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The Lost Queen #2
The Forgotten Kingdom
From the author of
The Lost Queen
, hailed as “
Outlander
meets
Camelot
” (Kirsty Logan, the author of The Gloaming) and “
The Mists of Avalon
for a new generation” (Linnea Hartsuyker, the author of The Golden Wolf), a “rich, immersive” (
Kirkus Reviews
) new novel in which a forgotten queen of 6th-century Scotland claims her throne as war looms and her family is scattered to the winds.
AD 573. Imprisoned in her chamber, Languoreth awaits news in torment. Her husband and son have ridden off to 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 abandons its survivors to the wilds of Scotland, 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 to 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 warring groups 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.”
“Intrigue, rivalry, and magic among the mists of old Britain—The Forgotten Kingdom is an enchantment of a read” (Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network).
AD 573. Imprisoned in her chamber, Languoreth awaits news in torment. Her husband and son have ridden off to 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 abandons its survivors to the wilds of Scotland, 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 to 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 warring groups 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.”
“Intrigue, rivalry, and magic among the mists of old Britain—The Forgotten Kingdom is an enchantment of a read” (Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network).
512 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2020
486 people are currently reading
12290 people want to read
About the author
Signe Pike
11 books2,132 followersTHE LOST QUEEN SERIES is currently in development for TV with the award-winning production company Made Up Stories.
Critics have lauded the series as "Impressive historical fiction. Highly recommended" (The Historical Novel Society).
THE LOST QUEEN was awarded "Best Book of 2018," (Library Journal) and "Best Debut Novel," (New York Public Library) among others, while THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM was named one of Bustle and PopSugar's "Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2020."
Originally slated as a trilogy, it has now become a series, with the third book coming in Sept. 2024, and a fourth book to follow.
Pike's first book -- the travel memoir FAERY TALE -- chronicles her travels to England, Ireland, Scotland and beyond in search of healing and a new-found sense of enchantment after the unexpected death of her father in 2006.
Critics have lauded the series as "Impressive historical fiction. Highly recommended" (The Historical Novel Society).
THE LOST QUEEN was awarded "Best Book of 2018," (Library Journal) and "Best Debut Novel," (New York Public Library) among others, while THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM was named one of Bustle and PopSugar's "Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2020."
Originally slated as a trilogy, it has now become a series, with the third book coming in Sept. 2024, and a fourth book to follow.
Pike's first book -- the travel memoir FAERY TALE -- chronicles her travels to England, Ireland, Scotland and beyond in search of healing and a new-found sense of enchantment after the unexpected death of her father in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 880 reviews
October 28, 2020
I don’t have to be psychic to know what you’re thinking right now (though I am, for the record). You’re thinking, “Gee, Sean, I’d sure like to visit 6th-century Scotland. Seems like a lot of fun. But, with a pandemic on, and the fact that lamewad scientists STILL haven’t invented time machines, there’s no way to do that. Also, I could really go for a bowl of soup right now. It’s getting chilly.”
You are correct on most counts. Visiting 6th-century Scotland would be an absolute gas, we are indeed in the midst of a pandemic, and scientists are way too busy getting their rocks off on moon water to do something useful like master the intricacies of time travel. But, there IS actually a way to make the trip.
“But, how do we do that, O Wise and Large-Proboscised-One?” is, naturally, your next question. Patience, my diminutive chewing herbivorous insects. There is a way.
If you haven’t done so already, you’re going to want to read the first book of Pike’s Lost Queen Trilogy (titled, appropriately enough, The Lost Queen). Then, you’ll want to pick up The Forgotten Kingdom posthaste because it is an absolute delight.
There are few authors as adept at evoking time and place as Pike. Her vividly detailed writing and ability to create the sights, sounds, feels, smells, and even tastes of a time long past are masterful. She doesn’t get lost in the minutiae, though; every bit of detail is in service to the story, creating a lived-in environment that adds depth and dimension to a group of compelling characters, foremost among them twins Languoreth (the eponymous Lost Queen herself; she is to these books as Eddie Van Halen was to Van Halen, if that helps) and Lailoken, along with Languoreth’s daughter Angarahad.
If the first book in this series delivered a deep, rich backstory and explored relationships between a sprawling cast of characters (romantic, rivalrous, political, and otherwise), this book is a high-octane mix of epic battles, mystic excursions, and searching for self. (Those who loved the kissy parts of the first book may be left longing; those who squirmed like Fred Savage in The Princess Bride through those may feel relief.)
The Forgotten Kingdom is compulsively readable and engrossing. And, unlike so many second books in trilogies, it feels like a complete tale, though it unquestionably leaves you feeling like a culdee in need of a piece of wood to carve into a cross (that is to say, eager for more).
Don’t sleep on this series—it’s fantastic and you will dig it if you like history, romance, epic sagas, and those bygone eras where the line between reality and myth blurs in the fog-shrouded haze of a misty Scottish morn.
(As for the soup…you’re on your own there. But, I will happily send left-handed can openers to my fellow gauche, sinister peeps if that’s helpful. Screw the (right-handed) man, man!)
You are correct on most counts. Visiting 6th-century Scotland would be an absolute gas, we are indeed in the midst of a pandemic, and scientists are way too busy getting their rocks off on moon water to do something useful like master the intricacies of time travel. But, there IS actually a way to make the trip.
“But, how do we do that, O Wise and Large-Proboscised-One?” is, naturally, your next question. Patience, my diminutive chewing herbivorous insects. There is a way.
If you haven’t done so already, you’re going to want to read the first book of Pike’s Lost Queen Trilogy (titled, appropriately enough, The Lost Queen). Then, you’ll want to pick up The Forgotten Kingdom posthaste because it is an absolute delight.
There are few authors as adept at evoking time and place as Pike. Her vividly detailed writing and ability to create the sights, sounds, feels, smells, and even tastes of a time long past are masterful. She doesn’t get lost in the minutiae, though; every bit of detail is in service to the story, creating a lived-in environment that adds depth and dimension to a group of compelling characters, foremost among them twins Languoreth (the eponymous Lost Queen herself; she is to these books as Eddie Van Halen was to Van Halen, if that helps) and Lailoken, along with Languoreth’s daughter Angarahad.
If the first book in this series delivered a deep, rich backstory and explored relationships between a sprawling cast of characters (romantic, rivalrous, political, and otherwise), this book is a high-octane mix of epic battles, mystic excursions, and searching for self. (Those who loved the kissy parts of the first book may be left longing; those who squirmed like Fred Savage in The Princess Bride through those may feel relief.)
The Forgotten Kingdom is compulsively readable and engrossing. And, unlike so many second books in trilogies, it feels like a complete tale, though it unquestionably leaves you feeling like a culdee in need of a piece of wood to carve into a cross (that is to say, eager for more).
Don’t sleep on this series—it’s fantastic and you will dig it if you like history, romance, epic sagas, and those bygone eras where the line between reality and myth blurs in the fog-shrouded haze of a misty Scottish morn.
(As for the soup…you’re on your own there. But, I will happily send left-handed can openers to my fellow gauche, sinister peeps if that’s helpful. Screw the (right-handed) man, man!)
May 4, 2025
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4.5⭐️
Signe Pike does such a beautiful job weaving her fiction with all the research she has done on this period and the conflicts in this series. What she does with expertise is get the reader invested in the characters on every side, so there is an all-time-high emotional impact no matter the outcome. I truly don't know what I want to happen, but I'm stressed, relieved, angry, and sad all at once while reading.
This installment showed more of Lailoken's journey, and that was especially fascinating. There is a new point of view, and I loved seeing how the main characters from book one are in new roles now that a younger generation is coming of age. The central tension between the wisdom keepers and the old way, with the Christians, continues to be a gripping setting and plot piece, and the romances are scrumptious. I do wish we'd gotten to see more of Lailoken's romance on the page.
Overall, I loved the arc of this second installment and how this tale is more sprawling and evolving than I imagined in book one. I recommend this to historical fiction readers!
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4.5⭐️
Signe Pike does such a beautiful job weaving her fiction with all the research she has done on this period and the conflicts in this series. What she does with expertise is get the reader invested in the characters on every side, so there is an all-time-high emotional impact no matter the outcome. I truly don't know what I want to happen, but I'm stressed, relieved, angry, and sad all at once while reading.
