Rating: 
Summary: I wasn't sure at first, but became enthralled.
Review: I was not really "sold" on the book at first. But the more I read, the more I fell in love with the story and characters. I love the fact that the book is written with great compassion from a womans point of view. The characters make mistakes, yet survive and learn from them. By the time I finished this book, I had to get the next book in the series. That led to the next book and the next... These books are "keepers". I want to keep them on my shelves and re-read them. I even had to buy the DVD movie of the Mists of Avalon. I am now a completely avid fan of the series.
Rating:
Summary: The women of Camelot
Review: This is the familiar story of Arthur and Camelot but as told by the women of the story, Arthur's mother, his wife and others but mostly his half-sister Morgaine. The main conflict of the story is not Knights vs Saxons as is often the main theme of this story but instead the clash of cultures as the older Goddess centered religion of the Celts is pushed aside by Christianity. Neither faith is presented as 'right' or better but each is shown to have flaws. The characters are drawn not as heroes or villians but as real people with both good and bad qualities.The descriptions in the book are so detailed and well done that it is possible to visualize each person, each setting as if pictures had been provided. As exacting as the descriptions are the ending is frustrating. The story ends as it must, with the ruin of Camelot. The frustration comes from the realization that each character acted in the way they had felt was right and true to their beliefs but that had lead all to pain and ruin in the end. I read this book when it first came out and loved it then, when I saw that it was being made into a film I read it again then saw the film. I have just finished my third time through the book. Each time I have gotten something more from the story. My reactions have ranged from pride in the strength of women, contempt for narrow mindedness, frustration that the characters all seemed doomed to their fates to name a few. This latest reading has left me with a quote from Morgaine "I have called on the Goddess and found her within myself."
Rating:
Summary: fantastic, mezmerizing
Review: I absolutly loved this book. It is the retelling of the tale of King Arthur, from the viewpoint of his half-sister, who is not the villin that others would have us think. I finished it in a few days, I just couldn't put it down!! As a pagan, I appreciated the Goddess-oriented telling of the tale. The imagary was fantastic, and the discriptions of the rituals was entertaining. Having said that, one must keep in mind that this *is* fiction, and not to be taken as being historically accurate. Read the book, you'll like it. I should also mention that I have seen and own the movie. It doesn't follow the book exactly, but I enjoyed it as well!
Rating: 
Summary: Strong, enchanting, feministic novel
Review: I read this book barely knowing anything about the Arthurian legend save a little bit about the knights of the Round Table. I was amazed at the actul depth this novel carried. All characters were multidimensional with inner conflicts that made them seem human instead of fiction. Another great aspect of the novel concerned the heavily debated topic of theology and acceptance of another's religion. The reader becomes so heavily involved in the story and starts to feel real sorrow and pity for the characters involved. I somehow felt the ending was a little weak but perhaps that is what happens when all the characters grow old an loose their childlike innocence and fervor. Unrequitted and unattainable love seem to be two major themes in this novel aside from there religious debate. Overall this novel contained a lot of depth and aside from its ficticious nature, a lot situations many can relate to. The setting also plays a huge part in the novel. Marion Simmer Bradley does an excellent job with description in this novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Have the Knights of Camelot Ever Seemed So Wretched?
Review: While this is certainly a well-written book, and an epic tale, I was glad to be done with it. This is the first book I read about the legend of Arthur and Camelot, and the overwhelming feeling I got from it was wretchedness. I had brought to the table images of gallant and glorious knights and adventure, expecting tales of bravery, brotherhood, and battle. But instead these characters are all deeply flawed and spend most of their time betraying and murdering each other. Since the book is written from the women's perspective, battles and adventures often happen off-screen, between chapters, and you see the knights riding off and perhaps returning, or it is summarized in a sentence or two. Meanwhile, you peer into the wretched lives of the tormented characters, as watch as every "beloved" character falls into ruination and death. And it's not just the characters that you see like this. There is a strong religious theme in this book, showing the ruination and decline of the Goddess religion at the hands of the Christians. Gwenhwyfar herself is a dispicable character, obsessed with sin and slave to the church. You read the book from the perspective of these manipulating, conniving characters and watch the horrors that befall the noble great characters at their hands. And this just isnt very enjoyable to me. I'm going to read "The Once and Future King" next and hope it comes closer to the ideas of the knights of Camelot I grew up with.
Rating:
Summary: Best book of... EVER!!!
Review: If you have ever read a book that made you say "wow" after you read it you should add this book to your list.
The Mists of Avalon is unlike most books on the subject of Aruthrian legends, because it is told through the eyes of the women who were there. Morgaine ( more commonly known as Morgan Le Fay), Viviane ( The Lady of the Lake), Gwenhyfar, Morgause, and Igraine.
Each Character has there own feelings on the subject, as if you think they are alive. You really feel there anger, hatred, or love towards other characters.
The only flaw I saw in the book was that it was just a little confusing with how Ms. Bradley switched character to character, but that is only a minor flaw. I have to say, if you are a devout Christian, you may not want to read this book. Since you see through the eyes of priestesses, you will hear there veiw of Christians, which was pretty bad.
I highly recommend this book for people who are intrested in Arthurian Legends or who would just like a good read.
.....
Rating:
Summary: A fantastic look into lives of women of the Arthur legend!
Review: After reading The Once and Future King, I was terribly excited to read this book knowing it would expand on the Arthur tale. The characters are so well developed and pull you into the book, which is something I admire. Bradley has an uncanny way of sucking you in. Once you pick up this book, it's hard to put it down. The writing is superb.
Bradley changes a few things about the Arthur legend, but the changes give the legend a more "real" sense and were cleverly done. The detail and research she did was intriguing.
This book is much more real than TOFK. Not that the older book is bad, but Bradley works her magic and makes her characters more understandable and their actions can be better justified.
It's a GREAT book. If you want to dive deeper into the Arthur legend pick up this book. It will certainly open your eyes to new ideas about the once and future king and the women behind him.
Rating:
Summary: What a wonderful read!
Review: I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone, especially someone who enjoys the Arthurian legends. I love how the women of this book are so empowered and have a hand in the fate of Arthur. Pick this book up and be prepared to not want to put it down!
Rating:
Summary: Pure inspiration
Review: I believe this is the best book Bradley has ever written--or is ever likely to write. It is absolutely inspired with the kind of writer's magic that only comes from writing from the heart. A story like this cannot be coaxed from the head alone. The interweaving of the characters, the struggle between old beliefs and new, the historic timeline all dovetail beautifully to create a tapestry of myth, magic and emotion. I wish I had written this book!
Rating: 
Summary: DISAPPOINTMENT FROM A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK
Review: I read this book a number of years ago based on rave reviews by a number of my friends. I was unable to finish it. I slogged
through 3/4ths of it before giving up. It was quite awhile ago so I can't go into too many specifics but i do remember flat,
unsympathetic, un-likable characters. The women all seemed to view themselves as victims. Strong women, even if victimized
usually don't have the time to wallow in self pity as these characters seemed to. It all became too irritating & honestly too boring
for me.
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