Rating:  Summary: Interesting Review: One Christmas my grandmother gave me the Mists of Avalon and this book. I had already read Mists so I was eager to pick up another book by Bradley. Other then the fact that it dosen't take place in Avalon itself, Prietess was very good. It gives you more insight into the rule and role of the Lady of Avalon, the choices she had to make, the rules she had to enforce, the people she had to hurt. No other book has given so much insight into what went on between Lady and priestesses.
Rating:  Summary: Hard to put down Review: A British princess with close magical ties to Avalon falls in love with a Roman officer and finds herself banished from the one kingdom which has accepted her in this moving story, which needs no prior familiarity with Bradley's Avalon setting and characters to prove riveting. Helena's journey from her beloved spiritual home takes her into the heart of Roman worlds and politics, where she will see her son become Emperor and her role a challenge to both kingdoms. Hard to put down.
Rating:  Summary: Still a good book Review: It didn't grab my attention as much as Mists did, but it's still a great book. Helena kind of irked me with her "my son is the Chosen One" babble (it seemed a little too cocky and self-assured for my tastes). Still, I got totally immersed in the story, which, as usual, was very well written. Definitely a good book for anyone who likes old settings and good storytelling.
Rating:  Summary: A fun return to Avalon Review: I have read all of Bradleys books and enjoyed them, the female point of view in all of them is so relate-able. I loved Priestess, it did have a few slow moments, though. The lead character was very well thought out. I don't think it was written by the original author, but I enjoyed it immensely just the same. Good read.
Rating:  Summary: Pure enchantment Review: I am so sad to realise that this is the final Avalon book.It's also hard for me to guess whether or not a reader who isn't INTO the old Celtic religions would find this an interesting read, but for me, it was another wonderful, absorbing and magical read involving the occupants of the mystical island of Avalon and the gentle, loving form of their religion.A young priestess, Eilan, falls in love with a handsome Roman soldier named Constantius, and forsakes her home on Avalon for love of him and also because she believes that her future is inextricably bound with his. She bears a son who becomes the Emperor Constantine who eventuually caused the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity.Eilan,or the Empress Helena as she is known when she becomes the mother of the Emperor,somewhat reluctantly accepts Christianity as she realises that much of the new religion is based on the old and, because of pressure from her son, tours his Empire on his behalf. As a very old lady, she stages her own death in order to return to her true home, the Isle of Avalon.As always when I read books about Avalon, I feel a tremendous sense of deja vu....perhaps in a former life???
Rating:  Summary: Interesting, but at times...a little disturbing Review: Originally, the cover and name "Priestess of Avalon" caught my attention. Throughout the story, I often wanted to shout at Helena and tell her to follow her own heart, rather than that of Avalon's. At times, all I could do was imagine slapping her husband's face off. I enjoyed the visions and psychic elements she experienced, especially in the cave in Israel. Also, it was quite interesting to learn of Helena's ancient religion, which for all we know, could be the modern day form of Wicca. I have grown quite fond of the name "Leviyah" as well. This is one of those books you might only read once, but the once will be just enough to leave you wanting more.
Rating:  Summary: A big disappointment Review: I, like many others, was delighted by "Mists of Avalon" and thought that I might enjoy this additional offering by MZB. Unfortunately, it is a real disappointment. The early chapters of Eilan's life on Avalon were interesting, but the latter part of the book, as she follows Constantius to place after place (they all really blur together) was a real chore to get through. Constantine is a real jerk, and I found myself wondering why anyone would really care about any of this twaddle.
Rating:  Summary: A Good book that fills in some holes Review: It has been a while since I have read "Mists," "Forest House," and "Lady," so I only vaguely recalled those stories. However, that did not diminish my pleasure in reading this book. The characters from the other books are mentioned, but are not pivotal. The title is a little misleading, as Helena does not remain in Avalon throughout the book. I loved how the legend of Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, was woven into the Avalon legend. That must have required a lot of research and effort. I thought that the characters were well written and interesting, except for Constantine. I found him to be whiny and egotistical. This book allowed me to see the evolution of the Roman Empire and the evolution of the acceptance of Christianity in a whole new light. There were times I cried and times I laughed. But at no time did I not want to continue reading the book. Enjoy!
Rating:  Summary: A British princess falls in love with a Roman officer Review: Marion Zimmer Bradley and Diana Paxson's Priestess Of Avalon continues Bradley's Avalon stories with this latest tale of a British princess who falls in love with a Roman officer, causing both to be banished form Avalon. When Helena finds her lover must also choose - between the Empire and her - she finds herself at a crucial juncture between two worlds in this story of magic and Christianity.
Rating:  Summary: Touching and thought provoking Review: I was surprised by the intensity of emotions and contemplations this book stirred in me. Unlike many of the other reviewers, I found the first person narrative not only effective but essential to this highly personal story about belief, controversy, tragedy and joy, a strange mixture of Christianity, paganism, feminism and individualism. There were aspects of this book that I could relate to, and other aspects that aroused my passionate disagreement. This book helped me re-contemplate myself as a woman and a Christian, rediscovering the more mystical aspects of my gender, my faith and my individual identity. Though I plan to read the Mists, I am glad that I have not read it before this book, thus approaching the Priestess of Avalon without preconceptions.
|