The Mists of Avalon

By: Marion Zimmer Bradley

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 50 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

A posthumous recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, Marion Zimmer Bradley reinvented - and rejuvenated - the King Arthur mythos with her extraordinary Mists of Avalon series. In this epic work, Bradley follows the arc of the timeless tale from the perspective of its previously marginalized female characters: Celtic priestess Morgaine, Gwenhwyfar, and High Priestess Viviane.

©1982 Marion Zimmer Bradley (P)1993 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“[A] monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends...” ( The New York Times Book Review)

worth the time!

This really captured my attention from the beginning with excellent writing! This book was on my list for a long time and I have waited it because of how long it is, but the entire structure of it and the style of the writing with all of the different perspectives kept me with it the whole time, in never lost interest. so amaaazing!

Arthur, as told by the women who love him

I have always known that this is a telling of the Arthur legend through the eyes of the women who knew him and this honestly turned me off for 30 years. this is the best telling because it's not a story, these people lived! wow! I am invested in them and their doings. I will read again.

Best book ever

The Mists of Avalon narrated by Davina Porter. This was the book that got me into reading. Marion Zimmer Bradley's rendition of of a king Arthur story. Told from the point of view of the women. From Guinevere to the lady of the lake, Morgan la fae. There is nothing to compare to this telling of the story. Not just a legend but historical fiction. a beautiful view of the ideals of the losing side and did amazing fight to keep the goddess in the world. In the words of Morgan we did not fail

Absolutely incredible. Loved every second of it ..

What did you love best about The Mists of Avalon?

The time in history. Have always been in love with Camelot

What other book might you compare The Mists of Avalon to and why?

I can't ...this stands alone

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I havent

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It ran the gammet of emotions as well as spirituality.

Great book!

I read this book years ago and enjoyed it. And now listening to it was just as good. I had forgotten the details of the story and the narrator brought it all back so vividly! I have a long commute to and from work and there were days I just didn't want to get out of my car so I could keep listening.

not just a fairy tale

Marion Zimmer Bradley takes a classic fairy tale we all know and turns it into a story of love, hate, pain, regrets, hopes, dreams, passion, and sorrow. She made it real. life is never as easy as we think it is going to be and she captures this with the struggles of the women of the past. it's exciting to live the ups and downs with the characters Bradley created. over all its an amazing book!

I've read and now listened. ..

Great story and the narration is fairly good. Long listen but worth it. I enjoyed it at bedtime and hikes.

Great story, well portrayed by the reader.

I read the book 30 years ago as a teen. fun to hear the voices and accents. Great perspective on the Arthurian legend.

I'm not evil, just misunderstood.

You can't go wrong with a story told by Davina Porter. A classic tale told from a different perspective. the actions of others can't truly be defined from your perspective.

Swept away to another time!!

After reading this novel several times, having "Tlhe Mists of Avalon" read to me by the incomparable Davina Porter was wonderful. I felt I was seeing and experiencing everything first-hand!! I have read all the books Ms. Bradley has written in her "Avalon" series and those books in the MZB's Avalon series by others. This book remains my favorite. She brings her characters to life - strong, loving, yet fallible woman; men with purpose, strength and humanity; religious persons that have their story and share them. Whether you believe in King Arthur, Camelot, Avalon, the Goddess, Druids or not, this novel will be one you won't forget!!! Listen to Davina Porter bring this novel to life, and be transported back to an historical time where I wish I could have been a participating character!!!!