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
“[A] monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends...” (The New York Times Book Review)
"Davina Porter brings an old favorite back to life!"
I first read this book more than a quarter century ago as a college student. I had very fond memories of it, but hadn't reread it until I found it on Audible last month. Not only that, it was narrated by Davina Porter, who has become my favorite narrator through her reading of Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series.
I find Marion Zimmer Bradley's characters to be very real, and their interactions genuine. I love the general sweep of the story, and the elegance of the prose. And Porter's narration brings that depth of character development and storytelling to a new intensity.
One thing, if you are looking at the four-part "series" of this book, note that "The Mists Of Avalon" is the collection of the other four (Mistress Of Magic, The High Queen, The King Stag, and The Prisoner In The Oak). The full book costs one credit, and the parts also cost one credit. Save yourself three credits and buy the complete version at once.
"Don't want it to end..."
I am in love with anything Davina Porter narrates, but in the Mists of Avalon, I am also re-captivated by the story of Camelot as told through the eyes of the key women. It is refreshing and thought-provoking in ways I would not have expected; an aspect that only adds to my enjoyment!
Say something about yourself!
"It should be considered a classic!"
Simply amazing! The storytelling of these books is so clever and fresh even though they were written 30 years ago. If you love stories that have been reworked and reimagined you will love this! The storytelling is epic. It should be considered a classic!
I love switching back and forth between reading and listening.
"As great as I remembered..."
Well performed and as immersive as the book I read in college.
The old ways, magic, and the lore are endearing....bringing each of the characters to life. You will feel for each of the women as they make their own destinies.
I laughed and cried all the way through as when oread it, but s somehow returning to it after all these years reminded me why it's valuable to re-read and re-listen to great books. So much is richer when you bring decades of experience to it.
This performance is like scene great show, but one which lasts 36 hours.... like great season of drama.
"Still a favorite"
One of the better audiobooks since it is an old favorite.
The reader, Davina Porter. She is one of my favorites.
She is able to mix and match the voices without making all the men sound like idiots.
I guess my strongest reaction is just a real comfort with the story - I strongly associate with the crossover elements to other literature on the Arthurian legends.
Highly, highly recommend.
"Good Read Even Better When It's Read By Davina"
One of the best. It's long, but what a great story and fun ride. Davina does a marvelous job.
I'm not sure. I'll have the think about that.
Morgain with the Chalice. If you've read the book, you know it, if not, I won't spoil it.
From maternal to paternal, the court of King Arthur as witnessed by his women.
If you have the time, this is a fantastic bargain - 50 hours of enchantment for one credit.
"More than one life for the reader"
The print version I read when it first came out, at a time when I was, like the characters in the book, fighting against overwhelming forces. It was a resting place. The audiobook is that, again, with the narrator to rest with me.
None of the characters are admirable, they all act in "jerry springer" fashion much like in the movie Chicago. One admirable character would have changed everything, and it's up to the reader to write what should have been done in.
To avoid spoilers I would have to say the places in the book, especially Avalon. Everyone has heard of Arthur and Lancelet making the letter H with Gwenhyfar which is laugh out loud hilarious in its awkwardness.
A fifty hour book can't be, even at speed three. However I'll admit I read all night to pull through the story to the spoiler parts.
All of the characters are understandable, and very relevant, and that includes the fact that the main voice is a female precursor to Dexter. Eeew -- with understanding. There is something very much of the present moment within this book.
"Simply Outstanding"
The Narrator was absolutely amazing!
Morgain. She comes off as a tragic character but is essential like any person trying to navigate great changes while trying to keep her faith alive.
Never have but I adore her voice and the spirit inwhich she worked.
Yes. Oddly I did find myself becoming extremely sorrowful by an unsettling incident that happens in the book.
If you like fantasy formed by REAL concepts of faith and real magic then you'll love this. This showed magic closer to its real nature but still managed to show the awe of it and took no power away from it though it ceased to be played out like the ridiculous
magic systems of Harry Potter or most fantasy books. Simply put: it comes off more real than most fantasies.
"A picturesque take on the King Arthur Tales"
Davina Porter takes you through the days of Arthur and his court with her usual talent and emotion. I love a long story and Ms. Porter never gets boring with her characterizations.Marion Zimmer Bradley is a wonderful weaver of tales. If you like this genre - it is a Great Choice. These women can take you out of this world and into theirs like magic. Take your time and enjoy the " The Mists of Avalon."
"What a treat to listen to after reading it 3 times"
Yes, It is just a good story and Davina has a pleasant voice.
I've read this book three time over 25 years, I passed it on to family and friends after first read and it spread like wild fire.