The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Mists of Avalon
Book Review: "Sink into the Mists"
Summary: 5 Stars
The late Marion Zimmer Bradley was a prolific writer of the fantasy genre with all the required elements of magic, witchcraft, and intrigue. Her previous work however, tended to be lightweight. When she wrote "The Mists of Avalon" Mrs Bradley created a fantasy masterpiece of Arthurian legend. The story is told from the feminine perspective without being a feminist diatribe. Morgaine le Fey is the main heroine of the story and brings the elements of magic and the beliefs of the old pagan religion in her character. The book starts with the child Morgaine being swept up in the turmoil of the seduction of her mother Igraine by the High King of Britain, Uther Pendragon. To win Igraine's love Uther must first rid her of her husband Galoise, Morgaine's father. With help from Merlin the mission was accomplished and the result was the birth of a boy child, Arthur.
The story leads the reader on a spellbinding tale of the two children Morgaine and Arthur and their eventual separation. Arthur to goes off with Merlin to learn to be a good king and Morgaine to be a priestess with Vivianne, Igraine's sister, (and the Lady of the Lake), in the magical realm of Avalon.
Their lives later become entwined and wise Morgaine helps Arthur to his king-hood . A king must have a bride and the Christian priests found such a one for Arthur. "Gwenhwyfar was young and dazzlingly pretty; she seemed all white and gold, her skin pale as ivory just stained with coral, her eyes palest blue, her hair long and pale and shining through the mist like living gold" (p157). Add the good knight Lancelot, Merlin the druid magician, Vivianne, the Lady of the Lake, a few knights and several villains and the story becomes a full-blown saga of love, deception, suspense, and a struggle for the rise of Christianity and the demise of the old ways of worship. The characters are beautifully constructed and real leaving the reader bereft when the story concludes.
"The Mists of Avalon" is an epic saga that tells of the struggles of the old pagan tribes inhabiting Britain in the middle of the first millennium and the new religion of Christianity. Morgaine le Fey was on a losing side but when Christianity got its grip on Britain the old religion slipped back into the Fairy realm to be visited only in dreams. The book is not based in historical fact by any means, but provides an alternative look at a legend that has been captivating and intriguing for over a thousand years. The story has two prequels provided in Bradley's next works of fantasy fiction "The Forest House" and "Lady of Avalon".
Book Review: "Abandon all hope, all ye who enter"
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my summertime reading book - every year for the past 8 years on the summer solstice I pick this book up and dive back into the fantasy/real world of Athurian history. I love the fact that this book is told mostly from the pagan woman's perspective and I learn something new each time about the growth of Christianity and the "driving of the serpents" from all of Britain as well as historical items like festivals, games, and the like. I have recommended this book to many men and woman friends and all have come back with a positive experience. I think this book shines above all of Bradley's others and I look forward to nest summer solstice to live through the book once againBook Review: "It's so real it's unbelievable"
Summary: 5 Stars
when I first got this book I thought that it would take me forever just looking at the first page, but after I finished the first chapter I new that it was about real life back in the medieval times. "Its' so real it's unbelievable," I hope that everyone who reads this book will see that what I have to say is pretty much true.Book Review: "King Arthur" for all ages, men and women, any background.
Summary: 5 Stars
At the age of 15 i read this book, a bit intimidated by the thick size and tiny print; I soon founf out I had nothing to fear. This book has turned out to be the best book I have EVER read. Some people like to think of it as a "feminist" writing, but I would call it a "humanist" one. It took me several months to read, but when it was over I felt a pang of greif, as the charachters I felt i had know for years had dissapeared from the pages. But now, years after I read that book, they are still with me. I will wish to visit the fabulous Camelot, and make that ever more difficult journey to Avalon. There is little I can say about this book other than the fact that it is the best I have readin my life. Morgan Le Fay lives!Book Review: "The Mists of Avalon" is a rare find.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of the best that I have ever read. I am an avid reader of Aurthurian legend, and this is one of the best books on it by far. The book is mostly written in the 3rd person, yet there are segments in which Morgaine Le Fay speaks. Thoughts of many of the other characters is also included in the novel.