Book Review: Priestess of Avalon

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Priestess of Avalon     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Marion Zimmer Bradley , Diana L. Paxson
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Religious Fiction   Christianity   Historical
Series: Avalon (MZB) # 4
Viking, May 2001, $24.95, 480 pp.

Late in the third century, Roman General Constantius leads his army in Britain. There the High Priestess Rian decides that the British throne must marry the Roman leader of the invasion. Princess Eilan is the chosen one, but she rebels and follows her own feelings. Though daughter to a King and the High Priestess, Eilan is exiled from her Avalon home for choosing love.

Unable to just do nothing, Eilan now known as Helena by those of the Roman Empire begins a trek to the Holy Land. She has a purpose feeling she is a modern day Paul spreading the word while seeking the connection between the ancient religions that she grew up with and the new Christianity.

Fans of historical fiction and fantasy will fully enjoy the latest Avalon tale. The story line centers on the legendary Helena, whose exploits come alive while providing intriguing insight into the era bridging Christianity and the pagan religions. Fans of the late Marion Zimmer Bradley as well as those of Diana L. Paxson and the two genres in general will relish PRIESTESS OF AVALON, a strong entry in a powerful series

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner