The magical saga of the women behind King Arthur's throne. “A monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends . . . reading it is a deeply moving and at times uncanny experience. . . . An impressive achievement.”—The New York Times Book Review In Marion Zimmer Bradley's masterpiece, we see the tumult and adventures of Camelot's court through the eyes of the women who bolstered the king's rise and schemed for his fall. From their childhoods through the ultimate fulfillment of their destinies, we follow these women and the diverse cast of characters that surrounds them as the great Arthurian epic unfolds stunningly before us. As Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar struggle for control over the fate of Arthur's kingdom, as the Knights of the Round Table take on their infamous quest, as Merlin and Viviane wield their magics for the future of Old Britain, the Isle of Avalon slips further into the impenetrable mists of memory, until the fissure between old and new worlds' and old and new religions' claims its most famous victim.
Average Rating
Informations
About the author
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Author
Marion Eleanor Zimmer Bradley was an American author of fantasy, historical fantasy, science fiction, and science fantasy novels and is best known for the Arthurian fiction novel The Mists of Avalon and the Darkover series. She was noted for the female perspective in her writing, something before little-seen in Sword and Sorcery fantasy.
The Mists of Avalon
by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Books Like The Mists of Avalon
If you're looking for books similar to The Mists of Avalon, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Once and Future King
T.H. White
A classic Arthurian retelling that explores the legendary king's life from multiple perspectives. While more traditional than Bradley's version, it offers a comprehensive exploration of Arthurian mythology. The novel provides a complementary perspective to The Mists of Avalon.
Circe
Madeline Miller
A feminist retelling of Greek mythology focusing on the witch Circe. The novel explores a powerful female character's journey of self-discovery and magical transformation. It shares thematic elements with Bradley's work in its reimagining of mythological narratives.
Outlander
Diana Gabaldon
A time-travel historical romance blending Scottish history and magical elements. The novel features a strong female protagonist navigating complex historical and personal challenges. It shares themes of historical transformation and female agency with Bradley's work.
Daughter of the Forest
Juliet Marillier
A Celtic historical fantasy that reimagines mythology through a female protagonist's perspective. Like Bradley's work, it explores powerful women navigating complex magical and political landscapes. The novel follows Sorcha, who must complete an impossible task to save her brothers from a curse. It blends Celtic folklore, mysticism, and strong female character development in a richly detailed historical setting.
The Bear and the Nightingale
Katherine Arden
A Russian folklore-inspired novel featuring a strong female protagonist with magical abilities. The story explores tensions between traditional beliefs and emerging religious influences. Like The Mists of Avalon, it reimagines mythological narratives through a feminist lens.
The Golem and the Jinni
Helene Wecker
A historical fantasy blending mythological creatures with immigrant experiences in early 20th-century New York. The novel explores magical beings navigating complex cultural landscapes. It shares themes of magical transformation and cultural negotiation with Bradley's work.
The Firebrand
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Another Bradley novel that retells a classic myth from a female perspective, this time focusing on the Trojan War. The story follows Kassandra, a princess and prophetess, offering a feminist reinterpretation of a legendary narrative. It explores themes of women's power, mysticism, and historical transformation similar to The Mists of Avalon.
The Buried Giant
Kazuo Ishiguro
A mythical exploration of memory, love, and historical transformation set in post-Arthurian Britain. The novel blends fantasy and historical fiction, examining legendary themes through a nuanced narrative. It offers a contemplative approach to mythological storytelling similar to Bradley's style.
Spinning Silver
Naomi Novik
A fantasy novel reimagining fairy tale traditions with complex female characters. The story explores magical transformations and women's agency in challenging historical contexts. It shares thematic similarities with The Mists of Avalon in its feminist mythological approach.
The Mabinogion Tetralogy
Evangeline Walton
A mythological retelling of Welsh legends that reimagines ancient stories with deep historical and magical elements. The series explores Celtic mythology through intricate storytelling and complex female characters. Like The Mists of Avalon, it provides a nuanced perspective on legendary narratives and magical traditions.
The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern
A magical realism novel exploring love, competition, and mystical performance. The story creates an immersive magical world with intricate storytelling. It shares elements of magical transformation and complex character dynamics with The Mists of Avalon.
The Winter Sea
Susanna Kearsley
A historical novel blending time-travel, Scottish history, and magical realism. The story explores generational connections and women's experiences across different historical periods. It shares thematic similarities with Bradley's work in its focus on female perspectives and mystical elements.
The Witch's Daughter
Paula Brackston
A historical fantasy following a witch's journey through different historical periods. The novel explores themes of magical survival, female empowerment, and historical transformation. It shares mystical elements and strong female protagonists with Bradley's work.
No account connected — sign in to comment.