This installment showed more of Lailoken's journey, and that was especially fascinating. There is a new point of view, and I loved seeing how the main characters from book one are in new roles now that a younger generation is coming of age. The central tension between the wisdom keepers and the old way, with the Christians, continues to be a gripping setting and plot piece, and the romances are scrumptious. I do wish we'd gotten to see more of Lailoken's romance on the page.
Overall, I loved the arc of this second installment and how this tale is more sprawling and evolving than I imagined in book one. I recommend this to historical fiction readers!
September 19, 2020
Historical fiction fans, you have to read this epic trilogy. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This story continues where book one left off. Languoreth is in prison, awaiting her fate. The book continues on to include the story of Languoreth’s daughter, Angharad, who studies to become a Wisdom Keeper. Christianity is new and in constant battle with the old traditions.
Now with this second book, I can solidly say these books are epic. The story is sweeping and epic in scope while also featuring characters you will absolutely cherish. It’s also a story you probably aren’t familiar with, and for that, I’m grateful for Signe Pike, and her extensive research on Languoreth, a hero for all times, and a story that needs to be shared. I can hardly wait for book three.
There are two ways I write reviews for books I’ve absolutely loved. One seems to be in this style, where I want to tell the reader that I loved the book but not give too much away. The other is when I yammer on and on about how the book made me feel. I only mention that because, even though I did not yammer, I am completely smitten with these books!
Many thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
This story continues where book one left off. Languoreth is in prison, awaiting her fate. The book continues on to include the story of Languoreth’s daughter, Angharad, who studies to become a Wisdom Keeper. Christianity is new and in constant battle with the old traditions.
Now with this second book, I can solidly say these books are epic. The story is sweeping and epic in scope while also featuring characters you will absolutely cherish. It’s also a story you probably aren’t familiar with, and for that, I’m grateful for Signe Pike, and her extensive research on Languoreth, a hero for all times, and a story that needs to be shared. I can hardly wait for book three.
There are two ways I write reviews for books I’ve absolutely loved. One seems to be in this style, where I want to tell the reader that I loved the book but not give too much away. The other is when I yammer on and on about how the book made me feel. I only mention that because, even though I did not yammer, I am completely smitten with these books!
Many thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 7, 2020
This,the second in the series in the Lost Queen trilogy, was a definite page turner. We follow the lives of Languoreth, her twin brother, Lailoken., and her young daughter Angharad, who is in training to become Wisdom Keeper.
A huge battle is forthcoming and in all of this turmoil, death, and destruction, Angharad is lost. Guided by her uncle, Lailoken, Angharad travels a difficult road, having to learn, practice, and recall all the things that a Wisdom Keeper acquires as well as the struggle to say alive., and grow into a young women who is special and talented in the ways of the old. She arrives in the land of the Pics, a land that is both mysterious and secretive where she must maneuver a pathway that is fraught with danger and menace.. Her path crosses with many and as she grows, she becomes stronger in the art of the Wisdom Keeper.
In the meantime, the new faith of Christianity seems to be at battle with the old ways. Alliances are formed and the land is divided in those who love and cherish the ways of the old, and those who are flocking to the ways of this new belief system called Christianity.
The rivalries continue and eventually they boil over as Lanfuoreth, now queen and all those she loves enter a time of battles fought, lives lost and rivalries brought to the forefront.
Truly a marvelous addition to this series, this book with its excellent research done once again by Ms Pike, is a joy to read as we sit in judgement and worry over these real people caught up in the land of confusion and violence. Of course into this time of turbulence, comes Artur and “Myrddin.” and a myth and legend is born.
Thank you to Signe Pike, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this thrilling tale due out September 20, 2020
A huge battle is forthcoming and in all of this turmoil, death, and destruction, Angharad is lost. Guided by her uncle, Lailoken, Angharad travels a difficult road, having to learn, practice, and recall all the things that a Wisdom Keeper acquires as well as the struggle to say alive., and grow into a young women who is special and talented in the ways of the old. She arrives in the land of the Pics, a land that is both mysterious and secretive where she must maneuver a pathway that is fraught with danger and menace.. Her path crosses with many and as she grows, she becomes stronger in the art of the Wisdom Keeper.
In the meantime, the new faith of Christianity seems to be at battle with the old ways. Alliances are formed and the land is divided in those who love and cherish the ways of the old, and those who are flocking to the ways of this new belief system called Christianity.
The rivalries continue and eventually they boil over as Lanfuoreth, now queen and all those she loves enter a time of battles fought, lives lost and rivalries brought to the forefront.
Truly a marvelous addition to this series, this book with its excellent research done once again by Ms Pike, is a joy to read as we sit in judgement and worry over these real people caught up in the land of confusion and violence. Of course into this time of turbulence, comes Artur and “Myrddin.” and a myth and legend is born.
Thank you to Signe Pike, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this thrilling tale due out September 20, 2020
September 22, 2020
Book two of a trilogy, and The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike did not disappoint! It was another sweeping tale of Celtic history and war in AD Scotland. Languoreth is back, but there are also viewpoints from her brother Lailoken and daughter Angharad as well. I appreciated getting a couple other viewpoints in this one, but Languoreth is still my favorite of them all. There is more violence in this book of course since it is war, but not too many super disturbing parts or anything that isn't skippable if you really wanted to. I listened to the audio again and of course it was fantastic. Toni Frutin is back as Languoreth, while Gary Furlong and Siobhan Waring voice Lailoken and Angharad, respectively. I liked all of them and was very happy to have Frutin back again.
I loved the ending of The Forgotten Kingdom, and while you know there will be a third book since it's a trilogy, I was pretty satisfied with it considering who knows how long we will have to wait for the final book. I don't love cliffhangers, and while there are definitely questions, it doesn't really end in a cliffhanger in my opinion which is something I appreciated. You definitely can't go wrong with reading it or doing the audio, and I highly recommend both. I like the book because it has a map and the author's note which the audio I listened to was missing.
I highly recommend reading these books in order, although they could also be read as standalones. I think you will get more of the story though if you read them in the correct order which is what I'm doing. I said it before and I will say it again, if you have any interest in Celtic history or historical fiction with a dash of fantasy, I highly recommend checking out both The Lost Queen, and The Forgotten Kingdom. They have both been five star reads for me, and I will be anxiously awaiting the third and final book in this moving tale.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
I loved the ending of The Forgotten Kingdom, and while you know there will be a third book since it's a trilogy, I was pretty satisfied with it considering who knows how long we will have to wait for the final book. I don't love cliffhangers, and while there are definitely questions, it doesn't really end in a cliffhanger in my opinion which is something I appreciated. You definitely can't go wrong with reading it or doing the audio, and I highly recommend both. I like the book because it has a map and the author's note which the audio I listened to was missing.
I highly recommend reading these books in order, although they could also be read as standalones. I think you will get more of the story though if you read them in the correct order which is what I'm doing. I said it before and I will say it again, if you have any interest in Celtic history or historical fiction with a dash of fantasy, I highly recommend checking out both The Lost Queen, and The Forgotten Kingdom. They have both been five star reads for me, and I will be anxiously awaiting the third and final book in this moving tale.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
November 11, 2020
I suspect that this series will break me like Outlander broke me. I fell in love with the characters like they were my friends, my family. I lived their emotions with them, their joy, their rage, their sadness. I didn't realize how much I missed historical fiction before reading these two books. I do not like to read about wars, but learning about them is so much interesting that I only want more.
Can't wait to see what book 3 will bring (and already my heart is breaking because it'll be the last book of the series).
I will 1000% buy myself a physical copy of this one. I want to cherish it.
Many thanks to Atria Books for the complimentary e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Can't wait to see what book 3 will bring (and already my heart is breaking because it'll be the last book of the series).
I will 1000% buy myself a physical copy of this one. I want to cherish it.
Many thanks to Atria Books for the complimentary e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 16, 2019
CANT WAIT!!!
