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

Deborah Swift's Book Blast

HF Virtual Book Tours is delighted to introduce you to historical novelist Deborah Swift! Deborah’s acclaimed novels are set in turbulent seventeenth century England and have been described as “brilliant” and “a must for all readers looking for something out of the ordinary but grippingly alive”. Her previous life as a scenographer and costume designer shine through as the settings are beautifully evoked, immersing the reader in the sights and smells of the time. Deborah’s multi-layered and engrossing historical adventures will make perfect picks for reading groups. Reading Group Guides can be conveniently found in the back of each book and on her website. Find more information on Deborah's novels below and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card (£15 UK)! The Lady's Slipper Publication Date: June 3, 2011 Pan MacMillan Formats: Ebook, Paperback England, 1660. The King is back, but memories of the English Civil War still rankle. In rural Westmorland, artist Alice I...

Interview with Paula Margulies

     Today, I have the opportunity to interview Paula Margulies. She has recently wrote a novel about Pocahontas called Favorite Daughter, Part One , which won an Editor’s Choice Award at the 24th Annual San Diego State University Writer’s Conference. The story creates a different perspective to the American heroine. It is told in first person narrative, and it is how Pocahontas at a young age embarks through the many changes of her life. By doing so she transforms into a strong, courageous, wise woman. I am very pleased that she took the time to grant me this interview and to generously donate a copy of her novel to the giveaway. I look forward to reading her books in the future, and check back for my review of Favorite Daughter’s Part One soon. This interview is to give readers insight about her and her novel. Thank you, Mrs. Margulies. 1. Where and when do you write?  In my home office mostly, although I try to sneak away to artist residencies whenever ...

La Belle Creole: The Cuban Countess who Captivated Havana, Madrid and Paris by Alina Garcia-Lapuerta: A Book Review

La Belle Creole: The Cuban Countess who Captivated Havana, Madrid and Paris Author: Alina Garcia-Lapuerta Genre: Nonfiction, Biography, History Publisher: Chicago Review Press Release Date: September 1, 2014 Pages: 320 Source:  Netgalley/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: The adventurous woman nicknamed La Belle Creole is brought to life in this book through the full use of her memoirs, contemporary accounts, and her intimate letters. The fascinating Maria de las Mercedes Santa Cruz y Montalvo, also known as Mercedes, and later the Comtesse Merlin, was a Cuban-born aristocrat who was years ahead of her time as a writer, a socialite, a salon host, and a participant in the Cuban slavery debate. Raised in Cuba and shipped off to live with her socialite mother in Spain at the age of 13, Mercedes triumphed over the political chaos that blanketed Europe in the Napoleonic days, by charming aristocrats from all sides with her exotic beauty and singing voice. She m...