Skip to main content

The Fall of Atlantis by Marion Zimmer Bradley: A Book Review

The Fall of Atlantis
Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Baen
Release Date: 1987
Pages: 512
Source: Personal Collection 

Synopsis: A wounded Atlantean prince...a deadly battle between Dark and Light...and the sisters Deoris and Domaris, whose lives are changed utterly by the magic involving them. These are the elements of The Fall of Atlantis, Marion Zimmer Bradley's epic fantasy about that ancient and legendary realm.


     On one side stand the Priests of the White Robe, guardians of powerful natural forces which could threaten the world if misused. Ranged against them are the Black Robes, sorcerers who secretly practice their arts in the labyrinthine caves beneath the very Temple of Light. Caught between are Domaris and Deoris, daughters of the arch-priest Talkannon, trapped in a web of deadly sorcery--the same forbidden sorcery that could bring about the fall of Atlantis. 


     My Review: The Fall of Atlantis is the first in a prequel series that leads up to The Mists of Avalon. It tells the tale of two sisters who are priestesses in a Temple of Light. Domaris, who is the elder sister, is drawn to Light. However, Deoris is drawn to Darkness. The choices that these two girls make leads to the fall of Atlantis.


     Domaris was my favorite character in the novel. I love how she was protective and caring towards those she loved. She is very wise and thoughtful. I also loved that she is a very loyal character. Thus, I admired her striving to protect her sister who is drawn to the darkness. She is willing to give her life for hers which I find very compelling. Thus, I admired Domaris’s strength and love.


     Deoris was also a likable character. Her arc is both fascinating and strange. She is often rebellious and jealous. Deoris is also the type who is willing to do anything for love. Even though Deoris is drawn to the Darkness, I hoped that she would turn away from it. Thus, I was eager to learn her ending.


     Overall, this novel is about sisterhood, love, and motherhood. The characters, including the villain, were all fascinating and complex characters. The world-building is very intricate and feels realistic. Initially, I was disappointed that the setting was not on Atlantis until the end. It was not until the end that I realized why the majority of the book was not set in Atlantis. Afterwards, it made sense, and I found the wait to be worth it. Thus, The Fall of Atlantis was a beautifully written and well-crafted novel. I look forward to reading the other novels in the Avalon series. I can’t wait to read Ancestors of Avalon next because I would like to know what happens to the remaining characters in the Fall of Atlantis. I recommend this novel for fans of Greek mythology! The novel is perfect for those who love Madeline Miller, Amalia Carosella, and Kerry Greenwood!


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Guest Post by Elisa DeCarlo: From Corsets to Chemises: Fashion as Liberation

  Today's guest writer is Elisa DeCarlo. Elisa DeCarlo has published two novels, Strong Spirits and The Devil You Say as well as The Abortionist's Daughter . Her work is also in a number of anthologies. Elisa has also written and performed a number of solo shows across the country. In 2013, the Exit Press will publish an anthology of her stage work. Elisa was born in Westchester, NY, and grew up there and in New York City. As an actress, she has performed in television, radio and film. In her guest post, Elisa DeCarlo talks women's fashion in the 1910s. Be sure to check out my review of The Abortionist's Daughter soon. Thank you, Mrs. DeCarlo. From Corsets to Chemises: Fashion As Liberation In The Abortionist’s Daughter , which is set in 1916, the evolution of the main character, Melanie Daniels, is not only shown by her thoughts actions, but also her clothes.  Since I am an obsessed fashion buff, I had to write about the clothes! Queen Victoria ...

The Blue Butterfly: A Novel of Marion Davies by Leslie Johansen Nack

The Blue Butterfly: A Novel of Marion Davies Author: Leslie Johansen Nack Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: She Writes Press Release Date: May 3rd, 2022 Pages: 352 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: New York 1915, Marion Davies is a shy eighteen-year-old beauty dancing on the Broadway stage when she meets William Randolph Hearst and finds herself captivated by his riches, passion and desire to make her a movie star. Following a whirlwind courtship, she learns through trial and error to live as Hearst’s mistress when a divorce from his wife proves impossible. A baby girl is born in secret in 1919 and they agree to never acknowledge her publicly as their own. In a burgeoning Hollywood scene, she works hard making movies while living a lavish partying life that includes a secret love affair with Charlie Chaplin. In late 1937, at the height of the depression, Hearst wrestles with his debtors and failing health, when Marion loan...

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon: A Book Review

Code Name Helene Author: Ariel Lawhon Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Doubleday Books Release Date: 2020 Pages: 464 Source: Publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: BASED ON THE THRILLING REAL-LIFE STORY OF SOCIALITE SPY NANCY WAKE, comes the newest feat of historical fiction from the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia , featuring the astonishing woman who killed a Nazi with her bare hands and went on to become one of the most decorated women in WWII.      Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène is a spellbinding and moving story of enduring love, remarkable sacrifice and unfaltering resolve that chronicles the true exploits of a woman who deserves to be a household name.      It is 1936 and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for Hearst newspaper when s...