historical

werd. the mists of avalon IS the definition of the ultimate work of historical fiction. it's so superbly realistic in its fantastical description of love and trechery and christianity v paganism in the arthurian area. reality and fantasy and inseperable in this believable story.
i think that i loved and hated each one of the characters at time, which makes them so, so real. i read this 900 page book in two weeks, and every moment of my spare time was devoted to it. the story starts with the death of the king before uther and ends with the death of arthur, it spans three or more generations. its amazing when you're on page 600 and you start thinking of how many years have gone by... its almost unfathomably.
the dissarray that the end of the book is incredibly moving. i was jolted at the closure of the story, and found myself weeping even though almost everyone knows what became of arthur.
words cant begin to describe how much i loved this book. as soon as i read the other books pertaining to this one (the forest house is the one im on now, its not quite as good as the mists of avalon.) i will surely read this book again.

Man, this book was nothing short of amazing. You don't have to be a fan of Arthurian lore to enjoy what Marion Zimmer Bradley has given us. A book of fantasy, and realism combined with truth, love, honor, faith and hope.

The author has a way of making her readers get deeply involved with her characters. I cared for Morgaine and hated her all at the same time. I understood completely why she did what she did and was still mad about it. I admired and pitied Lancelet. He was a tremendous hero and athlete and very well respected. He was the simply the greatest and most honorable knight ever and yet... how sad that his one true love, his soulmate, Gwenhwyfar, could never, ever, be his. To have her and betray the love he shared with his best friend and king, Arthur, hurt him more deeply than any sword could ever do.

Marion Zimmer Bradley really captured the essence of the struggle between the "new" religion, christianity, and the older , more sensible, spiritual ways of Avalon and the Goddess. The book "Conversations with God" kept coming to mind the more I read. Very similiar ideals."All the Gods are One God" is the final lesson of this story. No matter what different names are given for them, they are all one in the same. This is what Morgaine finally learns after all her years of struggle and this revelation gives her her... peace.

Excellent story. Expressed through the eye's of the key women in during the era of King Arthur. It never falters. Makes you anxious for the next page and leaves you sad when you are finished.

I won't spoil the book for any potential readers out here, but I will say one word: masterpiece. This is the crowning glory of Marion's works, and I would go so far as to say that it is the crowning glory of Arthurian literature as well! I was so absorbed in it that I finished it in a week, and it has been my absolutely most favorite book ever since!
By the way.. if you're thinking of reading any of the "Song of Ice & Fire" books by George R. R. Martin.. rethink yourself and read this series instead.. it is MUCH better and more worth your time!!!