Ancestors of Avalon

This was one of many books written with MZB's "help" after she died. I think out of all of that category, this might be my favorite. I really got into this link between Atlantis and the later Avalon based books, and I think that it is certainly implied in the rest of the books. The central issue of the book seems to be that of culture and religion- should a people moving to a new land impose their culture and religion, or should they look to the native population to understand what is best? Obviously, the book argues to go with the native population, and that is in keeping with the rest of the series as well.

Not as emotional and tortured as some of her other Avalon books. Interesting how multiple cultures reacted/worked together.

I really enjoyed reading Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ancestors of Avalon by Diana L. Paxson. In this story the combined kingdoms of Atlantis are destroyed by a cataclysm and the survivors must make their way to new lands to preserve their knowledge and traditions. The story kept me engaged despite being slow paced and when it was over it left me craving more. There are more books in the series, but not with the same characters(unless you count reincarnations that aren't even mentioned in the books for the most part). This book is the direct sequel to The Fall of Atlantis and takes place about 30 years later. The Fall of Atlantis was not originally part of the Avalon series, but Ancestors of Avalon connects it to the rest of the series. I show more would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical type fantasies with spiritual themes or anyone that is fascinated by the legends of Atlantis and Avalon. show less

I loved Marion Zimmer Bradley's "Mists of Avalon". This book is loosely based on her mythology, but since Marion died shortly after "Mists of Avalon" was published, most of the other books attributed to her were written by Diana Paxson. Diana is an OK writer, but it isn't up to the quality of Marion, so that said, this book provides some backstory to "Mists of Avalon". It supposes that the people who founded the mythological Avalon came from world of Atlantis; that they escaped as Atlantis was falling into the sea. It also supposes that the 2 main characters, Micael and Tiriki are the former lives of Merlin and Morgaine in the Camelot era. It describes the creation and fall of Stonehenge and the discovery of the Crystal Caves which are show more mentioned in the myth of Merlin and Arthur of Camelot. All in all it's an interesting idea and story, but the writing leaves a little to be desired. show less

The last book in the Avalon series that was rewritten by Diana L Paxson after Marion Zimmer Bradley died back in 1999. It follows Micael and Tiriki who are married and live in Atlantis, the fabled island that fell beneath the sea. They are a prince and princess as well as a priest and priestess who are prophesised to survive the fall of Atlantis and build a new temple to pass down the ancient wisdom.

When Atlantis falls they become separated and leave on different ships not knowing if the other is alive or dead. Micail lands with a group of settlers to form Stonehenge and Tiriki finds times harder becoming the Morgan in Avalon in Glastonbury in the Summer Country. Destined to become enemies, the question is whether they will find each show more other and reunit before the Sun Wheel is finished...

This was a beautiful book which spent time focusing on the birth of Goddess worship in this country. The secondary characters were well written and it was interesting to see the birth of Merlin as well of Morgan to continue the Avalon myths. Although it was written by Paxson, I would still recommend it to fans of the series as it completes the tale nicely. It was well written and absorbing.

**** out of 5 show less

I thought this was good and it was great of Paxson to put the effort in to do this, however it's just not the same, I prefer Marion's writing style. This is a must read though for anyone who is a fan of the Avalon saga, answeres many questons and fills in important gaps.

Stories good enough, but the poor editing has me wanting to set it aside. Very irritating. Did anyone even read it over before printing copies?