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The Fall of Atlantis #1-2
Le luci di Atlantide
In un tempo lontano, la Luce regnava sovrana nella splendente Città del Serpente Ricurvo e uomini e donne vivevano in quieta armonia. Maun oscuro labirinto senza fine corre sotto la città, una ragnatela di tenebre da cui sorge una minaccia nera come ala di corvo, imprevedibile come il buio della notte più lunga, agghiacciante come un fuoco inestinguibile. Grandi sono i poteri che le forze del Male promettono a chi è disposto a rinunciare al benefico afflato della Luce, a chi non si appaga della vivificante energia positiva del Bene: il potere assoluto della Magia, il dominio delle forze della natura, l'asservimento totale della mente dell'uomo... Un richiamo cui la giovane Deoris - dagli occhi simili a violette e dalla limpida voce - non sa resistere, sedotta dal gelido sorriso e dalla mente fervida di Riveda, il Mago che non esita a infrangere ogni limite imposto dagli uomini e dagli dèi per soddisfare la propria smisurata sete di conoscenza.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
About the author
Marion Zimmer Bradley
753 books4,711 followersMarion Eleanor Zimmer Bradley was an American author of fantasy novels such as The Mists of Avalon and the Darkover series, often with a feminist outlook.
Bradley's first published novel-length work was Falcons of Narabedla, first published in the May 1957 issue of Other Worlds. When she was a child, Bradley stated that she enjoyed reading adventure fantasy authors such as Henry Kuttner, Edmond Hamilton, and Leigh Brackett, especially when they wrote about "the glint of strange suns on worlds that never were and never would be." Her first novel and much of her subsequent work show their influence strongly.
Early in her career, writing as Morgan Ives, Miriam Gardner, John Dexter, and Lee Chapman, Marion Zimmer Bradley produced several works outside the speculative fiction genre, including some gay and lesbian pulp fiction novels. For example, I Am a Lesbian was published in 1962. Though relatively tame by today's standards, they were considered pornographic when published, and for a long time she refused to disclose the titles she wrote under these pseudonyms.
Her 1958 story The Planet Savers introduced the planet of Darkover, which became the setting of a popular series by Bradley and other authors. The Darkover milieu may be considered as either fantasy with science fiction overtones or as science fiction with fantasy overtones, as Darkover is a lost earth colony where psi powers developed to an unusual degree. Bradley wrote many Darkover novels by herself, but in her later years collaborated with other authors for publication; her literary collaborators have continued the series since her death.
Bradley took an active role in science-fiction and fantasy fandom, promoting interaction with professional authors and publishers and making several important contributions to the subculture.
For many years, Bradley actively encouraged Darkover fan fiction and reprinted some of it in commercial Darkover anthologies, continuing to encourage submissions from unpublished authors, but this ended after a dispute with a fan over an unpublished Darkover novel of Bradley's that had similarities to some of the fan's stories. As a result, the novel remained unpublished, and Bradley demanded the cessation of all Darkover fan fiction.
Bradley was also the editor of the long-running Sword and Sorceress anthology series, which encouraged submissions of fantasy stories featuring original and non-traditional heroines from young and upcoming authors. Although she particularly encouraged young female authors, she was not averse to including male authors in her anthologies. Mercedes Lackey was just one of many authors who first appeared in the anthologies. She also maintained a large family of writers at her home in Berkeley. Ms Bradley was editing the final Sword and Sorceress manuscript up until the week of her death in September of 1999.
Probably her most famous single novel is The Mists of Avalon. A retelling of the Camelot legend from the point of view of Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar, it grew into a series of books; like the Darkover series, the later novels are written with or by other authors and have continued to appear after Bradley's death.
Her reputation has been posthumously marred by multiple accusations of child sexual abuse by her daughter Moira Greyland, and for allegedly assisting her second husband, convicted child abuser Walter Breen, in sexually abusing multiple unrelated children.
(from Wikipedia)
Bradley's first published novel-length work was Falcons of Narabedla, first published in the May 1957 issue of Other Worlds. When she was a child, Bradley stated that she enjoyed reading adventure fantasy authors such as Henry Kuttner, Edmond Hamilton, and Leigh Brackett, especially when they wrote about "the glint of strange suns on worlds that never were and never would be." Her first novel and much of her subsequent work show their influence strongly.
Early in her career, writing as Morgan Ives, Miriam Gardner, John Dexter, and Lee Chapman, Marion Zimmer Bradley produced several works outside the speculative fiction genre, including some gay and lesbian pulp fiction novels. For example, I Am a Lesbian was published in 1962. Though relatively tame by today's standards, they were considered pornographic when published, and for a long time she refused to disclose the titles she wrote under these pseudonyms.
Her 1958 story The Planet Savers introduced the planet of Darkover, which became the setting of a popular series by Bradley and other authors. The Darkover milieu may be considered as either fantasy with science fiction overtones or as science fiction with fantasy overtones, as Darkover is a lost earth colony where psi powers developed to an unusual degree. Bradley wrote many Darkover novels by herself, but in her later years collaborated with other authors for publication; her literary collaborators have continued the series since her death.
Bradley took an active role in science-fiction and fantasy fandom, promoting interaction with professional authors and publishers and making several important contributions to the subculture.
For many years, Bradley actively encouraged Darkover fan fiction and reprinted some of it in commercial Darkover anthologies, continuing to encourage submissions from unpublished authors, but this ended after a dispute with a fan over an unpublished Darkover novel of Bradley's that had similarities to some of the fan's stories. As a result, the novel remained unpublished, and Bradley demanded the cessation of all Darkover fan fiction.
Bradley was also the editor of the long-running Sword and Sorceress anthology series, which encouraged submissions of fantasy stories featuring original and non-traditional heroines from young and upcoming authors. Although she particularly encouraged young female authors, she was not averse to including male authors in her anthologies. Mercedes Lackey was just one of many authors who first appeared in the anthologies. She also maintained a large family of writers at her home in Berkeley. Ms Bradley was editing the final Sword and Sorceress manuscript up until the week of her death in September of 1999.
Probably her most famous single novel is The Mists of Avalon. A retelling of the Camelot legend from the point of view of Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar, it grew into a series of books; like the Darkover series, the later novels are written with or by other authors and have continued to appear after Bradley's death.
