A beautiful telling of the origins of Merlin, King Arthur and the breaking of an ancient kingdom. This sequel is just as haunting as the first book. Beautiful descriptions that transport you to the ancient Welsh countryside. Very highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

I liked this book much more than the first one! The first one wasn't bad but it was much slower with a lot of background, building, and character development (which was needed for this book). This one started right in on the action and I loved it! There are multiple character POV which I liked as well and, something that I found interesting, is that the times of those POV weren't always happening at the same time; it was interesting to jump around and go backward and forward in time depending on which POV you were reading. I am really excited for the third book now!

I loved this! A great continuation to an epic story! The Forgotten Kingdom brings us back to where book one, The Lost Queen, left us. We're thrown into the heartache of loved ones riding into battle and the loss of life, loss of direction and mistrust and a deep feeling of unknowing. While we follow Languoreth's story we also get to follow Lailoken's story and Languoreth's daughter, Angharad. Angharad embarks on her own journey with her uncle Lailoken when she was only a young girl. She was off to learn the ways of a Wisdom Keeper under her uncle's guidance while living with the famed Dragon Warriors and their leader Uther Pendragon. Her time with them was short for she was lost to the world after the epic Battle of Arderydd. Her time away from the world she had known led her deep into the world of the Old Ways where her gifts were nurtured and honed. Throughout all his time, Languoreth and Lailoken were living worlds apart as well. Lailoken was in exile with the last of the Dragon Warriors and Languoreth had to remain steadfast in her role as the next possible queen of Strathclyde. After years apart, time has allowed them to possibly mend the rifts that occurred from battles that were not of their own making. At the same time, there's a danger lurking around the corner. By fate they're all brought together once again. Things cannot be the way they were before but Languoreth, Lailoken and Angharad have grown in strength in the Old Ways and their influence in this new time is yet to be known.

I loved the first book and I loved this book! I had trouble getting into the first book, but after a few chapters I was definitely hooked and after I opened the second book and I just couldn't put it down. I was immediately at a loss for words for Languoreth's heartbreak and Lailoken's time on the battlefield. Pike's ability to put you in the middle of the battle or in the depth of heartache and loss is so intense. I was near tears at the Battle of Arderydd for everything they'd ever known and loved was gone. In the face of all this pain, all of them endured! The strength to pick themselves up and go on, the ability to change course and follow the new path laid out, the fear of the unknown. So much of this book was overwhelming. There's no doubt Pike did her research because the details of this book put you directly into 6th century Arthurian legend. I could not get enough of this book. While it put you in three separate worlds simultaneously, the complex story just flows. I really loved everything about this story and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book! This story was epic and it's an easy recommendation. It's one of those stories you wish you could read for the first time again. Loved it!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

Absolutely loved this book! If you love Marion Zimmer Bradley, Elizabeth Chadwick or Diana Paxson you will love this book. The second in a trilogy, it follows Languoreth as she finally leaves her imprisonment to find her brother Lailoken has disappeared, her son Rhys was off to battle in which he’d face off with his uncle, and her daughter Ahgharad has disappeared. There are battles galore, priestesses with magical powers, and more. It’s a real page turner; I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the third book in the trilogy to come out.

One of the best things about this book is that Languoreth was a real woman, with real influence. As with her first book, Signe Pike has done detailed and in-depth research, and brings the many historical characters to life in vibrant detail. I highly recommend this book.

Signe Pike continues to captivate and breathe new life into a tale many of us know all so well. THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM is truly an epic tale filled with magic, war, and the shadows of what will come. I loved every single page.

The second book in the Lost Queen trilogy picks up where the first left off. The two main characters from The Lost Queen are front and center again, but this time with the addition of a third. This new character is probably my favorite part of the novel as Pike is able to show her growth and maturity as she travels the world and grows into her powers. As always, Pike has a great talent for storytelling and descriptions.

I ended up not enjoying this book as much as the first book. I really wanted to enjoy this book but the pacing was off.

The Forgotten Kingdom basically picks up exactly where The Lost Queen leaves us. Langoureth waits, imprisoned in her room, to hear news of the battle between her husband and her brother (Lailoken). In the aftermath of the battle, learning who she has lost, Langoureth must carry on in the capital as she mourns and waits for further word of her lost daughter (Angharad) and exiled brother/Dragon warriors. With the increased threat from the expanding Angle kingdom, Langoureth and Lailoken and Angharad, along with the rest of the Britons, face impending war to defend their land. Despite the increasing conflict between the Old Ways and Christianity, and long-standing internal rivalries, the Britons will have to band together to face that external threat. And they’ll turn for aid to a new ally, a young warrior named Artur.

