Name: Shay Henrion's review of The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
Item: The Lost Queen
Rating: 4
Author: Shay Henrion

Signe Pike

Compared to Outlander and The Mists of Avalon, this thrilling first novel of a debut trilogy reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legend of Merlin. I write because I have seen the darkness that will come. Already there are those who seek to tell a new history... In a land of mountains and mist, tradition and superstition, Languoreth and her brother Lailoken are raised in the Old Way of their ancestors. But in Scotland, a new religion is rising, one that brings disruption, bloodshed, and riot. And even as her family faces the burgeoning forces of Christianity, the Anglo-Saxons, bent on colonization, are encroaching from the east. When conflict brings the hero Emrys Pendragon to her father’s door, Languoreth finds love with one of his warriors. Her deep connection to Maelgwn is forged by enchantment, but she is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of a Christian king. As Languoreth is catapulted into a world of violence and political intrigue, she must learn to adapt. Together with her brother—a warrior and druid known to history as Myrddin—Languoreth must assume her duty to fight for the preservation of the Old Way and the survival of her kingdom, or risk the loss of them both forever. Based on new scholarship, this tale of bravery and conflicted love brings a lost queen back to life—rescuing her from obscurity, and reaffirming her place at the center of one of the most enduring legends of all time.

A Novel

The Lost Queen

Shay Henrion

I devoured this book! All 515 pages. It's well written, the characters are lovable, there is a plot that unravels slowly, the landscape is magical, it has bravery, love, scandal, sacrifice, loyalty, betrayal, duty, heroism and religion thrown in. It's the type of book you can easily get lost in. I'm so glad there's a book two because I'm not ready to let go of these characters.

Saffia

“Outlander meets Camelot” (Kirsty Logan, author of The Gracekeepers) in the first book of an exciting historical trilogy that reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a powerful and, until now, tragically forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legendary character of Merlin. 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. “Moving, thrilling, and ultimately spellbinding” (BookPage), The Lost Queen brings this remarkable woman to life—rescuing her from obscurity, and reaffirming her place at the center of the most enduring legends of all time. “Moving, thrilling, and ultimately spellbinding, The Lost Queen is perfect for readers of historical fiction like The Clan of the Cave Bear and Wolf Hall, and for lovers of fantasy like Outlander and The Mists of Avalon” (BookPage).

Megan During

Very intriguing. I can't wait to read more.

The Lost Queen is full of beautiful and poetic pieces of prose. From the beginning, the writing is insightful and lyrical. This is probably all the positive things I can say about this book.

Languoreth is such a passive character. I wanted to root for her, but she doesn't actually do much or do anything of her own accord. She's almost weak, but with such a fiery temperament you wouldn't think this would be the case. I wanted to like her, and I did at times, but it never really lasted. This book has far greater characters who would have made great narrators. Languoreth doesn't seem like she's at the forefront of her own story, when the author could have chosen to make her be. If her story is truly so 'lost' and unknown, the author absolutely has the power to make her more of a hero in her own tale. It seems like I was just watching the men's actions through Languoreth's eyes.

One of the biggest critiques I have is that so much is left out of this book. This is a trilogy, right? That should mean there's enough room and time to include more of a complete and well-rounded story. From the beginning, I wish there could have been more scenes or flashbacks with Languoreth's mother. But the more I read, the more I realized so much is left out and skipped over just to be recounted in short, bland summaries. Why not just include it? The departure of Ariane, for example. Ariane was one of the best characters and best aspects of this book, only for the author to write her off abruptly. I mean, the goodbye between her and Languoreth happens off page! Why?!

I'm sure (at least I hope) Ariane shows up in the other books in the series because she was so intriguing and I almost hoped she was a time traveler. This book was compared to Outlander, after all. But Ariane just leaves, and the rest of the book makes almost nothing of it.

This book is almost bloated with dialogue; there are certainly more talking scenes than action scenes. My favorite part was during the mid summer celebration where Languoreth was able to have a little more freedom with her lover. That was well done, but it didn't last. The book falls off again after this section.

Finally, Part Four begins with a 17 YEAR (!!) time jump, with only about two pages of a recap. Two pages to reorient the reader after 17 years. There were just a couple sentences to say goodbye to some truly great characters who died off-page in that 17 year period. I had grown to love some of the characters who died in that time, only to be robbed of any real closure. If this is truly a trilogy of Languoreth's whole life, surely there is room enough for everything. I expected a small time jump, that certainly happens in novels often, but nothing like this. If there was nothing 'interesting' that happened in those 17 years, why not rewrite Languoreth's story so there would have been?

