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lizruest's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
bekahlu's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Scottish history lovers rejoice, look no further for a fun read to learn a wee bit about medieval Scotland's history. This story follows Languoreth, twin to the man that inspired the legend of Merlin, from 10-mid thirties as she grows up and becomes a woman in 6th century Scotland. She is bound by duty and thus sacrifices her desires for the good of her people. There's love, betrayal, and magic. The Lost Queen is a fast-paced, well written historical fiction novel.
I liked the writing style. I like to learn new words and expand vocabulary knowledge, and this book certainly offers new big words to learn. The Lost Queen offers a unique and original take on Scottish historical fiction. The fast pace of the novel kept my attention and desire to read until the end. The author's notes at the end of the story give a good look at the inspiration and some sources behind the historical basis of the characters, which I appreciate. Languoreth has a few lines throughout the story that I felt were very iconic and makes her a loveable character.
However, one of the description lines likens it to the Outlander series, which I think is misleading. The similarities of this book to Outlander include a strong, stubborn main (woman) lead, living in historical Scotland, who is familiar with herbal healing remedies. The love triangle could be considered a similarity, but the story of Languoreth's love does not compare to the love conflict of Outlander, to me. Also, The Lost Queen has no time travel aspect, so if that is something you're looking for this is not that, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I think this story stands independent from Outlander in a good way, and comparing it in that way was a determent rather than helpful.
Overall, I would recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction/fantasy combination stories. It is well written and researched by the author and makes for an engrossing read that keeps the reader turning the pages.
*Some spoilers below this. These are some of the things that take the reader OUT of the novel mid-read. *
The love that Languoreth shares with her lover Maelgwn relies heavily on the idea of "love at first sight" and seems to be mostly based in lust/passion throughout the book. Their love is missing a few more in person meetings that don't involve a spicy interaction, for me. In the story, Languoreth acknowledges that love is "more than just passion," but does not ever elaborate on the aspects of her husband that she must have grown to love over the seventeen-year span we see of their marriage.
I was confused by the time jump and the pregnant after the first encounter of Languoreth and her lover. Additionally, to skip the wedding scene entirely and not have more specific markers of time passing makes this part of the story muddy for me. Either their first encounter results in the pregnancy, or they (Languoreth and lover) have another meet up after her marriage? Unclear. The passing of two years in between these parts of the story muddle this aspect.
An event that irked me at the end of this story is the random appearance of an unnamed groom character who becomes a messenger for Languoreth. According to Languoreth, her family "took him in when [she] was little, and he has always been loyal in return." The lack of attention to this detail seemed to prove that this occurrence was just made to further the plot. He doesn't even have a name, just "my groom." If it was mentioned in Part I of the story, it wasn't memorable, because he doesn't even have a name. It just came off as an obvious, easy way to solve the problem at the end of the story.
As a history person, one thing the front of the book (e-book version) was missing for me was a map. I hope the print editions of this book include a map in the beginning of the book, as I think it would have been immensely helpful for understanding the lay of the land.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-book copy of this book.
I liked the writing style. I like to learn new words and expand vocabulary knowledge, and this book certainly offers new big words to learn. The Lost Queen offers a unique and original take on Scottish historical fiction. The fast pace of the novel kept my attention and desire to read until the end. The author's notes at the end of the story give a good look at the inspiration and some sources behind the historical basis of the characters, which I appreciate. Languoreth has a few lines throughout the story that I felt were very iconic and makes her a loveable character.
However, one of the description lines likens it to the Outlander series, which I think is misleading. The similarities of this book to Outlander include a strong, stubborn main (woman) lead, living in historical Scotland, who is familiar with herbal healing remedies. The love triangle could be considered a similarity, but the story of Languoreth's love does not compare to the love conflict of Outlander, to me. Also, The Lost Queen has no time travel aspect, so if that is something you're looking for this is not that, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I think this story stands independent from Outlander in a good way, and comparing it in that way was a determent rather than helpful.
Overall, I would recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction/fantasy combination stories. It is well written and researched by the author and makes for an engrossing read that keeps the reader turning the pages.
*Some spoilers below this. These are some of the things that take the reader OUT of the novel mid-read. *
The love that Languoreth shares with her lover Maelgwn relies heavily on the idea of "love at first sight" and seems to be mostly based in lust/passion throughout the book. Their love is missing a few more in person meetings that don't involve a spicy interaction, for me. In the story, Languoreth acknowledges that love is "more than just passion," but does not ever elaborate on the aspects of her husband that she must have grown to love over the seventeen-year span we see of their marriage.
I was confused by the time jump and the pregnant after the first encounter of Languoreth and her lover. Additionally, to skip the wedding scene entirely and not have more specific markers of time passing makes this part of the story muddy for me. Either their first encounter results in the pregnancy, or they (Languoreth and lover) have another meet up after her marriage? Unclear. The passing of two years in between these parts of the story muddle this aspect.
An event that irked me at the end of this story is the random appearance of an unnamed groom character who becomes a messenger for Languoreth. According to Languoreth, her family "took him in when [she] was little, and he has always been loyal in return." The lack of attention to this detail seemed to prove that this occurrence was just made to further the plot. He doesn't even have a name, just "my groom." If it was mentioned in Part I of the story, it wasn't memorable, because he doesn't even have a name. It just came off as an obvious, easy way to solve the problem at the end of the story.
