Signe Pike’s The Forgotten Kingdom is the second book in The Lost Queen trilogy, following the journey started in The Lost Queen and preceding The Shadowed Land. This historical fiction and fantasy series intertwines mythology, early medieval history, and the lore of Scotland, delivering a vividly imagined world that bridges ancient traditions with transformative societal shifts.
Set in 6th-century Scotland, The Forgotten Kingdom continues the story of Languoreth, her twin brother Lailoken, and her daughter Angharad. Their intertwined fates unfold against the backdrop of political upheaval, war, and the growing tension between the Old Way of wisdom and the encroaching rise of Christianity.
Plot Overview and Analysis
At its heart, The Forgotten Kingdom picks up where The Lost Queen left off, plunging readers into the turmoil of AD 573, marked by war and seismic cultural shifts. Languoreth is imprisoned, awaiting news of a violent battle where her husband, Rhydderch, and her son, Rhys, clash with her brother, Lailoken, a Wisdom Keeper. Amid this chaos, Angharad is lost, her fate unfolding in parallel with Lailoken’s descent into the mountains after the bloody battle of Arderydd.
Strengths in Plot Execution:
- Layered Narratives: Pike weaves together multiple perspectives—Languoreth’s imprisonment, Lailoken’s battle-fueled madness, and Angharad’s journey through survival and spiritual awakening. These intertwining threads lend depth to the narrative.
- Balance of Action and Emotion: The novel transitions seamlessly between high-stakes action scenes and introspective moments, reflecting the characters’ personal struggles amid larger historical forces.
Critiques:
- Pacing Variability: While the vivid descriptions enhance the atmosphere, certain sections—particularly Lailoken’s prolonged reflections—can feel meandering. This may momentarily slow down an otherwise gripping narrative.
Main Characters and Their Development
Languoreth:
In this installment, Languoreth embodies resilience and cunning. Trapped in the claustrophobic confines of her chamber, she represents the delicate balance women of her time had to maintain—preserving their beliefs while navigating the oppressive structures of power.
- Strengths: Pike portrays her with emotional authenticity, capturing her maternal anguish for her children and her quiet rebellion against her circumstances.
- Critique: While Languoreth is compelling, some of her internal monologues occasionally repeat themes already explored in The Lost Queen.
Lailoken:
Lailoken’s transformation into Myrddin (the historical inspiration for Merlin) is a central theme. His arc delves into the psychological toll of war and his reluctant acceptance of his mystical destiny.
- Strengths: His character serves as a poignant commentary on the cost of leadership and the tension between duty and self-preservation.
- Critique: His journey sometimes feels disjointed, particularly in the aftermath of Arderydd, where his descent into madness could have been more cohesively integrated with the larger narrative.
Angharad:
Emerging as a crucial figure, Angharad’s storyline is one of growth and resilience. As she navigates the dangerous terrain of Scotland and the conflicting spiritual realms, her innocence evolves into a burgeoning wisdom.
- Strengths: Pike captures her childlike perspective without diminishing her agency, making her a relatable yet formidable character.
- Critique: While her mystical journey is intriguing, some readers may find her storyline underdeveloped compared to the more immediate, visceral conflicts surrounding her family.
Themes
1. Clash of Religions:
The tension between the Old Way (paganism) and Christianity is a recurring theme, reflecting the historical reality of cultural transitions in medieval Scotland. Pike explores this dichotomy with nuance, avoiding overt bias while illustrating the erosion of ancient traditions.
2. Family and Loyalty:
The bonds of kinship are tested as Languoreth’s loyalty to her brothers conflicts with her role as a wife and mother. Similarly, Lailoken’s protective instincts for Angharad and his love for Eira underscore the novel’s emotional core.
3. Power and Sacrifice:
The novel interrogates what it means to wield power, whether as a Wisdom Keeper, warrior, or queen. The sacrifices required—of personal desires, sanity, or even life—are poignantly depicted.
Writing Style
Signe Pike’s prose is lush and evocative, steeped in sensory details that immerse readers in the rugged landscapes of Scotland. Her use of metaphor and lyrical descriptions elevate the text, transforming historical fiction into an almost mythic experience.
- Strengths: Pike excels in crafting atmospheric settings, from the smoky halls of Strathclyde to the mist-laden Caledonian forests.
- Critique: The same richness occasionally veers into over-description, which might alienate readers seeking a faster pace.
Criticism and Areas for Improvement
1. Overcrowded Cast:
The extensive list of characters, while reflective of historical complexities, can overwhelm readers. Keeping track of familial connections, rival factions, and their motivations may detract from the story’s emotional impact.
2. Structural Unevenness:
The novel’s shifts between perspectives are not always seamless. While the multi-POV structure adds dimension, some transitions feel abrupt, disrupting the narrative flow.
3. Emotional Repetition:
Certain emotional beats—particularly Languoreth’s grief and Lailoken’s turmoil—are revisited multiple times, which may dilute their initial impact.
Recommendations for Similar Reads
For fans of The Forgotten Kingdom, the following titles offer complementary themes of historical intrigue, spiritual exploration, and strong characters:
- The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley:
- A feminist retelling of Arthurian legend, focusing on Morgaine, the sorceress, and the clash between paganism and Christianity.
- Circe by Madeline Miller:
- A richly written exploration of myth and identity through the lens of the titular Greek goddess.
- The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley:
- A historical romance set in Scotland, blending Jacobite history with a touch of the mystical.
- Hild by Nicola Griffith:
- The coming-of-age story of Saint Hilda of Whitby, offering an immersive look at early medieval Britain.
Personal Reflection
As a lover of both historical fiction and Arthurian lore, I found The Forgotten Kingdom a captivating continuation of Pike’s trilogy. Its strengths lie in its ability to transport readers to a distant time, balancing historical accuracy with the wonder of myth. However, its occasional pacing issues and uneven character focus suggest it is best suited for patient readers who enjoy slow-burning, immersive narratives.
Conclusion
The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike is a worthy sequel that deepens the intricate web of history, legend, and human emotion established in The Lost Queen. While not without flaws, its poetic prose, rich world-building, and memorable characters make it an engaging read for fans of historical and fantasy genres alike. With The Shadowed Land promising to conclude the trilogy, Pike has set the stage for a finale that could cement her series as a modern classic in the realm of historical fiction.