The author took too few liberties and I honestly think Languoreth is still the 'lost queen' because her story hasn't been told to satisfaction yet. I don't think she would be pleased to be presented so passive and boring. I truly hope the subsequent books are better, but I'm not sure I'll be reading them.

Also, one last thought. The Lost Queen is NOTHING like any of the books it's been compared to: Outlander and The Mists of Avalon. These feature strong women, and in the case of Mists of Avalon, female Arthurian characters who have their story told in a more active and empowering way. The Lost Queen can hardly be compared to any great works of Arthurian legend, unless the other books in the trilogy get better.

Amanda

The Lost Queen is full of beautiful and poetic pieces of prose. From the beginning, the writing is insightful and lyrical. This is probably all the positive things I can say about this book.

Languoreth is such a passive character. I wanted to root for her, but she doesn't actually do much or do anything of her own accord. She's almost weak, but with such a fiery temperament you wouldn't think this would be the case. I wanted to like her, and I did at times, but it never really lasted. This book has far greater characters who would have made great narrators. Languoreth doesn't seem like she's at the forefront of her own story, when the author could have chosen to make her be. If her story is truly so 'lost' and unknown, the author absolutely has the power to make her more of a hero in her own tale. It seems like I was just watching the men's actions through Languoreth's eyes.

One of the biggest critiques I have is that so much is left out of this book. This is a trilogy, right? That should mean there's enough room and time to include more of a complete and well-rounded story. From the beginning, I wish there could have been more scenes or flashbacks with Languoreth's mother. But the more I read, the more I realized so much is left out and skipped over just to be recounted in short, bland summaries. Why not just include it? The departure of Ariane, for example. Ariane was one of the best characters and best aspects of this book, only for the author to write her off abruptly. I mean, the goodbye between her and Languoreth happens off page! Why?!

I'm sure (at least I hope) Ariane shows up in the other books in the series because she was so intriguing and I almost hoped she was a time traveler. This book was compared to Outlander, after all. But Ariane just leaves, and the rest of the book makes almost nothing of it.

This book is almost bloated with dialogue; there are certainly more talking scenes than action scenes. My favorite part was during the mid summer celebration where Languoreth was able to have a little more freedom with her lover. That was well done, but it didn't last. The book falls off again after this section.

Finally, Part Four begins with a 17 YEAR (!!) time jump, with only about two pages of a recap. Two pages to reorient the reader after 17 years. There were just a couple sentences to say goodbye to some truly great characters who died off-page in that 17 year period. I had grown to love some of the characters who died in that time, only to be robbed of any real closure. If this is truly a trilogy of Languoreth's whole life, surely there is room enough for everything. I expected a small time jump, that certainly happens in novels often, but nothing like this. If there was nothing 'interesting' that happened in those 17 years, why not rewrite Languoreth's story so there would have been?

The author took too few liberties and I honestly think Languoreth is still the 'lost queen' because her story hasn't been told to satisfaction yet. I don't think she would be pleased to be presented so passive and boring. I truly hope the subsequent books are better, but I'm not sure I'll be reading them.

Also, one last thought. The Lost Queen is NOTHING like any of the books it's been compared to: Outlander and The Mists of Avalon. These feature strong women, and in the case of Mists of Avalon, female Arthurian characters who have their story told in a more active and empowering way. The Lost Queen can hardly be compared to any great works of Arthurian legend, unless the other books in the trilogy get better.

Leah Patton

I very much enjoyed this immersive book. It was a great break in what I usually read. I cannot tell where the next book will go but I will definitely be picking it up.

Rebecca Laparra

Wow. I felt like this book lasted months and yet only minutes. It’s magical, captivating, mysterious, heart breaking, powerful, romantic, other-worldly, poetic….I could go on and on. It already feels like a dear friend and I’ve only read it once. Worth every word.

Judy McClure

Wonderful, well researched and original take on the basis of the Arthurian legend. Historical accuracy with a touch of magical realism and very human characters who become so much more. The beauty of the world, the strength of family, the comfort and wonder of the worship of the natural world and the heartbreak and sacrifice to protect it all. A word of caution if you read the blurb on the cover. Yes, this book evokes the stories of Camelot and also The Mists of Avalon .... but where the reviewers find any relationship to Outlander (other than they both take place in Scotland) I really don't know. Highly recommended.

Nickie Mohler

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 received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Melea Mullican

At first, I thought this book was going to be an epic tale full of magic and lore. Instead, this is very much a becoming of age story about one woman and her struggles of the time. Once I adjusted my expectations, I really enjoyed this book. I didn't love the insta-love between the two characters and felt like in a 550 page book, this could have been better explored. Overall, I really enjoyed watching her grow and seeing the struggles the young woman went through.

Shay Henrion &
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

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Shay Henrion &The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

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Shay Henrion &
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike