Lughnasadh 2001 Newsletter Book Review The Priestess of Avalon Marion Zimmer Bradley

Published after the death of Marion Zimmer Bradley in 1999, Diana Paxson helps conclude the Avalon series that so many of us have enjoyed. Starting in the year 259AD, Helena returns to Avalon to begin her training. Despite many challenges and obstacles, she succeeds in the final test that sees her initiated as a priestess of Avalon. After meeting the man she will fall in love with at the Beltane Festival (having seen him in a vision on the night of her initiation), she leaves Avalon to a destiny she believes was set out for her.

Written in the typical Bradley style, but with an obvious influence by Paxsons, this story explores the changing Pagan world, how Christianity came to be welcomed in Britain and the impact this had on the significance and importance of the Avalon world.

A thoroughly enjoyable holiday read. 4/5M/b>.