I thought The Forgotten Kingdom was a great read. I want to go back and read the first book from The Lost Queen Trilogy to see what happened previously and can not wait to read the final installment, as well. Five stars.

In 573, Languoreth waits to hear about her son and husband, who are at war with her brother Lailoken. Her daughter Angharad had been studying with Lailoken, but was lost in the chaos of war. She has to find her way home in the midst of the Picts as Lailoken retreats and eventually teams up with the warrior Artur. Languoreth has to hide her belief in the Old Ways as Christianity becomes a bigger power in the area, and Angles are looking to expand their territory. To bring Christians and pagans together to fight off the Angles, Lailoken will work with Artur as Myrddin.


This is the second book in the Lost Queen trilogy, and takes place in early medieval Scotland. I haven't read the first book, but I don't feel as though I'm missing too much to understand this one. There is so much detail in this world, with the different British kingdoms, the differences between early Christianity and the Old Ways, as well as those who would use religion as another means of grabbing power for themselves. In that respect, the problems that the different groups have back then are instantly recognizable for modern readers.


We have split viewpoints because there are actually three different prongs to this story. We follow Languoreth as she's stuck in the castle with the different rumors swirling around her, torn between loyalty to her husband as well as that of her brother, foster brothers, and cousins. There's her twin brother, fighting with the Pendragons against the utter destruction that other kingdoms want to bring against them for fear of the future. Then there's Angharad, caught between these warring nations and then spirited away to learn about the Old Ways with the Picts. There are different cultures and viewpoints along the way, all of which were fascinating to read about.


Signe did an incredible amount of research to bring this time period to life, and following the actual text of the book (we don't actually get a chance to see Myrddin in action, so it's likely in the last book of the trilogy) we are treated to some of the texts and facts that are extant in history. Of course there's very little known about Languoreth, as most women were erased from early histories, and her research as well as educated guesses to flesh out the story is outlined. That's as fascinating to me as well as the actual text, and I enjoyed reading it as well.

This book is a sequel so if you haven’t read The Lost Queen then proceed with caution as there may be spoilers ahead. If you haven’t read The Lost Queen…. what are you waiting for?! The Forgotten Kingdom picks up where The Lost Queen left off, which was fantastic because I was dying to know what happened next. I really fell in love with Langoureth and Lailoken so I was very glad to see their journeys continue in the sequel. In The Lost Queen, the book mainly focuses on Langoureth but in this one we are also given perspectives from Lailoken and Langoureth’s youngest daughter, Angharad. Langoureth is still my favorite character but I really came to love Angharad’s story and am very excited to see what is in store for her in the third book. I don’t want to say too much about what happened because, well, spoilers, but I am definitely liking where I am seeing this story going. I love how well researched these novels have been. It’s been fantastic reading about this era in Scotland. What makes it even better is that even though it is well researched, Signe Pike is able to make the story magical and the flow of her writing adds to the mysticism of the time. I really can’t wait to see what happens in the third book.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Signe Pike has woven a wonderful story in The Lost Queen and now The Forgotten Kingdom continues the story. This time there is a couple big battles and we learn more about daughter Angharad and what happened over seven years since she was lost from her uncle Lailoken. We learn a little bit more about Languoreth. I found the author notes at the end about how she learned about the different real life people and the real battles was super fascinating. I really recommend this trilogy if you like stories from back in AD 570.

this was a really enjoyable historical novel, I alwasy enjoy reading something from Signe Pike and really enjoyed this book.

I was really torn about the number of stars to give this review. Having not read the first book in the trilogy I jumped into this narrative blind. Although, I do not believe this hindered the storyline. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but did sometimes feel a lack of commitment to finishing. I will probably not read it again, but it did lead me on a path to research some things about Historical Scotland.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for allowing be to receive this arc in exchange of an honest review.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I adored The Lost Queen. It was so beautifully written and nuanced. It was one of the best books I read last year. I couldn’t wait to dive back into this world.
I still loved the writing and the heart of this story. However I found this book much harder to get through. The multiple storylines were each complicated in a way that was hard to follow. It felt overly wordy.
I will continue with the next book but this was not as good as the first book.

I first fell in love with this series and author when the first book came out. As with many trilogies, the dreaded "middle child" book syndrome is something many readers worry about. Will the middle book just be a filler? Would it be better if it was simply a duology? In this case, no! The second book is just as wonderful as the first. There are multiple points of view, so we are able to see everything that is going on with all of our favorite characters instead of being stuck with just one. There is so much that happens with this book and there is never a dull moment. Just when a character is starting to go into a part of their tale that would be everyday, nothing special, type of story, the author switches point of view and keeps you on your toes. There is battle, different types and changing love, finding one's inner strength, finding a purpose, adapting to situations and so much more in this story. I cannot wait for the final book to come out, but at the same time dreading the end of this wild ride of a trilogy. If this author keeps getting better (which she has already shown great growth since the previous book), I do not know what I will do until she starts a new project. It is a very well done story and one that I will find myself revisiting over the years. Bravo! Five Stars!

