Priestess of Avalon

I've written this review in case like me you have read Mists of Avalon (MOA), want to read more of Marion Zimmer Bradley but fear her other books won't live up to the same standard. Priestess of Avalon does not have the same depth of complex plot, twists and turns as MOA but in my eyes is at no disadvantage because of it. What I wanted from this book was the same breadth of wonderful characters and to be immersed in their world of inner-dialogue with the Divine; to me at least MOA was magical because of each person's connection and communion with the Mystery rather than its plot and how it weaved its spirituallity into the island I live and I am glad to say that the Priestess of Avalon is equally powerful, equally magical.Yes, this book takes you away from Britain and there are times when I skimmed a little quickly over the description of Roman cities but in the end we see the Goddess and her different guises everywhere. From following the tale of a single character throughout, we grow to love Eilan and those she loves. Forget Mists of Avalon for a moment and read this as it deserves to be read; on its own and in its own light, for that light is beautiful.

I loved this series, but with moving lost my books. My 14 year old daughter is a total bookworm and she has now loves this Author and series too.

Very much a let down: not as well written as the others in the series, and I did not warm to the main character at all, not least because she kept changing her name, but mostly because as a child, she was so annoyingly smug.This was publicised as "completing the series" but I had no clear idea at all where it sat in the timeline of Avalon. I had the impression it would come after Mists of Avalon (best of the series, with no doubt) but as it was set in Roman times, and didn't mention Camelot, apparently not?Having now read the whole series (I had Mists of Avalon for many years, didn't realise there were more in the series) I feel that the author wrote Mists first, it was great: decided that it would be interesting to show how Vivienne became the Lady of Avalon, so she wrote a prequel: and then got caught up in her own fame and decided to milk it by writing a couple more.This book has the same somewhat rampant femininity issues as the others: yes, every sensible woman in the world realises that the modern, male-centric world is unbalanced, and that in the whole history of time pre-Roman/christian, women ran the households: and yes, anyone with any sense knows that it is only the matriachal line which can be traced with any accuracy, so it is plain stupid to run a system where money/property is passed from father to son, rather than from mother to son/daughter: but after four of these books, I'm getting a bit tired of having it shoved down my throat.Talking of which, there was rather too much of the sexy stuff in this book, I thought: presumably the influence of the ghost writer, who apparently thought that the books needing sexing up in order to appeal to a modern audience. Can't say that I agree.Overall, a massive disappointment, I rarely give up on a book but I'm over halfway through this, and have lost the will to continue.

I was so pleased to find a title by Marion Zimmer Bradley that I haven't yet read. And so it was a lovely surprise when the package arrived early and the book was in such great quality.I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves entirely authentic-sounding fantasy! Marion Zimmer Bradley's writing style is extremely beautiful and her historical context is impeccable, making her writing entirely convincing. A beautiful moving book for all ages.

Well written and exciting. 20 years after the slaughter of the Druids on Ynys Mon (Anglesey) this covers the events that follow and shape Britain. As a Modern Druid working closely with the modern re-enactor Romans in Chester I found the content of this book very close to my heart. The story flows seamlessly and is gripping all the way. Her knowledge and re creation of the Romano British world and way of life is a joy.

Despite this book being written last and having some of it written after the death of Marion Zimmer Bradley, the story flows along as well as the others and you are not conscious of where the other writer took over. That she had been the researcher working with Bradley helped with this because she had all the knowledge of how Bradley worked in front of her.

One of my all time favorite books by one of my favorite authors. The Avalon series is amazing and this book is my personal favorite linking myth and ancient history in to a very readable story.

Nice book