The Mists of Avalon

Davina Porter brings an old favorite back to life!

I first read this book more than a quarter century ago as a college student. I had very fond memories of it, but hadn't reread it until I found it on Audible last month. Not only that, it was narrated by Davina Porter, who has become my favorite narrator through her reading of Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series.

I find Marion Zimmer Bradley's characters to be very real, and their interactions genuine. I love the general sweep of the story, and the elegance of the prose. And Porter's narration brings that depth of character development and storytelling to a new intensity.

One thing, if you are looking at the four-part "series" of this book, note that "The Mists Of Avalon" is the collection of the other four (Mistress Of Magic, The High Queen, The King Stag, and The Prisoner In The Oak). The full book costs one credit, and the parts also cost one credit. Save yourself three credits and buy the complete version at once.

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Outstanding Must Listen Tome

The point of view of this novel comes from the females of the legend. From the first fifteen minutes, I am enthralled. We know the plot, we know the legend, or do we? Bradley offers a credible and interesting perspective that brings many possibilities to light that breathe life into this story.

Davina Porter makes narration a fine art in this story. Her voice brings this tale to life and she is the perfect fit.

This is a rare listen to a fantasy legend. Little is know about the real Arthur. Was he a king or a general? I offer highest praise. Please make room for this on you listening list. It is an investment at 60 hours. Also for you people who listen at 2X, you know who you are, slow down and take it all it a 1X. I give a big thumbs up.

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Still a favorite

Where does The Mists of Avalon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the better audiobooks since it is an old favorite.

What did you like best about this story?

The reader, Davina Porter. She is one of my favorites.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

She is able to mix and match the voices without making all the men sound like idiots.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I guess my strongest reaction is just a real comfort with the story - I strongly associate with the crossover elements to other literature on the Arthurian legends.

Any additional comments?

Highly, highly recommend.

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Fantastic Narration by Davina Porter!

What did you love best about The Mists of Avalon?

What I loved the best was the whole atmosphere that continues throughout the book. It's calm and serene, even in the most tumultuous parts. You can feel from the very beginning, the mysticism of the place and people. Davina Porter's voice is perfect for that calmness. Her character voices are superb, and you can sometimes forget that you're listening to just one person!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, of course, my favorite character was Morgaine because she is the one that you are right there with throughout the book. We hear her innermost thoughts, and so we cannot help but be on her side! She is mystical and powerful, even in the times she thinks she is not. Now, on the other side of things, the character I loved to hate was Guinevere! She was so bratty, selfish, and shallow! Everytime we heard things from her point of view, I really wished someone would just push her off a cliff.

Which scene was your favorite?

The parts of the book that really stuck with me for some reason were the very first two paragraphs, when Morgaine says,

"In my time I have been called many things: sister, lover, wise-woman, queen."

All the way through to,

"And now, when the world has changed and Arthur - my brother, my lover, king who was, and king who shall be - lies dead (the common folk say sleeping) in the Holy Isle of Avalon, the tale should be told as it was before the priests of the White Christ came to cover it all with their saints and legends."

I think it completely sets the tone for the entire book, and Davina Porter's voice really brings it to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I didn't have any extreme reactions to this book, mostly because even the sad parts were cloaked in mystery and sereneness. You sort of glide through from beginning to end in an enchanted haze. It was different!

Any additional comments?

Before listening to this book, I had already listened to the entire Outlander series, which Davina Porter also narrated. Each audiobook is very long, so in total, I'd listened to about 326 hours of Davina telling the Outlander tale. I was craving more of Outlander after that, so I looked at what else she had narrated. The Mists of Avalon caught my eye, and even though I was hoping the narration would remind me of Outlander, it didn't! Her voice wasn't that different, but I found that I never thought about Outlander while listening to this book! That, to me, was an impressive thing! I was sucked in by the story, and not just the voice.

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The Mists of Avalon Unabridged includes all 4 bks

What did you love best about The Mists of Avalon?

I absolutely loved Davina Porter's reading of this series. I was pleasantly surprised to find that when I purchased the Unabridged version of "The Mists of Avalon," I had purchased all four books of the series using just 1 credit. Other reviewers had not commented on this, so I thought I would share and suggest that you do the same as the rest of the books are interesting. The story comes to life in this reading and it is well-researched. Zimmer Bradley conducts a fantastic feminist reading of the Arthurian legends.The production is equally fantastic- featuring Davina Porter who is one of the best audiobook readers.

What other book might you compare The Mists of Avalon to and why?

If you are interested in Porter's reading of this, you might also enjoy her reading of the Outlander Series (though a completely different type of historically-based drama).

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

She particularly excels in her Scottish accents.

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A Long Slog, But The Ending is GORGEOUS

At close to 900 pages and 51 hours, this book is something of a daunting endeavor, but I can assure you the ending makes it worth it. Indeed, the ending has as much power as it does BECAUSE so much time and space is devoting to constructing Arthur's Britain. I highly recommend this book. Truly a seminal piece of work in feminist fantasy, but also in Arthurian adaptions.

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Don't want it to end...

I am in love with anything Davina Porter narrates, but in the Mists of Avalon, I am also re-captivated by the story of Camelot as told through the eyes of the key women. It is refreshing and thought-provoking in ways I would not have expected; an aspect that only adds to my enjoyment!

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Simply Outstanding

What made the experience of listening to The Mists of Avalon the most enjoyable?

The Narrator was absolutely amazing!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Morgain. She comes off as a tragic character but is essential like any person trying to navigate great changes while trying to keep her faith alive.

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never have but I adore her voice and the spirit inwhich she worked.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes. Oddly I did find myself becoming extremely sorrowful by an unsettling incident that happens in the book.

Any additional comments?

If you like fantasy formed by REAL concepts of faith and real magic then you'll love this. This showed magic closer to its real nature but still managed to show the awe of it and took no power away from it though it ceased to be played out like the ridiculous
magic systems of Harry Potter or most fantasy books. Simply put: it comes off more real than most fantasies.

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An annoying yet addictive getaway novel

I don't suggest reading about the author before finishing the novel. But once you do, you'll find it informative if the psychology behind the book.

I mostly didn't enjoy this book because of its emotional immaturity. It is also frustrating to read 2nd wave feminist perspectives when we've come so far. For me it was like an addictive reality tv show. So bad, but so good you can't turn it off.

If you're an imaginative person who is interested in dark age Britain and paganism, you'll love this book.

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A picturesque take on the King Arthur Tales

Davina Porter takes you through the days of Arthur and his court with her usual talent and emotion. I love a long story and Ms. Porter never gets boring with her characterizations.Marion Zimmer Bradley is a wonderful weaver of tales. If you like this genre - it is a Great Choice. These women can take you out of this world and into theirs like magic. Take your time and enjoy the " The Mists of Avalon."

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