The Forest House

I was assigned this book a long time ago in college and two decades later I still pick it up and read it again. It is an amazing book. The layers of cultural and religious conflict permeate, while the characters are rich and the story engrosses you. Hard to put down once started!

Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon novels continue to compel and inspire even after her death, and _The Forest House_ is certainly no exception. After becomong obsessed with _The Mists of Avalon_, I had no idea there were other books in the semi-series until I found a copy of _The Forest House_ in a used book store, and read it in only a day or so. If you liked _Mists_, this novel won't disappoint. I also recommend you start with _The Fall of Atlantis_, and then continue reading the books in chronological order, which places Diana Paxson's _Ancestors of Avalon_ next, followed by _Lady of Avalon_, _The Forest House_ and finally _The Mists of Avalon_.

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.

Bradely has out done herself with this book. The characters were so alive, all of them. When they went through their hard times I felt like I was right there with them. I cheered on Eilan and booed Ardanos. And in the end I felt the pain they went through. This whole series has been so spell binding that's it's uncanny. To think that a mere mortal or human wrote this series, is simply unfathomable. I feel they have given me inspiration and happiness among many other feelings. Marion Zimmer Bradley has made me laugh, cry, love, and hurt with her series of books, and I can only pray that there's more where this has come from. The woman behind these books should be more recognized. I hope there is a day when the name Marion Zimmer Bradley is a name that is known in every family. I would also recomend this book to anyone who likes to read Arthurian Legend. And for these people I have one more piece of advice. I read this series out of order. I would suggest that you read Forest House first. Then Lady of Avalon, then Mists. I praise Bradley for the hundreds of pages of joy and amazment she has given me. Thank you very much.