Rating: 
Summary: A Novel Take On A Classic Tale - Superb!!
Review: Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" is one of my favorite versions of the Arthurian legend. I first read the novel in the early 1990s, right after its publication. I reread it recently and was surprised at how much I enjoyed this extraordinary novel the second time around. I turned the pages more slowly and took more time to savor Ms. Bradley's excellent narrative and fresh version of the legendary saga of the rise and fall of Camelot. Her take on the classic characters gives them new depth and dimension. She tells her tale from a feminine perspective, and while the King and knights of Camelot dwell on war, battles and keeping their golden city and realm safe, along with focusing on chivalric honor, the women have different priorities and concerns.
The tale is told from the points of view of the much maligned Morgaine, (Morgana Le Fey), Priestess of Avalon and Gwenhwyfar, (Gwynivere), Christian princess and future queen of Camelot. Although most of the events of the traditional Arthurian legend are presented here, it is extremely interesting how the tale, told by men, changes when viewed through the eyes and experiences of a woman. This is also the important story of the political and religious conflict between the new Christianity and the "old ways" of goddess worship. Believers of each religion seek to control the throne, but ultimately Christianity ascends to be the organized religion of the land. Since Morgaine is a Druid High Priestess, it would explain why she received such a bad rap in Christian civilization. The reader also views other famous female characters from a different vantage point, including Igraine, Morgaine's and Arthur's mother, Ms. Bradley follows Morgaine from childhood to Priestess in her home on the Isle of Avalon, the center of Druidism and goddess worship since the Roman occupation forced the religion underground, where it remained long after the Roman departure. Mists surround this mystical isle, protecting it and its inhabitants from all who do not have the psychic powers to penetrate the barrier. Morgaine has dedicated her life to preserving her ancient religion and tries to defend it against the growing numbers of her countrymen and the Camelot royalty who exchange the old ways for Christianity. She is also a very powerful person and struggles against the stereotypes which expect her to adhere to more traditional "feminine," (dependent), behavior and roles. Bradley also follows the lovely Gwenhwyfar from the innocence of her girlhood to her rise as King Arthur's Christian Queen. She deeply fears Druid magic and her terror causes her to miscarry a long awaited baby. King Arthur's acquiescence to his wife's pleas to turn his back on the old ways and adopt Christianity is the beginning of the cataclysmic fall of his reign. This is a most unique novel and Ms. Bradley's innovative fantasy version of Camelot, Britain during the Dark Ages, and the profound changes which took place in the land and among the people during this period had me riveted until I completed the last page. If you are open to a different take on a classic tale, then I highly recommend this wonderful novel.
JANA
Rating:
Summary: Avalon has never been so unveiled
Review: The Mists of Avalon is an extraordinary work of fiction, strongly weaving the old tail of Arthur with new and interesting people, times, ideas, and basically new worlds. I recieved this book as a Christmas present, a couple months ago, and am almost finished. Don't look at this book with skeptitism, nor it just being female based, for this is one of the best books of time, and shouldn't be kept out of your lives. Mists of Avalon starts at Tintagel, telling the story at Arthur's mother's (Igraine) point of view. It progresses to where she is widowed from Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, and marries Uther Pendragon. Then, the story shifts over to Morgaine, Igraine's daughter, where she becomes a priestess on the Isle of Avalon, and is sent into the Beltane Fires, where she becomes in the likeness of the Goddess, and her brother, Arthur, as the Horned God. And so on. I strongly advise you to read this book. For new insights on life, along as a new understanding of the Athurian Legend.
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal
Review: I received this book in the early 90's as a birthday present - and have loved it ever since. I've read it through at least 10 times, each time picking up a little bit more (which is easy to do given the length!) It puts a whole new spin on King Arthur's half sister, Moragaine, aka Morgan le Fey. I think the introuduction where Morgaine speaks really adds a lot to this story that is filled with love, deception, pride, loyalty, revenge and amazing strengths and weaknesses of character. I do believe Arthur could have been portrayed as a bit stronger - he was strongly influenced by so many people, I often wondered if he ever made any decisions on his own. Now that the prequels are out, I recommend reading them first. They set the tone and help you understand Vivaine's reasons behind actions that otherwise make your heart scream. I also recommend the reading the book before seeing the movie. There were many scenes cut out of the movie and much that needed explanation. This book was - by far - MZB's masterpiece!
Rating:
Summary: King Arthur Lives in The Mists of Avalon
Review: Desire, mystery, adventure and deception -- these are a few of the many virtues that this epic novel holds within its grasp. The Mists of Avalon is the tale of the Arthurian legends as you have never read them before, from the vantage point of the women. The story is told primarily by Morgaine of the Fairies, Arthur's sister. The glorious tale is of King Arthur coming to power and his life-long struggle between the two religions he is bound to, the old ways of the Goddess and the new Christianity. While reading this book, the reader witnesses first hand everything that the Arthurian legends have to offer, from the crowning of King Arthur to the knights of his round table.