Her reputation has been posthumously marred by multiple accusations of child sexual abuse by her daughter Moira Greyland, and for allegedly assisting her second husband, convicted child abuser Walter Breen, in sexually abusing multiple unrelated children.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 5, 2019
I read this novel many, many years ago, back when I was devouring the Avalon series by Marion Zimmer Bradley (I consider The Mists of Avalon one of the very best fantasy works). It is often implied during the series that the wisdom and powers of Avalon originally hail from the sunken city of Atlantis.
However, there was never a direct link in any of the books, connecting this early stand-alone novel by MZB with the actual Avalon series. Then in 2004, after MZB had passed away, Diana L. Paxson released Ancestors of Avalon, which finally connects The Fall of Atlantis to the Avalon series.
I admit, I have no real memories about the plot of this book, as it's been 13 years that I've read it, but I remember my feelings reading it well enough to give it 4 stars. Simply because I can ;-)
However, there was never a direct link in any of the books, connecting this early stand-alone novel by MZB with the actual Avalon series. Then in 2004, after MZB had passed away, Diana L. Paxson released Ancestors of Avalon, which finally connects The Fall of Atlantis to the Avalon series.
I admit, I have no real memories about the plot of this book, as it's been 13 years that I've read it, but I remember my feelings reading it well enough to give it 4 stars. Simply because I can ;-)
June 5, 2022
Primo libro del ciclo di Avalon, pur non essendo il primo scritto. E' un bel libro scritto con uno stile tranquillo che - pur non facendo mai trattenere il respiro al lettore - non annoia mai. La trama si dipana con naturalezza intorno alle due protagoniste, con grande cura degli aspetti psicologici e dei loro sentimenti. L'unica critica che devo fare riguarda il mancato approfondimento di tanti aspetti della vita del Tempio, citati ma mai spiegati. Anche poco sviluppato il mondo dove si svolge la trama. Aspetto di leggere il seguito del ciclo per un giudizio più puntuale.
August 20, 2014
The Fall of Atlantis by Marion Zimmer Bradley is the story of two sisters who grow up in the temple of light in the Ancient Land and tells about the difficult decisions and struggles they face and how their relationship is strained as they go down different paths. The story does contain elements of romance and mystery, but it is ultimately about the struggle between the light and the dark, good and evil. Romance isn't really my thing but I did not feel that the romantic elements in this story were overwhelming and I enjoyed the story overall even if was a bit slow paced at times. The only small peeve I have is that the title is misleading.
The story really isn't about Atlantis being destroyed and in fact most of the story doesn't even take place in Atlantis. A better title might have been "The Events Leading Up to the Fall of Atlantis", but I suppose that title would be too long and awkward. The Fall of Atlantis was not the original title though. It was originally published as two separate books, The Web of Light and the Web of Darkness, and then republished as one book under its current title. Another thing that people might not know is that this book is actually a part of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series. Originally it was only connected to the series by one minor detail that most would overlook, but then the book Ancestors of Avalon was published which is a direct sequel to The Fall of Atlantis. I would recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed other books in the Avalon series.
The story really isn't about Atlantis being destroyed and in fact most of the story doesn't even take place in Atlantis. A better title might have been "The Events Leading Up to the Fall of Atlantis", but I suppose that title would be too long and awkward. The Fall of Atlantis was not the original title though. It was originally published as two separate books, The Web of Light and the Web of Darkness, and then republished as one book under its current title. Another thing that people might not know is that this book is actually a part of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series. Originally it was only connected to the series by one minor detail that most would overlook, but then the book Ancestors of Avalon was published which is a direct sequel to The Fall of Atlantis. I would recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed other books in the Avalon series.
July 16, 2015
For the first 70 pages or so, I wasn't impressed. Rather, I was confused. It was clear to see that this book was written prior to "The Mists of Avalon" and the rest of the Avalon series. Things weren't properly explained, especially not the society in which the story takes place, and I barely really understood what happened.
However, the further in I got, the better I liked the book. I began to grow fond of the sisters (Deoris in particular; Domaris never really impressed me until much later in the story) and eventually could not stop reading. I also began to see how things added up with the society and religion many years later in "Mists", what parts had been carried on. I am now looking very much forward to reading "Ancestors of Avalon".
All in all, a great book once you get past the confusing beginning.
However, the further in I got, the better I liked the book. I began to grow fond of the sisters (Deoris in particular; Domaris never really impressed me until much later in the story) and eventually could not stop reading. I also began to see how things added up with the society and religion many years later in "Mists", what parts had been carried on. I am now looking very much forward to reading "Ancestors of Avalon".
All in all, a great book once you get past the confusing beginning.
February 3, 2024
aslında ilgi çekici ve akıcı bir kitap ancak ben bu türden fazlasıyla uzak olduğum ve sıkıldığım için kaç yıldız vereceğimi bilemedim. seriye devam etmeyi düşünüyorum ama ne zaman bilmiyorum.
March 6, 2024
★★★☆☆ 3.5 stars
June 8, 2020
İthaki 3 kitap olarak basmış ama aslında 2 kitaplık bir seri. Ben şu an İthaki baskılarına göre 1 ve 2'yi bitirdim. Avalon'un Sisleri ile kıyaslanamayacak kadar kötü. neden böyle bir şey yazdın Marion, baya şaşırdım. :ı Yine de devam edeceğim, kötü olmakla beraber baya akıcı. Gece kuşağına koyulmuş kalitesiz bir bilimkurgu filmi izlemek gibi, hiçbir olayı yok işte öylesine okuyorum. :3
September 14, 2021
Uno dei miei libri preferiti in assoluto è Le nebbie di Avalon, di Marion Zimmer Bradley. Un libro che non solo racconta storie meravigliose ma che mi ha aperto anche un mondo sul femminismo.
Questo Le luci di Atlantide è il primo libro del ciclo di Avalon e inizia la storia della serie. Avalon ancora non è nemmeno nominata e i protagonisti vivono nella Città del Serpente Ricurvo, dove vivono dedicandosi al servizio della Luce o delle Tenebre, mantenendo l'ordine cosmico con figure di controllo, severe separazioni e antichi rituali. Ma la separazione non è così netta e anche nel regno della Luce si insinuano diverse gradazioni di colore più scure... Le protagoniste principali sono le sorelle Domaris e Deoris e saranno loro a gestire una situazione in cui il Bene e il Male non sono così netti.