As with the last book, although the major aspects of this story (the action, if you will) is primarily based on the unfolding effects of the actions of the men, as history is usually is communicated, the women in this trilogy take a more central stage, as far as story-tellers and the “behind the scenes” manipulations that fuel and decide the outcomes of these major events. The primary perspectives this story is told through are, as before, Langoureth (holding it together on the “home front” for family and country and tradition, ascending, at last, to Queen) and Lailoken (struggling with his battle losses/illness and sliding into a certain kind of madness). But there is an additional POV, that of Angharad, that becomes a major voice and force shaping events. And I loved it. As we watched Langoureth grow into herself in the first book, this book allows us to take a similar journey alongside Angharad. Separated from Lailoken and during the battle that opens the novel, we follow her growth over miles and years as she learns more about her power and trains into her role as a priestess. It’s a wonderful chance for Pike to give us more of her amazing descriptions of England/Scotland – the land, the people/cultures, the beliefs – the way she writes it just really makes me feel like I am there. Plus, there is a definite romance hinted at that I cannot wait to see more of in the final book because honestly, the entire love situation so far has been deeply bittersweet (a product of the politics of the period and the way relationships were used for maneuvering, not for feelings). And it’s been so well written. But it’s still heartbreaking (like really, Langoureth and Maelgwn leave such a longing ache in my heart).

From battles to politics to “magic” to the characters’ growth and interactions, this fictional history is superbly atmospheric. I fell right back into the story and the land and I never wanted to leave (in fact, I definitely strung out reading it in order to be able to stay with it longer). Pike creates such full female characters, diving deep into their strength and resilience in the face of grief, lost love and lives, violence, separation, compromise and more. Yet, despite it all, they continue to take what choices and power they can, in whatever way(s) they can, to manipulate their reality to protect those they love, the beliefs that are important to them, and their land/homes. It’s intense and inspiring and so completely rendered. Again I say, you can truly tell how much Pike respects and cares about these characters and their stories. I am so ready for the culmination of this new look at an old legend (and I am dying without an expected pub date for the final book to look forward to.)

This is the second book of The Lost Queen Trilogy, and WOW does it deliver. I’m usually not the biggest fan of sequels but this knocked it out of the ball park and went beyond my expectations. I can’t wait for the third book, I hope it has the same effect as this one did!

Book #2 of The Lost Queen trilogy is even better than the first! Completely captivating, so atmospheric – I was swept away – an amazing sense of place.

Our Lost Queen, Languoreth, is in a heart-wrenching situation – her loyalties are divided, as her husband and son have chosen to make war against her brother Lailoken aka Myrrdin, the infamous Merlin of the Arthurian tales. To make matters even more tenuous, Languoreth’s 9-year-old daughter Angharad is living with Lailoken, training to become a Wisdom Keeper.

Languoreth is tested beyond what she ever has been before, as her loyalties are divided and pretty much every one she loves is in serious danger. Angharad and Lailoken are also in some hot water and need to find their way out. Can a queen keep her family and her loyalty both?

Recommended for historical fiction lovers and those book club guys and gals out there. Especially of interest to fans of the Arthurian legend(s) and Scottish lore. (Sounds perfect, right?)

Still not sure? Read an excerpt at https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Forgotten-Kingdom/Signe-Pike/The-Lost-Queen/9781501191466. And, too, don’t miss the Reading Group Guide from that same link – it includes an introduction to the book (great refresher if you’ve forgotten what you read in book #1!), Discussion Questions, an Author Q&A, and some great ideas for your next book club (when you read The Forgotten Kingdom, of course!)

A big thank you to Signe Pike, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.

To grab a copy of The Forgotten Kingdom for yourself, head on over to BookShop.org – the online bookstore that gives 75% of each book’s profit margin back to independent bookshops. Find yours at https://bookshop.org/lists/best-fiction-of-2021.

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Book 2 in the series continue the stories of twins Langoreth and Lailoken and the brutal battles and intrigue that besets them as the strife in medieval Scotland heats up. The first book read quicker where this one draws out the story more.The parallels to history are fascinating. The author has done an enormous amount of research and presents an era very true to actual history. Her afterwords, a section where she reveals the historical information she gathered and her sources, is particularly interesting. I look forward to the next book in the series.

This one was unfortunately a DNF for me. I really think I am just not in the headspace for this one and will try again. I will update my review when I read.

This book is the second in the trilogy series by the author. It follows some historical fiction as well as some period piece fantasy and sorcery. I would recommend reading the first book in the trilogy first and then reading this one. It is a great read that keeps you engaged throughout the book. I loved the clarity of her characters (three main ones comprise this sequel). If you like King Arthur and mid evil times - you will love this book.

I just love this story and these characters. Signed Pike once again has written a beautiful and lush tale that seems to just spring to life from the pages. I could clearly see the settings and characters almost as if I were watching a movie. It's rich, lush, and exciting...everything I want while reading a book from this genre! I will absolutely be recommending this book/series to anyone I can!

The Forgotten Kingdom follows well in the vein of its predecessor. It is for fans of Queen of Inis Lear. Strong historical fiction with great character development. It is definitely a slow burn, and the pacing can sometimes feel a bit stagnant. However, the character development and the way we really get to learn about Languoreth's life. It is faster than book one but be prepared to buckle in for an epic historical.

