The Forest House (Avalon Book 2)

I loved, loved, loved "Mists of Avalon," as can be read in my review for that book. Hoping for the same level of storytelling and "Goddess-ness," I picked up "The Forest House." The quick summary is that "Forest House" does not have the same level of tension and intrigue that I felt "Mists" has. There were some plot points that made me wonder why they were written at all. Some character development was lush, only for those characters not to play a major part in the story. There were events that I wish were expanded greatly but were rather condensed and some events that were explained in great detail, but didn't contribute appreciably to the outcome of the story. Halfway through, I felt disappointed with "Forest House," but certainly intended to read to the end.Having given my criticisms, there were also two parts that captured the intensity that I felt "Mists" possesses and, therefore, make "Forest House" absolutely worth reading. One was an initiation ceremony that was so beautifully done that I still think about the imagery in it. The other part is the ending - the last 30 pages or so. The tension that seemed lacking suddenly ratcheted up and the purpose of the story became clear. There is very little resolution in this story, sort of like "The Empire Strikes Back," which stands on its own as a sort of coming-of-age story, but is best seen in context of the real resolution of "The Return of the Jedi." On a grander scale, however, the ending of "Forest House" also demonstrates how the characters - all of us, really - play roles in the purpose of the Universe. The Goddess doesn't forget about us and let us founder for no reason. What seems trivial could have a far-reaching consequence, even if you don't understand it in this life. I'm currently reading "Lady of Avalon," which is showing the consequences of "Forest House" that ultimately lead into "Mists.""The Forest House" is definitely worth reading. There is beauty in the author's writing that cannot be missed. But expect to need to read the next book for satisfaction. If you've enjoyed "Mists," seeing the story to its conclusion is the right thing to do, anyway. We could all use more Goddess in our lives.

this prequel is still excellent.The story is set in the days of Roman occupation of Britain. Gaius, a young Roman officer and son of the local Roman commandant with his British wife has met and fallen in love with Eilan, the daughter of a powerful Druid family. Neither family approves of the match and forces the two apart. For the rest of their lives they met again and again only to be torn apart. Ultimately their unfulfilled love sets the stage for the events in MISTS OF AVALON.The story is again told, at least in part, from a feminine point of view. As in MISTS there is a greek tragedy feel of unescapable doom. The characters are engaging and 'feel real', the plot is compeling making this a book that is hard to put down. It does not quite live up to MISTS due at least in part, to its more simplistic story line. Unlike MISTS' numerous story lines THE FOREST HOUSE focuses on Eilan and Gaius with Caillean, a priestess of the Forest House filling in gaps. This prequel is also significantly shorter. Still for any fan of MISTS OF AVALON this is a must read and would be enjoyable on its own as well.

it's a good start of prequel to the mists. I still believe that the mists of Avalon is the greatest of them all, but the imagery details of the forest house is a match for it. I just wish that some parts of the plot were a bit more developed. it's much less political than the mists, but it still has its aura of complexity and deepness to each character. But again, if I wish there were more to it, that means I liked it well.

This is one of Zimmer Bradley's classics that I just never got to read but with our bad weather finished it in a few days. I'm familiar with the background of the story from her works - especially the Mists of Avalon that this precedes and the works of the incomparable Morgan Llewellyn that covers much of the same subject matter. The only reason it got a 4 star instead of the 5 star is that it was somewhat predictable - and the ending too violent for my taste. But the characters are strong, for the most part well developed and relatable.

This book is the third book in the Mists of Avalon series, following "The Fall of Atlantis" and "Ancestors of Avalon." Although this book starts far later than the ending of the previous book, and with all new characters, there are bits and pieces of the characters that tie them in as reincarnations of characters from the previous books, including bindings that they've made with each other before.As with all the books in this series, I found this one to be very spiritual. It gives a sense of connectedness with the past and Pagan spiritualness.This story takes place in 1st century AD, when the priestesses and Druids are mostly practicing to the north of Avalon, and then covers the priestesses and Druids moving to Avalon to establish there. This lineage will go through to "The Mists of Avalon."The situations and characters in this book have their stories continued in the first part of the book "Lady of Avalon."

She handles our good and our bad with honor and empathy. Yet maybe the best is her reverence for what is divine.

I wish I had read this before The Mists of Avalon however, I loved both. I will continue with the series as I have been quite impressed with the author’s writing. I rarely ever read fantasy and reading these have certainly changed my mind to this genre. I highly recommend this author she was an awesome story teller!

A prequel that beautifully heralds the legend yet to be told. This story brilliantly sets the stage for all that follows. Bravo!!

This book is fantastic. It was very good at making me feel like i was there in the story and i felt for each character as they went through their struggles. I love books like this and think this series are very well written full of adventure, mystery and magic. Beautiful descriptions made all the better because i read the book while on holiday in Italy so the connections with the Romans and Britain were spectacular. If you like books such as the Guinevere and Isolde trilogy you will love this series :) 5 stars

I had previously read 4 other book from the Avalon series, which were wonderful, and thought it was time I read the first book in the series. It did not disappoint! MZB brings her characters to life. You feel that you know them. In this book, it explains how Avalon was founded. Their interaction with the Romans was not always peaceful, as is usual when foreign people come to claim a country for themselves. However, the 2 main characters cross barriers that stand the test of time. It was a wonderful story and I would recommend it.

Very fast delivery - thanks Amazon!I loved Mists of Avalon and this prequel is equally enchanting. If you love historic novels - read this one even or rather especially if you've never read any books about early Britain.But be warn! - do not read any book about Avalon if you are conservative in your religious views! You won't like it as it may sometimes sound as a blasphemy.

Boring, prolonged, and doesn't really have the magical atmosphere of The Mists of Avalon.

This is actually part of the early centuries of the series and explains succinctly how Avalon came into being. \i read the series in reverse and so it wasn't until I reached this book that the characters fell into place.