I'm going to give this 5 stars as I patiently wait for this book that I know will be just as amazing as the first. 😋
I'm going to give this 5 stars as I patiently wait for this book that I know will be just as amazing as the first. 😋
January 14, 2025
4.5⭐️ Excellent follow up to the lost queen. Couldn’t put it down but fell a little short of book 1 bc of the pacing. I need these books to be 600+ pages vs 400. I really want to sit in some of the climactic moments
June 8, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the lost Queen trilogy, but now a fourth book is on the horizon.
573AD the story continues Languoreth is in prison in her own chamber. Her husband Ryddrech and their son are at war with her twin brother Lailoken. Her nine year year old daughter, Angharad is traveling with Lailoken to train to become a wisdom keeper.
This is a sweeping story set against brother, uncle and son. Angharad becomes lost during the battle and falls into the hands of the Pics.
Who will return from this gruesome battle, and what will happen to Angharad?
It is an epic story filled bitter rivalries and history. I applaud Signe Pike for her extensive research.
If you loved Mists of Avalon you will love this series.
573AD the story continues Languoreth is in prison in her own chamber. Her husband Ryddrech and their son are at war with her twin brother Lailoken. Her nine year year old daughter, Angharad is traveling with Lailoken to train to become a wisdom keeper.
This is a sweeping story set against brother, uncle and son. Angharad becomes lost during the battle and falls into the hands of the Pics.
Who will return from this gruesome battle, and what will happen to Angharad?
It is an epic story filled bitter rivalries and history. I applaud Signe Pike for her extensive research.
If you loved Mists of Avalon you will love this series.
September 14, 2020
Thank you, Atria books, Signe Pike, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!
As soon as I finished The Lost Queen, I jumped right into The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike. The first book did leave off on a little cliffhanger. Languoreth is imprisoned in her own home as her husband and son go off the wage war on her brother and lover, and her daughter, Angharad, is among them. As time goes by, Angharad separated from her Uncle during the battle and finds herself in the hands of the Picts and trained as a Priestess. In the meantime, Lailoken goes into exile. He is forever scarred from the battle and losing family members. And so a legend is born…
The first book left me in tears and the second book has left me on the edge of my seat. This book is more battle focused. The battle scenes are wonderfully descriptive and make you feel the fear and urgency of survival. Watching Lailoken suffer from PTSD is utterly heartbreaking. His emotions and struggles are something that many today could relate to.
Languoreth is such a wonderful main character. Her strength and dedication to her family are inspiring. She also knows her heart. She knows what must be done. Now, I can’t wait to find out what happens with Angharad. She is definitely her mother’s daughter. I loved watching her power grow.
Now, I must wait for book three, which completely breaks my heart! I love how the author weaves a beautiful tale filled with magic, destiny, legend, and history. It is really like watching legend come to life. Netflix, you have a series that you need to check out. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book releases tomorrow! So grab your copy!
As soon as I finished The Lost Queen, I jumped right into The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike. The first book did leave off on a little cliffhanger. Languoreth is imprisoned in her own home as her husband and son go off the wage war on her brother and lover, and her daughter, Angharad, is among them. As time goes by, Angharad separated from her Uncle during the battle and finds herself in the hands of the Picts and trained as a Priestess. In the meantime, Lailoken goes into exile. He is forever scarred from the battle and losing family members. And so a legend is born…
The first book left me in tears and the second book has left me on the edge of my seat. This book is more battle focused. The battle scenes are wonderfully descriptive and make you feel the fear and urgency of survival. Watching Lailoken suffer from PTSD is utterly heartbreaking. His emotions and struggles are something that many today could relate to.
Languoreth is such a wonderful main character. Her strength and dedication to her family are inspiring. She also knows her heart. She knows what must be done. Now, I can’t wait to find out what happens with Angharad. She is definitely her mother’s daughter. I loved watching her power grow.
Now, I must wait for book three, which completely breaks my heart! I love how the author weaves a beautiful tale filled with magic, destiny, legend, and history. It is really like watching legend come to life. Netflix, you have a series that you need to check out. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book releases tomorrow! So grab your copy!
December 8, 2024
2024: I had to reread The Forgotten Kingdom in anticipation of Book 3 - it's been a long 4 years and I am so excited to dive into The Shadowed Land.
2020: If you read the author's note at the end of this incredible book, you can't help but be in awe of the amount of research that went in to this extraordinary story. I'm actually a little jealous. But it's interesting when you think about whether or not this book should be considered historical fiction or historical fantasy. I'll let you read it and decide. You can read the synopsis so I don't know how much I can add, other than to say this book blew me away. It's not a book I thought I would enjoy, but it is *easily* one of my favorites of the year.
2020: If you read the author's note at the end of this incredible book, you can't help but be in awe of the amount of research that went in to this extraordinary story. I'm actually a little jealous. But it's interesting when you think about whether or not this book should be considered historical fiction or historical fantasy. I'll let you read it and decide. You can read the synopsis so I don't know how much I can add, other than to say this book blew me away. It's not a book I thought I would enjoy, but it is *easily* one of my favorites of the year.
Want to read
August 5, 2020Giveaway Win!
Also I don't own and haven't read Book 1??!! I'm a bad person.
Also I don't own and haven't read Book 1??!! I'm a bad person.
November 24, 2020
Someone suggested I read Signe Pike’s first novel, “The Lost Queen”, but I was loaded up with books to read, so I hesitated.
“What’s it about?” I asked.
“I’ll give you a hint,” she told me. “It’s lauded as ‘Outlander meets Camelot’.”
SOLD. I set all other books aside and read both Part 1: “The Lost Queen” and Part 2: “The Forgotten Kingdom”. And it was SOOOOO worth it!!! This was the closest I have come to reading an “epic” story in so long, and I lost myself in the delicious details, both historically accurate and based on myth or mysticism. The characters were captivating, their adventures gripping, and I learned so much! I have no idea how Ms Pike did such incredible research, to be honest. And yet it reads so poetically … It’s no wonder we will have to wait a few years for Part 3. But I will be the first to PreOrder. 10/10 on this series for me!
“What’s it about?” I asked.
“I’ll give you a hint,” she told me. “It’s lauded as ‘Outlander meets Camelot’.”
SOLD. I set all other books aside and read both Part 1: “The Lost Queen” and Part 2: “The Forgotten Kingdom”. And it was SOOOOO worth it!!! This was the closest I have come to reading an “epic” story in so long, and I lost myself in the delicious details, both historically accurate and based on myth or mysticism. The characters were captivating, their adventures gripping, and I learned so much! I have no idea how Ms Pike did such incredible research, to be honest. And yet it reads so poetically … It’s no wonder we will have to wait a few years for Part 3. But I will be the first to PreOrder. 10/10 on this series for me!
July 1, 2020
This novel is the second in the Lost Queen trilogy, and is set in 6th century Scotland. Languoreth is imprisoned in her chamber, and her husband and his men have set off to fight her twin brother Lailoken. Her young daughter Angharad is traveling with her uncle, training to be a wisdom keeper. There are many tribal rivalries, and followers of the old ways find their beliefs challenged by Christians. Is Angharad dead, as Languoreth fears? Can any of these tribes co-exist when the desire for power is paramount? This book sweeps the reader away to another world, combining history with a compelling family saga. If you enjoyed The Mists of Avalon, consider embarking on this remarkable series. I'm glad that the publisher and Netgalley provided me with an ARC.
September 19, 2024
Stunning. This is epic and rich in scottish history and legendary. Its now part of my all-time favorite series. I can't wait to get the 3rd book in Dec.
May 3, 2025
What is it about historical fiction that brings an array of emotions out of me?
I’m so glad this series is a buddy read, so I’m not alone with my feelings in this dramatic reimagining of Lailoken/Merlin (and his sister, Languoreth).
Looking forward to book 3! 🥰
I’m so glad this series is a buddy read, so I’m not alone with my feelings in this dramatic reimagining of Lailoken/Merlin (and his sister, Languoreth).
Looking forward to book 3! 🥰
July 17, 2020
A triumph of historical fiction The Forgotten Kingdom manages to outpace its predecessor in plot, action, and detail..
