to steal your breath, your eyes go sightless, and you are snuffed out, a candle burned to its wick. They tell those who loved you, This is the way of the Gods.”

This was such a beautiful and unique story. It was such a breath of fresh air after reading some not-so-exciting books lately. It was beautifully written, atmospheric, and addicting. The story is very memorable and flowed in such a way that it played out like a movie in my head. I can't wait for people to start reading this so I can talk about it. I haven't read anything this spellbinding in a while.

This was a very interesting start to a series set in 6th-century Scotland. I enjoyed this book, however, I found the pacing to be a little odd. I would quickly devour sections of this book while other chapters would take me forever to get through.