Skip to main content

Out of Avalon: An Anthology of Old Magic and New Myths edited by Jennifer Roberson: A Book Review

Out of Avalon: An Anthology of Old Magic and New Myths

Author: Jennifer Roberson (editor)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Anthology 

Publisher: ROC 

Release Date: 2001

Pages: 336

Source: Personal Collection 

Synopsis: Where Magic Was Born and Legend Lives On…


     Avalon. Mist-shrouded, wrapped in magic. The legendary island of the Goddess, resting place of Arthur. This mystical island’s legacy has remained strong over the centuries, becoming a symbol of hope and wonder.


     Out of Avalon presents fifteen original stories of magic, adventure, and romance from an era lost to history—yet always remembered by those with imagination…


     My Review: The legend of King Arthur is one of the most enduring literature of all time. This anthology pays homage to the King Arthur legend by creating fifteen original stories based on the tales. Most of the stories are told from a female perspective. The mythical island of Avalon is the heart of these fifteen stories. Some of the authors are Marion Zimmer Bradley, Diana L. Paxson, Diana Gabaldon, Jennifer Roberson, and many more!


    I was intrigued by this anthology because I had a love of the King Arthur legend. It also featured a new “Avalon” story from Marion Zimmer Bradley and Diana L. Paxson. Therefore, I could not wait to read it! However, most of the stories in the book did not captivate me. I did not care for Marion Zimmer Bradley’s and Diana L. Paxson’s new “Avalon” story. It provided no depth to the characters I loved in Mists of Avalon. My favorite story was “Secret Leaves” by Tricia Sullivan which tells of the doomed romance between Niniane and Merlin. I also liked “Lady of the Lake” by Michelle Sahara West which tells the origins of the Lady of the Lake. “The Mooncalfe” by David Farland was also a very compelling read. As for the other stories, I liked it but it did not really captivate me. 


    Overall, these stories are about loss, love, and friendship. While I liked all of the stories, only a few of them wowed me. I did find them all to be an easy read. Thus, I enjoyed this Avalon anthology. I can’t wait to read the next Avalon anthology, Return to Avalon next! I recommend this for those who love reading everything about King Arthur! I also recommend this for fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley, Diana Gabaldon, and Jennifer Roberson!


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blog Tour: Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter: A Book Review

Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter Fairy Tale Retellings, #1 Publication Date: March 15, 2017 Genres: Historical Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling, Gothic Romance, Adult 🌹 Buy 🌹 Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA B&N Kobo iBooks 🌹 Book Blurb 🌹       Experience the world’s most enchanting and timeless love story—retold with a dark and realistic twist.      A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST      Reclusive and severely scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago.      A BEAUTY IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER FUTURE      Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tituba: The Intentional Witch of Salem by Dave Tamanini: A Book Review

Tituba: The Intentional Witch of Salem Author: Dave Tamanini Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: David F Tamanini Release Date: 2020 Pages: 317 Source: Publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: If you love historical fiction... come revisit Salem's terror in this provocative new telling of enslaved Tituba, no longer a caricature, but a fully human woman with magical powers.      Come! Let Tituba cast its spell with a unique and tantalizing tale that explores the wild emotions driving accusations of witchcraft in 1692.      A Promise and a Hope      Enslaved Tituba has been faithful to a promise to her dying mama in Africa. She has appeased the masters from Barbados to Boston to Salem and waited for her magic.      A Mother’s Agony      When Tituba’s only son dies trying to escape slavery, her life changes forever. After enduring th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dreamland by Nancy Bilyeau

Dreamland Author: Nancy Bilyeau Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Lume Books Release Date: 2020 Pages: 291 Source: Publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: The year is 1911 when twenty-year-old heiress Peggy Batternberg is invited to spend the summer in America’s Playground.       The invitation to Coney Island is unwelcome. Despite hailing from one of America’s richest families, Peggy would much rather spend the summer working at the Moonrise Bookstore than keeping up appearances with New York City socialites and her snobbish, controlling family.      But soon it transpires that the hedonism of Coney Island affords Peggy the freedom she has been yearning for, and it’s not long before she finds herself in love with a troubled pier-side artist of humble means, whom the Batternberg patriarchs would surely disapprove of. Disapprove they may, but hidden behind their pomposity lurks a web...
Post a Comment
Read more