The Lost Queen was spectacular enough to put Pike's new trilogy on my must-read list when it arrived on bookstore shelves in 2018. It captivated with explorations into pagan thought, belief, and histories at a time in our past when critical changes to common ideologies in the British Isles were being battled out between two overarching rules for being: Paganism and Christianity. The continuation of this smart series with The Forgotten Kingdom has only escalated in skill and presentation. Pike introduces new characters to the fold (but without neglecting old ones), delivers action packed scenes of battle, escape, and tragedy, and recreates the world of our now distant past with exquisite accuracy.
Characters
There is a unique type of fear in the minds of many readers when characters in a series shift. Perhaps it is a fear that a new character will too much take the place of an older one or perhaps that any new character may be too unlikable or uninteresting to satisfy them for the rest of the story. While The Forgotten Kingdom does focus on some newer main additions, like that of Languoreth's daughter, their inclusion only brings more enjoyment to the plot, increasing its level of complexity and allowing the reader to more widely explore this era of history.
Plot
Book one, The Lost Queen, took a more unhurried pace through Languoreth's childhood and early adutlhood as we came to know her realm. This technique offered the understanding we needed in order to grasp the potential scope of this epic story. The Forgotten Kingdom plot, on the other hand, runs swiftly with action, tension, and grace in the particularly satisfying way that only a good sequel can. I was so enamored by the speed and suspense of the first thirty to forty percent of the novel I almost felt relief to have a more measured pace for the middle third. This effect, like a rest between heartbeats, only served to increase my own as the excitement of the final pages raced to their delicious end.
Recreating A Forgotten World
Pike herself admits in her authors note that she can not stop many readers from placing The Lost Queen trilogy into the historical fantasy genre. However, she makes the important argument that her work is more based in historical fact than fiction. This common false assumption is likely for two main reasons. One, The Lost Queen deals with the story of Merlin and his sister, a story which has been fantasized over time, being made into a variety of spin-off legends, movies, books, and television shows in which magic plays an overarching role. This role of magic in the Merlin myth has become an integral part of the modern view of this story. Two, we live in a world so far removed from that of our pagan ancestors that we may now find it difficult to truly imagine what it may have been like within in a culture that fully believed in spiritual gifts (like second sight, for example) and in a godly reverence of the natural world. This distance from ancient beliefs leads many of us to reassign pagan belief as fantasy or magic. Pike offers the example of Judeo-Christian prayer as a way for modern audience to understand a common basis in pagan spirituality. I agree with Pike that this distinction of genre should be made and it is a mistake I made myself in my own review of The Lost Queen, which I referred to as of the magical realism and fantasy-light genres. The differentiation is critical not only for the viewpoint of the reader, but most especially so that the reader may fully appreciate and acknowledge the tremendous research effort of the author into a history that has become esoteric at best and lost to time at worst.
The detail of historic information Signe Pike has gathered for these books and the accuracy with which she presents it (within the realm of her own creative license for story) is something I would be remiss not to applaud in any conversation regarding her work in The Lost Queen trilogy.
I eagerly await the next book in her landmark series and will gladly invite other readers to find the same vivid escapism into a world so similar, yet so distant to our own until such time as the third book is revealed—and likely long after.
The Lost Queen was spectacular enough to put Pike's new trilogy on my must-read list when it arrived on bookstore shelves in 2018. It captivated with explorations into pagan thought, belief, and histories at a time in our past when critical changes to common ideologies in the British Isles were being battled out between two overarching rules for being: Paganism and Christianity. The continuation of this smart series with The Forgotten Kingdom has only escalated in skill and presentation. Pike introduces new characters to the fold (but without neglecting old ones), delivers action packed scenes of battle, escape, and tragedy, and recreates the world of our now distant past with exquisite accuracy.
Characters
There is a unique type of fear in the minds of many readers when characters in a series shift. Perhaps it is a fear that a new character will too much take the place of an older one or perhaps that any new character may be too unlikable or uninteresting to satisfy them for the rest of the story. While The Forgotten Kingdom does focus on some newer main additions, like that of Languoreth's daughter, their inclusion only brings more enjoyment to the plot, increasing its level of complexity and allowing the reader to more widely explore this era of history.
Plot
Book one, The Lost Queen, took a more unhurried pace through Languoreth's childhood and early adutlhood as we came to know her realm. This technique offered the understanding we needed in order to grasp the potential scope of this epic story. The Forgotten Kingdom plot, on the other hand, runs swiftly with action, tension, and grace in the particularly satisfying way that only a good sequel can. I was so enamored by the speed and suspense of the first thirty to forty percent of the novel I almost felt relief to have a more measured pace for the middle third. This effect, like a rest between heartbeats, only served to increase my own as the excitement of the final pages raced to their delicious end.
Recreating A Forgotten World
Pike herself admits in her authors note that she can not stop many readers from placing The Lost Queen trilogy into the historical fantasy genre. However, she makes the important argument that her work is more based in historical fact than fiction. This common false assumption is likely for two main reasons. One, The Lost Queen deals with the story of Merlin and his sister, a story which has been fantasized over time, being made into a variety of spin-off legends, movies, books, and television shows in which magic plays an overarching role. This role of magic in the Merlin myth has become an integral part of the modern view of this story. Two, we live in a world so far removed from that of our pagan ancestors that we may now find it difficult to truly imagine what it may have been like within in a culture that fully believed in spiritual gifts (like second sight, for example) and in a godly reverence of the natural world. This distance from ancient beliefs leads many of us to reassign pagan belief as fantasy or magic. Pike offers the example of Judeo-Christian prayer as a way for modern audience to understand a common basis in pagan spirituality. I agree with Pike that this distinction of genre should be made and it is a mistake I made myself in my own review of The Lost Queen, which I referred to as of the magical realism and fantasy-light genres. The differentiation is critical not only for the viewpoint of the reader, but most especially so that the reader may fully appreciate and acknowledge the tremendous research effort of the author into a history that has become esoteric at best and lost to time at worst.
The detail of historic information Signe Pike has gathered for these books and the accuracy with which she presents it (within the realm of her own creative license for story) is something I would be remiss not to applaud in any conversation regarding her work in The Lost Queen trilogy.
I eagerly await the next book in her landmark series and will gladly invite other readers to find the same vivid escapism into a world so similar, yet so distant to our own until such time as the third book is revealed—and likely long after.
June 16, 2024
3.5
Thoroughly researched and a good read but at times it lost its cadence and I found myself skimming some of the more mystical passages.
Thoroughly researched and a good read but at times it lost its cadence and I found myself skimming some of the more mystical passages.
March 22, 2021
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⭐⭐⭐ stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for inviting me to read The Forgotten Kingdom and providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My review of The Forgotten Kingdom will be up on March 23, 2021 at 10 AM CST which you can access here using the prelink which is accessible anytime.
For now, here are my thoughts and a preview of what my review will look like:
t h o u g h t s
❀ The history is amazing and the mythology behind it is fantastic to read
❀ Reading about these characters after Book One: The Lost Queen was fantastic.
❀ It was heartfelt and emotional between each character
❀❀❀❀
The Forgotten Kingdom tells the story in three parts, Langoureth, Lailoken, and Angharad, a family divided by kingdom and by land. The Forgotten Kingdom shows the rich Arthurian mythology and the power behind family.
I gave The Forgotten Kingdom three stars, enjoying the history and the Arthurian mythology that filled the books and filled...
June 16, 2025
4.5 stars! I loved that all of their paths really came together in the end, it was touching. Her daughter’s story is the embodiment of what she wanted for herself I think. I’m very sad about her and the warrior though, I selflessly wanted that subplot romance to continue.
September 8, 2025
Another amazing book in The Lost Queen Series by Signe Pike.
If you love immersive books full of Scottish history, political turmoil and roaming alliances....this is the book series for you. The author has done incredible research, and you can tell with every chapter how much of her heart and soul she's put into them.
Each one of these books is crafted with care...from the gorgeous prose to the attention to detail in the setting this is a series not to be missed. This book expands upon what was so wonderful about the first. It introduces more POVs and extends the timeline further into the future. This book explores more of Langoureth's brothers journey as well as her daughters and I enjoyed each perspective equally. This has also a bit of a Merlin influence which is also cool to experience.
