The Forest House (Avalon #2) by Marion Zimmer Bradley: A Book Review

The Forest House (Avalon #2)

Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

Publisher: Ace

Release Date: 1995

Pages: 434

Source: Personal Collection

Synopsis: The New York Times bestselling science fiction and fantasy author of the Avalon series introduces the prequel to the beloved and enduring classic The Mists of Avalon in this mesmerizing epic of one woman’s legendary role at a turning point in history.

In a Britain struggling to survive Roman invasion, Eilan is the daughter of a Druidic warleader, gifted with visions and marked by fate to become a priestess of the Forest House.

But fate also led Eilan to Gaius, a soldier of mixed blood, son of the Romans sent to subdue the native British. For Gaius, Eilan felt forbidden love, and her terrible secret will haunt her even as she is anointed as the new High Priestess. With mighty enemies poised to destroy the magic the Forest House shelters, Eilan must trust in the power of the great Goddess to lead her through the treacherous labyrinth of her destiny.

My Review: The Forest House is the prequel to The Mists of Avalon. It is also a direct sequel to Ravens of Avalon. The Forest House is a retelling of Bellini’s opera, Norma. Elian is the granddaughter of the Arch-Druid of Britain. She is fated to become a Druid priestess. However, she is in love with a Roman soldier named Gaius. When she becomes High Priestess, she must keep her love for Gaius a secret. However, the British tribes wish to wage war against the Romans. However, Eilan works to bridge between the Romans and the British even if it costs her own life.

I love the opera, Norma, especially the aria, “Casta Diva”. Therefore, I was ecstatic to read The Forest House. This novel proves to follow the opera very faithfully. It also gives the characters more of a backstory. I also like how it sets up elements for The Mists of Avalon.

I adore Eilan, who is Norma’s counterpart. I liked how the novel portrays her from a naive child to a mature woman. I love how The Forest House portrays her as a mother. She strives to work hard to make a better world for her son. I also love how she is devoted to her goddess and always follows her will, especially when she doesn’t want to. I love how she remains steadfastly loyal in her love to Gaius, especially when he strays. Therefore, Eilan is a remarkable character.

I detested Gaius. I hated reading his chapters. Gaius is very ambitious and selfish. He is very unfaithful to Eilan. He frequently disapproves of her when she becomes High Priestess. Yet, Gaius never stops and thinks about Eilan’s dreams, wishes, and goals. Instead, he abandons her and moves from one woman to another. Therefore, I did not think he loved Eilan. The only person he loved was himself.

Overall, this novel is about forbidden love, war, peace, and belonging. I found the characters to be fleshed-out and realistic. I also love the setting and thought that Ancient Britain had come alive. However, I struggled with this novel especially in the beginning because of its slow pace, and that I did not care for Gaius’s chapters. I think The Forest House is the weakest novel in The Mists of Avalon series so far. Nevertheless, I am eager to read Lady of Avalon! It is still an enjoyable series!

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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