The Fall of Atlantis

THE FALL OF ATLANTIS begins the 'backstory' of the MISTS OF AVALON trilogy. Two sisters Deoris and Domaris are beginning their training as priestesses, as befits their caste. Their world is shaken by the arrival of Micon, a young priest who had fallen into the hands of the Black Prieshood and tortured. Their lives and those around them are changed by events that will take many lifetimes to resolve. This book has been compared to other MZB books, particularly the AVALON trilogy. This book, and those that follow are much earlier works by MZB, and are, not surprisingly, not as masterful as her later books, particularly MISTS OF AVALON. That aside THE FALL OF ATLANTIS is still an excellent story. The characters are engaging, the plot well thought out and interesting, the world is consistent and plausible. This novel in many ways foreshadows the AVALON series. The characters in both trilogies are victims of the actions of their parents, their own decisions impact the lives of their own children. Both are set into societies that are changing and ultimately dying. And both are betrayed at some point from within. Is this as good a book as MISTS OF AVALON? No, but it is as good as THE FOREST HOUSE or LADY OF AVALON and is definitely worth the time for fans of MZB's other works, and also for those who are not fans yet.

I love this book. The Fall of Atlantis is one of MZB's earlier works. The story is not as well-plotted as her later works and there are even some minor mistakes in the book (about who is related and where they come from, etc.) but the heart-breaking character of Deoris brings the book to life. It's worth a read just for her story. The thing I like about MZB's writing is that you get to know her characters' thoughts and self-doubts. You can always relate to them on a real level even though they are set in a fantasy world. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a romantic heart.

I have owned the Fall of Atlantis for a long time now and everytime I pick it up Bradley never fails to draw me once more into the intricate depth of the story that lays down the heritage of her exquisite Avalon novels. The heartache and pain that the characters in her book go through (from Domaris to Deoris, from Micon to Demira), constantly has your emotions at a boil. Bradley has a gifted ability to weave intrigue and magic into the complex web of her stories and the Fall of Atlantis is a clear expression of her talent. Every detail concerning the Atlanteans is so perfectly thought out that the reader is easily immersed in this strange, spell-bound realm and its tragic destruction. The women again figure prominently in this story and through their loves and losses, their actions and consequences, we see again their femininity is laced with a strength and determination that inarguably turns them into the heroines of an epic saga. Despite the dark overtone of the plot, the Fall of Atlantis is a enthralling, enduring story that captivates from the first page to the last.

I love this book,I read it over the summer at camp and I couldn't put it down, so I sat and read it in my room for four straight hours. MZB really captures your attention and doesn't let it go throughout the entire novel. I have heard that some people say this is not one of her better works, but I DISAGREE. This book was great and I recommend it to anyone who loves to read or anyone who wants to read a really great story with an interesting plot and believeable characters. I recommend this book to everyone . Read it, you won't be disapointed!!!!!!!

I think "The Fall of Atlantis" was a very dramatic, emotional book. The first pages seem very good yet not superb, while at the end, you cannot put this book down. Marion Zimmer Bradley's imagination in this book is captivating. The world she created impressed me because it was so much like fantasy (with all the Magicians, Adepts, and Laws), yet so realistic. Domaris and Deoris are two excellent characters; they captured my attention from the start. The other main characters in the book also impressed me, especially Rajasta, Riveda, and Micon. When I put this book down, I thought: "Another one of Zimmer Bradley's excellent works!"