The stakes were quite high, and the decisions that these characters have to make to survive each day are heart breaking and heavy at times. The conflict is written in such a way that will consume you as these characters steal into your heart page by page.
This is a unique series in a league of its own. It mostly feels like a historical novel with hints of magic. If any of these things seem like they are down your alley, please pick this one up! It will transport you to Scotland and back and is perfect for this time of year!
"Who would sing of their heroism? Who yet lived to remember them? There is you, I told myself. But when I was gone? Theirs would become a forgotten kingdom"
If you love immersive books full of Scottish history, political turmoil and roaming alliances....this is the book series for you. The author has done incredible research, and you can tell with every chapter how much of her heart and soul she's put into them.
Each one of these books is crafted with care...from the gorgeous prose to the attention to detail in the setting this is a series not to be missed. This book expands upon what was so wonderful about the first. It introduces more POVs and extends the timeline further into the future. This book explores more of Langoureth's brothers journey as well as her daughters and I enjoyed each perspective equally. This has also a bit of a Merlin influence which is also cool to experience.
The stakes were quite high, and the decisions that these characters have to make to survive each day are heart breaking and heavy at times. The conflict is written in such a way that will consume you as these characters steal into your heart page by page.
This is a unique series in a league of its own. It mostly feels like a historical novel with hints of magic. If any of these things seem like they are down your alley, please pick this one up! It will transport you to Scotland and back and is perfect for this time of year!
"Who would sing of their heroism? Who yet lived to remember them? There is you, I told myself. But when I was gone? Theirs would become a forgotten kingdom"
June 27, 2025
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/book.... 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-ficti....
#TheForgottenKingdom
#SignePike
#AtriaBooks
#NetGalley
#BookShop
#BookClubs
#HistoricalFiction
May 12, 2023
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/book.... 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-ficti....
#TheForgottenKingdom
#SignePike
#AtriaBooks
#NetGalley
#BookShop
#BookClubs
#HistoricalFiction
May 12, 2023
October 3, 2020
AD 573 - The Battle of Arderydd. Signe Pike’s The Forgotten Kingdom (Lost Queen #2) continues the story of Languoreth and her twin brother, Lailoken, who eventually “don(s) the mantle of Merlin.” Languoreth of Cadzow, in her time period, was an extremely “powerful” woman of early medieval Scotland. She was queen of Rhydderch Hael , a Briton who ruled the “kingdom of Strathclyde from AD 580-AD 614.” In AD 573 the Battle of Arderydd had Briton against Briton, brother-in-law and nephew versus uncles, and the people who wished to follow the Old Ways warring with those who thought they wanted to be Christian. In the Battle of
Arderydd, the House of Pendragon of which Lailoken was a member was decimated. Although this major battle has been mostly forgotten as Languoreth became “The Forgotten Queen”, the survivors of which there were only nine found shelter in a cave in the Caledonian Wood. With her uncle Angharad, the youngest daughter of Languoreth, who was to be taken safely by her father, Rhydderch, the leader of the opposing forces, back to her mother, Languoreth, but was not. Thus, Angharad became lost to her mother. The author in her notes states that what happens to this youngest daughter is a result of the author’s imagination.
With the Britons weakened, the Angles begin their move to take more land that was British. As Lailoken was still fighting from the ground, he hears Artùr. Why is he here? It is not his fight, but he helps Lailoken. Finally, with all fighting together against the Angles, names of all the different clans unimportant, the Angles retreated. The author finished painting this part of the preamble which leads, I believe, eventually to the man we know as King Arthur. 4 stars. So looking forward to part 3 of this trilogy!
Arderydd, the House of Pendragon of which Lailoken was a member was decimated. Although this major battle has been mostly forgotten as Languoreth became “The Forgotten Queen”, the survivors of which there were only nine found shelter in a cave in the Caledonian Wood. With her uncle Angharad, the youngest daughter of Languoreth, who was to be taken safely by her father, Rhydderch, the leader of the opposing forces, back to her mother, Languoreth, but was not. Thus, Angharad became lost to her mother. The author in her notes states that what happens to this youngest daughter is a result of the author’s imagination.
With the Britons weakened, the Angles begin their move to take more land that was British. As Lailoken was still fighting from the ground, he hears Artùr. Why is he here? It is not his fight, but he helps Lailoken. Finally, with all fighting together against the Angles, names of all the different clans unimportant, the Angles retreated. The author finished painting this part of the preamble which leads, I believe, eventually to the man we know as King Arthur. 4 stars. So looking forward to part 3 of this trilogy!
November 14, 2024
This is the second book in an ongoing series. Both books are excellent. I liked this a wee better. I usually don’t like multiple POV, I have my reasons…, but I thought this story was greatly expanded and enhanced. Again the audible version is awesome.
Reread 11/24. I can’t wait for the next book
Reread 11/24. I can’t wait for the next book
May 8, 2025
The Forgotten Kingdom is the continuation of the story started in The Lost Queen. It's the fictional account of the man who will become known as Merlin and how his story has the most historical basis in a Scottish man named Lailoken and his twin sister, Languoreth. While The Lost Queen was Languoreth's story and her POV, this book includes a pov for Lailoken as well as a POV for one of Languoreth's daughters, Angharad. Quite honestly, Angharad stole the show for me in this book.
She starts the story as a lost 8 year old child and grows to be a 17 year old priestess of power. The things she goes through and just her spunk and tenacity through all the ordeals just won me over instantly. It was every Angharad chapter I was waiting for while reading this book, and while this was great on one hand, it also meant the other two POVs weren't as strong for me.
Where was my Languoreth of book one? Sigh. I just felt like she became a much more passive character in this book. I just finished, and I'm trying to think of what she accomplished or did, and I'm drawing a blank. It felt like such a distinctive turn from having loved the entirety of book one, which was solely her POV. She's got like two moments, I guess I can remember. I really hope she shines again in book 3.
Lailoken. It's funny how this is his origin story, and yet I don't feel like these books belong to him, or at least the women in his life are much more interesting. Maybe there's a history lesson in that. 🤭 I enjoyed his chapters slightly more than his sisters, but that might have to do with the life of a Wisdom Keeper (druid) being innately more interesting.
Honestly, I'm ragging on those two POVS, but they weren't even bad. It was just that all I wanted to do was read about Angharad. I think I might enjoy them even more on reread when I'm not so desperate to see what was going to happen to Angharad next.
This book, however, did teleport me into 6th c Scotland just as easily as the first. The writing is insanely evocative of the place and time. I swear I can see the market days, hear the rivers, and smell the heather on the breeze. I don't know how Signe Pike does it, but I love it so much. Ok I'm guessing from the Author's note at the end, the insane amount of time and research she has spent on these books is how she does it. As a fellow history nerd, I love seeing all the research come to life and enjoy the note detailing the actual history and any liberties taken.
Overall, I am still recommending this series even if this one may not be at the same level as book one. If it had just been Angharads story, I thought it would have been a 10/5 book. Honestly, I love her that much. I feel like I need to give a star rating because it sounds like I'm being a bummer, but this book was still like a 4.5 for me. I just wish all the POVs had been on the same level.
She starts the story as a lost 8 year old child and grows to be a 17 year old priestess of power. The things she goes through and just her spunk and tenacity through all the ordeals just won me over instantly. It was every Angharad chapter I was waiting for while reading this book, and while this was great on one hand, it also meant the other two POVs weren't as strong for me.
Where was my Languoreth of book one? Sigh. I just felt like she became a much more passive character in this book. I just finished, and I'm trying to think of what she accomplished or did, and I'm drawing a blank. It felt like such a distinctive turn from having loved the entirety of book one, which was solely her POV. She's got like two moments, I guess I can remember. I really hope she shines again in book 3.
Lailoken. It's funny how this is his origin story, and yet I don't feel like these books belong to him, or at least the women in his life are much more interesting. Maybe there's a history lesson in that. 🤭 I enjoyed his chapters slightly more than his sisters, but that might have to do with the life of a Wisdom Keeper (druid) being innately more interesting.
