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nicolesa's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
laureenreads's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book I both love and hate. It's so well researched, and the descriptions are so vivid, but... it also tends towards the dryer side, which is not something I enjoy in my fantasy novels (or ever, really). Still, I've read this a few times and it's still my favourite Arthurian story.
saraturtleduck's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
3.0
This book got me in an absurd amount of trouble with my dad. Apparently it was irresponsible of me to not tell my parents there was sex. It might corrupt my little brother, because of course all 8 year old boys are going to pick up giant books specifically advertising themselves as being the woman's side of a story. Pretty funny, actually.
cris4ntemo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
maximum_moxie's review against another edition
4.0
4 and a half stars--A book which I wouldn't have expected to enjoy, yet it kept me reading like a fiend.
Engagingly written, tackling the perspectives of the largely unsung women behind King Arthur's throne and not falling prey to the conventional "knight-in-shining-armor" stereotype. Instead, Bradley illustrates the daily realities of the Britain of the time period, particularly the trials of marriage and motherhood in a world before birth control and coupling for love. Given these difficulties, the strength of the heroines (particularly Morgaine) is encouraging and empowering, as it was intended to be. This strength stems from deeply-held religion, which flows through the novel as fluidly as it does through the characters' lives.
A few minor quibbles, mostly matters of taste--most of the Christian characters (Gwenhyfar) were purposefully irritating; the author has an agenda when it comes to making woman-centered paganism look good. The religious debates, often somewhat repetitive, are seemingly constant and can get old. Additionally (and this is a matter of personal taste), there is a LOT of sex. A LOT. It's handled very well, yet it wasn't always to my liking. Otherwise, this is a lovely read.
Engagingly written, tackling the perspectives of the largely unsung women behind King Arthur's throne and not falling prey to the conventional "knight-in-shining-armor" stereotype. Instead, Bradley illustrates the daily realities of the Britain of the time period, particularly the trials of marriage and motherhood in a world before birth control and coupling for love. Given these difficulties, the strength of the heroines (particularly Morgaine) is encouraging and empowering, as it was intended to be. This strength stems from deeply-held religion, which flows through the novel as fluidly as it does through the characters' lives.
A few minor quibbles, mostly matters of taste--most of the Christian characters (Gwenhyfar) were purposefully irritating; the author has an agenda when it comes to making woman-centered paganism look good. The religious debates, often somewhat repetitive, are seemingly constant and can get old. Additionally (and this is a matter of personal taste), there is a LOT of sex. A LOT. It's handled very well, yet it wasn't always to my liking. Otherwise, this is a lovely read.
briannac1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nikkolane's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
emzapk's review against another edition
Really enjoying this until about halfway through I learned more about the author :(