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A review by kathrynmullen
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
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.