The Shadowed Land

A Novel

By: Signe Pike

Narrated by: Eilidh Beaton, Toni Frutin, Gary Furlong, Angus King, Siobhan Waring

This “can’t-miss historical epic” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author) reimagines the legends of King Arthur by resurrecting the real historical figures who inspired these enduring tales.

Scotland, AD 580: A queen has risen. A battle has been won. Loved ones who were lost have been reunited. But in a land of power-hungry kings, peace is precarious and cannot last for long. All too soon, circumstance pulls both Britons and Scots back to their own destinies.

The warrior Artúr receives a mysterious summons from his father in Dalriada. Queen Languoreth and her brother must return to Strathclyde with the dangerous former bishop Mungo in tow, determined to maintain the fragile balance between the Christians and the people of the Old Way. Meanwhile, the young priestess Angharad must travel deep into the shadowed land of the Picts, hoping to become the initiate of Briochan, a druid who practices the secret Celtic art of weather work.

As they rise to meet their fates, they are pushed to impossible new frontiers: each must decide whether they are willing to do what it takes to become the heroes their harrowing days demand.

Set in the sprawling historical landscape of early medieval Scotland, Pike’s critically acclaimed retelling of the Arthurian saga thrusts readers into a world of ambition, loyalty and love, revealing truths that have for too long been buried by legend in this “gorgeous, sweeping saga” (Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author).

Incredibly Historically Accurate - brings great fullness to the characters

As a historian myself, I am so impressed with the level of research that was done to make sure the characters came to life in their own culture & time period. This was no small endeavor. Sources for late 6th Century “Scotland” (different kingdoms that would become Scotland) are very limited making them rare. Beautifully written & narrated. I’m planing on buying the actual book as I want to READ it myself to let my thoughts deep dive into the myth/battles/rituals/cultures/etc. All three books are incredible!

Excellent!

I purchased this book thinking it pure fantasy and thoroughly enjoyed it, then upon listening to the author’s notes and realizing how much research had gone into it to incorporate historical events, places and people, my pleasure was enhanced. All three books I have found captivating and hope there is more to come! Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world!

This series consumes me(sigh)

I know people say "Oh this book series is like nothing I've ever read before" but when I say this book series is like nothing I've ever read before, IT TRULY IS!! You can tell this author has done SO much research, intense research and I am now a firm believer in all of her finds on King Arthur. I will never look at any tale of King Arthur or Merlin, the same again. She is such an amazing writer, just brilliant and the narrator in this series sounds as if she is an old soul from a time long ago in ancient Scotland. Absolutely my favorite Historical Fiction series of all time. If Signe Pike writes it, I will be reading it. Auto buy author for me. I look forward to the next book in this series and I look forward to reading ALL of her future works. 10 stars ALL the stars!!!

Wonderful Book 3!

I do think giving voices to more characters worked and enlivened the story. Although I was not thrilled with Artur's narrator--too gruff and without personality. Story remains one of the best in Scottish historical fiction and you become very invested with plot and characters. I've also learned so much about the cultures of the time and the history and geography. Thank you Signe for another enjoyable read and looking forward to book 4 and my next trip to Scotland.

Enchanting

I read the series, then listened to it, and it was even better. It was magical!