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Synopsis

The Breathtaking Story of What Came Before The Mists of Avalon

The prequel to one of the world's bestselling novels.

The full sweep of the rich history of Avalon – from the fall of Atlantis to the founding of a new temple on the mist-shrouded isle of Britain – is finally revealed in this magnificent tale.

The priests and priestesses of Atlantis have known for many years that the Sea Kingdoms were doomed. Even so, they are unprepared for the catastrophe when it occurs.

Micail and Tiriki, prince and princess, priest and priestess of the last island to fall, are separated during the escape. Micail and his cousin, Prince Tjalan, successfully arrive at their planned destination, a trading post in the Hesperides (the British Isles), where Tjalan loses no time in taking charge. He dreams of continuing the traditions of the Atlantis and founding a glorious new empire – whether the local tribes like it or not. Micail and the other priests dedicate themselves to fulfilling an ancient prophesy that they will build a great temple in this new land; a temple that will become Stonehenge.

Micail’s beloved wife Tiriki also arrives in the Hesperides but, blown off course by a storm, her ship lands on the wrong shore. She and her elderly priest Chedan lead their small group to form a new community in harmony with the local population at the sacred Tor (Glastonbury). Once the two groups become aware of each other, conflict will become inevitable.

A deeply moving and utterly convincing tale of faith in the face of adversity, filled with memorable characters and haunting landscapes.

Press Reviews

A most original interpretation of the matter of Britain by way of Celtic religion and the Great Mother...a remarkable feat of imagination - Mary Renault

I loved the book so much I went out and bought it for a friend and have told many people about it - Jean Auel

Bradley combines romance, rich historical detail, magical dazzlements, grand adventure and feminist sentiments into the kind of novel her fans have been yearning for - Publishers Weekly

The best retelling of the Arthurian saga I have ever read. Completely compelling - Isaac Asimov

About the Authors

Marion Zimmer Bradley is the creator of the popular Darkover universe as well as the critically acclaimed author of the bestselling The Mists of Avalon, its sequel, The Forest House and Priestess of Avalon with her long-time collaborator Diana L. Paxson. She died in Berkeley, California on September 25, 1999.

Diana L. Paxson was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1943, but moved to Los Angeles at the age of three and has been a Californian ever since. After attending Mills College in 1960, she received a Masters degree in Comparative (Medieval) Literature from U.C. Berkeley. She married and became the mother of two children. In 1971 she began writing seriously. Her first story was published in 1978 and her first novel in 1981. Following the death of Marion Zimmer Bradley, she took up the draft of this long-planned novel to complete the story-cycle.