The richly described world within the mists of Avalon. The author creates a vivid and magical place with its own rules, magic, and social structure. It draws readers into a world that feels both familiar in terms of the Arthurian backdrop and yet entirely new.
The complex characters make it great. Morgan le Fay, for example, is a multi - faceted character. Her relationships with other characters, like Arthur, are full of depth and conflict.
The unique take on the Arthurian legend. It presents the story from the perspective of the female characters, which is not common in traditional Arthurian tales. This gives a fresh and interesting view of the well - known story.
The story - telling is masterful. It takes well - known Arthurian tales and gives them a fresh spin. It doesn't just focus on the knights and battles but delves into the politics, magic, and the role of women in that society. It shows how different forces were at play during that time in a very engaging way.
Morgan le Fay is a main character. She is a powerful sorceress with a complex personality.
In a way, it can be considered a love story. It explores various kinds of love, including romantic, platonic, and familial, which play significant roles in shaping the plot and characters.
Well, there's the theme of gender roles and how they can be subverted. The novels depict a world where women are not just secondary to men. Instead, they are central figures with their own agency. For example, the female characters are often the ones with the knowledge and power to shape events, which is a significant departure from the typical Arthurian tales where men usually hold all the power.
The book's use of historical research. The author has clearly done a lot of research into Celtic culture and history. This is evident in the accurate portrayal of things like the Druidic traditions and the social structure of the time. It sets a good example for other historical fiction writers to base their work on solid research.
In the context of 80s fantasy novels, 'The Mists of Avalon' stands out. It's a story that blurs the lines between good and evil in a very interesting way. The characters are not simply black or white. For example, Morgaine is a character who has both good and bad qualities. The novel also has a strong sense of place, with Avalon being a central and almost mystical location. It was a significant contribution to 80s fantasy as it explored themes like power, love, and loyalty in a new and engaging way.
It influenced them by bringing a new perspective. Its female - centered narrative was something new. It made other authors in the 80s think about different ways to tell a story. Also, its use of Celtic mythology inspired other writers to explore different mythologies in their works.
Morgaine is a very notable character. She is a complex figure, a priestess with great power and knowledge, and she plays a crucial role in the story's events.
The story's adventure aspect is what makes it great fantasy. Bilbo's unexpected adventure from his comfortable home in the Shire to the Lonely Mountain is full of twists and turns. There are battles, riddles, and encounters with strange creatures. The way Tolkien weaves the different elements of the adventure, along with the rich language and descriptions, firmly places 'The Hobbit' in the realm of top - notch fantasy fiction.
The world - building in 'Shadow and Bone' is one of the main factors. It creates a unique and immersive universe with different Grisha powers, cultures, and political landscapes. The characters are also well - developed. Alina Starkov's journey from an ordinary girl to a powerful Grisha is engaging. And the Darkling adds a great deal of mystery and complexity to the story.