Most readers know the story of King Arthur; however, Marion Zimmer Bradley, in Mists of Avalon has written an especially vivid, unorthodox version of this romantic tale. Bradley's narrator is Morgaine, a Druid priestess, and her England is populated by those who worship the Lady (the Earth Mother) and those few who are turning to the harsher, more intolerant Christianity—a religion which equates chastity with good and sex with evil.

The story centers on the struggle between the two religions and the efforts of each to bring peace to England—by controlling King Arthur. (pp. 20-1)

Bradley's many realistic, complex characters involve the reader; however, the most fascinating aspect of this novel is the depiction of the long struggle between Druidism and Christianity. There is little doubt that Bradley sympathizes with the Druids, whose religion, according to her, encouraged sensitivity, tolerance and respect for females. The most lyrical passages are those describing the priestesses and their shrine, a lovely island called Avalon, located just on the other side of this dimension. There is the feeling that the world lost much of value when Avalon slipped—or was hidden—from us.

In short, Bradley's Arthurian world is intriguingly different. Undoubtedly, the brisk pace, the careful research and the provocative concept will attract and please many readers. Her strong female characters are a delight, though a few readers may be annoyed by her many references to mothering. But this is a minor objection in an impressive book. Overall, Mists of Avalon is one of the best and most ambitious of the Arthurian novels…. (p. 21)