Fans of the stories of King Arthur will not be able to resist this book that sweeps readers back to the Middle Ages. There's a hint of the mystical in this second book in an incredibly promising series.

The second book in The Lost Queen trilogy, the story begins right where the previous book left off. Imprisoned, Languoreth awaits news of the ongoing battle between her husband, son and her twin brother Lailoken. Her world has been turned upside by conflict of religion, there are those who follow the old ways like Languoreth and others who now proclaim a new faith. The battle is fought bravely by both sides and unfortunately leaves many casualties. Among the missing is her youngest daughter who was entrusted to her brother months before and pledged to be a Keeper, a Druid. As Languoreth is reunited with her husband and attempts to pick up the pieces she must also accept her new role in life as the Queen, while across the seas her daughter struggles with her own inner strife and her brother welcomes a new beginning. In the end an old threat reappears and they all must come together or face the consequences of their hate.
In some cases a second book is never as good as the first but this book was definitely just as good, if not better! I loved how it never seemed to skip a beat and the story itself welcomed the reader right back in to the adventure. As with the first book this is an Arthurian tale of what happened before and Arthur was still very illusive but the story itself was fascinating. I especially loved and appreciated the Author’s Note, her dedication to the research truly shines. My only complaint is that I finished the book too quickly and now have to wait for the third!

The Forgotten Kingdom is the sequel to The Lost Queen with the third and final novel due for publication in September of 2023. First and foremost, it is going to be a very difficult wait as this one does end in a cliffhanger leaving me to want to immediately move on to the next novel that does not exist yet. The novel starts immediately after the last one ended so it is highly recommended to read the first novel before moving on to this one.

Lailoken (later known as Merlin) is a Dragon Warrior and a Wisdom Keeper. He travels with Uther Pendragon and the other Dragon Warriors. Along for the journey is Angharad, the eight-year-old, wise beyond her years, daughter of Languroeth, a Wisdom Keeper in-training and gifted seer. Everything turns upside down on their end when the messenger Languoreth sent at the end of the first book delivers the warning that Rhydderch (Languoreth’s husband), their son, Rhys, and a host of soldiers are coming to wage war on them to wipe them out. There is a huge battle with many casualties and Lailoken and Angharad become separated without knowing the fate of the other. The story follows each of their perspectives about their individual journeys to figure out the next steps.

The third perspective is Languoreth where we now encounter the aftermath after she was locked away when her husband and the rest of the army left to fight the war. Her husband and their son, whose true father is her true love Maelgwn, a Dragon Warrior, are on one side of the battle. On the other side are her twin brother, her foster brother, Uther, her cousin, Brant, and her love, Maelgwn. Her daughter, Angharad, is caught in the middle as she is too young to fight. At home, Languoreth has her two other children, Gladys and Cyan. With her family as her top priority, she is originally at a loss about her next steps. As a woman in an encroaching patriarchal society, she first feels powerless but then decides this will not be her end and she will find a way to move forward.

This novel is a little more complicated than the first as The Lost Queen focused on Languoreth as the protagonist and moved in a linear timeline. The Forgotten Kingdom features three different perspectives, Languoreth, Lailoken, and Angharad, and moved between years. Although they begin the story together, Lailoken and Angharad become separated due to a series of events. The story follows their individual journeys as new dangers and looming wars, including the battle that separated Lailoken and Angharad, are on the horizon. The pacing is slower than the first as it is a lot more complex, so it is not a fast read, but it does keep the reader interested from start to finish.

Overall, I love the amount of research that Pike did for this novel as she continues to take the known history and legends and puts them together into a realistic historical fiction series. I also appreciated her note about historical fiction vs historical fantasy as there really is a fine line between the two. The plot was very dynamic and complex as it was an ever-evolving story. The characters are all incredibly complex as there is a lot of depth to every one of them, even the secondary characters are not one-dimensional, which I greatly appreciated. There are hints of what could possibly happen in the third novel, but it is impossible to tell if they will come true and how it will all turn out. An excellent sequel in the world of Arthurian legend!

**I want to give a special thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, Atria Books, and the author for a review copy of this excellent sequel novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book. I admit in my joy at joining NetGalley I may have been overzealous in my requesting numbers. As this book has already been published, I am choosing to work on the current upcoming publish date books in my que. As I complete those I will work on my backlogged request and will provide a review at that time. I again send my sincere thanks and apologies.

Pike's masterpiece The Lost Queen was a stunning piece of historical fiction. Rich in imagery, it tells the story of a long forgotten character, Langoureth. All of a sudden, her story is more important than any of the usual suspects in the Arthurian legends and we are here for it. The Forgotten Kingdom picks up where The Lost Queen leaves off, and you learn more about Lailoken, and Angharad, and the aftermath of war. Emotional, powerful, and so extensively researched, this is a wonderful piece of historical fiction.