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The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley Book Review

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Review Summary
Based on Arthurian Legend, Morgaine LeFay becomes a priestess and struggles against society and herself to keep Avalon from receding into the Mists. It is sort of the "untold" story of Arthur.
Amanthrael, Resident Scholar

This is the story of King Arthur retold from the point of women, mainly Morgaine. It is told how she came to bear Arthur a child and how after she became his enemy.
Lani, Resident Scholar

This novel is a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspectives of the most important women involved, including the Lady Igrane, Morgaine le Fey, Viviane the Lady of the Lake, Gwenhyfar, and several others. It never claims to be telling the “true” story of the great King Arthur, but tells the story the way it was seen, mostly by Morgaine, Arthur's half-sister, lover, and friend. This wonderfully crafted novel conveys so much raw emotion that the reader cannot help but feel they are inside it's world.
Colleen, Resident Scholar

An unforgettable interpretation of King Arthur as told by the women in his life. Arthurs' sister, Morgaine becomes a prominent part of the tale, showing that her struggle with becoming a priestess of Avalon and her love for someone she could not have is as compelling as Arthur's story.
Laurie Poisson, Resident Scholar

This is a re-telling of the Arthurian legend, as told through the eyes of the women in his life. Morgaine, his half-sister, Gwennyfwahr his queen and Vivianne, the Lady of the Lake.

A very vivid and involved story, the characters are well written and you really feel like you are there.

Annette Gisby, author of Silent Screams

Annette Gisby, Resident Scholar

This book is about the legend of King Arthur, as told through the eyes of the women who possessed power from behind the throne. It is mainly focused upon Morgaine, Arthur's half-sister, who was raised in Avalon to be a priestess and worshipper of the Mother Goddess, but flees after a devastating encounter with Arthur leaves her shaken, distressed, and pregnant (literally).
Cameron Santiago, Resident Scholar

A female perspective on the life of King Arthur. Arthur is seen as a political pawn with relatively little power, while his wife, sister, mother and aunt are responsible for his throne.
mermaid130, Resident Scholar

Fabulous retelling of the story of King Arthur from his half-sister's point of view.
Cress, Resident Scholar


Detailed literary breakdown of The Mists of Avalon
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 17.5%
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 32.5%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%




FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - King Arthur
Coming of age Yes
Youngster becomes - a powerful magician
Political power play Yes
Mental/magical powers focus Yes
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book

Main Character
Identity: - Female
Profession/status: - religious figure
Has magical/special powers? Yes
Magical/mental powers of main character: - can see into the future - can cast many different spells - can read emotions - healing
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Main Adversary
Profession/status: - Prince/Nobleman/King
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - an average amount

Setting
Terrain - Mountains - Forests
Earth setting: - during "Tolkien" (fairytime) times
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
Sex in book? Yes
What kind of sex: - descript of kissing - impregnation/reproduction - actual description of sex
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
Most similar books to The Mists of Avalon
Guardian of the Balance by Irene Radford
The Crystal Cave - Arthurian Saga 1 by Mary Stewart
Le Morte D'Avalon by J. Robert King
Sword of Darkness by Kinley MacGregor
The Hollow Hills - Arthurian Saga 2 by Mary Stewart




Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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