Forse non il mio preferito dell'intero ciclo, ma essendo stato scritto da Marion Zimmer Bradley, non posso non averlo amato.
Meno potente di Le Nebbie di Avalon, è del resto il primo della saga ideato a metà degli anni cinquanta e pubblicato nel 1983. Ma è un mondo che cattura e mi affascina, tra magia, antichi rituali, potenti formule, sacerdotesse e guaritori, la lotta tra il bene e il male e come viene affrontata dalle singole persone e quali scelte compiono.
Non vedo l'ora di continuare con l'Alba di Avalon, il prossimo capitolo della saga.
Questo Le luci di Atlantide è il primo libro del ciclo di Avalon e inizia la storia della serie. Avalon ancora non è nemmeno nominata e i protagonisti vivono nella Città del Serpente Ricurvo, dove vivono dedicandosi al servizio della Luce o delle Tenebre, mantenendo l'ordine cosmico con figure di controllo, severe separazioni e antichi rituali. Ma la separazione non è così netta e anche nel regno della Luce si insinuano diverse gradazioni di colore più scure... Le protagoniste principali sono le sorelle Domaris e Deoris e saranno loro a gestire una situazione in cui il Bene e il Male non sono così netti.
Forse non il mio preferito dell'intero ciclo, ma essendo stato scritto da Marion Zimmer Bradley, non posso non averlo amato.
Meno potente di Le Nebbie di Avalon, è del resto il primo della saga ideato a metà degli anni cinquanta e pubblicato nel 1983. Ma è un mondo che cattura e mi affascina, tra magia, antichi rituali, potenti formule, sacerdotesse e guaritori, la lotta tra il bene e il male e come viene affrontata dalle singole persone e quali scelte compiono.
Non vedo l'ora di continuare con l'Alba di Avalon, il prossimo capitolo della saga.
December 7, 2019
This is the first book that I've read of Marion Zimmer Bradley, and I've not read the famous series 'Mists of Avalon' of the author's. It was somewhat of a travail to be able to finish reading this book for me. There is no doubt that the author is a great writer, and one of the really good ones out of all the books I've read. Everything in the story was described in vivid details, though to me, it felt like too much of a "good thing" that it distracts the reader from the story.
While I love the writing, the actual story of the story left much to be desired for me. This book details the life of two sisters from the Temple of Light set in a fantasy world with magic. Despite the title of the book, Atlantis is but a mere passing subject in the story. Even the "fall" itself did not happen in this story.
The book ended in a rather abrupt note, and it kept everything from the fates of the protagonists and the world to open interpretation. I'm not sure if there are other books which continue on from the story, because it does seem like it's set to be that way. Would I recommend anyone to read this book, no. You're better off finding something else.
2.5 Stars
While I love the writing, the actual story of the story left much to be desired for me. This book details the life of two sisters from the Temple of Light set in a fantasy world with magic. Despite the title of the book, Atlantis is but a mere passing subject in the story. Even the "fall" itself did not happen in this story.
The book ended in a rather abrupt note, and it kept everything from the fates of the protagonists and the world to open interpretation. I'm not sure if there are other books which continue on from the story, because it does seem like it's set to be that way. Would I recommend anyone to read this book, no. You're better off finding something else.
2.5 Stars
December 15, 2009
I really enjoyed this book, it captured my interest imediately. This was my first book to read of Marion Zimmer Bradleys and look forward to reading "The Mist of Avalon." There are too many details to describe what happens in this book but I will leave you with this quote from page 335 that the story leads to in the end:
"Domaris," said Demira, slowly, and smiled-that wise and sad smile which always saddened Deoris; it seemed such an old smile for the childlike face. "Ah, Domaris doesn't know I exist, Deoris. Seeing me wouldn't change that." Demira sat up then, and looked at Deoris a moment before her silvery-grey eyes slid away again, blank and unseeing, the white showing all around the pupil. "one of us three will die very soon," she said suddenly, in a strange, flat voice as unfocussed as her eyes. "One of us three will die, and her child with her. The second will walk beside Death, but it will take only her child. And the third will pray for Death to come for herself and her child, and both will live to curse the very air they breathe."
"Domaris," said Demira, slowly, and smiled-that wise and sad smile which always saddened Deoris; it seemed such an old smile for the childlike face. "Ah, Domaris doesn't know I exist, Deoris. Seeing me wouldn't change that." Demira sat up then, and looked at Deoris a moment before her silvery-grey eyes slid away again, blank and unseeing, the white showing all around the pupil. "one of us three will die very soon," she said suddenly, in a strange, flat voice as unfocussed as her eyes. "One of us three will die, and her child with her. The second will walk beside Death, but it will take only her child. And the third will pray for Death to come for herself and her child, and both will live to curse the very air they breathe."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
The Fall of Atlantis is t first in a prequel series that leads up to The Mists of Avalon. It tells the tale of two sisters who are priestesses in a Temple of Light. Domaris, who is the elder sister, is drawn to Light. However, Deoris is drawn to Darkness. The choices that these two girls make leads to the fall of Atlantis.
Domaris was my favorite character in the novel. I love how she was protective and caring towards those she loved. She is very wise and thoughtful. I also loved that she is a very loyal character. Thus, I admired her striving to protect her sister who is drawn to the darkness. She is willing to give her life for hers which I find very compelling. Thus, I admired Domaris’s strength and love.
Deoris was also a likable character. Her arc is both fascinating and strange. She is often rebellious and jealous. Deoris is also the type who is willing to do anything for love. Even though Deoris is drawn to the Darkness, I hoped that she would turn away from it. Thus, I was eager to learn her ending.