As a history person, one thing the front of the book (e-book version) was missing for me was a map. I hope the print editions of this book include a map in the beginning of the book, as I think it would have been immensely helpful for understanding the lay of the land.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-book copy of this book.
sofi0518's review against another edition
4.0
This book is marketed as Outlander meets Mists of Avalon. I think it is also like Brave meets Game of Thrones. I can’t help but compare Languoreth to Merida - the willful redhead daughter of a Scottish king who longs to be free to live and love as she wishes. (Unlike Merida - she has to conform to the role she was born into.) She and her twin brother, Lailloken (who eventually becomes the Merlín of Arthurian legend) grow up in sixth century Scotland, in what is now known as Glasgow. They live during a time of great change as Christianity spreads and there is increasing pressure to leave the old gods behind.
Languoreth, as a character, was often frustrating sometimes, especially when she did things I felt were reckless and dangerous. But the writing of this book kept me entranced and fed my greedy medieval history loving soul with a story I had not heard before. I can’t wait for the second book.
PS I loved this narrator! She did an excellent job!
Languoreth, as a character, was often frustrating sometimes, especially when she did things I felt were reckless and dangerous. But the writing of this book kept me entranced and fed my greedy medieval history loving soul with a story I had not heard before. I can’t wait for the second book.
PS I loved this narrator! She did an excellent job!
jesspeachee's review against another edition
4.0
I was so 70% done when I decided I was going to sell my physical copy. The story dragged at times and was often too mundane for my liking.
I was just a page shy from finishing and I had set my mind on putting on a stack of books to take to the used bookstore.
That all changed when the author Signe started on her author’s note, reaffirming the fact that this was based on real people lost to history. Evidence that the man we came to know as Merlin had a sister and he was a warrior and a wisdom keeper.
I’ve been doomed, I can’t get rid of the book now.
The audiobook is spectacular as well, my heart aches for the narrator’s sobs.
I was just a page shy from finishing and I had set my mind on putting on a stack of books to take to the used bookstore.
That all changed when the author Signe started on her author’s note, reaffirming the fact that this was based on real people lost to history. Evidence that the man we came to know as Merlin had a sister and he was a warrior and a wisdom keeper.
I’ve been doomed, I can’t get rid of the book now.
The audiobook is spectacular as well, my heart aches for the narrator’s sobs.
jhawkx3's review against another edition
5.0
A captivating story of Arthurian legend in 6th century Scotland. The story of the Lost Queen follows Languoreth, twin sister to Lailoken, the man we famously know as Merlin. Languoreth is bound to duty, to family, and faith and she will do what she can to protect all. From a child of ten, we watch Languoreth as she first learns the role of politics in her world. At the age of 15, she experiences endearing love and dutiful marriage and lastly, at 32, her world is thrust into chaos as war is on the horizon. She fights to save and protect her love, her family, and everything that she holds dear.
In all honesty, I had a difficult time getting into the flow of this book. After maybe 5-10 chapters in is when I was really hooked. I've always enjoyed historical fiction and this is probably the first book that's really taken me back to my love for them. This book was mystical at times, thrilling, truly heartbreaking, and totally worthwhile. I've not heard of this side of King Arthur and Merlin and I was so captivated by Languoreth. Her character was rebellious and clever, she was dutiful and I loved her regard for the "Old Ways" but made room for the new. She was a loving mother and a caring wife, a sister who went to great lengths to protect her twin and when she loved, truly loved, she didn't hold back. Pike wrote Languoreth with such strength, she's definitely a character to admire. Pike also did a wonderful job allowing us to explore 6th century Scotland. The details in all aspects of this book paint the most vivid scenes. All aspects of this book was amazing, even though I had a rough start, that was on me. The pace of historical fictions are sometime a slow burn for the sake of backstory and details and it was totally worth it. I really did love everything about this book. Historical fictions are not for everyone, but this would be a great book for everyone to read at least once. I'd highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
In all honesty, I had a difficult time getting into the flow of this book. After maybe 5-10 chapters in is when I was really hooked. I've always enjoyed historical fiction and this is probably the first book that's really taken me back to my love for them. This book was mystical at times, thrilling, truly heartbreaking, and totally worthwhile. I've not heard of this side of King Arthur and Merlin and I was so captivated by Languoreth. Her character was rebellious and clever, she was dutiful and I loved her regard for the "Old Ways" but made room for the new. She was a loving mother and a caring wife, a sister who went to great lengths to protect her twin and when she loved, truly loved, she didn't hold back. Pike wrote Languoreth with such strength, she's definitely a character to admire. Pike also did a wonderful job allowing us to explore 6th century Scotland. The details in all aspects of this book paint the most vivid scenes. All aspects of this book was amazing, even though I had a rough start, that was on me. The pace of historical fictions are sometime a slow burn for the sake of backstory and details and it was totally worth it. I really did love everything about this book. Historical fictions are not for everyone, but this would be a great book for everyone to read at least once. I'd highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
ahledoux's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
The Lost Queen is the first book in a three-part series exploring the origins of the Arthurian legend through the eyes of Languoreth, the sister of the man who inspired Merlin. Set in sixth-century Scotland, the story unfolds as Christianity rises and Celtic traditions fade, blending real history with myth. As Languoreth grows up, she must navigate her place in a society undergoing dramatic changes.
A beautifully crafted and emotionally rich story, it brought me to tears on multiple occasions. The author’s vivid descriptions of ancient Scotland truly breathe life into the world.
booksarah21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
iriselise's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
liz56rose's review against another edition
2.0
I at first didn't understand the story. It is a retelling of King Arthur.