On the cover of the book, The Mists of Avalon is advertised as "the magical saga of the women behind King Arthur's throne", that that claim really does not do the book justice. The story is the magical saga of everyone behind and amongst King Arthur's court. The author does such a magnificent job of describing the characters in her book that it would shortchange them all to mention just the women. The reader gets such a sense that what and whom he is reading about is real and true that one feels almost like he is sitting in Camelot's Great Hall while Arthur and his companions dine on the great feast of Pentacost. Every detail of every event teems with life. Another reason to recommend the book is the thick entwinement of the characters' relationships with each other. While reading this book, one feels such a connection with the main characters as to truly feel their emotions. To get involved with the characters' lives in The Mists of Avalon is truly a privilege that no one who loves to read should miss. The one reason that anyone might disagree with this heartfelt recommendation is that some might think that there is too much detail in the book, that it is too wordy. This thought slanders the very essence of the book and the reason for what makes it so great. The Mists of Avalon is a book to be savored, not devoured. The bottom line is that this book has everything for everyone. If one loves adventure, you will find yourself right along side Lancelot fighting the evil dragon that haunts King Pellinore's lake. If you are a feminist, you will delight in the retelling of a story that historically is a tale of masculine dominance into one that gives the perspective that women will always rule over men, in some way or another. If one loves romance, you will be enthralled by the clandestine love affair between Lancelot and the High Queen Gwenhwyfar. And finally, if you are a person that loves a climactic ending, well, you'll just have to read the book to find out what's in store for you!
Rating: 
Summary: A worthy re-telling of an ancient legend
Review: Having read Mists of Avalon, I felt immediately compelled, before completing it, to recommend it to several friends. In hindsight, I can say that I still recognize it as a worthy book but one that still has flaws that prevent it from being great in my opinion. In the book's favor, the idea of telling the legend from the women's point of view is fresh and interesting... to a point. I got tired of reading about who was trying to have a baby and give a son to a noble. It helps to drive home the point of how limited the woman's role was in some Christian lands but it still grated. I wish Morgaine had spent more time away from the simpering ladies-in-waiting and instead worked her magic and pulled the strings. On that note, Guinevere was the worst of the lot with her narrow minded religious bigotry and got tiresome. Some state the novel is historically inaccurate. Perhaps but Bradley weaves a spell that makes it seem real and encompassing, a glamour as enchanting as any cast in the book. I do wonder if Christianity was unfairly portrayed in Mists but I didn't find it hard to believe the priests would be so, at least some. I do wish some had showed more compassion. Also, were there some dark elements of the druidic religion glossed over? Plot is a bit erratic but it is to be expected in the 50+ year span of the epic and it seems more organic and natural. Any possible flaws I feel were made up with excellent writing and strong characterization among the main characters though I feel some characters were overused and more interesting ones, like Mordred and Taeslin, were underused. But these characters have been used extensively in other re-tellings. Regardless, I cared for the characters, their trials and tribulations with the exception of the endless mooning of Morgaine and Guinever for Lancelet. Still, that is the power of love. Those looking for more traditional fantasy may wish to look elsewhere. Magic is scarce and little battle is scene, plotting behind the scenes replacing these mainstays instead. For the length, the books does get unwieldly at 870 pages and I felt many early pages contributed little or were redudant. The last book (Prisoner of the Oak tree) is astounding however and I felt it could have gone on longer and I never would have regretted that.
Rating:
Summary: A fresh perspective on a familiar tale
Review: I'm immensely amused by the readers who complained that this novel was "historically inaccurate" and "Arthurian Britain wasn't really like this." We don't know enough about the period, or the historical original of "Arthur," to make such claims (I have a Ph.D. in medieval literature and have researched the subject pretty thoroughly). Nor were Malory and his predecessors writing "history" in the sense we understand it; their versions are just as much a "fictionalization" of an earlier period as this is. Although the Arthurian myths (like other myths) reflect events and characters from an earlier time, they're primarily MYTHS, and every era (and every teller) has given them a different spin.
Bradley is a worthy addition to these ranks: she presents the familiar material from a fresh perspective, creates memorable characters and situations, and weaves an amazing amount of myth (as well as archeological and historical data) into a complex but generally well-thought-out and compelling story. One can find flaws in particular episodes or characters, but in general the book is an impressive achievement. And for those readers who complain that the characters are self-centered or have mixed motives -- well, isn't that the point, that although human beings' actions and perspectives may be deeply flawed, the Goddess sees that it all works out in the end? (I find Bradley's Lancelot considerably more credible than Tennyson's!)
