Customer Reviews

Return to Avalon

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's difficult to tell what these stories have to do with Bradley's work, or what most of them have to do with any conception of Avalon. A handful are interesting, but most are simplistic or muddled--and few show real skill with words. They could easily have been collected under a different title, suggesting that the titular link to Bradley is more a marketing ploy than a developmental reality. I really don't recommend it.

A tribute to the influence of Marion Zimmer Bradley, Return to Avalon is a collection of short stories devoted to the fantasy genre. Authors include Melanie Rawn, Diana L. Paxton, Laura Resnick, Dave Wolverton, Katharine Kerr, Adrienne Martine-Barnes and others. I mostly enjoyed the book, but felt the publicity was misleading. It was not any sort of continuation of MZB's Avalon stories, nor were most of them connected to Avalon's legend in any way. The main focus in each story was finding strength within, communicating with the Goddess, and early Christians confronting the Old Religion. I feel that some of the authors did not have signficant talent relaying their creative ideas on paper.

The stories told did an excellent job of capturing the magic found in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon books. It's a wonderful tribute to her writing style, as well as an excellent resource for authors who are capable of MZB's style

Overall, this was a great book with many interesting stories. Most of the stories were either great, or very pleasing to read. However, the only downfall of this book is the fact that a few not-so-good stories made it tough to read at times.

To Light Such A Candle- eluki bes shahar
The Grail of Heart's Desire- Judith Tarr
Lady of Avalon- Diana L. Paxson
With God To Guard Her- Kate Elliott
Sing To Me Of Love and Shadows- Deborah Wheeler
The Wellspring- Katharine Kerr
Knives- Dave Smeds
A Refuge of Firedrakes- Susan Shwartz
The Hag- Lawrence Schimel
Salve, Regina- Melanie Rawn
Trees of Avalon- Elisabeth Waters
Sparrow- Esther Friesner
The Spell Between Worlds- Karen Haber
The Stone Mother's Curse- Dave Wolverton
Iontioren's Tale- Paul Edwin Zimmer
Winter Tales- Adrienne Martine-Barnes
Dark Lady- Jane M. Lindskold
The Lily Maid of Astolat- Laura Resnick
Guinevere's Truth- Jennifer Roberson

I think that this book was a very good idea, but it is nothing like The Mists of Avalon, the book it was a tribute to. It was, however, a worthy achievement of those authors who contributed to the book. Some of the stories will be forever memorable in my mind. I loved this book, and I hope that all fantasy fans at least give it credit for effort!