The Forgotten Kingdom: A Novel (The Lost Queen)

I've just finished both book 1 & 2 of this series in less than a week. I found the author's writing to be quite enthralling and would stay up to the wee hours (when I should have been sleeping) because I could not put these books down. Wonder filled blend of history, supernatural fantasy, and yet emotional human experience. I am hooked and can't wait for book 3. I really enjoy the feminine retelling and this is now a favorite.

I couldn't put the two books in this trilogy down, so there was very little sleep! Wasn't sure it was going to be a book I'd like, but as the story progressed, it draws you in with rich details. Everything from plants to clothing were described in lovely detail. The love for a horse, playing of instruments, and the use of different buildings, are important parts of the story. The knowledge at the end of this book was insightful and interesting. Just hope this truly is a "trilogy," as it's been described!

The Forgotten Kingdom is the sequel to The Lost Queen. Languoreth is a prisoner in her own council as she awaits the news of her husband who is fighting against her brother and first love. Eventually, her husband returns and becomes king. As queen, can Languoreth find a way to bring peace between the Old Religion and the New? As Languoreth learns the ropes of queenship, she discovers that there is a personal cost. Languoreth is the sole narrator in The Lost Queen. However, her story is barely focused upon because the story also focuses on her brother, Lailoken and her daughter, Angharad. She sits on the sidelines throughout the novel, which I was a little disappointed in. Still, this novel shows Languoreth as a grieving mother who yearns for her lost children. There are also some glimpses of her striving to be a good queen and leader. Still, I wish that there was more to Languoreth’s journey than what was offered in this novel. I loved Angharad’s story as she grows from a child to a confident priestess. She is the true hero of this story. I found Lailoken’s story to be my least favorite and unnecessary. You could skip his chapters and not miss out on anything in the story. Overall, this novel is about war, religion, and choices. The characters seemed to be very complex. The setting seemed very realistic and made medieval Scotland come to life. The Forgotten Kingdom was beautifully written and made me feel like I was walking alongside the characters. I also thought the ending seemed rushed. Still, I can’t wait to read the final book in the trilogy. I want to see what the next book has in store for these characters! I recommend this novel for fans of Queen of Oak, The Mists of Avalon, and The Raven Queen! (Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)

I am actually blown away by Ms Pike’s writing style. Her incredibly detailed research allows her to take a very few known happenings from Scotland’s 6th century and build a completely believable (historically based) novel detailing early days and the people that inhabited that land ! Kudos also go to the person(s) responsible for proofreading the manuscript, ensuring a minimal amount of typos or missing words or glaringly incorrect use of a more modern words. The fact that there are love relationships between characters without them being far too graphic for my taste is also much appreciated! Her descriptions of battle scenes was realistic enough to have me on the edge of my seat. Based on all the above, I certainly look forward to reading more by Signe Pike!

Wonderful! I so love these books. I’m looking forward to book #3.

I wish I was gifted with the talent of Ms. Pike so that I could properly say just how much this book has affected me. There were times I set it down out of necessity, to eat or acknowledge a family member, and I was afraid to pick it back up again. My heart didn't feel like it could hold any more emotions inside. Every character from the last book and so many new ones get their spotlight. This was a work of art. I was able to feel what it was like to be a frightened 9-year-old girl again and a grief-stricken mother, a victim, and a victor. I'm immediately moving on to book 3!!

I have complained often about books whose pace were too slow. It's my biggest peeve. Not so with this book. In fact, for once, I felt the pace was too fast. The downfall is less developed backstory of main characters. It's the only issue that keeps my rating from being a five star. Notwithstanding this flaw, I enjoyed the volumes 1 and 2 very much. I will start volume 3 tomorrow.

I can't wait for the 3rd book to come. I binge-read the first 2 and felt the life of the characters as if I knew them. Very well written and enthralling.

Just as beautiful as the first book. Languoreth and Lailoken's story is an unforgettable one. I can't wait for the third book to come out!

I read this in 24 hours, after finishing book #1. I highly recommend it if your enjoy reading historical novels, particularly those based on true events and people. It gives you a glimpse in to the world and life at that time which I found very interesting. There are a lot of characters but I was impressed with how well written the story is that it is not difficult to keep up with them all. The map at the start is very useful. I love coming across books like these - brilliant story telling, transports you to a different time and place, and leaves you feeling as though these characters are now friends. I am so looking forward to finding out the rest of the story in book 3 when that comes out. Authors notes at end are really helpful too.

I loved it... Set in 6th century Scotland (not yet Scotland as we know it now, actually), after the demise of the Roman Empire and before the threatening invasion by the Angles, once again Signe Pike takes us back in time to the dawn of Arthurian legend. As for now, these characters - Myrddin/Merlin, Arthur himself - are but sketches of the famous figures they will become, we only catch glimpses of their grandeur to be. Lailoken (the future Myrddin) is one of the main actors of the story, but the author interweaves his path with that of great women of his time: his twin sister Languoreth, the Lost Queen, his niece Angharad and the Wisdom Keeper Ariane, to name a few. After the Battle of Arderydd, when everything seems to be lost, we see hope rise again among the Britons, Scots and Picts of the Old North.

I received my copy as soon as it became available and dove right in. This is the perfect sequel to The Lost Kingdom by Signe Pike. It follows the journeys begun in the previous book by Languoreth and her twin, Lailoken. These are dangerous times for not only themselves but those they love. Signs is a fabulous storyteller, weaving fact with fiction into a compelling tale of human frailty, magic and survival in a pre-Medieval time in what is now known as Wales, Scotland and Briton. My ancestors are from the areas mentioned so for me, this series has been a compelling read. I didn't want to finish either book as it meant a wait for the next. I look forward to word of the third instalment of this trilogy and also look forward to many more books from Signe Pike.

I really loved this book. Already looking forward to read the next one.