I need book 3. Now.

This has become my favorite historical fiction series. Hands down. This second installment delivered way more than I expected. It was truly epic. It was very well researched and beautifully written. I love the atmosphere of this series, its perfect for this time of the year. I don't have a single bad thing to say about this book. Signe Pike outdid herself.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!

This was so much fun! The atmosphere was everything I wanted it to be. I loved the plot and storyline in the book. I loved the characters in this story. It gave me all the feels I was looking for when I started reading this. I highly recommend this author. I loved the writing. I will be looking for other works in the future from this author.

I absolutely love The Forgotten Kingdom. I didn't read first book in this series, but after reading this I'm definitely going to get it. First of all can we say how amazing the cover is 😍😍. This is a a beautifully written historical fiction story of Languoreth of Caszow of Scotland , the Anglo Saxons and the historical battles that both tore them apart and bring them together at the same time. The characters are so well written , I easily became emotionally attached to them. The authors ability to pull me in and create this mental picture is amazing ! This book was captivating , I couldn’t put it down, I can’t wait for the third book.

This sequel to The Lost Queen is everything one could hope for. Signe Pike's attention to detail and decade of research paints a clear image of the world of Languoreth and late 500s Scotland. I loved the first book of the trilogy so much I was nervous that the second would be a disappointment, but this installment provided better inside into the numerous characters and allowed fresh travel throughout the lands. My only complaint is that the end felt extremely rushed. I could have happily remained within this world for another couple hundred pages and I look forward to visiting again when the third book is released.

Sincere thanks to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

'The Forgotten Kingdom' is the second book in the Lost Queen trilogy by author Signe Pike. Pike's stories are being called a mix of 'Outlander' and 'The Mists of Avalon' for a new generation and that is certainly true to an extent. Pike's writing is fluid, descriptive, and atmospheric. She is easily able to transport readers to the world of sixth century Scotland and applies the historical easily inland with the fantastical. However, while both Gabaldon and Zimmer Bradley are able to draw out character development alongside a sweeping in-world generation al story, Pike struggles. The narrative feels rushed and and Pike skips over some of the more vulnerable and intriguing aspects of her character's lives in order to move the timeline forward.

The story begins where 'The Lost Queen' left off. Languoreth is imprisoned and waiting for news of the battle currently raging between her husband and her brother, Lailoken., and the remains of the Pen Dragon forces. As losses are felt on both sides, old alliances fall by the wayside, and the fate of Strathclyde hangs in the balance. Languoreth's husband emerges victorious from the battle and is crowned the new high king of Strathclyde, ushering in a new era of political allegiance by the royal family to growing Christian faith. Consequently, to survive her marriage and to keep the peace, Languoreth must keep her devotion to the Old Ways a secret. She must also mend her heart as she confronts the loss of two of her children as a result of the battle. Lailoken is banished and half-mad with post-traumatic stress from the battle. With the two siblings separated we follow their journeys through a split POV narrative.

Another new addition to the story is Languoreth's daughter, Angharad, who was studying with Lailoken to be a Wisdom Keeper before he was called away to battle and she was lost in the fray. Wandering further into the Highlands, Angharad encounters other Wisdom Keepers and continues her studies of the Old Ways under the tutelage of the northern community.

Pike delivers a sweeping story that is rich in historical details, but as I said, I feel like she is pushing the story forward too quickly as each book covers roughly 15-30ish years in the lives of her characters. The portions that she does slow down for, that reveal immense character development and empathy, are wonderfully done. Perhaps I'm just a greedy reader, but I want to savor these stories, I want more of the 'human' in this historical epic.

The best part of this book is when Languoreth is speaking. The rest of the characters I do not care for. I just wanted to know if Maelgwn and her would find their way together.

Thanks to Atria Books for my free review copy. All opinions are my own. I finished my copy of The Lost Queen and immediately yearned to read the next book in the series. The Forgotten Kingdom takes place immediately where The Lost Queen leaves off, right on the brink of war. We learn about warfare, religious discord, and the trials of the time period… and there are a few love stories in there too. This epic series is perfect for fans of Outlander and The Mists of Avalon. I HIGHLY recommend it on audio. The narrator is incredible and brings the whole story to life. 5 stars.

Thanks to Atria and Netgalley for the early copy of The Forgotten Kingdom to review.

This is a world that transports the reader into the time and place, full of atmosphere and a robust storyline.
I love the location, Scotland and the Arthurian fantasy system. The characters are well written and keep you interested in the story. I've enjoyed the narration from the audiobook for parts of it. This transports the reader even more into the time and place.
My only critique is that some of the jumps in time were a bit confusing at first. Anytime a book does something that changes my pace of hearing/reading the story, I am a bit disappointed.
Overall, this is a solid second book in this series.

