The Forgotten Kingdom
I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how to go about this review. I was pretty far into the novel when I realized it was book two of a series. However, I was too invested as it was, so I kept on reading! The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike is a completely captivating read, even if you haven’t read the first book in Pike’s The Lost Queen series.
About the Author, Signe Pike
Signe Pike has worked in publishing at Random House and Penguin as an acquisitions editor. She left to write her first book, Faery Tale (which I mention at the end of this post). Pike is a dedicated Celtic history scholar, focusing on myth, folklore, and tradition. In learning more about her, I’ve just discovered Pike’s fun Instagram, full of fascinating Scottish history! She has a newsletter, along with other great information, on here website here.
My Thoughts on Signe Pike’s The Forgotten Kingdom
As a standalone novel, the story is robust and well-researched, with fascinating characters based on real historical figures. The story starts in AD 573 with Languoreth, a future queen, imprisoned in her chamber awaiting news of a battle fought between her husband and brother. Much of the novel follows this woman’s daughter, Angharad, who has wild adventures in the Scottish highlands along the way.
Signe Pike’s writing style is easy to follow, flowing and natural to read. Each chapter starts with a character’s name, so you are oriented as the story jumps around both geographically and, sometimes, temporally.
Author’s Note and Historical Guide
What I found most fascinating, though, was the author’s insights at the end of the novel. Pike discusses the historical events described in the novel, along with things she changed and other literary choices she made along the way. She also describes the historical figures present in the novel, many of whom grew into the Arthurian legend we know today. Really, just a fascinating way to top off an already great book!
Where to Buy The Forgotten Kingdom & The Lost Queen Series
While I did enjoy this novel on its own, I would recommend reading the series from the start. I plan to pick up the first book in Pike’s The Lost Queen series after I finish this post, actually. Below are details on where to buy The Lost Queen and The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike:
Book 1: The Lost Queen (2018) is available on Amazon and Bookshop.org
Book 2: The Forgotten Kingdom (2020) is available on Amazon and Bookshop.org
P.S. while looking for where to buy the novels, I came across a third book from Signe Pike called Faery Tale: One Woman’s Search for Enchantment in a Modern World. Needless to say, I am intrigued! It is also available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Looking for more great Arthurian myth reads? If Signe Pike’s novels sound interesting to you, I have a feeling you’re also going to love Bernard Cornwell’s The King Arthur Trilogy. Read my full review of Cornwell’s Arthurian trilogy here!
*This novel was gifted to me as part of a review program that Cats & Coffee is a part of. I was not required to post about the novel in exchange for getting a copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my honest own.