Overall, this novel is about sisterhood, love, and motherhood. The characters, including the villain, were all fascinating and complex characters. The world-building is very intricate and feels realistic. Initially, I was disappointed that the setting was not on Atlantis until the end. It was not until the end that I realized why the majority of the book was not set in Atlantis. Afterwards, it made sense, and I found the wait to be worth it. Thus, The Fall of Atlantis was a beautifully written and well-crafted novel. I look forward to reading the other novels in the Avalon series. I can’t wait to read Ancestors of Avalon next because I would like to know what happens to the remaining characters in the Fall of Atlantis. I recommend this novel for fans of Greek mythology! The novel is perfect for those who love Madeline Miller, Amalia Carosella, and Kerry Greenwood!
Domaris was my favorite character in the novel. I love how she was protective and caring towards those she loved. She is very wise and thoughtful. I also loved that she is a very loyal character. Thus, I admired her striving to protect her sister who is drawn to the darkness. She is willing to give her life for hers which I find very compelling. Thus, I admired Domaris’s strength and love.
Deoris was also a likable character. Her arc is both fascinating and strange. She is often rebellious and jealous. Deoris is also the type who is willing to do anything for love. Even though Deoris is drawn to the Darkness, I hoped that she would turn away from it. Thus, I was eager to learn her ending.
Overall, this novel is about sisterhood, love, and motherhood. The characters, including the villain, were all fascinating and complex characters. The world-building is very intricate and feels realistic. Initially, I was disappointed that the setting was not on Atlantis until the end. It was not until the end that I realized why the majority of the book was not set in Atlantis. Afterwards, it made sense, and I found the wait to be worth it. Thus, The Fall of Atlantis was a beautifully written and well-crafted novel. I look forward to reading the other novels in the Avalon series. I can’t wait to read Ancestors of Avalon next because I would like to know what happens to the remaining characters in the Fall of Atlantis. I recommend this novel for fans of Greek mythology! The novel is perfect for those who love Madeline Miller, Amalia Carosella, and Kerry Greenwood!
November 5, 2017
I'm not sure a book that frequently put me to sleep rates two stars, but I did want to try to understand where the story was going versus putting it the DNF pile and Bradley had two strong women characters in the book, so the extra star. It was such a slog at times it took me a month to read this!!
I had trouble connecting or understanding the world in this fantasy (most of it had nothing to do with Atlantis). The only thing that resonated was the pull between good and evil, and the use of power. The story was confusing at times and I wasn't sure where it was headed. Even though two of the main characters were strong women, it was disappointing when they veered dramatically from their potential due to their relationship with the men they loved.
I had trouble connecting or understanding the world in this fantasy (most of it had nothing to do with Atlantis). The only thing that resonated was the pull between good and evil, and the use of power. The story was confusing at times and I wasn't sure where it was headed. Even though two of the main characters were strong women, it was disappointing when they veered dramatically from their potential due to their relationship with the men they loved.
August 14, 2016
Molto bello il finale. :)
April 26, 2022
I like many aspects of the book - most notably the sibling relationships and the conspiracy of the temples. I never knew the book would line up with Bradley's Avalon series. Without that knowledge, I would be missing something because there are so many characters I want to know more about. In addition, many storylines are still open.
So I hope it will come full circle for me as I continue reading the series.
So I hope it will come full circle for me as I continue reading the series.
February 14, 2015
Que dizer deste livro?...
O próprio nome da autora já suscita, per si, um portal directo para um imaginário de outros mundos e experiências sensíveis, que só ela sabe trabalhar na nossa mente, através dos seus livros. Um fascínio inegável!
Aqui encontrei mais uma leitura envolvente, fluída, que devorei intensamente na recta final, não deixando contudo, de saborear cada instante de desenrolar inteligente e rico do enredo, que nas mãos desta senhora, se torna a maravilha habitual. As personagens sempre abundantes e atraentes, de foco no feminino (o que sempre achei curioso porque sinto a MZB como uma mulher de energia bastante masculina), numa eterna luta entre o Bem e o Mal, que aqui larga a banalidade que outros autores adoram rebuscar, para se revelar elegante, nessa aura de ancestralidade e fantasia mágica. De bom gosto e "aparente" complexidade estimulante. Numa profundidade que toca e ressoa cá dentro e floresce em sensações várias, como um sonho vívido, onde me reconheço leve e estranhamente. Como de resto, aconteceu em todos os outros livros que já li dela.
E talvez seja um bocado por aí... esta espécie de "reconhecimento" que experiencio nas histórias desta mulher, cuja escrita aprecio.
Gostei do posfácio onde a autora fala um pouco sobre a origem destas ideias e o que sente de cada vez que lhe perguntam onde as vai buscar. Fez-me sorrir.
A saga começa aqui, entende-se bem. E continua.
Siga!...
O próprio nome da autora já suscita, per si, um portal directo para um imaginário de outros mundos e experiências sensíveis, que só ela sabe trabalhar na nossa mente, através dos seus livros. Um fascínio inegável!
Aqui encontrei mais uma leitura envolvente, fluída, que devorei intensamente na recta final, não deixando contudo, de saborear cada instante de desenrolar inteligente e rico do enredo, que nas mãos desta senhora, se torna a maravilha habitual. As personagens sempre abundantes e atraentes, de foco no feminino (o que sempre achei curioso porque sinto a MZB como uma mulher de energia bastante masculina), numa eterna luta entre o Bem e o Mal, que aqui larga a banalidade que outros autores adoram rebuscar, para se revelar elegante, nessa aura de ancestralidade e fantasia mágica. De bom gosto e "aparente" complexidade estimulante. Numa profundidade que toca e ressoa cá dentro e floresce em sensações várias, como um sonho vívido, onde me reconheço leve e estranhamente. Como de resto, aconteceu em todos os outros livros que já li dela.
E talvez seja um bocado por aí... esta espécie de "reconhecimento" que experiencio nas histórias desta mulher, cuja escrita aprecio.
Gostei do posfácio onde a autora fala um pouco sobre a origem destas ideias e o que sente de cada vez que lhe perguntam onde as vai buscar. Fez-me sorrir.
A saga começa aqui, entende-se bem. E continua.
Siga!...
August 26, 2020
Prima di Avalon.
Un gran bel libro. Davvero un ottimo inizio o apice per un'intera saga fantasy della grande Marion Zimmer Bradley (di grande come scrittrice, non come essere umano e continuerò sempre a pensarlo) la quale, anche dopo la sua morte, non ha abbandonato i suoi carissimi lettori.
