Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Release Date: 2001
Pages: 912
Source: Personal Collection
Synopsis: The magical saga of the women behind King Arthur’s throne.
In Marion Zimmer Bradley's masterpiece, we see the tumult and adventures of Camelot's court through the eyes of the women who bolstered the king's rise and schemed for his fall. From their childhoods through the ultimate fulfillment of their destinies, we follow these women and the diverse cast of characters that surrounds them as the great Arthurian epic unfolds stunningly before us. As Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar struggle for control over the fate of Arthur's kingdom, as the Knights of the Round Table take on their infamous quest, as Merlin and Viviane wield their magics for the future of Old Britain, the Isle of Avalon slips further into the impenetrable mists of memory, until the fissure between old and new worlds' and old and new religions' claims its most famous victim.
My Review: The legends of King Arthur are among some of the most famous literature of all time. The Mists of Avalon retells the story of King Arthur from Morgan Le Fay’s perspective. Morgaine is the older half-sister of King Arthur. She is trained as a priestess of Avalon. When King Arthur betrays his vows of loyalty to Avalon, Morgaine is deeply conflicted. Slowly, Morgaine becomes King Arthur’s greatest enemy. By turning on King Arthur, Morgaine wonders if she is doing the will of her goddess or her own.
Morgan LeFay has always been one of the greatest villains in Arthurian legend. In this novel, Morgaine is a very complex figure. She is not a perfect heroine. She has made many ruthless actions that hurt those she loved. However, she is deeply religious. She believes that her duty is to protect the Druid ways in Britain and to follow her goddess. All of Morgaine’s actions are because of her spiritual beliefs. Therefore, Morgaine embarks on a spiritual journey to find her goddess. Even though I disliked Morgaine’s cruel actions, I still found her to be a very compelling heroine. I was very intrigued to see how she would end. I loved how Morgaine evolved and grew wiser throughout the novel.
Overall, this novel is about religion, sisterhood, and power. I found all of the characters to be morally grey and well-rounded characters. Even though the novel is long in page length, I did not feel its length. There was enough drama, romance, and adventure that was very entertaining and at times shocking! Even though the book ended, it! I did not want this book to end because I felt like I had come to know each of the characters. The story is beautifully-written and lyrical! I love how the author made Arthurian Britain come alive! I can see why The Mists of Avalon has been a beloved classic for decades! This is definitely a novel I will revisit again! I recommend this novel for fans of Nicole Evelina, Persia Woolley, and Rosalind Miles! The Mists of Avalon is an epic that you should not miss!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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