Book Reviews of The Mists of Avalon

My favorite book of all time! Even if you've never been one for King Arthur legends, you'd love this book!

One of the most unforgettable novels I have ever read ... I found myself lugging the large volume around the house, reading in between cooking, while washing dishes, bathroom breaks

This is my all time favorite book. I love the idea of learning about the lives of the women behind King Arthur's throne.

I enjoyed reading this book, it views a different angle of the Arthur legend. I don't agree with many of the views of the characters; that being said, it was not hard to keep reading. It shows the pagan vs Christianity conflict of the time, much of which I did not know about.

I love how the author uses so many female characters' points of view to tell the story, not just one. I couldn't put this book down, it drew me in. Great read.

Very well written feminine slant on the King Arthur story. Very discussable for a book club.

This is one of my favorite books, and I go back to re-read it about once a year or so. I enjoy it that much. It is a lovely read. Strong female characters, in fact, the male characters are kind of weak in comparison. Very interesting take on a very familiar story.

This story was so well-written that it is timeless. At no time when I was reading it did I feel like I was reading a book that was written 30-years ago. I was completely enthralled with the well-developed characters and storyline. It was one of those books, that when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about events that had happened up to the point I had read and when a book does that, I know it's good.

read this book years ago, lost my copy and just read it again. i always am so inspired by the goddess/god beliefs when i read this...

This is a spellbinding book. And might I add that the story of King Arthur looks a lot different from a woman's perspective!

I lived and breathed this book. SO much brought tears to my eyes, and brought anger to my heart. This books is a book that sucks you into THIS reality, and part of you will forever stay there. LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book- 10 out of 10 stars every day!

Very interesting portrayal of the Kind Arthur legend, as told from the woman's point of view. I loved the story and the portrayal of women as powerful members of history.

Loved the movie on TNT, so maybe I was a little biased. But I just could not get into this book. I know the King Arthur legend and from the movie, I know the roles the women played, but I think the book just dragged too much. I found myself skipping pages to get to more interesting sections.

Amazing book. loved (and hated!) the characters. Sad when it was finished! It is a long book but is was actually not long enough for me. just wanted more! Couldn't get the story out of my mind. The story of Camelot jumps off the pages and haunts your mind.

I've heard this was really good but I read the first page and I find that I have lost interest in the book. That is not to say it's not as good as others have said but that my interest and taste has changed.

There is the darkly bewitching Morgaine,half sister to Arthur and a
high priestess in the enchanted land of Avalon,where women rule as the creators of life and keepers of knowledge.The fair and lovly QueenGwynhefar is torn between her duty to her king and the new God,and her passion for the dashing Lancelot.876 pages

If you are an King Arthur fan, you will love this glance at the feminine side of the story.

Three words--- Perfect Beach Read

This is one of my all time favorite books!!!

This book is a monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends and reading it is a deeply moving and at times uncanny experience. The story of King Arthur told from the perspective of the women.

Just outstanding. One of my all time favorites. The writing is beautiful. The tale of King Author from a woman's perspective. If you like the tale of King Arthur give this one a try. One of Marion Zimmer Bradley's best books of all time.

I consider this the real story of the age of King Arthur. Its a wonderful story that any seasoned Witch can relate to: the wonder of learning, the power of making things happen, and the saddness that magick can sometimes bring in the form of ultimate sacrifice. Fantastic read again and again.

Mists of Avalon is a unique take on the Arthurian Legend. It is a great read if you enjoy reading a book over a long period of time, or savoring a book. The book is mostly female driven and it is a sharp reinvention of the classic legends.

I had to give up on this book. I didn't care for any of the characters at the beginning and didn't find them interesting at all. This is only the 3rd book I've started and couldn't finish. Maybe it got better further into it, but I just couldn't force myself to read anymore when I had so many other books in my TBR pile! I

One of my favorite books of all time. Could not put it down. Don;t let the size fool you. You do not want to story to end. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

This is one of my most favorite books of all time! The King Arthur story told from the women's view of the world (Morgaine). A true feminist view of love, deception and magic!

