Genre: Historical Fiction
My Review - 5 Stars
This was sold to me as Camelot meets Outlander and since I love both, I was instantly on board. Now that I’ve read this, however, I’m not sure why Outlander was used as comp title because I don’t see it in this plot. This is basically a Camelot prequel, in part the story of how Merlin became Merlin but centered on his twin sister Languoreth who became a queen.
And what a character Languoreth is! We first meet her when she’s 10 years old, just after the death of her mother. Child narrators don't always work for me but this one did, in part, because she doesn't act like a contemporary 10 year old. Olden days 10 year olds were much more mature and capable, which makes sense given how 15 year olds were considered men and women. Which by today's standards: yikes.
In any case, the novel is divided into parts, often skipping several years ahead and so we see Languoreth grow up, as well as how her family and country is changing along the way. There is no small amount of intrigue due to wars, political machinations, and the arrival of a more evangelical Christianity. Languoreth’s dad has to be careful about who he trusts, while also giving fealty to the High King, no matter what he thinks about his leadership. He wants to help preserve the Old Ways but the new Christians don’t fight fair, which was infuriating to see.
I came to care very deeply about the characters, to the point of worrying about them when I wasn’t reading the book. Languoreth’s brother Lailoken, our future Merlin, was a puzzle to me and I kept looking for clues of who he would become. He’s part warrior, part Druid, and has so many more options than Languoreth by virtue of his gender. They’re such close siblings and I really liked how the story explored their twinship.
Then there’s Maelgwn, a warrior in Emrys Pendragon’s army. He and Languoreth have an immediate connection but she’s already been promised to the son of the High King. This was agonizing to see. She had no real choice, not one that wouldn’t dishonor and discredit her family and put their people in danger. Once she was betrothed to Rhydderch, it was hard to root for her and Maelgwn. Rhydderch may not have been the man she’d choose but he does truly care for her, which is all the more impressive, given the people who live in the High King’s castle.
And yet, Maelgwn. I was basically in love with him, not only because of his character but because he kept trying to do right by everyone. After she gets married, she has children and the years pass but her feelings for Maelgwin do not waver. At the same time, she had some unreasonable expectations of him once their paths cross again. I was deeply irritated with Languoreth for being mad at Maelgwn, as if he was supposed to have pined over her for the past 16 years while she's married to someone else. It was so selfish of her, not to mention I worried her actions would jeopardize her family.
And then. That ending. Big things are afoot for the next book and I cannot wait for it to be released! This was an epic saga and I loved every bit of it.
CW: death of parent, grief, infidelity, murder, violence, religious desecration, sexism, references to domestic violence, rape, and child rape
Synopsis
Mists of Avalon meets Philippa Gregory in the first book of an exciting historical trilogy that reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a powerful and, until now, tragically forgotten queen of sixth-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.
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.
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