Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Arthurian Legend

Sub Genre: Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Down from the high hill of Camelot, across the lake and through the mists, lies the shrouded isle of Avalon. It is here that the mystical story of King Arthur begins… In Marion Zimmer Bradley’s brilliant reworking of the powerful Arthurian epic, we see the tumult and adventures of Camelot’s court through the eyes of the women who bolstered the king’s rise and schemed for his fall. There is Morgaine, an intense woman gifted with the Sight, who has sworn to keep the old religion alive against the growing tide of Christianity that threatens her way of life – even if it means fighting a deadly battle against her beloved brother. And the devout Gwenhwyfar, married to Arthur out of a sense of duty, determined to bring Britain into the light of her God. From their childhoods through the ultimate fulfillment of their destinies, we follow these women and the diverse cast of characters that surrounds them as the great Arthurian epic unfolds stunningly before us. As Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar struggle for control over the face of Arthur’s kingdom, as the Knights of the Round Table take on their infamous quest, as Merlin and Viviane wield their magics for the future of Old Britain, the Isle of Avalon slips further into the impenetrable mists of memory, until the fissure between old and new worlds – and old and new religions – claims its most famous victim.

This is a great retelling of the Arthurian Legend, told from a women’s perspective. The story shows each of the woman as they grow into the powerful characters that we know. I don’t want to go too much into as the twists to this are very well written. And even if you know the legend there are surprises that will keep you reading for more. I love this book. I’ve read it so many times that I really feel like I’ve been there. This is one of those books you have to read. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, The Forest House.

Publisher: Del Rey

ISBN: 0345441184

Pages: 912

Series: Avalon

Volume: 1

Magic Kingdom For Sale Sold by Terry Brooks

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Magical Creatures, Wizards, Fairy Folk, Witches, Magicians, Demons

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Landover was a genuine, out-of-this-world magic kingdom, complete with fairy folk and wizardry, just as the advertisement had promised. But after he purchased it for a million dollars, Ben Holiday discovered that there were a few details the ad had failed to mention. The kingdom was falling into ruin. Taxes hadn't been collected in years. The Barons refused to recognize a king and the peasants were without hope. The dragon Strabo was laying waste the countryside and the evil witch Nightshade was plotting to destroy everything. Generally, things were a total mess. Ben's only followers were the incompetent Court Magician, Questar Thews, and Abernathy, the talking dog who served as Court Scribe. For servants, all he had were a pair of kobolds. The Paladin, legendary champion of the Kings of Landover, seemed to be only a myth and an empty suit of armor. Of course, there was the lovely and devoted Willow--but she had a habit of putting down roots in the moonlight and turning into a tree. To put the final touch on the whole affair, Ben soon learned that the Iron Mark, ugly and terrible lord of the demons, had challenged all prospective Kings of Landover to a duel to the death--a duel which no human could hope to win. The task of proving his right to be King seemed hopeless. But Ben Holiday was stubborn.

Ben Holiday wants a change so what does he do? He buys a magical kingdom. After learning what he’s truly gotten himself into he to fixing things. There are a few pesky things he has to work out. But isn’t it the way of things for all kings. This is a very funny book that will brighten your day. I couldn’t stop from giggling while reading this. There are some dark spots but is so engaging you can’t help but enjoy it. This is one of those books that once you start it you can’t stop. I look forward to read the next book in the series, The Black Unicorn.

Publisher: Del Rey

ISBN: 1857232569

Pages: 352

Series: Magic Kingdom of Landover

Volume: 1