The Lost Queen

The Lost Queen follows Princess Tania, the seventh daughter of the Faerie King Oberon, who has lived as a human in London for 16 years with no memory of her true identity. When glimpses of another world begin to break through, she must confront the truth about who she really is. The story moves between modern-day London and the magical realm of Faerie, where an ancient prophecy threatens both worlds. Tania navigates her emerging powers and royal heritage while uncovering the circumstances that led to her exile in the mortal world. Dark forces gather as Tania searches for answers about her past and her missing Faerie mother. She forms alliances with both human friends and Faerie beings, though she cannot be certain whom to trust. At its core, The Lost Queen explores themes of identity and belonging through the lens of parallel worlds. The novel blends Celtic mythology with contemporary urban fantasy to examine how one's true nature emerges even when buried beneath years of forgetting.

Most readers describe The Lost Queen as an enjoyable YA fantasy that relies too heavily on familiar tropes. Many compare it to The Chronicles of Narnia. Readers praised: - Fast-paced action sequences - Celtic mythology elements - Growth of main character Tania - Authentic sibling relationships - Clear writing style suitable for younger teens Common criticisms: - Predictable plot points - Shallow world-building - Too similar to other YA portal fantasies - Romance feels forced - Secondary characters lack depth "The Celtic lore saves it from being just another Narnia knockoff" notes one Amazon reviewer. Others mention the "cookie-cutter fantasy elements" but appreciate the "fresh take on fairy courts." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Common Sense Media: 3/5 The book seems to resonate most with readers aged 11-14 seeking an introduction to YA fantasy, while more experienced fantasy readers find it derivative.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley This retelling of Arthurian legend through the perspective of priestess Morgan le Fay explores Celtic traditions and female power in ancient Britain.

Priestess of the White by Trudi Canavan A young priestess discovers forbidden magic while defending her land in a world where religious and political powers intersect.

The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell This historical take on the Arthurian saga presents Dark Age Britain through the eyes of a warlord in a time of Saxon invasion.

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier A druid's daughter in ancient Ireland undertakes a quest to break a curse on her brothers while navigating Celtic mythology and British invasion.

The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart This origin story of Merlin combines Celtic mythology with historical elements of post-Roman Britain during the rise of Arthur.

🌟 This novel is part of a trilogy called "The Faerie Path," which blends Arthurian legend with modern-day London and the realm of Faerie. 🌿 Author Frewin Jones is actually a pen name for Allan Frewin Jones, who has written over 90 children's and young adult books under various pseudonyms. 👑 The protagonist, Anita Palmer, discovers she is actually Princess Tania, the seventh daughter of King Oberon of Faerie—a character borrowed from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." 🕰️ The story plays with the concept of time differences between the mortal and Faerie realms, where 500 years in Faerie equals mere days in the modern world. 🎭 Many characters in the book are based on figures from Celtic mythology and British folklore, creating a rich tapestry of traditional tales within a contemporary narrative.