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saintofperseverance's review against another edition
3.0
The latest in the Marion Zimmer Bradley/Diana Paxson Avalon books. Chronologically, this comes after [b:Ancestors of Avalon|181886|Ancestors of Avalon (Avalon Series)|Diana L. Paxson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172510114s/181886.jpg|175757] and before [b:Ravens of Avalon|84537|Ravens of Avalon (Avalon Series)|Diana L. Paxson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1187732975s/84537.jpg|81603]; it's not necessary to have read Ancestors to understand the series, but it might help to read the summary, at least.
I've read all the Avalon books and several of Paxson's historical fantasies (though not her Westria series), and she is generally good at that genre. They are all enjoyable reads, but none have stayed with me in the long run. While I liked Sword of Avalon, I don't think it was one of her better efforts. It's pretty much a rehash of the other stories, particularly with regards to the characters. The Bad Guy, Galid, was particularly cartoony, and Our Heroes (Anderle, Tirilan, Mikantor/Woodpecker, and Velantos) are awfully derivative of Morgaine, Arthur, and Lancelet from [b:The Mists of Avalon|402045|The Mists of Avalon (Avalon Series)|Marion Zimmer Bradley|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255747809s/402045.jpg|806813].
Plot-wise, this is the book about how and why the sword Excalibur was forged. That doesn't actually happen until the last hundred pages or so. I liked the parts about Mikantor's travels on the continent, and thought the book dragged until he left Britain about a third of the way through. Paxson set the novel about 1200 BCE, which was a really interesting time period in European archaeology. She clearly put a lot of research into smithcraft, and those sections are among the parts I liked best.
Overall, it's not a bad book. I liked it and I had fun reading it. Will I still remember the story by the time the next Avalon novel comes out? Probably not.
I've read all the Avalon books and several of Paxson's historical fantasies (though not her Westria series), and she is generally good at that genre. They are all enjoyable reads, but none have stayed with me in the long run. While I liked Sword of Avalon, I don't think it was one of her better efforts. It's pretty much a rehash of the other stories, particularly with regards to the characters. The Bad Guy, Galid, was particularly cartoony, and Our Heroes (Anderle, Tirilan, Mikantor/Woodpecker, and Velantos) are awfully derivative of Morgaine, Arthur, and Lancelet from [b:The Mists of Avalon|402045|The Mists of Avalon (Avalon Series)|Marion Zimmer Bradley|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255747809s/402045.jpg|806813].
Plot-wise, this is the book about how and why the sword Excalibur was forged. That doesn't actually happen until the last hundred pages or so. I liked the parts about Mikantor's travels on the continent, and thought the book dragged until he left Britain about a third of the way through. Paxson set the novel about 1200 BCE, which was a really interesting time period in European archaeology. She clearly put a lot of research into smithcraft, and those sections are among the parts I liked best.
Overall, it's not a bad book. I liked it and I had fun reading it. Will I still remember the story by the time the next Avalon novel comes out? Probably not.
rebzreads100's review against another edition
4.0
i absoluteley loved this. so what if the plot was predictable? in a heroic epic type story they usually have a similar storyline. it was really slow at first, but then again the growing up parts in books usually are. once it began with mikantors current age tale, I was enthralled. an awesome take on the tale of excalibur!
jackirenee's review against another edition
4.0
When reading the Avalon series in chronological order (rather than date of publication) Sword of Avalon is the third book in the series. Set many years after Ancestors of Avalon, this book begins to create a stronger connection between the individuals of Atlantis and those of King Arthur's time. The characters within this book are still aware of their descendancy from Atlantis and that their ways are a mingling of Atlantean beliefs and the ways of the people of the Mighty Isle.
This story brings us the first defender of the Mighty Isle, the first Son of a Hundred Kings needed to unite the tribes and bring peace to the land. The Lady of Avalon forsees his destiny, as well as the creation of a Sword of the Stars, which will be his weapon and symbol of sovereignty.
Of the first books in the series, this is my favorite. I truly connected to the main characters, finding myself weeping in the end. The creation of Excalibur, through the merging of self with Divine, was a powerful scene which I am likely to never forget.
This story brings us the first defender of the Mighty Isle, the first Son of a Hundred Kings needed to unite the tribes and bring peace to the land. The Lady of Avalon forsees his destiny, as well as the creation of a Sword of the Stars, which will be his weapon and symbol of sovereignty.
Of the first books in the series, this is my favorite. I truly connected to the main characters, finding myself weeping in the end. The creation of Excalibur, through the merging of self with Divine, was a powerful scene which I am likely to never forget.
paintedgiraffe's review against another edition
4.0
Good to see Tiriki/Eilantha and Micail/Osinarmen again. Although I was weirded out when looking at a reincarnation chart, that Morgaine le Fey is the soul of Deoris/Anderle >.< I didn't like those women. They were too controlling and crappy mothers. Oh well. Reading "Ravens" next.
carolachiusi's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
taabikamerle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
gerypro's review against another edition
3.0
I wasn't sure what to expect after I struggled with the first chronological book of the series, but I liked this sequel a lot more! This doesn't mean I didn't cringe at times, because I did - especially when they forged the sword. But the characters are fuller and the storyline is well presented. However, I missed the mystic atmosphere and the philosophy from the sequels.