The Lost Queen

A Novel

By: Signe Pike

Narrated by: Toni Frutin

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.

©2018 Signe Pike (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"[Narrator Toni] Frutin creates an atmosphere of tension as the proponents of the new Christian God seek the demise of the Old Way and the Druids (the Wisdom Keepers). She sets a strong, steady pace that make the hours fly by." (AudioFile)

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.

Good book, excellent narration

I was really impressed with the narrator. It took a bit of getting used to her accent, and even once I did I couldn’t listen at the speeds I normally do (1.75x-2x). But over the course of the book she really won me over with her ability to do all sorts of voices and moods.

Ancient Scotland comes to Life

I was enthralled by the descriptions of the landscape and the people and their clothes. ( I normally don't care for descriptions!). I'm a fan of King Arthur and Merlin so I was easily pulled into this and was sorry to see it end. The author's note at the end was very interesting and informative. it makes me want more from her.

Wasn’t sure, glad I tried it!

I was having issues finding something to keep me occupied in between semesters at school, I wasn’t sure if this book would do the trick. It is so incredibly descriptive, it completely takes you out of whatever else you are doing. The narrator’s voice is magical. Soothing, but still able to keep your attention. This was exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for.

Couldn’t stop listening

This is truly an amazing novel. The historical research that the author provides is fascinating, and the characters are equally enthralling. The battle between Druids and Christians is etched carefully here, and will make you want to research it further! The romance is passionate and sweet, but it’s not the whole story. Well worth it! Can’t wait for book two.

I love this book

This book was a joy to listen to, and the Author Note at the end was interesting enough to get my 10 year old son engaged and researching.