Honestly, I'm ragging on those two POVS, but they weren't even bad. It was just that all I wanted to do was read about Angharad. I think I might enjoy them even more on reread when I'm not so desperate to see what was going to happen to Angharad next.
This book, however, did teleport me into 6th c Scotland just as easily as the first. The writing is insanely evocative of the place and time. I swear I can see the market days, hear the rivers, and smell the heather on the breeze. I don't know how Signe Pike does it, but I love it so much. Ok I'm guessing from the Author's note at the end, the insane amount of time and research she has spent on these books is how she does it. As a fellow history nerd, I love seeing all the research come to life and enjoy the note detailing the actual history and any liberties taken.
Overall, I am still recommending this series even if this one may not be at the same level as book one. If it had just been Angharads story, I thought it would have been a 10/5 book. Honestly, I love her that much. I feel like I need to give a star rating because it sounds like I'm being a bummer, but this book was still like a 4.5 for me. I just wish all the POVs had been on the same level.
December 28, 2024
Signe Pike’s The Forgotten Kingdom is the second book in The Lost Queen trilogy, following the journey started in The Lost Queen and preceding The Shadowed Land. This historical fiction and fantasy series intertwines mythology, early medieval history, and the lore of Scotland, delivering a vividly imagined world that bridges ancient traditions with transformative societal shifts.
Set in 6th-century Scotland, The Forgotten Kingdom continues the story of Languoreth, her twin brother Lailoken, and her daughter Angharad. Their intertwined fates unfold against the backdrop of political upheaval, war, and the growing tension between the Old Way of wisdom and the encroaching rise of Christianity.
Plot Overview and Analysis
At its heart, The Forgotten Kingdom picks up where The Lost Queen left off, plunging readers into the turmoil of AD 573, marked by war and seismic cultural shifts. Languoreth is imprisoned, awaiting news of a violent battle where her husband, Rhydderch, and her son, Rhys, clash with her brother, Lailoken, a Wisdom Keeper. Amid this chaos, Angharad is lost, her fate unfolding in parallel with Lailoken’s descent into the mountains after the bloody battle of Arderydd.
Strengths in Plot Execution:
- Layered Narratives: Pike weaves together multiple perspectives—Languoreth’s imprisonment, Lailoken’s battle-fueled madness, and Angharad’s journey through survival and spiritual awakening. These intertwining threads lend depth to the narrative.
- Balance of Action and Emotion: The novel transitions seamlessly between high-stakes action scenes and introspective moments, reflecting the characters' personal struggles amid larger historical forces.
Critiques:
- Pacing Variability: While the vivid descriptions enhance the atmosphere, certain sections—particularly Lailoken’s prolonged reflections—can feel meandering. This may momentarily slow down an otherwise gripping narrative.
Main Characters and Their Development
Languoreth:
In this installment, Languoreth embodies resilience and cunning. Trapped in the claustrophobic confines of her chamber, she represents the delicate balance women of her time had to maintain—preserving their beliefs while navigating the oppressive structures of power.
- Strengths: Pike portrays her with emotional authenticity, capturing her maternal anguish for her children and her quiet rebellion against her circumstances.
- Critique: While Languoreth is compelling, some of her internal monologues occasionally repeat themes already explored in The Lost Queen.
Lailoken:
Lailoken's transformation into Myrddin (the historical inspiration for Merlin) is a central theme. His arc delves into the psychological toll of war and his reluctant acceptance of his mystical destiny.
- Strengths: His character serves as a poignant commentary on the cost of leadership and the tension between duty and self-preservation.
- Critique: His journey sometimes feels disjointed, particularly in the aftermath of Arderydd, where his descent into madness could have been more cohesively integrated with the larger narrative.
Angharad:
Emerging as a crucial figure, Angharad’s storyline is one of growth and resilience. As she navigates the dangerous terrain of Scotland and the conflicting spiritual realms, her innocence evolves into a burgeoning wisdom.
- Strengths: Pike captures her childlike perspective without diminishing her agency, making her a relatable yet formidable character.
- Critique: While her mystical journey is intriguing, some readers may find her storyline underdeveloped compared to the more immediate, visceral conflicts surrounding her family.
Themes
1. Clash of Religions:
The tension between the Old Way (paganism) and Christianity is a recurring theme, reflecting the historical reality of cultural transitions in medieval Scotland. Pike explores this dichotomy with nuance, avoiding overt bias while illustrating the erosion of ancient traditions.
2. Family and Loyalty:
The bonds of kinship are tested as Languoreth’s loyalty to her brothers conflicts with her role as a wife and mother. Similarly, Lailoken’s protective instincts for Angharad and his love for Eira underscore the novel’s emotional core.
3. Power and Sacrifice:
The novel interrogates what it means to wield power, whether as a Wisdom Keeper, warrior, or queen. The sacrifices required—of personal desires, sanity, or even life—are poignantly depicted.
Writing Style
Signe Pike’s prose is lush and evocative, steeped in sensory details that immerse readers in the rugged landscapes of Scotland. Her use of metaphor and lyrical descriptions elevate the text, transforming historical fiction into an almost mythic experience.
- Strengths: Pike excels in crafting atmospheric settings, from the smoky halls of Strathclyde to the mist-laden Caledonian forests.
- Critique: The same richness occasionally veers into over-description, which might alienate readers seeking a faster pace.
Criticism and Areas for Improvement
1. Overcrowded Cast:
The extensive list of characters, while reflective of historical complexities, can overwhelm readers. Keeping track of familial connections, rival factions, and their motivations may detract from the story’s emotional impact.
2. Structural Unevenness:
The novel’s shifts between perspectives are not always seamless. While the multi-POV structure adds dimension, some transitions feel abrupt, disrupting the narrative flow.
3. Emotional Repetition:
Certain emotional beats—particularly Languoreth’s grief and Lailoken’s turmoil—are revisited multiple times, which may dilute their initial impact.
Personal Reflection
As a lover of both historical fiction and Arthurian lore, I found The Forgotten Kingdom a captivating continuation of Pike’s trilogy. Its strengths lie in its ability to transport readers to a distant time, balancing historical accuracy with the wonder of myth. However, its occasional pacing issues and uneven character focus suggest it is best suited for patient readers who enjoy slow-burning, immersive narratives.
Set in 6th-century Scotland, The Forgotten Kingdom continues the story of Languoreth, her twin brother Lailoken, and her daughter Angharad. Their intertwined fates unfold against the backdrop of political upheaval, war, and the growing tension between the Old Way of wisdom and the encroaching rise of Christianity.
Plot Overview and Analysis
At its heart, The Forgotten Kingdom picks up where The Lost Queen left off, plunging readers into the turmoil of AD 573, marked by war and seismic cultural shifts. Languoreth is imprisoned, awaiting news of a violent battle where her husband, Rhydderch, and her son, Rhys, clash with her brother, Lailoken, a Wisdom Keeper. Amid this chaos, Angharad is lost, her fate unfolding in parallel with Lailoken’s descent into the mountains after the bloody battle of Arderydd.
Strengths in Plot Execution:
- Layered Narratives: Pike weaves together multiple perspectives—Languoreth’s imprisonment, Lailoken’s battle-fueled madness, and Angharad’s journey through survival and spiritual awakening. These intertwining threads lend depth to the narrative.
- Balance of Action and Emotion: The novel transitions seamlessly between high-stakes action scenes and introspective moments, reflecting the characters' personal struggles amid larger historical forces.
Critiques:
- Pacing Variability: While the vivid descriptions enhance the atmosphere, certain sections—particularly Lailoken’s prolonged reflections—can feel meandering. This may momentarily slow down an otherwise gripping narrative.
Main Characters and Their Development
Languoreth:
In this installment, Languoreth embodies resilience and cunning. Trapped in the claustrophobic confines of her chamber, she represents the delicate balance women of her time had to maintain—preserving their beliefs while navigating the oppressive structures of power.
- Strengths: Pike portrays her with emotional authenticity, capturing her maternal anguish for her children and her quiet rebellion against her circumstances.
- Critique: While Languoreth is compelling, some of her internal monologues occasionally repeat themes already explored in The Lost Queen.
