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lidiae's review against another edition
Just not in the mood for these vibes at the mo. I might try again later though
kde33160's review against another edition
This seems interesting…and honestly, the writing wasn’t bad. Idk. Maybe I’m not in the mood? Maybe I didn’t like being in a child’s head the whole time? I kept waiting for the time jump and it just never came.
ccayo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
graceliz96's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kathrynmullen's review against another edition
4.0
I love Mists of Avalon and most narratives influenced by early British and Celtic mythology, so I was pretty much guaranteed to love this book. And it did not disappoint.
This is much more of a straightforward historical novel than Mists of Avalon, but it’s really well done. And, like Mists, it centers in large part on the shift from the old gods and goddesses worshipped by the early peoples of Britain to Christianity. The main character, Languoreth, starts the novel as the young daughter of a petty king and a Druid (or Wisdom Keeper) in sixth century Scotland. Her family adheres to the old ways. Her twin brother, Lailoken, is in training to become a Wisdom Keeper — something that Languoreth herself yearns to do, but cannot because she must make an advantageous marriage for the good of her family and people.
Languoreth, Lailoken, and the other characters are versions of actual historical figures. The author based the book on a body of research identifying Lailoken as the individual who potentially gave rise to the mythic Merlin of Arthurian legend. Other well-known figures in the Arthur story, such as Uther Pendragon have big parts in the narrative as well.
The best thing about this book for me was the fascinating and beautiful setting. The novel does a great job of sketching the landscape, culture, and often complicated politics of this place and time. And the names! So lovely and unfamiliar.
Unlike Mists of Avalon, this book is strongly driven by a romantic plot line. It develops a little hastily at first but grows into a well-earned depiction of love and sacrifice.
The main character, Languoreth, is a wonderful lens through which to experience this changing world. She’s a bit like a blend of Merida from Brave and the mature Sansa Stark.
Overall, The Lost Queen is a great depiction of a time and place that are both beautiful and brutal.
This is much more of a straightforward historical novel than Mists of Avalon, but it’s really well done. And, like Mists, it centers in large part on the shift from the old gods and goddesses worshipped by the early peoples of Britain to Christianity. The main character, Languoreth, starts the novel as the young daughter of a petty king and a Druid (or Wisdom Keeper) in sixth century Scotland. Her family adheres to the old ways. Her twin brother, Lailoken, is in training to become a Wisdom Keeper — something that Languoreth herself yearns to do, but cannot because she must make an advantageous marriage for the good of her family and people.
Languoreth, Lailoken, and the other characters are versions of actual historical figures. The author based the book on a body of research identifying Lailoken as the individual who potentially gave rise to the mythic Merlin of Arthurian legend. Other well-known figures in the Arthur story, such as Uther Pendragon have big parts in the narrative as well.
The best thing about this book for me was the fascinating and beautiful setting. The novel does a great job of sketching the landscape, culture, and often complicated politics of this place and time. And the names! So lovely and unfamiliar.
Unlike Mists of Avalon, this book is strongly driven by a romantic plot line. It develops a little hastily at first but grows into a well-earned depiction of love and sacrifice.
The main character, Languoreth, is a wonderful lens through which to experience this changing world. She’s a bit like a blend of Merida from Brave and the mature Sansa Stark.
Overall, The Lost Queen is a great depiction of a time and place that are both beautiful and brutal.
echory's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters, the protagonist specifically. I felt the main character, Languoreth, had almost no redeeming qualities and she did not really grow much throughout the book. The romance in this book was also lackluster and cringy to read. Overall this was really not for me.
sushi_747's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Such adventure of Merlin’s sister. Your heartstrings are tugged countless times and you will devour the book in several days.
elexa's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I can't quite justify pushing it up to 4. There are A LOT of issues in plotting and I found the romance completely unbelievable. But the novel is very atmospheric and there are some really good characters.