Reviews

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

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alethe1016's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

noesbookishthings's review against another edition

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5.0

This was one of the most incredible books I have ever read. An interesting twist on the legend of King Arthur from the women's point of view.

mcloonejack's review against another edition

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4.0

Okay so from the jump: Marion Zimmer Bradley is a wholly reprehensible person and knowing her whole… deal… makes parts of this book read even worse than (possibly) intended. If you’re going to read this, I’d recommend buying used or taking it out from your library (even if she died a while ago).

But anyways: this is an epic tragedy of startling proportions. As another friend put it, the act of reading this book seems to distort time alongside the time silliness that happens in it, but it never feels like a chore. It’s hard for a book that takes me well over a month for me to read where I leave it not feeling that any of it was time wasted or wishing the book was shorter.

With that much real estate to work with, Bradley really puts you inside the head of the main female characters, providing fascinating insights into the motivations and inner conflicts of deeply flawed characters. Getting to see characters grow and change—or not—never got old, even if you don’t like actual character.

Speaking on unlikeable characters, there’s more than one here who is seemingly meant to be hated—and it’s absolutely easy to—but I think basically everyone here deserves more sympathy than even Bradley gives them (and I think I’m counting Gwenyfhar here? I’m still unsure). This is a feature not a bug! Messy stories are more fun, especially when it’s on the context of a collection of legends usually told with clear good guys and bad guys.

Maybe the most remarkable piece of work is that this book is thrilling despite almost all of the drama being conversations—almost every real fight or battle happens “offscreen.” Building that tension out of the legend of THE original sword-and-shield for many people and cultures is a nifty piece of writing.

Yes it’s thick, but yes it’s worth it.

unchargedbook's review against another edition

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its really really long

curivm's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

My only struggle with the book is the allegations against the author. I loved the book!

elegyeldritch's review against another edition

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5.0

One of my favorite books. So beautiful. Like how it focuses on Morgan's side, it was really interesting to follow her evolution into becoming a powerful sorceress. I want to read this book again soon!