The Mists of Avalon

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Summary: I liked this book very much
Review: I had heard about this book for a long time and bought it because I was feeling sorry for myself. It was a lucky purchase, I loved the book. I have read many versions of the Arthurian legend. The point of view has always been that Morgaine was out for 'revenge' and that's why she seduced her half brother Arthur. Ms. Bradley's version is believable, and plausable. The saga of the romance between Lancelet and Gwenhwyfar is breathlessly romantic and heartbreaking. The book could stand on its own as 'simply' a romance novel. However, it is so much more than that. How the lives are interwoven, and the relationship between Avalon and Camelot, are detailed. There is also, if you take the time to notice it, a commentary on early Christianity and the insistence that it be the 'one true' religion. Ms. Bradley has obviously done her historical homework, and for this reader that is very important. This is an enthralling book.

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Summary: Feminine perspective on the Authurian Legend
Review: Excellent novel. Recounts the Authurian legend from the female viewpoint. Sequel to Forest House and prequel to Lady of Avalon.

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Summary: READ THIS BOOK
Review: with this book marion zimmer bradley has done what anne rice did with "interview with the vampire-" set the standard for any future writers who choose the same theme. i read this book a year ago when i was 13, and i bought it not long after. i recommend it for anyone who enjoys king arthur, druidism/ goddess worship, magic, fighting, romance, feminism or betrayal. this is one of my favorite books of all time (the forest house was also excellent) and i can't wait to get my hands on "lady of avalon." READ IT!!!!!!!!

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Summary: "It's so real it's unbelievable"
Review: when I first got this book I thought that it would take me forever just looking at the first page, but after I finished the first chapter I new that it was about real life back in the medieval times. "Its' so real it's unbelievable," I hope that everyone who reads this book will see that what I have to say is pretty much true.

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Summary: This is the best book i have ever read.
Review: This book got me interested in Arthurian novels, and this is by far the best one I have ever read. It shows the legends of King Arthur from the women's point of view. It is well written and you really feel the characters felings.

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Summary: Ok if you like slutty characters
Review: The Mists of Avalon had a very interesting storyline. However, the characters' family trees were extremely complex. It seemed like everyone was sleeping with or marrying their cousins, aunts, half sisters, ect. In short, their relationships with each other were immoral and really gross. We would have given the book 5 stars (this was written by two friends who have read The Mists of Avalon and this our joint review) if the characters were not so permiscous and incestuous. The book also does not portray an accurate story of the legend of king Arthur. Most of what Bradley wrote was made up. For example, the mother goddess was not a main religion. But overall the book was Ok. Except if you want to read a more accurate and much better account of King Arthur, we strongly recommend reading T.H. White's "The Once and Future King" or Mary Stewart's Arthur series.

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Summary: Badly researched and badly written.
Review: As a feminist and Arthurian fan who had this book ardently recommended to me by many people, I expected to enjoy it. I did not. The research was terrible, the writing was awful, and the characters were made of cardboard.

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Summary: This book hooked me on fantasy from the first chapter.
Review: I first read this novel in high school. Now, 10 years later, I've probably read it 20 times! Ms. Bradley succeeds in taking a familiar legend and making it altogether new. The story of King Arthur from the viewpoint of a woman? In a time in history when women were no more than pawns in the games of the men in their family?? Outstanding!! I strongly recommend this book for teen girls AND boys, along with Ms. Bradley's novel of the fall of Troy, The Firebrand.

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Summary: It read like a stagnant romance novel
Review: I really didn't like this book, it was a required summer reading book for my school, and I didn't think it would ever end. It is way too feminist for my taste.

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Summary: Long, but WELL worth it!
Review: My friend saw me reading this book and told me that it was just another boring cry for feminism, but despite her opinion, I got through the book, and I couldn't put it down. This is now one of my favorite books, and I hope to read more by MZB. The characters were well-developed and you felt like you really knew them. I was almost crying at the end, and I was extremely disappointed to see it come to an end, after having it to read for three weeks, it was hard to find anything else to satisfy me.