The Lost Queen

Author: Signe Pike
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Series: #1 in The Lost Queen trilogy
Type: e-book
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada (Touchstone)
First Published: Sept 4, 2018
First Line: "I was dreaming of the forest."

Book Description from GoodReads: 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.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Touchstone Books for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4 stars

My Review: This is an exciting new historical series about a little known sixth century queen, who was the twin sister of Lailoken, the man believed to be at the centre of the Merlin myth. It's set during the tumultuous time when Christianity was first getting a strong hold on an area steeped in the Druid faith.

The characters are varied and interesting and I have to thank the author for including a character reference list as well as a 'how to pronounce' listing of the names that I would have invariably muddled up.  Languoreth is an interesting main character but, I believe, still a work in progress. I can't say I liked her all the time (she could be whiny and impetuous) but I was fascinated with her position in society and the limitations put upon her (and other women of the time). Some of the secondary characters (Elufed and Ariane) held my interest much more and I hope these characters have a stronger story line in the future books.

The only aspects that lowered my rating are the fact that the pacing was a little uneven with some scenes whizzing by and others taking quite a bit to get through. I also needed a bit more to go on in terms of the romantic bond between Languoreth and her beloved. Their bond happens very fast and without a lot of explanation.

In the end, this is a strong start to a new trilogy. It's filled with political drama, laced with religious fervour, includes a romance and an interesting look at a long-forgotten queen. This book will definitely entice lovers of Camelot.