Lailoken:
Lailoken's transformation into Myrddin (the historical inspiration for Merlin) is a central theme. His arc delves into the psychological toll of war and his reluctant acceptance of his mystical destiny.
- Strengths: His character serves as a poignant commentary on the cost of leadership and the tension between duty and self-preservation.
- Critique: His journey sometimes feels disjointed, particularly in the aftermath of Arderydd, where his descent into madness could have been more cohesively integrated with the larger narrative.
Angharad:
Emerging as a crucial figure, Angharad’s storyline is one of growth and resilience. As she navigates the dangerous terrain of Scotland and the conflicting spiritual realms, her innocence evolves into a burgeoning wisdom.
- Strengths: Pike captures her childlike perspective without diminishing her agency, making her a relatable yet formidable character.
- Critique: While her mystical journey is intriguing, some readers may find her storyline underdeveloped compared to the more immediate, visceral conflicts surrounding her family.
Themes
1. Clash of Religions:
The tension between the Old Way (paganism) and Christianity is a recurring theme, reflecting the historical reality of cultural transitions in medieval Scotland. Pike explores this dichotomy with nuance, avoiding overt bias while illustrating the erosion of ancient traditions.
2. Family and Loyalty:
The bonds of kinship are tested as Languoreth’s loyalty to her brothers conflicts with her role as a wife and mother. Similarly, Lailoken’s protective instincts for Angharad and his love for Eira underscore the novel’s emotional core.
3. Power and Sacrifice:
The novel interrogates what it means to wield power, whether as a Wisdom Keeper, warrior, or queen. The sacrifices required—of personal desires, sanity, or even life—are poignantly depicted.
Writing Style
Signe Pike’s prose is lush and evocative, steeped in sensory details that immerse readers in the rugged landscapes of Scotland. Her use of metaphor and lyrical descriptions elevate the text, transforming historical fiction into an almost mythic experience.
- Strengths: Pike excels in crafting atmospheric settings, from the smoky halls of Strathclyde to the mist-laden Caledonian forests.
- Critique: The same richness occasionally veers into over-description, which might alienate readers seeking a faster pace.
Criticism and Areas for Improvement
1. Overcrowded Cast:
The extensive list of characters, while reflective of historical complexities, can overwhelm readers. Keeping track of familial connections, rival factions, and their motivations may detract from the story’s emotional impact.
2. Structural Unevenness:
The novel’s shifts between perspectives are not always seamless. While the multi-POV structure adds dimension, some transitions feel abrupt, disrupting the narrative flow.
3. Emotional Repetition:
Certain emotional beats—particularly Languoreth’s grief and Lailoken’s turmoil—are revisited multiple times, which may dilute their initial impact.
Personal Reflection
As a lover of both historical fiction and Arthurian lore, I found The Forgotten Kingdom a captivating continuation of Pike’s trilogy. Its strengths lie in its ability to transport readers to a distant time, balancing historical accuracy with the wonder of myth. However, its occasional pacing issues and uneven character focus suggest it is best suited for patient readers who enjoy slow-burning, immersive narratives.
August 27, 2020
My gosh, this series is fantastic. I thought the first book was exquisite and I feel the same way about this second book. The setting is lush and vibrant. I felt like I could feel the cold and snow; I could smell the fires and the ocean mist. It is truly scrumptious.
Where the first book in the series was told by Langoureth, this second installment has three POV's: Langoureth, her twin brother Lailoken, and her daughter Angharad. I wondered if I would be able to love the rest of these characters as much as I had grown to love Langoureth, and I did, easily. All three perspectives are so interesting and tell the story beautifully. I fell particularly hard for Angharad in this story because she is such a unique character. These three characters all move around this world nearly constantly with goals in mind. Each group of people they encounter are exciting, with special things about them that made them stand out to me. I especially enjoyed the Pict people from the North, with their tattoos and cloaks and special language.
This story is full of changing cultures, both politically and from a religious standpoint. The setting is late 500's AD, when the number of Christians in the area is steadily growing and the number of people keeping with the Old Ways grows fewer. There are huge conflicts over these changes, which bring unimaginable heartache and loss to each of these characters. Langoureth has become Queen since the first book, and her brother and daughter are set to occupy important positions as well. This family has every single thing at stake as they navigate the political conflicts and the rapid spread of the Christian faith.
Angharad comes of age in this book, beginning the story as a child and growing up into a very important woman. Watching her transition from child to a young woman with power over the course of the story was heartbreaking in some ways because of her circumstances, but it was also really rewarding because of how independent and confident she was by the end of the book.
These three characters spend large amounts of time apart from one another, and this made me think as I read. Way back in history, it wasn't unheard of for there to be no communication between loved ones for many years at a time. In contrast, if I am missing someone that I love, I can just call or instantly send a message directly to that person. I felt especially for Langoureth as she pined away for her child, her brother, and others that she loved when they were apart from her.
This series is exceptional and I love these characters. The setting is absolute perfection. This was one of my most anticipated for the entire year, and it 100% lived up to my expectations and more.
I received a digital copy of this story from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review. Thank you, Atria Books!
Where the first book in the series was told by Langoureth, this second installment has three POV's: Langoureth, her twin brother Lailoken, and her daughter Angharad. I wondered if I would be able to love the rest of these characters as much as I had grown to love Langoureth, and I did, easily. All three perspectives are so interesting and tell the story beautifully. I fell particularly hard for Angharad in this story because she is such a unique character. These three characters all move around this world nearly constantly with goals in mind. Each group of people they encounter are exciting, with special things about them that made them stand out to me. I especially enjoyed the Pict people from the North, with their tattoos and cloaks and special language.
This story is full of changing cultures, both politically and from a religious standpoint. The setting is late 500's AD, when the number of Christians in the area is steadily growing and the number of people keeping with the Old Ways grows fewer. There are huge conflicts over these changes, which bring unimaginable heartache and loss to each of these characters. Langoureth has become Queen since the first book, and her brother and daughter are set to occupy important positions as well. This family has every single thing at stake as they navigate the political conflicts and the rapid spread of the Christian faith.
Angharad comes of age in this book, beginning the story as a child and growing up into a very important woman. Watching her transition from child to a young woman with power over the course of the story was heartbreaking in some ways because of her circumstances, but it was also really rewarding because of how independent and confident she was by the end of the book.
These three characters spend large amounts of time apart from one another, and this made me think as I read. Way back in history, it wasn't unheard of for there to be no communication between loved ones for many years at a time. In contrast, if I am missing someone that I love, I can just call or instantly send a message directly to that person. I felt especially for Langoureth as she pined away for her child, her brother, and others that she loved when they were apart from her.
This series is exceptional and I love these characters. The setting is absolute perfection. This was one of my most anticipated for the entire year, and it 100% lived up to my expectations and more.
I received a digital copy of this story from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review. Thank you, Atria Books!
January 19, 2025
I love every element about this book:
- descriptive writing. Reading Pike’s writing, I can taste morning dew, smell freezing river water, I can hear birds and the sound of someone trying to rekindle the embers from last nights fire. Something about this writing brings out a strong sense of longing in me.
- characters. The pain Langoreth has endured seems unimaginable. like shouldn’t someone cease to exist after loosing so much? “There is no end to grief. That is how we know there is no end to love”.
- plot. HOW is this based on real history? I feel blessed to have been exposed to a story so long hidden. the endurance of people astounds me. this is a war torn story of a kingdom fighting against invaders and colonisation. It is rebellion and loyalty and how far we can be pushed to keep our freedom.
“The beast of war… It feeds on ambition and fear, jealousy and hate. And it cannot be fooled - it is old as man himself, our companion, our shadow. Our master, if we allow it. For with its power we can bring kingdoms to their knees. We can obliterate entire peoples. Its only demand is that we do not ask questions.”
I connect so deeply with this story I can only give it 5 stars. I feel blessed to be connected to the land these histories come from.
- descriptive writing. Reading Pike’s writing, I can taste morning dew, smell freezing river water, I can hear birds and the sound of someone trying to rekindle the embers from last nights fire. Something about this writing brings out a strong sense of longing in me.
- characters. The pain Langoreth has endured seems unimaginable. like shouldn’t someone cease to exist after loosing so much? “There is no end to grief. That is how we know there is no end to love”.
