The Lost Queen
Ratings9
Average rating3.9
15
Ratings9
Average rating3.9
"The Mists of Avalon meets the world of Philippa Gregory in the thrilling first novel of a debut trilogy that reveals the untold story of Languoreth--a forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland--twin sister of the man who inspired the legend of Merlin. I write because I have seen the darkness that will come. Already there are those who seek to tell a new history ... In a land of mountains and mist, tradition and superstition, Languoreth and her brother Lailoken are raised in the Old Way of their ancestors. But in Scotland, a new religion is rising, one that brings disruption, bloodshed, and riot. And even as her family faces the burgeoning forces of Christianity, the Anglo-Saxons, bent on colonization, are encroaching from the east. When conflict brings the hero Emrys Pendragon to her father's door, Languoreth finds love with one of his warriors. Her deep connection to Maelgwn is forged by enchantment, but she is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of a Christian king. As Languoreth is catapulted into a world of violence and political intrigue, she must learn to adapt. Together with her brother--a warrior and druid known to history as Myrddin--Languoreth must assume her duty to fight for the preservation of the Old Way and the survival of her kingdom, or risk the loss of them both forever. Based on new scholarship, this tale of bravery and conflicted love brings a lost queen back to life--rescuing her from obscurity, and reaffirming her place at the center of one of the most enduring legends of all time"--
"The Lost Queen tells the story of Languoreth, Queen of Cadzow, who lived in sixth century Scotland and came of age at a time when invading Anglo-Saxon forces and the rise of Christianity threatened to change her way of life forever. Together with her twin brother Lailoken, destined to be a Wisdom Keeper and eventually known to history as Merlin, she is catapulted into a world of danger and violence. War brings the warriors of Emrys, the Dragon Warrior or Pen Dragon, to their door, and among them is Maelgwn. He and Languoreth spark a passionate connection, forged by a magical spell, but Languoreth is promised in marriage to Lord Rhydderch, son of the High King Tutgual who is sympathetic to the Christian followers of a charismatic monk named Mungo. As Rhydderch's wife, it will be Languoreth's duty to fight for the preservation of the Old Way, her kingdom, and all she holds dear. Rebellious, intelligent, passionate, and brave, Languoreth is an unforgettable heroine whose story of conflicted loves and survival is set against a cinematic backdrop of ancient Scotland and its myths and magic which spring from the beauty of the natural world. The Lost Queen brings this remarkable woman to life, rescuing her from vanishing history, and reclaiming her place in some of the most enduring legends of all time"--
Series
2 primary booksThe Lost Queen Trilogy is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2018 with contributions by Signe Pike.
Reviews with the most likes.
4.5/5 stars
I absolutely loved this!
As a lover of Arthurian legends, this was a wonderful and fresh take on the origins of Merlin and his twin sister. I highly recommend this novel.
Powerful and well written. This is a fascinating story. It was so difficult to read. There is so much tragedy in this story I had to take a break from it and read something happy several times. I'm glad I read it but it was heavy.
This book sounded interesting to me, but I had no idea that I would love it sooo much!
This story follows Languoreth from child to forgotten Queen. Languoreth and her twin Lailoken were raised according to the Old Way. They knew from a young age that one of them would be Chosen as a Wisdom Keeper, and the other would rule their lands. Languoreth wanted so badly to be Chosen. Not only would she be following in her mother's footsteps, she also wouldn't be forced to marry someone for the good of her people.
Her wish did not come true. Lailoken was Chosen. Now she must prepare herself to be married off to whoever her father decides is the best match. With a new religion overtaking the Old Way, Languoreth knows it is all political. This new religion is home to a few fanatics that believe it is the only way and are willing to start a war to prove it.
Between Christanity, the Picts, and the Angles, Languoreth is surrounded by war. All she can do is try to make decisions that will keep those she loves safe.
I absolutely loved this book! I fell in love with the characters, I could picture the world, and the story itself kept me hooked through the whole book. I cannot wait for the next one!!
I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