Lo stile di questa scrittrice è veramente favoloso…scorrevole, non ripetitivo, riesce a farti immaginare le cose alla perfezione, pur lasciando spazio alla fantasia.
La storia è alquanto complessa e piena di colpi di scena che vi terranno incollati alle pagine. I protagonisti sono 5, ma incontrerete diversi personaggi secondari che si riveleranno poi molto importanti.
La trama non è per niente semplice da spiegare ma basta lasciarsi immergere per non smettere di esserne affascinati e travolti appassionatamente! Un romanzo che ha mutato il modo di scrivere di moltissimi autori. Un libro che ha fatto scuola. Una storia che è tornata a rivivere in modo assolutamente nuovo grazie ad un talento eccezionale! Personaggi reali e vibranti di emozioni (come carica emotiva e psicologica), come poche volte mi è capitato di trovare. Un buon libro, veramente eccellente.
Un gran bel libro. Davvero un ottimo inizio o apice per un'intera saga fantasy della grande Marion Zimmer Bradley (di grande come scrittrice, non come essere umano e continuerò sempre a pensarlo) la quale, anche dopo la sua morte, non ha abbandonato i suoi carissimi lettori.
Lo stile di questa scrittrice è veramente favoloso…scorrevole, non ripetitivo, riesce a farti immaginare le cose alla perfezione, pur lasciando spazio alla fantasia.
La storia è alquanto complessa e piena di colpi di scena che vi terranno incollati alle pagine. I protagonisti sono 5, ma incontrerete diversi personaggi secondari che si riveleranno poi molto importanti.
La trama non è per niente semplice da spiegare ma basta lasciarsi immergere per non smettere di esserne affascinati e travolti appassionatamente! Un romanzo che ha mutato il modo di scrivere di moltissimi autori. Un libro che ha fatto scuola. Una storia che è tornata a rivivere in modo assolutamente nuovo grazie ad un talento eccezionale! Personaggi reali e vibranti di emozioni (come carica emotiva e psicologica), come poche volte mi è capitato di trovare. Un buon libro, veramente eccellente.
November 30, 2023
1,5
Ho sentito la necessità di prendermi del tempo prima di scrivere una recensione su questo volume. Premetto che avevo già letto due volumi del ciclo di Avalon: Le nebbie di Avalon. Parte prima e La signora di Avalon. Il primo è indubbiamente, finora, l'opera che ho più apprezzato dell'autrice, complice la presenza dei personaggi più noti e amati: Morgana, Arthur e Mago Merlino in una narrazione che volutamente è improntata nel mettere in risalto le figure femminili.
Il volume presente intende essere un prequel e la premessa che tutti gli eventi complessi della vita di Morgana siano conseguenza delle vicende qui narrate secondo la legge del Karma che ci viene "sbattuta" in faccia fin dalla citazione che precede la primissima scena.
Prima di passare alla parte "spoilerosa", devo ammettere che anche in questa narrazione non si può che ammirare lo stile dell'autrice nel saper raccontare eventi legati a mitologia, antiche tradizioni e magia come se ci trovassimo di fronte a un romanzo storico. Gli eventi scorrono in maniera fluida, non mancano colpi di scena e cliffhanger che incuriosiscono il lettore e lo spronano a continuare la lettura. Vi è stata una particolare attenzione (a mio parere esagerata) nella descrizione minuziosa di alcuni rituali che avevano (sempre a parer mio) qualche elemento raccapricciante di cui avrei fatto volentieri a meno (rimando alla parte spoiler se si è curiosi). In compenso, però, con mia grande sorpresa, una cura approssimativa nel cercare di introdurre il lettore alla struttura gerarchica dei diversi ordini sacerdotali e delle loro caratteristiche peculiari, a parte la differenza cromatica che possiamo immaginare facilmente tra Grigi e Neri. Senza contare l'irritante ripetizione della parola "chela" senza mai prendersi la briga (neppure in una misera nota a piè di pagina) di spiegarci che diavolo sia, non aiutando sicuramente il lettore italiano che forse avrà immaginato la pinza rossa di Sebastian, il granchio di "La Sirenetta".
Seppur possa asserire (purtroppo) che ho letto ben di peggio (giusto per questo e per lo stile non ho assegnato una sola stella), non posso neppure affermare che il romanzo mi sia piaciuto, probabilmente anche per l'intolleranza sempre più pronunciata che ho iniziato ben presto a nutrire per le due sorelle intorno a cui ruotano gli eventi.
Ma bando alle polemiche gratuite, veniamo - a chi interessa - alla parte spoilerosa.
Ho sentito la necessità di prendermi del tempo prima di scrivere una recensione su questo volume. Premetto che avevo già letto due volumi del ciclo di Avalon: Le nebbie di Avalon. Parte prima e La signora di Avalon. Il primo è indubbiamente, finora, l'opera che ho più apprezzato dell'autrice, complice la presenza dei personaggi più noti e amati: Morgana, Arthur e Mago Merlino in una narrazione che volutamente è improntata nel mettere in risalto le figure femminili.
Il volume presente intende essere un prequel e la premessa che tutti gli eventi complessi della vita di Morgana siano conseguenza delle vicende qui narrate secondo la legge del Karma che ci viene "sbattuta" in faccia fin dalla citazione che precede la primissima scena.
Prima di passare alla parte "spoilerosa", devo ammettere che anche in questa narrazione non si può che ammirare lo stile dell'autrice nel saper raccontare eventi legati a mitologia, antiche tradizioni e magia come se ci trovassimo di fronte a un romanzo storico. Gli eventi scorrono in maniera fluida, non mancano colpi di scena e cliffhanger che incuriosiscono il lettore e lo spronano a continuare la lettura. Vi è stata una particolare attenzione (a mio parere esagerata) nella descrizione minuziosa di alcuni rituali che avevano (sempre a parer mio) qualche elemento raccapricciante di cui avrei fatto volentieri a meno (rimando alla parte spoiler se si è curiosi). In compenso, però, con mia grande sorpresa, una cura approssimativa nel cercare di introdurre il lettore alla struttura gerarchica dei diversi ordini sacerdotali e delle loro caratteristiche peculiari, a parte la differenza cromatica che possiamo immaginare facilmente tra Grigi e Neri. Senza contare l'irritante ripetizione della parola "chela" senza mai prendersi la briga (neppure in una misera nota a piè di pagina) di spiegarci che diavolo sia, non aiutando sicuramente il lettore italiano che forse avrà immaginato la pinza rossa di Sebastian, il granchio di "La Sirenetta".
