The Lost Queen

By: Signe Pike

Narrated by: Toni Frutin

“Outlander meets Camelot” (Kirsty Logan, author of The Gracekeepers) in the first book of an exciting historical series that reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a powerful and, until now, tragically forgotten queen of 6th-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legendary character of Merlin.

Intelligent, passionate, rebellious, and brave, Languoreth is the unforgettable heroine of The Lost Queen, a tale of conflicted loves and survival set against the cinematic backdrop of ancient Scotland, a magical land of myths and superstition inspired by the beauty of the natural world. One of the most powerful early medieval queens in British history, Languoreth ruled at a time of enormous disruption and bloodshed, when the burgeoning forces of Christianity threatened to obliterate the ancient pagan beliefs and change her way of life forever.

Together with her twin brother Lailoken, a warrior and druid known to history as Merlin, Languoreth is catapulted into a world of danger and violence. When a war brings the hero Emrys Pendragon, to their door, Languoreth collides with the handsome warrior Maelgwn. Their passionate connection is forged by enchantment, but Languoreth is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of the High King who is sympathetic to the followers of Christianity. As Rhydderch's wife, Languoreth must assume her duty to fight for the preservation of the Old Way, her kingdom, and all she holds dear.

“Moving, thrilling, and ultimately spellbinding” (BookPage), The Lost Queen brings this remarkable woman to life—rescuing her from obscurity, and reaffirming her place at the center of the most enduring legends of all time. “Moving, thrilling, and ultimately spellbinding, The Lost Queen is perfect for readers of historical fiction like The Clan of the Cave Bear and Wolf Hall, and for lovers of fantasy like Outlander and The Mists of Avalon” (BookPage).

Ended Too Soon!

I loved this story. It came alive with Toni Trutin's narration and I was so disappointed when it ended. There had better be a second book because the story just ends without any satisfaction. There was too much work and character development to leave it as it is. There is a lot of potential for a second and/or third book here.

Fantastic

the story was great the characters are relatable!
The narration was on point!
I am fixing to start the sequel!

Enthralling tale of an ancient world

Toni Frutin brings Signe Pike’s characters to life. Her tone, intonation, dialect and emotion pulls you in and enlivens this tale of love, survival, war, and life in early medieval Britain.

The author skillfully weaves her tale leaving you wanting to know what happens next.

Wonderful Merlin (Authurian) Tale

I read at least one Arthurian/Guinevere/Merlin series a year. I only say this to point out how many are written. This one stands heads and shoulders ABOVE most of them.
It does what excellent historical fiction does at its best it puts you in the time period and makes you live it. I briefly read the blurb and asked to read for review without going any further. Thank you #NetGalley for review copy. I’m so glad I did. To my mind it is one of the first truly unique takes on this tale in a very long (insert Mists reference here) time. Using the female voice to recount the tale of what it was like to live in Briton, Anglo Saxons being the enemy and the co-existence up to this point of Druids/pagans and the threat to ways of life from population of growing Christian beliefs. Varied stations in life are looked at realistically, the wisdom that could be found from ancient beliefs and ugly side of being royalty are shown with clarity. I loved the main character even though her anguish over not being able to marry for love but for her country was repeated one time too many. But as a woman I get it. Her life will drastically change and quite possibly not for the better. Who else will speak up for those who have lived on these for as far back as anyone can remember?
Overall, I loved this story and already downloaded the second book. The Narration was outstanding especially in light of so many characters. I never got lost or was unable to recognize who was speaking. I highly recommend this book. #NetGalley #TheLostQueen

Well done!

This is a well-written and thoughtful story masterfully performed by Toni Frutin. The delivery narration contributed so much to this audio book. I absolutely LOVED it. I listen to a lot of books (and I'm a tough customer), and this one had me reaching for it every day. It never dragged - there is not a wasted word.