The Mists of Avalon ~ Marion Zimmer Bradley

I've decided to make Tuesdays Time Warp Tuesday (except of course if it turns out to be a blog tour day) Anyway every Tuesday I will pick a book from the past that you may have missed, but that I think is totally worth reading. 


To start with I have chosen one of my all time favorites "The Mists of Avalon" Marion Zimmer Bradley's epic Arthurian novel. I think its important to mention that generally do not re read books. I have always been such an avid reader that I am always looking for new stories, new worlds to fall into. The Mists of Avalon is one of the few stand alone novels I have read over and over. 


Told from the woman's perspective Bradley's take on the traditional Arthurian legend is spellbinding. Her characters are vivid and spectacularly real for the fantasy world they live in. Morgaine's struggle is heart wrenching. Constantly being torn from those she loves forced into situations that are at some times unspeakable. Vivian is a true force to be reckoned with. And Gwenhwyfar a childish wretch unable to face her own feelings even at the suffering of others. 


The mists of Avalon is a tale of the death of the old ways, as the world succumbs to Christianity, for better or worse. It is a tale of myth and magic, of the ultimate betrayals. You will see Arthur in a whole new light and love him all the more for it. If you happened upon the tv mini series, don't be fooled. The series, much like many movies from well loved novels, did not do the book much justice. I thought the casting was poor and they left out some of the most important pieces of the book. But I digress.


If you are a lover of epic fantasy or Arthurian Legend this book should be on your TBR pile. There have been a few prequels written but to me this is a standalone novel, perfect in every way.