Seppur possa asserire (purtroppo) che ho letto ben di peggio (giusto per questo e per lo stile non ho assegnato una sola stella), non posso neppure affermare che il romanzo mi sia piaciuto, probabilmente anche per l'intolleranza sempre più pronunciata che ho iniziato ben presto a nutrire per le due sorelle intorno a cui ruotano gli eventi.
Ma bando alle polemiche gratuite, veniamo - a chi interessa - alla parte spoilerosa.
March 31, 2010
"Fall of Atlantis" wasn't bad, at least as far as I came, and sure had some nice moments of atmosphere. Mainly however, there was just nothing about it to make me pick it up again. Nothing happened, not even interesting dialogue, nothing, which was why I ended up not finishing it. Because it wasn't that bad until then, apart from before mentioned problem, three stars, not two, but really not much else.
January 15, 2018
What a dramatic start to this fantasy series! I haven't read something like this for quite some time and it was a great book to get yourself caught up in. When there is magic and mysterious strangers, along with dark deeds there is a story that can take you away from your immediate surroundings. Well paced plotlines and characters that stand out. I am looking forward to reading more!
August 8, 2008
This book is NOTHING like Mists of Avalon. It's an okay story, but Atlantis never actually falls in this book. At the end they talk about how it could happen in 10 years. It's weird. It's an okay story if you like her stuff, but if not don't bother.
January 21, 2018
*Actual rating: 3.5 stars*
This was a rather strange reading experience--I'm not sure I actually liked this book, but I found it too compelling to put down. The writing creates a distant, dream-like atmosphere that complements the annoying passivity of the two main characters. I actually first read this when I was in junior high school, and kind of hated it. At the time, I only wanted to read about strong, kick ass heroines (and they were much harder to find back in the day), and the two sisters in this story just let events wash over them. But even though I disliked the novel (actually two books that were later combined), I never forgot it. This time around, I definitely appreciated it a bit more. The story's not about taking charge and kicking ass; it's about being a pawn of destiny.
This was a rather strange reading experience--I'm not sure I actually liked this book, but I found it too compelling to put down. The writing creates a distant, dream-like atmosphere that complements the annoying passivity of the two main characters. I actually first read this when I was in junior high school, and kind of hated it. At the time, I only wanted to read about strong, kick ass heroines (and they were much harder to find back in the day), and the two sisters in this story just let events wash over them. But even though I disliked the novel (actually two books that were later combined), I never forgot it. This time around, I definitely appreciated it a bit more. The story's not about taking charge and kicking ass; it's about being a pawn of destiny.
July 19, 2022
Seria um 3,5 🌟 resolvi arredondar para cima em vez de para baixo.
Li este livro pela primeira vez a cerca de 20 anos e não li pela ordem correta... Confesso que já mal me lembrava da história. Custou me a entrar no ritmo porque inicialmente é mais parado e monotono mas aos poucos fui avançando e gostando do desenvolvimento, entre acessos de choro e demonstracoes de raiva. Tem personagens que tao de repente nos sao queridos, como no seguinte nos fazem querer entrar no livro e dar uma valente chapada, ou mais...
Para quem é fã desta serie e ainda nao leu aconselho a ler, mesmo que no final nao goste da historia ou ache que a leitura custa, porque realmente não ha nada como ler este primeiro livro da serie Avalon para entendermos como foi que tudo começou.
Li este livro pela primeira vez a cerca de 20 anos e não li pela ordem correta... Confesso que já mal me lembrava da história. Custou me a entrar no ritmo porque inicialmente é mais parado e monotono mas aos poucos fui avançando e gostando do desenvolvimento, entre acessos de choro e demonstracoes de raiva. Tem personagens que tao de repente nos sao queridos, como no seguinte nos fazem querer entrar no livro e dar uma valente chapada, ou mais...
Para quem é fã desta serie e ainda nao leu aconselho a ler, mesmo que no final nao goste da historia ou ache que a leitura custa, porque realmente não ha nada como ler este primeiro livro da serie Avalon para entendermos como foi que tudo começou.
October 3, 2020
Non ci ho capito una fava. Ho amato le nebbie di Avalon e ho iniziato Le luci di Atlantide perché lo stile della Bradley mi aveva stregato... Ma qui io non ho capito niente del mondo, della ambientazione e nemmeno cosa stava succedendo. Sono arrivata alla fine a fatica. Bei personaggi, ma lo sfondo rimane un mistero.
July 28, 2023
The title is a little misleading as Atlantis does not fall in this book. I enjoyed getting the backstory as I have read Ancestors of Avalon and Mists of Avalon. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 15, 2023
I read this because I loved The Mists of Avalon. I feel the complete opposite for The Fall of Atlantis.
Boring characters and vague to the point of not knowing what was going on at some points, while the second half was a hell of a lot better than the dreadful first half, it’s still easily the worst book I’ve read all year.
Boring characters and vague to the point of not knowing what was going on at some points, while the second half was a hell of a lot better than the dreadful first half, it’s still easily the worst book I’ve read all year.
January 31, 2016
Che bella lettura! Non so se rimpiangere di averci messo un sacco di tempo causa trasloco, o essere contenta di non averlo finito in pochi giorni. Ma quando un libro mi piace così amo divorarlo; non mi piace essere paziente (ne sono perfettamente in grado, ma lo detesto).
Inizialmente pubblicato in due volumi separati, Web of Light e Web of Darkness, Le luci di Atlantide è un antefatto molto "ante" del Ciclo di Avalon, di cui condivide la stessa ambientazione, se non geografica, sicuramente di concetto. E se tanto mi dà tanto non vedo l'ora di continuare! Sono impaziente di cercare di scoprire chi si reincarnerà in chi.