#The Forgotten Kingdom #NetGalley #AtriaBooks

The Forgotten Kingdom
A Novel
by Signe Pike
Atria Books
You Like Them
Historical Fiction
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020 | Archive Date 29 Sep 2020

This is the second book in the trilogy. I really enjoyed listening to the audio of the first book. I am terrible at pronouncing the names. This is a great series and I am looking forward to the next book. I will recommend this to our patrons who enjoy other books at this time frame. Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Beautiful Covers!
5 star

I received this book as an eArc from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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AD 573. Imprisoned in her chamber, Languoreth awaits news in torment. Her husband and son have ridden off to wage war against her brother, Lailoken. She doesn’t yet know that her young daughter, Angharad, who was training with Lailoken to become a Wisdom Keeper, has been lost in the chaos. As one of the bloodiest battles of early medieval Scottish history scatters its survivors to the wind, Lailoken and his men must flee to exile in the mountains of the Lowlands, while nine-year-old Angharad must summon all Lailoken has taught her and follow her own destiny through the mysterious, mystical land of the Picts.

In the aftermath of the battle, old political alliances unravel, opening the way for the ambitious adherents of the new religion: Christianity. Lailoken is half-mad with battle sickness, and Languoreth must hide her allegiance to the Old Way to survive her marriage to the next Christian king of Strathclyde. Worst yet, the new King of the Angles is bent on expanding his kingdom at any cost. Now the exiled Lailoken, with the help of a young warrior named Artur, may be the only man who can bring the Christians and the pagans together to defeat the encroaching Angles. But to do so, he must claim the role that will forever transform him. He must become the man known to history as “Myrddin.”

Bitter rivalries are ignited, lost loves are found, new loves are born, and old enemies come face-to-face with their reckoning in this compellingly fresh look at one of the most enduring legends of all time.
Title: The Forgotten Kingdom
Author: Signe Pike
Genre: Historical Fiction
Page Count: 496
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Capitalize on Your Genre
Every genre has its strengths and weaknesses. A good author knows how to utilize the strengths, compensate for the weaknesses, and break the rules with the two.

Signe Pike did a great job with The Forgotten Kingdom when it comes to utilizing the genre.

Historical fiction allows a story to take place in any time period. I find that often, the stories take place during time periods or events that we don’t fully know the truth of. We usually have hints and ideas to the events in history, but the specific story fills in a potential hole that could have happened during that time.

Pike blends historical events that we know took place, and mixes them with the fantastical tales of King Arthur.

I’m not usually a fan of the Arthurian legends, but I will admit that Pike does a great job at approaching the tale. He doesn’t directly tell the story of Arthur and the Pendragons, but we get the stories of people living in their world, and we see how the Pendragon story unfold through their eyes.


Careful with Time Skips
Books often happen over long periods of time. Some books are a collection of events that happen one after the other, and those books make sense. Most books, especially longer form books, skip over days, weeks, or even months. It’s normal for a day or two to skip by, with a sentence or an assumption of events to explain what happened.

Some times months go by in a book. I don’t find this often, but a few instances come to mind in the Wheel of Time series. The problem with time jumps like this is that if there isn’t a good explanation of events over that time, the story can start getting plot holes.

I don’t think Pike’s time skips benefit the story at all. When they occur, they make sense. They come when there would be a lull in the story, so skipping years in the future would take us to the next interesting event.

BUT, the scenes that happen after the time skips wouldn’t make sense with rational people. The characters skip years in the future, but threads of their stories are left in a time before the time skip occurs.

If they were as smart as Pike claims them to be, they wouldn’t let certain events occur, or they would have acted differently after years of living with certain knowledge.


Interweaving Stories
Different perspectives in a book are often a good thing. They give us a different viewpoint on the story, and can give us tension. One character can learn of an event, while the other perspective characters have no idea of what occurred. This gives the reader the knowledge they need to know in order to build tension for the end of the story.

Pike does a good job of giving us different perspectives of characters that are on different side of events.

Though our characters may get along with each other, the people they love and fight for don’t.

This brings a sense of tension between family members because their allies aren’t going to get along with each other, so the characters we follow are the only ones that can stop a massacre from happening.

It did feel a bit too safe at times, because I was never really worried that something bad would happen to the main characters. I do however think that there was a nice bit of tension with each character because I was never sure of what would happen next for them.


Final Thoughts
The Forgotten Kingdom was a big improvement from the previous book. It focuses less on an unrealistic love story, and gives readers a better focus on the tension and drama that comes when a family is on opposite sides of a world-changing war.

There are parts of the book that I didn’t enjoy: time skips and the unwanted romance, but there were quite a few parts of the book that made it more immersive and fascinating to read.

I finished this one the other night, which is the sequel to The Lost Queen, and am still reeling. I absolutely love immersive historical fiction, and this series excels at it.

It takes place in the 6th century, in the area that would become Scotland. The series focuses on the cultural shift from from the “old world” way of gods and magic to the rise of Christianity, and the subsequent politics and battles that arose from it. It has a touch of magic (featuring the man who would eventually become known as Merlin), but at its core is an extremely detailed, researched historical interpretation of the people and events of the time.

I highly recommend this series (and it’s beautiful covers!) and cannot say good enough things about it.