Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon

by Diana L. Paxson

Overview

Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga continues in 'a fine tribute to Bradley and the real-world triumphs and tragedy of Boudica.' (Publishers Weekly)

Epic in its sweep and peopled by the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon expands the legendary saga that has enchanted millions of readers over the years and is sure to please Bradley's loyal readership and anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780451462114
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/05/2008
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	416
Sales rank:	282,443
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Diana L. Paxson is a noted fantasy author who collaborated with Bradley on many of her later works, including Priestess of Avalon. She has written twenty books, including the Arthurian series, The Hallowed Isle.

Editorial Reviews

Marion Zimmer Bradley would be proud of this... The story line smoothly combines ancient history with fantasy elements to please fans...Readers of the delightful Avalon series will appreciate learning what occurred that led to the formation of the Society of the Ravens.

Midwest Book Review

This stirring prequel to The Forest House, Paxson's first collaboration with Marion Zimmer Bradley (1930-1999), is sure to please fans of the late author of The Mists of Avalon. In The Forest House, they introduced the Society of the Ravens, sons of the Druid priestesses who were raped and tortured by Britain's Roman invaders. Now Paxson explores the events circa A.D. 60 that inspired the mythical group's formation. Strong women surge to the forefront, most notably Druid priestess Lhiannon and her headstrong student and friend, Boudica, a Celtic princess who forgoes becoming a priestess to marry Prasutagos, High King of the Iceni. The uneasy peace with Rome shatters after Prasutagos dies, and Roman soldiers, refusing to recognize Boudica as queen, beat her and rape her daughters. Vowing vengeance, Boudica raises an army infused with the battle goddess's magical power and strikes back at the Romans. Paxson's bright fusion of fact and myth is a fine tribute to Bradley and the real-world triumphs and tragedy of Boudica. (Aug.)

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Publishers Weekly

Educated by the Druids on the Isle of Avalon, the Princess Boudica forms a lifelong friendship with her mentor, the priestess Lhiannon, even as the two women forge separate destinies. Lhiannon remains with the Druids, watching as the Romans make stronger incursions into Britain, while Boudica marries Prasutagos, widowed king of the Iceni, and, with him, attempts to make peace with Rome until imperial demands push the British tribes to the breaking point. Based on the wishes of the late author of the Mists of Avalon, fantasy veteran Paxson's latest addition to the Avalon story cycle brings to life the tale of the legendary queen who defied the greatest power in the ancient world. Solid storytelling and memorable characters add to the appeal of this smooth blend of ancient history, fable, and magic. Highly recommended for all fantasy collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ4/15/07.]

—Jackie Cassada

Library Journal

"Raver offers storytelling that is well paced and sensitive to the mood and intensity of the plot." ---AudioFile

From the Publisher

This prequel to Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Avalon series tells of the crushing of Britain by the Romans and the retreat of the Druid high priestess to the Forest House. It follows the lives of two young women—Boudica, who becomes a fierce warrior who rallies the people in an attempt to expel the conquerors, and Lhiannon, who becomes the high priestess who preserves the Druidic traditions. Lorna Raver’s narration is versatile and fluid. Her characterizations reflect the vulnerability of these two women as vividly as their strength and spirit. With an easy style, Raver offers storytelling that is well paced and sensitive to the mood and intensity of the plot. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

FEB/MAR 08 - AudioFile