Rating: 
Summary: The TRUE story of Camelot (or so, one may want to believe)
Review: While Tennyson and Malory's writing can be seen as a bit archaic and lacking in depth story telling, "The Mists of Avalon" is an "easy read" and difficult to put down. Although I must admit, it does help to know a little about Arthurian Legends to truly enjoy her "re-telling" of the tale. It's told only from the female characters' perspectives, hence the attention to details and feelings. Being someone who is in love with Old England and Arthurian Legends, I would say that Marion Zimmer Bradley incorporates in depth research and a touch of imagination to create (or re-create) this "historical fantasy".
Rating: 
Summary: Wish I could give it less than one star
Review: I heard so much hype everywhere about how wonderful The Mists of Avalon was. I was sucked in to believing it. Good thing I only got it from the library instead of buying it like I almost did...I was extremely disappointed. The story was so drawn-out and I waited and waited to see if it would become interesting or exciting but I went all the way to the end and...nothing. There was absolutely nothing wonderful of what other people saw in it. Reading it was the worst struggle I've ever had for any fantasy book, mainly due to it being so thick and so boring.There was far to much emphasis on the fight between Christianity and the fading Celts. There wasn't one page that did not have some reference to religion. Of course, I have nothing against religion, but this book was just disturbing... Marion Zimmer Bradley appeared to be 'trying' to portray the two clashing religions positively, but instead she seemed to...taint them. It horrified me to wonder if perhaps some people might think that the way she portrayed religious beliefs are the way they actually are. I'm also unhappy that my view on Morgan is now ruined because of this book :( There was also not much mention of what was happening with the men in the book. There was hardly anything about the wars, Excalibur, etc. So if you want anything to do with the real Arthur legend...you'll be sadly disappointed, so don't bother. I thought maybe I was just unlucky with The Mists of Avalon, so I tried reading another Marion Zimmer book (The Firebrand, a re-telling of Troy)....BIG mistake. It followed the exact same pattern as the Mists, that I swear I was reading the same one again, just half the length. So all-in-all I was extremely disappointed by this book and it didn't get anywhere near the expectations I had for it. I do not recommend it; it's a waste of time and money. Who wants to sit and read a huge book that doesn't go anywhere? I don't. But then, everyone has their own opinion, and that's just mine. Hope it helped. ShatteredCrystalChalice
Rating: 
Summary: Myth touches Reality & the Feminine Divine
Review: Elegantly written. Captivating storytelling. This book brings the people, places and times of Arthurian Legend to life with energy. The best part of the telling is the new meaning and themes that this book brings forth on behalf of the feminine powers of women and the feminine energies of existence. In addition to the glowing reviews that others have said, I have to add this:
There is a purpose and power of the myths in a book such as this in our lives. Mists of Avalon brightly brings forth the meaning of the feminine divine for many of us who are seeking it whether they know it or not. And of course, if you like fantasy epics this will certainly satisfy your craving.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This a disappointing book. It focuses way too much of its energy on the female participents. Without the male characters there isn't a legend to write about. I love strong women as much as the next guy, but the entire story isn't about women. I also don't like all the focus on the battle between the mother goddess and Christianity. By the time Arthur came on the scene the people of Britain had embrassed Christianity. Also I don't think there is any evidence to support a mother goddess cult in Britain. Also Miss Bradley portrays the Druids as these nice smart guys. In reality they were just as pagan as everyone else. She doesn't even touch on the fact that there is evidence that the Druids performed human sacrifices. The book is also way to sappy. It almost reads like a really long soap opera. Other than that it was a good book.
Rating:
Summary: VERY WELL DONE!!!
Review: To the reader who finds MZB's view of Christianity unfair... YOU ARE RIDICULOUS!! I am a catholic and VERY much enjoyed the lively and spirited women in "The Mists of Avalon," especially those of the Lake. This book is to be read and enjoyed for the PERCEPTION it is depicted with. The blunt and interlaced style of women dealing with both sorcery and faith is remarkable, and how the writer delicately combined history and fantasy is notable too in this book. A fantastical read, in both senses of the word!! I would recommend it to anyone!! ENJOY! :)
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Summary: Great portrail of how Christianity treats pagans.
Review: This tail may be a bit harsh on Christianity but it hits the mark on the way Christianity treats any pagan relegion. This tail also explains alot of the mis-conceptions related to alot of pagan religions. If you are an open-minded person and would like to know some back-ground information on the Celtic or Wiccan religion, this is a great sorce. If you believe the tail is true then it is a historical documentary. If you dont believe then this is just a great story to expierence.
Rating: 
Summary: A very unfair portrayal of Christianity
Review: I have heard so many good things about this book, but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. It disappointed me in providing a totally unsympathetic, bigoted view of Christianity. It is true that the early Roman Catholics were harsh and intolerant, but the principles of the Church always were full of insight, intelligence, beauty, truth, and love. This book largely contributes to the stereotype of Catholics as drab and unreasonably demanding. If modern people would just look past all of this, they would find a truly amazing faith.
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Summary: Not the Morgan your mother told you about
Review: If you ever read any Authurian Romance and thought 'hey they really give that Morgan le Fay the shaft!' this is the book for you. Its long, but everyone I have ever asked, including myself, has enjoyed every minute of it. Now that you probably saw the movie, know this: the book kicks major butt to that movie.
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Summary: If you saw the TNT movie....
Review: If you saw the TNT movie that aired recently then you most definately want to read the book. While I thought the movie was good, the book is just so much better! Many of the motivating factors behind the characters actions were left out of the movie. You get to know so little about the lives of the characters in the movie, that they appear flat, often foolish, and none are particullarly likable. While in the book they come to life, filled with passions, and rich personal pasts that direct each of thier downfalls. The book may appear long at first glance, but there are so many vibrant characters, many left out of the movie, that you will feel it was far too short when you reach the end.
Rating: 
Summary: So-So
Review: This book was pretty good, in my opinion. There were things I didn't like about it, such as the length; and there were things about it that I did like, such as a different point of view that is not commonly used. Here are my opinions on many of the good/bad points of "The Mists of Avalon" that are often brought up: 1. Length: Long. 200+ pages probably could have been cut out. Thankfully I had a very long plane flight. 2. Description/Writing Style: The description was often rich and plentiful, but it could have been cut in half, probably. 3. Religious inaccuracy: I didn't really notice it a lot, but then again, I don't know a lot about any religion, including mine(Judism). 4. Historical inaccuracy: I love almost any King Arthur tale, inaccurate or not. Although I noticed some flaws, they didn't bother me much, if at all, because this is a FICTION book. 5. Pagan/Anti-Christain stuff: I didn't care, really. In fact, I liked it because I like to look at other peoples', whether fictional or real, ideas on religion. 6. Characters: Some I loved, some I hated. Guinevere totally annoyed me with her...being herself. I thought Morgaine's son, Mordred, was interesting because he was...different. I can't really remember my opinions on other characters at the moment. 7. Sex scenes: Some were just disgusting--Merlin & Nimue, Morgaine & Arthur, Arthur & Guinevere & Lancelot. Also, to the women and girls who thought of Morgaine, Vivianne, Igraine, and other female charcters as role models: A)Many of the characters gain power through sex. Is this the type of person you really want to look up too. B)Igraine...ugh...she gets with the guy who falls in love with her chest. Now the parts I liked: I liked the story all in all, just wished it could be shorter, I loved the evil Morgause, I liked Vivianne, and I love swordplay/sorcery. Hope that helps.
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