Rating:
Summary: Women of Avalon
Review: I've always loved the King Arthur and Camelot books and movies. I loved that Marion Zimmer Bradley told the story from the womens perspectives. It put a twist on what I've read and seen in other books and movies. I felt for these characters, Morgan of the Fairies, Gwenhwyfar, Lancelot, Ingraine, Vivian, and of course Arthur. But at the end of the book I really disliked Gwenhwyfar, Lancelot, and Arthur and was hoping for Morgan to come out happy. With all of her power she was the one who struggled the most in her life.
I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend and it has become on of my favorite reads thus far. The book does build tension between the old Pagan religion and Christianity. Morgan and Arthur were both born to Ingraine, who was daughter to the Lady of the Lake (Pagan). Ingraine was married off young and sent to Cornwell (Christian) and had Morgan. Then when her husband died she married Uther (Arthur's father). That part of the book just in itself is very interesting reading. Morgan was sent to Avalon to study the old ways (Pagan religion) while Arthur married Gwenhwyfar and she persuaded him to be a Christian King. In my opinion that's where the major twists and turns of the book starts. The author details (more so than I've seen in other books) the Pagan religion and the ways of Avalon. This is a very lengthy read... but it grabs you and keeps you wanting more page-by-page.
Rating: 
Summary: Good but tooooooo long
Review: When I started this 800+ page book, I loved it. It captured my imagination and gave me a new perspective of the females in the Arthurian legend. Learning more about Morgaine's childhood and what shaped her was interesting. Around page 750 or so, it became somewhat of a chore to continue reading though. While I had to know what became of the characters, it became harder and harder to care, which disappointed me, as I really wanted to LOVE this book. While I recommend this book as an interesting slant on Arthur, Lancelet, Gwenhwyfar et al...I do so with the caution that it's a long drawn out read.
Rating:
Summary: A Novel Take On A Classic Tale - Superb!!
Review: Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" is one of my favorite versions of the Arthurian legend. I first read the novel in the early 1990s, right after its publication. I reread it recently and was surprised at how much I enjoyed this extraordinary novel the second time around. I turned the pages more slowly and took more time to savor Ms. Bradley's excellent narrative and fresh version of the legendary saga of the rise and fall of Camelot. Her take on the classic characters gives them new depth and dimension. She tells her tale from a feminine perspective, and while the King and knights of Camelot dwell on war, battles and keeping their golden city and realm safe, along with focusing on chivalric honor, the women have different priorities and concerns.
The tale is told from the points of view of the much maligned Morgaine, (Morgana Le Fey), Priestess of Avalon and Gwenhwyfar, (Gwynivere), Christian princess and future queen of Camelot. Although most of the events of the traditional Arthurian legend are presented here, it is extremely interesting how the tale, told by men, changes when viewed through the eyes and experiences of a woman. This is also the important story of the political and religious conflict between the new Christianity and the "old ways" of goddess worship. Believers of each religion seek to control the throne, but ultimately Christianity ascends to be the organized religion of the land. Since Morgaine is a Druid High Priestess, it would explain why she received such a bad rap in Christian civilization. The reader also views other famous female characters from a different vantage point, including Igraine, Morgaine's and Arthur's mother, Ms. Bradley follows Morgaine from childhood to Priestess in her home on the Isle of Avalon, the center of Druidism and goddess worship since the Roman occupation forced the religion underground, where it remained long after the Roman departure. Mists surround this mystical isle, protecting it and its inhabitants from all who do not have the psychic powers to penetrate the barrier. Morgaine has dedicated her life to preserving her ancient religion and tries to defend it against the growing numbers of her countrymen and the Camelot royalty who exchange the old ways for Christianity. She is also a very powerful person and struggles against the stereotypes which expect her to adhere to more traditional "feminine," (dependent), behavior and roles. Bradley also follows the lovely Gwenhwyfar from the innocence of her girlhood to her rise as King Arthur's Christian Queen. She deeply fears Druid magic and her terror causes her to miscarry a long awaited baby. King Arthur's acquiescence to his wife's pleas to turn his back on the old ways and adopt Christianity is the beginning of the cataclysmic fall of his reign. This is a most unique novel and Ms. Bradley's innovative fantasy version of Camelot, Britain during the Dark Ages, and the profound changes which took place in the land and among the people during this period had me riveted until I completed the last page. If you are open to a different take on a classic tale, then I highly recommend this wonderful novel.
JANA
Rating:
Summary: The Mists of Avalon
Review: I think the "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is an amazing book. This is because of the reasoning in this book is from Morgaine La Faes point of view and lady Gwenhwyfars point of view. Also this book is not only about Arthur and Camelot it tells of his betral to the old Gods and Goddesses at the hands of his queen. My most favorite thing about this book is that it's not a prequel or a sequel but an other side of the truth. I think the bestpart of this book is when their at the crop blessing and she is struggling with with the love she feals for her husbands son. And as she is pondering what to do she remembers the duid teachings she had learned. An she thinks how it has been imprinted on her soul that all men she loves would be to close to kin. First her foster mothers son, then her mothers son, and now her husbands son.
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