Ciò che più mi ha colpita al di là della fantasia illimitata dell'autrice, che riesce ad amalgamare leggenda, fantasia e, in modo forse meno diretto ma altrettanto evidente, nozioni storiche e culturali provenienti da culture diverse per dare poi vita a un mondo dotato di grande coerenza interna, è stata la sua capacità di ottenere un'ottima caratterizzazione dei personaggi e creare un'ambientazione quasi perfetta senza riversare sul lettore una miriade di dettagli didascalici tesi a descrivere i particolari di ambientazione e cosmogonia, cosa non infrequente in questo genere e che, se personalmente non mi ha mai infastidita, e che anzi ho sempre trovato "succosa" se ben fatta, finisce per allontanare molti lettori i quali si trovano spesso davanti romanzi che in alcuni momenti si trasformano in pseudo-trattati storico-antropologico-religiosi.
Così la Zimmer Bradley non ci spiega mai esattamente che cos'è un chela, o il dorje, così come non entra mai nel dettaglio del perché la Notte del Nadir e la Notte dello Zenit siano così importanti, o in cosa consistano esattamente i poteri di Micon o la trasgressione di Reio-ta, ma di tutto questo ci lascia intuire l'essenza.
Questo libro mi ha insegnato come vorrei riuscire a scrivere. Mostrando, senza il bisogno di spiegare ogni minimo dettaglio, che deve però essere presente nella concezione dell'autore.
Ricordo qualcosa che disse George Lucas una volta a proposito di Guerre Stellari. Il succo era più o meno che non è necessario che tutto venga spiegato, ma che una spiegazione deve comunque esistere nella mente dell'autore: nell'universo di Guerre Stellari per esempio il suono si propaga nel vuoto, e anche se il motivo non viene menzionato nella saga, esiste comunque un motivo preciso e il regista deve esserne consapevole.
Lo stesso accade in questo splendido libro.
Voto: 9+/10
Inizialmente pubblicato in due volumi separati, Web of Light e Web of Darkness, Le luci di Atlantide è un antefatto molto "ante" del Ciclo di Avalon, di cui condivide la stessa ambientazione, se non geografica, sicuramente di concetto. E se tanto mi dà tanto non vedo l'ora di continuare! Sono impaziente di cercare di scoprire chi si reincarnerà in chi.
Ciò che più mi ha colpita al di là della fantasia illimitata dell'autrice, che riesce ad amalgamare leggenda, fantasia e, in modo forse meno diretto ma altrettanto evidente, nozioni storiche e culturali provenienti da culture diverse per dare poi vita a un mondo dotato di grande coerenza interna, è stata la sua capacità di ottenere un'ottima caratterizzazione dei personaggi e creare un'ambientazione quasi perfetta senza riversare sul lettore una miriade di dettagli didascalici tesi a descrivere i particolari di ambientazione e cosmogonia, cosa non infrequente in questo genere e che, se personalmente non mi ha mai infastidita, e che anzi ho sempre trovato "succosa" se ben fatta, finisce per allontanare molti lettori i quali si trovano spesso davanti romanzi che in alcuni momenti si trasformano in pseudo-trattati storico-antropologico-religiosi.
Così la Zimmer Bradley non ci spiega mai esattamente che cos'è un chela, o il dorje, così come non entra mai nel dettaglio del perché la Notte del Nadir e la Notte dello Zenit siano così importanti, o in cosa consistano esattamente i poteri di Micon o la trasgressione di Reio-ta, ma di tutto questo ci lascia intuire l'essenza.
Questo libro mi ha insegnato come vorrei riuscire a scrivere. Mostrando, senza il bisogno di spiegare ogni minimo dettaglio, che deve però essere presente nella concezione dell'autore.
Ricordo qualcosa che disse George Lucas una volta a proposito di Guerre Stellari. Il succo era più o meno che non è necessario che tutto venga spiegato, ma che una spiegazione deve comunque esistere nella mente dell'autore: nell'universo di Guerre Stellari per esempio il suono si propaga nel vuoto, e anche se il motivo non viene menzionato nella saga, esiste comunque un motivo preciso e il regista deve esserne consapevole.
Lo stesso accade in questo splendido libro.
Voto: 9+/10
December 16, 2016
Reading Marion Zimmer Bradley is like reading a drug. I honestly don't know if this is praise or criticism, but its the only way I can think to describe what its like to get lost in her world. This is added to by her style of writing, which can only be described as "mystical". She's not good, she's not bad - I didn't like it, I didn't dislike it - I was only in awe of her. Standing in awe of her work seems to be the only thing a person can do.
I think I know one reason why this book was so strange to me. Bradley's style is very vague, pretty much the whole way through. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, for her words were poetical and . . . well, mystical in their own way. But there were times when I didn't understand what was happening. Having read the whole story, there's a few things I didn't understand the purpose for or why the characters thought it was necessary, but apparently they did. More than that, Bradley's worlds are so entirely unique, that there's little to no familiar grounding when you first step into it. So, her vague style makes it feel like entering her world is like floating around in space, never knowing which way is up or down, which way you're going, and there's nothing solid to hold onto to keep you anchored in this reality. Its a jarring experience all around.
And her style is just so strange. There were moments when it seemed almost amateurish to me, except for the content was entirely void of innocence and couldn't have been imagined by a timid amateur. She told the story that was there and she told it completely, from all sides, leaving the reader with a sense of . . . I'm not even sure what it is. Wonder? Awe? Hope? I don't know, but it leaves you feeling something that no other book can do.
Part of me felt like the falling action of the book was too long at first, but I was later glad for it. I think the readers need that time to heal alongside the characters, because they'd been through so much tremendous heartbreak.
Reading this book was a strange experience. Good, bad, I don't know, but one of a kind for certain. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to read any of her books again, but I've had a day away from it now and I find myself feeling curious as to what other worlds this remarkable writer has in store, waiting for me.
I think I know one reason why this book was so strange to me. Bradley's style is very vague, pretty much the whole way through. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, for her words were poetical and . . . well, mystical in their own way. But there were times when I didn't understand what was happening. Having read the whole story, there's a few things I didn't understand the purpose for or why the characters thought it was necessary, but apparently they did. More than that, Bradley's worlds are so entirely unique, that there's little to no familiar grounding when you first step into it. So, her vague style makes it feel like entering her world is like floating around in space, never knowing which way is up or down, which way you're going, and there's nothing solid to hold onto to keep you anchored in this reality. Its a jarring experience all around.