Awesome book, a classic in it own right.

Story of King Arthur from the perspective of the women

One of the best.

Long book, but captivating. Very vivid world.

King Arthur's legend told from the perspective of the women! A wonderful and beautiful book! I recommend this highly.

This is just simply a fantastic story for anyone the least bit interested in the Arthurian Legend.

Enjoyed reading this book love that it was told in the
women point of view. Very well done!!!!!

Excellent version of the King Arthur story from the viewpoint of the women.

A slow, spellbinding journey through one of histories most memorable tales. See King Arther, his knights and the ladies who loved them from a very unusual perspective.

A beautiful book, a well-woven tale from such an interesting perspective! The story of King Arthur, told from the view of a druidic woman. Very engaging and endearing, in its way. Magical. Epic.

Great book for the Arthur legend lover; Different perspective on a familiar story.

Wonderful saga

I completely loved this book and I reccomend it to anyone.

I enjoyed seeing the story of King Arthur from the perspective of the women involved.

The story of the King Arthur legend told from the women's perspectives, this book is well written, deft with language, and features great attention to detail.

A gorgeous and captivating fictional inquiry into the Knights of the Round Table, told from the women's perspectives

I love to read. This is by far the greatest story I ever read. I love the depth Zimmer-Bradley gives into so many of the women. She shows that everyone has good points and bad points, everyone does things they regret, but most people do remarkable things. I especially love the background given on Christianity. The prequels are also terrific (The Lady of Avalon and The Forest House).

This is my absolutely favorite book ever.

One of my favorite escapist fantasies of all time, right up there with Lord of the Rings.

wonderful fantasy..a classic!

here is the magical world of Camelot as told thru a women's eye.

Beautiful tale chock full of the Goddess. Gives an interesting storyline of the women behind the classic tale.

I love this book and have reread it several times since it was first published.

This is my favorite Marion Zimmer Bradely books, and it is 1000 times better than the made for tv movie! It is a version of the arthurian legend told from his half sister Morgan Le Fey's point of view. The book is long, but it encompases an entire lifetime, and is very well worth the time to read. It also puts a less negative light on Mordrids existance. I loved it through and through.

I had no idea this book was so well-loved.

I'm a fan of Sherri S. Tepper and Tad Williams. Someone mentioned that "Mists of Avalon" would be the best of both worlds: a long, detailed story with an amazing scope and amazing characters, and a feminist theme to carry it along. Just so you know, I read it ignorant of all the hype. I was skeptical of the "3 Months on the New York Times Best Seller List!" sticker on the front. Round about chapter 18 I was joking with my husband that it stayed on the list that long only because that's how long it takes to READ the blasted thing. Needless to say, I wandered to a stop before I reached chapter 20. I never even made it halfway.

Writing: Dull, lifeless, unevocative, boring.

Characters: Unpredictable, poorly motivated.

Story: Nothing good to say. (I don't know the original Arthurian legend from a Beatrix Potter tale. Maybe that would have helped me.)

Feminist theme: Excellent in terms of spotlighting how the men treat the women and what men's expectations of women are. Poor for the trite depiction of the priestesses and the constant ridiculously over-dramatic references to the Goddess. (Elizabeth Hand plays a better song with "Waking the Moon" -- go try that one.)

Religious Theme: Christians = bad. Got it.

Despite the fact this book was a waste of my time, it obviously wasn't a waste of time for a thousand others. (Check out the reviews here. Can you believe it?) So I'll moderate my thumbs-down with an acknowledgement that this book has impressed and entertained many people, and that counts for something. (Right?)

A very spiritual and female perspective of the days of King Authur.

this has to be the largest paperback Iv'e ever seen,876 pages! Although ,I like it when a good back lasts and lasts. This is the story of king arthur told from the women's perspective

<< Back to Book Details of " The Mists of Avalon"