- plot. HOW is this based on real history? I feel blessed to have been exposed to a story so long hidden. the endurance of people astounds me. this is a war torn story of a kingdom fighting against invaders and colonisation. It is rebellion and loyalty and how far we can be pushed to keep our freedom.
“The beast of war… It feeds on ambition and fear, jealousy and hate. And it cannot be fooled - it is old as man himself, our companion, our shadow. Our master, if we allow it. For with its power we can bring kingdoms to their knees. We can obliterate entire peoples. Its only demand is that we do not ask questions.”
I connect so deeply with this story I can only give it 5 stars. I feel blessed to be connected to the land these histories come from.
January 16, 2023
The amount of research that went into this story is impressive beyond belief. Pike not only has a gift for unearthing vague details from the sixth century but she is also gifted in weaving those tiny details into an intricate tapestry!
I very rarely listen to fantasy (the author argues that technically this is not fantasy and I respect that.. I only refer to it as such in this regard for explanation purposes due to its intricate details and the storytelling devices that are commonly seen in epic and high fantasy) on audiobook. Being my favorite genre I want to completely invest my time into the story and be sure that I miss nothing. Sometimes the story can get away from you when listening to audio while doing other things. But in this case I’m glad that I did. The narrators brought this story to life in a way that I would never have been able to had I read it myself. I would have butchered all the words and heard it told in an American accent which would have done the story a disservice. After finishing book one I did purchase physical copies of the two books currently out so I can read them again and have copies of these books on my shelves.
I won’t share a summary since I could do this book no justice in that regard- instead I would suggest reading the summary offered by the publisher. I just want to add a couple of things. Languoreth is one of the most complex female leads. This is more to do with the authors ability to bring her to life and less about Languoreth as a person. All humans are complex but often aren’t executed that way on the page. Her fears and hopes and morals make for a powerful narrative and I found myself often with goosebumps while listening to this story unfold. Due to distance and hardship of travel characters are often separated for many years without so much as a word as to whether they even live still so when they are brought back together again it’s quite profound. I loved that a certain character from Languoreth’s childhood reappeared in this book- I was hoping they would and was so gratified when it happened- and to also learn the truth of their background was satisfying. I also love Lailoken’s character and how he holds to the same values all of his life- he grows older and more controlled but the same fire he has in his heart as a young boy prevails long into adulthood and I couldn’t help but respect his unwillingness to sacrifice those values no matter the cost.
There are still a few characters that I despise up and walking around and I can only hope that they finally get their just desserts in the final book of this series. The demise of such characters will bring me great joy. I happened upon this book while searching for some fantasy books to try on audio and I am so grateful that I did. I can’t imagine having gone my entire life without experiencing The Lost Queen series and if this type of story along with real historical events appeal to you I encourage you to NOT sleep on this one.
I very rarely listen to fantasy (the author argues that technically this is not fantasy and I respect that.. I only refer to it as such in this regard for explanation purposes due to its intricate details and the storytelling devices that are commonly seen in epic and high fantasy) on audiobook. Being my favorite genre I want to completely invest my time into the story and be sure that I miss nothing. Sometimes the story can get away from you when listening to audio while doing other things. But in this case I’m glad that I did. The narrators brought this story to life in a way that I would never have been able to had I read it myself. I would have butchered all the words and heard it told in an American accent which would have done the story a disservice. After finishing book one I did purchase physical copies of the two books currently out so I can read them again and have copies of these books on my shelves.
I won’t share a summary since I could do this book no justice in that regard- instead I would suggest reading the summary offered by the publisher. I just want to add a couple of things. Languoreth is one of the most complex female leads. This is more to do with the authors ability to bring her to life and less about Languoreth as a person. All humans are complex but often aren’t executed that way on the page. Her fears and hopes and morals make for a powerful narrative and I found myself often with goosebumps while listening to this story unfold. Due to distance and hardship of travel characters are often separated for many years without so much as a word as to whether they even live still so when they are brought back together again it’s quite profound. I loved that a certain character from Languoreth’s childhood reappeared in this book- I was hoping they would and was so gratified when it happened- and to also learn the truth of their background was satisfying. I also love Lailoken’s character and how he holds to the same values all of his life- he grows older and more controlled but the same fire he has in his heart as a young boy prevails long into adulthood and I couldn’t help but respect his unwillingness to sacrifice those values no matter the cost.
There are still a few characters that I despise up and walking around and I can only hope that they finally get their just desserts in the final book of this series. The demise of such characters will bring me great joy. I happened upon this book while searching for some fantasy books to try on audio and I am so grateful that I did. I can’t imagine having gone my entire life without experiencing The Lost Queen series and if this type of story along with real historical events appeal to you I encourage you to NOT sleep on this one.
June 7, 2020
What a wonderful treat when confined to shelter in place to have received this marvelous novel from NetGalley and Atria Books to read and review. Thank you. This historical novel takes place in Scotland in the late 500s when it is constantly at war with both local kingdoms and invading Roman armies. It also includes what might be called magical realism.. Perhaps these are only aspects of the practices of religions more ancient than Christianity. It is also a time when the Church is trying to stamp out the old gods and their followers.
For the 5 days I was reading this book I was transported into Signe Pike's world so completely that when I stopped reading, I had to readjust to our own current grim reality. What could be more of an escape?
This novel is the back story to Merlin, or Myrrdin. I have not read the first book in this series but plan to do that,) although I think this one stands on its own.. Lailoken, twin brother of Languoreth, soon to be queen of Strathclyde, is off to fight on the side of the Pendragons against her husband.. Lailoken is a warrior, but also a Wisdom Keeper, and he brings with him his niece , Angharad, an eight year old child who is gifted with foresight, in order to train her. Told in alternating chapters from each of the twins and the child, we also encounter Eira (Guinevere) and Arthur.
The novel is packed with descriptions so deftly realized that you may sicken at the battles, dismemberments, and bloody ground.. The landscape is so immersive so to be almost visual. Pike also has an interesting way of describing eye and hair color. Never in nature have I noted the variety of red, chestnut. black, brown and eyes of blue ,green, gray, ice, amber and various nut colors. Interesting to note, these as part of Pike's gift of word-painting..
Seven years pass as Angharad is separated from her uncle, eventually becoming a Pict priestess and healer. She survives with the help of Eira, and a hermit monk. Different geographies of the country and different cultures, languages and customs contribute to Angharad's growth and development. Her longing for her home and her mother is poignant, yet when they reunite many years later, it is strained.
I can't stress enough how this novel draws you in to the point that when it ends, it feels as if you have returned to an alternate reality. Few novels can do that. I look forward to Signe Pike's third.
For the 5 days I was reading this book I was transported into Signe Pike's world so completely that when I stopped reading, I had to readjust to our own current grim reality. What could be more of an escape?
This novel is the back story to Merlin, or Myrrdin. I have not read the first book in this series but plan to do that,) although I think this one stands on its own.. Lailoken, twin brother of Languoreth, soon to be queen of Strathclyde, is off to fight on the side of the Pendragons against her husband.. Lailoken is a warrior, but also a Wisdom Keeper, and he brings with him his niece , Angharad, an eight year old child who is gifted with foresight, in order to train her. Told in alternating chapters from each of the twins and the child, we also encounter Eira (Guinevere) and Arthur.
The novel is packed with descriptions so deftly realized that you may sicken at the battles, dismemberments, and bloody ground.. The landscape is so immersive so to be almost visual. Pike also has an interesting way of describing eye and hair color. Never in nature have I noted the variety of red, chestnut. black, brown and eyes of blue ,green, gray, ice, amber and various nut colors. Interesting to note, these as part of Pike's gift of word-painting..
Seven years pass as Angharad is separated from her uncle, eventually becoming a Pict priestess and healer. She survives with the help of Eira, and a hermit monk. Different geographies of the country and different cultures, languages and customs contribute to Angharad's growth and development. Her longing for her home and her mother is poignant, yet when they reunite many years later, it is strained.
I can't stress enough how this novel draws you in to the point that when it ends, it feels as if you have returned to an alternate reality. Few novels can do that. I look forward to Signe Pike's third.
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