Review: The Lost Queen (The Lost Queen #1) by Signe Pike

MY ⭐️ RATING: 5/5

FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync

BOOK DESCRIPTION

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.

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this fictional tale about a real life queen that was forgotten by time. Languoreth was a queen in 6th century Scotland that was written out of history for her “adulterous ways.” The author did a lot of research to bring her story to life as a child all the way through motherhood, introducing us to many characters including her twin brother, Lailoken, who is most likely the inspiration for Merlin of Arthurian legend. The details that the author describes of the area brings Scotland to life in vivid detail. The narrator also helps out with this by doing an outstanding job with the voices and accents. I love Irish and Scottish accents, so the moment I heard her voice I was already transported to ancient Scotland.

There is a place within pain that exists beyond tears.
It is a bottomless black pit that sends men marching with their spears drawn into mill-grinders. It is a beast with a thousand heads that rips at your entrails.

The story is more than just about Languoreth though, while this is her story, it is also a story of religion. The old Pagan ways vs the new Christian ways. I thought the author did a great job of telling us the impact that religion had at that time and how it changed the landscape of Scotland’s future. STAY TUNED after the book is over, to listen to the author’s notes. This was a very impressive debut novel that I am more than likely going to be purchasing a physical copy of to have on my shelf.