Rating: 
Summary: Unbelieveable...Still my favourite after all these years
Review: If ever there were an intuitive telling of how things REALLY happened between Arthur and Morgan, this is it. Ms. Wolfe has always been a favourite author of mine, but The Road to Avalon is hands down her best ever. All the magic, pagentry, and bru-ha-ha traditionally associated with the Authurian Legends are out the window, with real people left in their place. And yet, still there is that feeling of magic and love underlying it all, enough to keep a sense of wonder long after the first, second, third reading. My copy is dog-eared, torn, and generally just worn out...I hope I can find another copy here. If you find one yourself, get it! It's beyond worth it.
Rating:
Summary: How to rate a good book
Review: If you have read any number of books, you would realize that no two are alike. The novel ROAD TO AVALON by Joan Wolf is an incrediable story that made me laugh out loud, care for the characters more than I thought I would, or could, and actually cry! I had tears streaming down my face as I closed the cover of this heart-felt tale. I have never had the pleasure of crying over a book, and I wish I could convince as many people as possible of its quality so they may experience these feelings as well. The one true way to rate any piece of literature, is whether or not it can move you and your emotions with the author's imagination and the way they express it to the readers. In other words, "was it believable, and more importantly, enjoyable?" it most certainly was and I can't wait to read it again!
Rating:
Summary: I'm now obsessed!
Review: Reading is always a way to travel to new and adventorous world! There are only so many books that you can read and actually feel the wind blow against your face. This is one of those book. This book is the greatest journey I've ever taken. I strive to take in all I can on the Arthurian legen now because of this book. I love it!
Rating: 
Summary: Possibly the most romantic version yet
Review: Stop the presses! I've finally found an Arthurian novel in which Morgan, Gwenhwyfar, and Morgause are all sympathetic! Not to mention one with no religious bickering! (At one point in the book, a pagan knight criticizes a grouchy monk. Arthur responds, "If we judged all religions by their human representatives, they would all be found lacking." That's the extent of religious debate in this book, and if someone had said it in _Mists of Avalon_, maybe everyone would have wised up a little.) Arthur, hidden away in an obscure village, falls into the hands of an abusive farmer. One day, his life changes when Merlin, a Roman-type noble of the old school, comes to carry him off to the villa of Avalon, to be raised and taught by Merlin and Ector--and to be trained as the prince he never knew he was. Though his life is more comfortable now, he is still scarred and withdrawn. Only Merlin's daughter Morgan, sweet and shy but with remarkable intelligence and emotional courage, can break through his shell and become his friend. And when they grow up, he falls in love with her, never knowing she is his aunt. Arthur ascends the throne, planning to make Morgan his queen, but Merlin forbids the match and tells him why. Arthur is heartbroken. He wants to defy Merlin, or failing that, to kill himself, but Morgan convinces him to be strong for his kingdom. So Arthur marries the Welsh princess Gwenhwyfar instead. Gwenhwyfar is the most celebrated beauty in her homeland, accustomed to men's adoration, and so it is especially hurtful that Arthur--still in love with Morgan--sees Gwen mostly as a friend. The final insult comes when she takes up with the captain of his cavalry--and Arthur doesn't even care. Gwen loves her husband, and hopes that someday he will come to love her. So you can imagine the turmoil that goes through her mind when a mysterious young man appears at court in the company of Morgause of Orkney--a young man who looks just like Arthur, but gazes at Gwen with the passion her husband denies her. The young man is, of course, Mordred, son of Arthur and Morgan, and is accepted as Arthur's heir. He's a nice guy in this book, so everything seems just peachy for a while, but when Arthur goes to fight a battle in Gaul, a villain whom I won't name, acting out of thwarted passion, unleashes treachery, and the Battle of Camlann is fated. Though _The Road to Avalon_ ends sadly, there is something comfortable and comforting about this retelling of the legend. Why? I think it's because it never makes you take sides. It doesn't feel the need to make one of the women sympathetic and the others evil. It doesn't preach any creed or bash any philosophy. It's just a love story about real people, with good and bad qualities, all of whom we can understand. This may not be my favorite Arthurian novel in terms of prose style, but I recommend it. It is beautiful in a simple way, like Morgan in her garden.
