Sword of Avalon

Starred review from October 12, 2009
Paxson, Marion Zimmer Bradley's long time coauthor, delivers a gripping Bronze Age tale in this seventh installment of the Avalon series. Long before the events of Bradley's epic Mists of Avalon
, young Mikantor, destined to be a king, is kidnapped from Avalon and sold into slavery. Mikantor learns much of leadership after being bought by a blacksmith prince. Evil sorcerer Galid is determined to dominate the land in the rightful ruler's absence, but Anderle, the Lady of Avalon, holds him at bay. Anderle's daughter, Tirilan, loves Mikantor, but believing him lost, she accepts the power—and celibacy—of priestesshood. Paxson's eloquent, strongly visual writing enhances a familiar but compelling story line; fascinating historical detail enhances the tale throughout. Fans of the series will be well pleased with this volume.

Starred review from November 15, 2009
Long before Arthur united the Britons, the priestesses of the Isle of Avalon sought to preserve the line of kings descended from Atlantis. Continuing the series begun by the late Marion Zimmer Bradley with the now classic "Mists of Avalon", her protge has extended the series to tell the tale of Mikantor, a forerunner of King Arthur, and the creation of Excalibur. VERDICT Along with other titles in the series ("The Forest House; Lady of Avalon; Priestess of Avalon; Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ancestors of Avalon; Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon"), this will appeal to lovers of Arthurian and Celtic fantasy as well as fans of Bradley and Paxson.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 22, 2010
Anyone familiar with Arthurian lore knows of the magical sword given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake, but the origins of the sword itself have been a mystery until now. Paxon continues Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Arthurian saga in this sprawling epic that traces the provenance of the sword to the iron of a meteor—and the gods themselves. It's a detailed plot and a long listen, but Lorna Raver reads with the immediacy and intimacy of a fireside storyteller. She creates believable characters, juggles the diverse cast, adds pulsing momentum—all while staying ethereal enough to convey all the romance and magic of the legend. A Roc hardcover (Reviews, Oct. 12).