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Avalon

The Avalon series recasts British myth and history through generations of priestesses whose sanctuary preserves the worship of the Goddess as Roman power, Christianity, migration and political consolidation transform Britain. Its chronology reaches from survivors of a legendary Atlantis and the builders of Stonehenge through Bronze Age kingship, Boudica’s revolt, Roman Britain, Helena and Constantine, and the Arthurian age.

Across seven novels, Avalon is both a sacred place and a political institution. Its women negotiate dynastic alliances, succession, forbidden love, religious change and the price of prophecy, while figures such as Boudica, Carausius, Helena and Constantine share the narrative with Arthurian characters and invented custodians of Avalon’s traditions.

Reading order

Books in this series (7 books)

The Mists of Avalon cover

1. The Mists of Avalon

Marion Zimmer Bradley

First published 1983

4.1(221,004)

Britain’s old order is failing as rival rulers, Saxon pressure and the spread of Christianity reshape the island. Morgaine, trained as a priestess of Avalon, is drawn into the dynastic plans surrounding her half-brother Arthur, while Gwenhwyfar’s marriage to him binds personal desire to the survival…

The Forests of Avalon cover

2. The Forests of Avalon

Marion Zimmer Bradley

First published 1993

4.5(1,057)

During Flavian rule in Roman Britain, Eilan, granddaughter of the Arch-Druid, is called to serve in the sanctuary known as the Forest House. Her forbidden relationship with Gaius Macellius, a Roman officer of mixed British and Roman descent, leaves her divided between personal love and a…

Lady of Avalon cover

3. Lady of Avalon

Marion Zimmer Bradley

First published 1997

4.0(19,060)

Three linked narratives follow Avalon’s priestesses from the end of the first century to the final decades of Roman rule. Caillean raises Eilan’s son Gawen and veils Avalon from hostile eyes; generations later Dierna binds the sanctuary’s fortunes to the breakaway emperor Carausius; in the fifth…

Priestess of Avalon cover

4. Priestess of Avalon

Marion Zimmer Bradley

First published 2000

4.1(18,137)

Raised on Avalon as Eilan, the future Helena leaves the island after falling in love with the Roman officer Constantius. Their son Constantine grows into a contender for imperial power, drawing Helena into the political and religious struggles of the Tetrarchy and the civil wars that…

Ancestors of Avalon cover

5. Ancestors of Avalon

Marion Zimmer Bradley

First published 2004

4.4(581)

When the island of Ahtarrath is destroyed, priestess Tiriki and her husband Micail lead separate groups of refugees towards Britain. Their ships are divided, and each community forms different alliances: Micail joins local rulers and works with other priests on a vast stone sanctuary, while Tiriki…

Ravens of Avalon cover

6. Ravens of Avalon

Marion Zimmer Bradley

First published 2007

4.5(352)

Before the Roman conquest hardens into occupation, young Boudica studies on Mona and befriends the priestess Lhiannon. Called home to marry Prasutagus, king of the Iceni, Boudica attempts to preserve her family’s position under Roman rule while Lhiannon and the Druids resist the destruction of their…

Sword of Avalon cover

7. Sword of Avalon

Marion Zimmer Bradley

First published 2009

4.5(325)

At the end of the Bronze Age, the child Mikantor is hidden from the warlord Galid, who has seized power and fears the prophecy surrounding the Son of a Hundred Kings. Separated from Avalon’s protection and sold into slavery, Mikantor travels through Britain, Europe and the…