Rating:
Summary: Possibly the most romantic version yet
Review: Stop the presses! I've finally found an Arthurian novel in which Morgan, Gwenhwyfar, and Morgause are all sympathetic! Not to mention one with no religious bickering! (At one point in the book, a pagan knight criticizes a grouchy monk. Arthur responds, "If we judged all religions by their human representatives, they would all be found lacking." That's the extent of religious debate in this book, and if someone had said it in _Mists of Avalon_, maybe everyone would have wised up a little.) Arthur, hidden away in an obscure village, falls into the hands of an abusive farmer. One day, his life changes when Merlin, a Roman-type noble of the old school, comes to carry him off to the villa of Avalon, to be raised and taught by Merlin and Ector--and to be trained as the prince he never knew he was. Though his life is more comfortable now, he is still scarred and withdrawn. Only Merlin's daughter Morgan, sweet and shy but with remarkable intelligence and emotional courage, can break through his shell and become his friend. And when they grow up, he falls in love with her, never knowing she is his aunt. Arthur ascends the throne, planning to make Morgan his queen, but Merlin forbids the match and tells him why. Arthur is heartbroken. He wants to defy Merlin, or failing that, to kill himself, but Morgan convinces him to be strong for his kingdom. So Arthur marries the Welsh princess Gwenhwyfar instead. Gwenhwyfar is the most celebrated beauty in her homeland, accustomed to men's adoration, and so it is especially hurtful that Arthur--still in love with Morgan--sees Gwen mostly as a friend. The final insult comes when she takes up with the captain of his cavalry--and Arthur doesn't even care. Gwen loves her husband, and hopes that someday he will come to love her. So you can imagine the turmoil that goes through her mind when a mysterious young man appears at court in the company of Morgause of Orkney--a young man who looks just like Arthur, but gazes at Gwen with the passion her husband denies her. The young man is, of course, Mordred, son of Arthur and Morgan, and is accepted as Arthur's heir. He's a nice guy in this book, so everything seems just peachy for a while, but when Arthur goes to fight a battle in Gaul, a villain whom I won't name, acting out of thwarted passion, unleashes treachery, and the Battle of Camlann is fated. Though _The Road to Avalon_ ends sadly, there is something comfortable and comforting about this retelling of the legend. Why? I think it's because it never makes you take sides. It doesn't feel the need to make one of the women sympathetic and the others evil. It doesn't preach any creed or bash any philosophy. It's just a love story about real people, with good and bad qualities, all of whom we can understand. This may not be my favorite Arthurian novel in terms of prose style, but I recommend it. It is beautiful in a simple way, like Morgan in her garden.
Rating:
Summary: The Middle Ages
Review: The book the road to avalon is based upon the life of king Auther. This was the greatest book i ever read and have read it three times i recomend this book to someone who wants everything from romance to battle sceens.
Rating:
Summary: An different view of Arthur
Review: The Road to Avalon shows us a non fantasy version of the life of Arthur, showing us a more realistic portrayal of this mythical king. It is easy to see the author's knowledge of the legend, with the inclusions of people such as the monk Gildas and Culwch and Olwen. It gives us a completely different portrayal of Morgan and Mordred, and shows Arthur's unending love towards his friends. A great read! I fully recommend it. :-)
Rating:
Summary: For the true romantic!
Review: The story is a very clever twist on the traditional King Arthur legend, telling the story as it might have happened in real life. It describes how these people could have become the enchanting legend we all know today. It uses splendid storytelling and characterization; the men are sharp and believable, the women are beautiful and sincere, and the action is captivating. This book alone turned me into a great Joan Wolf fan, who is a consummate story teller.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have ever read.
Review: This ranks right up there with The Hobbit. In fact it is the only book I can honestly say I enjoyed as much as I enjoyed the Hobbit. Joan Wolf captures the spirit of Authur completely with this book.
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