Book Review: The Lost Queen
By: Signe Pike
Published By: Touchstone
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Page Count: 527
Page Count: 527
Source: eARC kindly provided by publisher
Adult — Historical Fiction
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.
Summary:
Mists of Avalon meets Philippa Gregory 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.
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.
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.
Summary:
Mists of Avalon meets Philippa Gregory 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.
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.
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