I could not put this down!!! For me, 'The Forgotten Kingdom' is a rare instance where the sequel surpasses the original novel. Told from three POV's ~ Languoreth, her twin brother Lailoken and her daughter Angharad ~ none of the perspectives are sleepers. I was equally eager to get back to each of their stories, although Angharads pulled at me just a tad bit more than the other two. I think because she transforms so much throughout the book. From our introduction to her as a child, thru her coming of age journey, the hints at the abilities and gifts she's born possessing are truly intriguing. It's evident she's far from fully finished developing those skills. How will I ever wait for book three to find out what she's truly capable of becoming ????!!!! I don't know.
I have to say, I was delighted by the re-appearance of Ariane, a pivotal character in both Languoreth and Angharads spiritual development. I love the message that gets repeated throughout the novel, “We may not always have the choice we would like, but we always have a choice.” I'll be thinking of that next time I find myself in a sticky situation. The women in this trilogy are really remarkable and developed so three dimensionally. It's heartening to read. The only disappointment in this 2nd book (& it's a very very minor one) was the missing romance component. Maybe something to come for Angharad and Artur?? fingers crossed... But the sizzling chemisty we came to know/feel between General Maelgwn and Languoreth in 'The Lost Queen' was pretty much a "non-thing." Can't figure out why Ariane helped facilitate their romance if it was meant to go nowhere?? Or is it?? Hmmm.
What an epic, epic story in a land that already enthralls so many of us. The sequel is more everything. It reaches out & encompasses the whole area of current day Scotland, introducing us to more cultures, peoples and characters. We also get more insights into the development of the legend of Merlin. More peeks at the turbulence of this period. Signe Pike is proving herself to be a tremendous storyteller and writer, bringing the 6th century of this area to vivid, pulsing life. I can see her brilliant work easily turned into a series or brought to life on the big screen. I can tell you (after blowing thru the first two novels in this trilogy) that I'm reading whatever she feels like writing.
Now the waiting begins. Book three. tick tock.
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