And her style is just so strange. There were moments when it seemed almost amateurish to me, except for the content was entirely void of innocence and couldn't have been imagined by a timid amateur. She told the story that was there and she told it completely, from all sides, leaving the reader with a sense of . . . I'm not even sure what it is. Wonder? Awe? Hope? I don't know, but it leaves you feeling something that no other book can do.
Part of me felt like the falling action of the book was too long at first, but I was later glad for it. I think the readers need that time to heal alongside the characters, because they'd been through so much tremendous heartbreak.
Reading this book was a strange experience. Good, bad, I don't know, but one of a kind for certain. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to read any of her books again, but I've had a day away from it now and I find myself feeling curious as to what other worlds this remarkable writer has in store, waiting for me.
March 1, 2020
A Classic
Marion Zimmer Bradley was a woman unparalleled when it came to telling the story of lost lands, now below the sea.
Her tale of the Fall of Atlantis focused not on the Greek tales, but from somewhere deeper. A greater understanding of the Western Mystery Tradition than most give her credit for.
The Ancient Land she speaks of is the lost civilization near the Black Sea. And while that land sank many thousands of years previous to the time this story is told, the same basic thoughts fill ones mind: misuse of knowledge, without wisdom will ALWAYS bring disaster. But not all disasters are evil or good, they merely are.
This is the story of the misuse of knowledge on a scale that we ourselves may someday see. The grids of the Earth and its electromagnetic fields are daily being tampered with due to power lines and wifi, and these do and always will have effects, as small as a butterfly, as well as our uses of nuclear energy, can cause disastrous results. The wings of a butterfly can create a storm. A storm that may be strong enough to tip the scales of our post modern world.
What has happened before may happen again. Marion's understanding of vibration and its role in magic is also very potent, for someone with no training in its discipline.
May we learn deeply that no knowledge is without its prices. And no knowledge, tempered without wisdom is worth the destruction that always follows in greedy men and women's hearts.
Marion Zimmer Bradley was a woman unparalleled when it came to telling the story of lost lands, now below the sea.
Her tale of the Fall of Atlantis focused not on the Greek tales, but from somewhere deeper. A greater understanding of the Western Mystery Tradition than most give her credit for.
The Ancient Land she speaks of is the lost civilization near the Black Sea. And while that land sank many thousands of years previous to the time this story is told, the same basic thoughts fill ones mind: misuse of knowledge, without wisdom will ALWAYS bring disaster. But not all disasters are evil or good, they merely are.
This is the story of the misuse of knowledge on a scale that we ourselves may someday see. The grids of the Earth and its electromagnetic fields are daily being tampered with due to power lines and wifi, and these do and always will have effects, as small as a butterfly, as well as our uses of nuclear energy, can cause disastrous results. The wings of a butterfly can create a storm. A storm that may be strong enough to tip the scales of our post modern world.
What has happened before may happen again. Marion's understanding of vibration and its role in magic is also very potent, for someone with no training in its discipline.
May we learn deeply that no knowledge is without its prices. And no knowledge, tempered without wisdom is worth the destruction that always follows in greedy men and women's hearts.
August 1, 2013
This is actually a book combining what were two different novels, Web of Light, centered on Domaris, Web of Light, and the sequel about her sister Deoris, Web of Darkness. Reviews claim this forms the backstory for Bradley's Avalon series. Not really. When this book came out in 1983, there was no mention or tie to Mists of Avalon within it, I only heard about such a tie when I saw reviews for The Fall of Atlantis. For that matter, the book that ties this in with her Avalon series wasn't even credited to MZB, but Diana Paxson. (And by the way despite the title this isn't set in Atlantis, but a supposedly even earlier civilization.)
So this book should stand on its own terms. And on its own terms, while I find it entertaining I don't think (or Avalon) it can light a candle next to MZB's Darkover books. Still, it does say something that I can still remember a book I first read in my teens decades later. I was particularly taken by the relationship between the sisters. I found Deoris, the "dark" one of the pair, by far the most interesting.
So this book should stand on its own terms. And on its own terms, while I find it entertaining I don't think (or Avalon) it can light a candle next to MZB's Darkover books. Still, it does say something that I can still remember a book I first read in my teens decades later. I was particularly taken by the relationship between the sisters. I found Deoris, the "dark" one of the pair, by far the most interesting.
September 29, 2017
It took me a long time to settle comfortably into this book - to get to know and like the two sisters, Domaris and Deoris- a third of the way into it, I was hooked.
The Fall of Atlantis doesn't actually take place on Atlantis until the very end of the book, and it only prophecies it's downfall.
The book is largely about Domaris and her younger sister Deoris. Their mother died when Deoris was born, and Demoris was like a mother to her younger sister.
Domaris becomes a Priestess of Light, whereas Deoris gets mixed up with Riveda, a Grey Robe Priest and dabbles in black magic, which becomes both Domaris and Deoris' downfall.
A very good storyline - I'd like to have seen some familiarities between this book and the Avalon series, but sadly found nothing remarkably obvious.... However, the storyline was good enough for me to give it a five star rating, and I believe the book was written before the Avalon series was even written!
Marion Zimmer Bradley certainly had a unique imagination - I love her books and the way she wrote with so much description. Truly unique! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Fall of Atlantis doesn't actually take place on Atlantis until the very end of the book, and it only prophecies it's downfall.
The book is largely about Domaris and her younger sister Deoris. Their mother died when Deoris was born, and Demoris was like a mother to her younger sister.
Domaris becomes a Priestess of Light, whereas Deoris gets mixed up with Riveda, a Grey Robe Priest and dabbles in black magic, which becomes both Domaris and Deoris' downfall.
A very good storyline - I'd like to have seen some familiarities between this book and the Avalon series, but sadly found nothing remarkably obvious.... However, the storyline was good enough for me to give it a five star rating, and I believe the book was written before the Avalon series was even written!
Marion Zimmer Bradley certainly had a unique imagination - I love her books and the way she wrote with so much description. Truly unique! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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