Paris_Fox
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« on: October 16, 2003, 03:43:38 AM » |
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For anyone interested in a original retelling of an Arthurian legend, this series is for you. The main novel is Mists of Avalon, as told from the point of view of the women behind the throne. The Mists of Avalon's Camelot politics and intrigue take place at a time when Christianity is taking over the island-nation of Britain; Christianity vs. Faery, and God vs. Goddess are dominant themes. These themes are continued in the prequels leading up to the main novel, namely "The Forest House", "Priestess of Avalon", and "Lady of Avalon".
I read the entire series backwards, being unaware that Mists of Avalon was not a stand alone story. It would probably make the entire story flow smoother if you started with "The Forest House" and progressed up to "Mists of Avalon". The series is full of romance, betrayal, and historical politics. In addition, the characters are well fleshed out, so it is easy to connect with the emotions and flow with the story. Enjoy!
Success is a journey, not a destination
~Ben Sweetland~
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Success is a journey, not a destination
~Ben Sweetland~
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DianeG
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« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2004, 10:55:54 PM » |
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I read "The Mists of Avalon" shortly after it first appeared and enjoyed it tremendously. I also read the others in the series, but "The Mists of Avalon" is the best of the series.
I particularly enjoyed all the parallels and differences between the religion of Avalon and Christianity. Best of all was the magic.
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DianeG My place to rant and reflect - Free Words - http://upwritewoman.blogspot.com/When your gut tells you one thing, but logic tells you another - choose to follow your instincts, and ignore everything else. |
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Argante
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« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2004, 03:15:55 PM » |
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I love the Avalon series! I especially enjoyed how she portrayed the main characters (i.e. Morgaine, Guen., Viviane). I've read the rest of her books, and they're good, but nothing can top Mists.
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"I hope life isn't a joke, because I don't get it." -Jack Handy
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Ianthe
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« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2004, 11:26:50 PM » |
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I really enjoyed the Mists of Avalon and the Firest House, but my favourite book by Marion Z-B is "The Firebrand" the story of the Trojan war from Cassandra's perspective. It gave an interesting twist on the tale that is normally told through the eyes of men, the women given little consideration.
Ianthe
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geopard
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« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2004, 04:45:22 PM » |
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MZB has also written a series called Darkover, and some of the books have just been reprinted in omnibus editions. The people of Darkover are some of the first Terran colonists in outher space. But having lived isolated for thousands of years they have developed their own cuture and a variety of telepathic powers. And used with a matrix (some kind of crystal) these powers can be used as terrifing weapons. I just read 'Heritage and Exicle' and really liked it. I'm definitely reading more from this series. If anyone wants more information on MZB check out this webpage: http://mzbworks.home.att.net/index.htm  '>
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Cleverness is serviceable for everything, sufficient for nothing.
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desertjewel
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« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2004, 02:57:54 PM » |
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I read The Mysts of Avalon and The Forest House, I loved the second more than the first.
I also watched the made for T.V movie of The Mysts of Avalon and I hated it. I know a lot of people that liked it, but I was really disappointed in the outcome. I should know better than to watch a book to movie again. <sigh>
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COLE*BEAR
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« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2004, 06:12:47 PM » |
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Ooh! I agree with Ianthe. The Firebrand was an incredible book! I really enjoyed seeing Cassandra's relationship with the Gods that caused her gift and curse. I also liked watching her experiances leading up to an through the Trojan War.
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"...you're building character. You take a bad boy, make him dig holes all day in the hot sun and it turns him into a good boy. That's our philosophy here at Camp Greenlake. Start digging." - Mr. Sir, the movie version of Holes
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MagpieFaerie
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« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2004, 11:58:22 AM » |
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I read/loaned out my first copy of The Mists of Avalon so much that the covers fell off. (Poor little book ... ) And thus began my long-lived hatred of Guinivere.
Anyone ever read Black Trillium? MZB collaborated with Julian May & Andrew Norton. The book has gone out of print but it used to be one of my favorites.
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Too bad dark languages rarely survive. - Mark Z Danielewski
Happiness consists in realizing it is all a great strange dream. - Jack Kerouac
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Sofy
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« Reply #9 on: October 08, 2006, 11:18:58 AM » |
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(geopard @ Feb. 21 2004,21:45)
QUOTE MZB has also written a series called Darkover, and some of the books have just been reprinted in omnibus editions. The people of Darkover are some of the first Terran colonists in outher space. But having lived isolated for thousands of years they have developed their own cuture and a variety of telepathic powers. And used with a matrix (some kind of crystal) these powers can be used as terrifing weapons. I just read 'Heritage and Exicle' and really liked it. I'm definitely reading more from this series. If anyone wants more information on MZB check out this webpage: http://mzbworks.home.att.net/index.htm '>
I enjoyed "Black Trillium" novels, "Mysts of Avalon", "the Firebrand" & "Darkover" books
I liked also these 2 books by MZB : "Tiger burning bright" (with Norton & Lackey) & "the gratitude of kings" |
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Swedish Cuddles Addict and Proud / First Worshipper of The Goddess Caffeine !
Misfit-Rebel Alliance
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Donna
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« Reply #10 on: October 08, 2006, 02:19:20 PM » |
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I'm a huge fan of MZB's Darkover series, but not so much her other books, although I have read them all.
Darkover I recommend very highly to anyone who likes Science Fiction as opposed to Fantasy.
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Richelle_Mead
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« Reply #11 on: October 12, 2006, 02:52:47 AM » |
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I love MZB. I read The Mists of Avalon when I was 14, and I list it up there as One of the Books that Changed My Life. It opened my eyes up to so much about religion, mythology, gender, and spirituality.
Other good titles of hers that (I don't think) were mentioned are: The Fall of Atlants and a little known series about psychic stuff starting with Ghostlight.
Odd thing about her...I get the impression she had mixed Christian/pagan faiths in her life that might have caused her internal conflict. When she died, her family gave her a Christian funeral and posted online that she had always been a Christian. A friend of mine met Diana Paxson, a writer who worked with her, and Diana adamantly said MZB was pagan. The truth is probably in the middle, and I think you can see it in her writing.
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magesama
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« Reply #12 on: December 15, 2006, 12:55:17 PM » |
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I also read Forest House and Ghostlight, but as far as depth, I still think Mists of Avalon was the best. And, I agree with Richelle, MZB apparently felt conflicted spritually, but that only makes her books more applicable to people in similar situations...
Good books!
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Sirra
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« Reply #13 on: January 12, 2007, 02:13:08 PM » |
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i've only read the series beginnig with gostlight, but they're really good.
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Official lurker
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Cassidy
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« Reply #14 on: January 12, 2007, 07:47:51 PM » |
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(Richelle_Mead @ Oct. 12 2006,02:52)
QUOTE I love MZB. I read The Mists of Avalon when I was 14, and I list it up there as One of the Books that Changed My Life.
Heh, as a matter of fact, so do I - although I read it at 21 or something.
I pretty much loved all her books I've read - the Avalon series, Firebrand, the Trillium stuff. Always loved her style, and the way she created the characters, and most of all the atmosphere. But last summer I picked up Atlantis, and din't finish it - it felt sorta bland and distant, I couldn't get into it. Maybe I should try again...  |
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