Mists of Avalon

Cover of The Mists of Avalon

Oh my goodness, this was a long book.   Although the word epic has become cliche, this story truly is epic as it takes place over a long period of time, it is long in itself, and it follows the legendary actions of the characters.  So, epic is fitting for this.

Let me tell you.  I missed the boat on this one.  Most people that didn't read it upon its release in 1982, read this in high school.  Not I.  I waited an extra 20 years so I could have some perspective.  In high school, I read Mary Stewarts take on the same legend.  Very good I would recommend it as well.  Currently, I am not huge on Fantasy.  I just don't get into it that much, maybe because of the cliches that Nick pointed out on a post several years ago.  I will pick some up from time to time, but always with concern.  I have been burnt by good fantasy and bad.  Considering the source material was well loved and 30 years old, I felt safe with this one. 

We all know what this story is about, it is an Arthurian Legend.  This book takes the point of view of Morgaine, Arthur's sister.  It is possibly the most widely accepted contemporary telling of the legend.  Marion Zimmer Bradley has not wowwed me in the past but this one is good. 

Plot-  It is King Arthur, we all know what is going to happen.  Or do we?  Bradley changes quite a bit.  She made it her own, dawg.  She took the frame of the legend and built her own creation on it. 

Characters-Halfway through the book I hated every single character.  The were well written, maybe a bit one dimensional, but I hated them.  A couple were redeemed later, but at one point I toyed with putting the book down because there was not one single redeaming character.  Overall it was good though.  I think the fact that she could make me despise the characters so much was because I had grown to care about them. 

Overall the book was good.  I have heard it called a feminist take on the subject and I partially agree with that.  It has strong women characters, but they are generally seen as evil or ignorant.  I think high school is about the right age to read this book, but I don't think older readers will be disappointed.  Subject matter and sexuality makes it unsuitable to a less mature audience. 

10 Science Fiction/Fantasy/Comic movies that should be made

This is a blogfest post for Ellie Garrett's Top 10 films they should have made. 

1. I will start with the ubsurd-Yeast Lords.  They were already filming scenes for this in the movie Gentleman Broncos, so why didn't they just film it to completion to be released as a two disc set on DVD.  Sure it would have been horrible, but in an Ed Wood, we totally know that it is horrible type way. 

2.  In 1985 Clint Eastwood should have played Wolverine.  Sure he is too tall, but so is Hugh.  Special effects sucked back then but they could have done it better than the origins movie. 




3.  Armor-  This little known John Steakley novel is Awesome military sci-fi.  I love this book.  After watching Terminator TSCC I will say that you cast Bryan Austin Green as the lead. 

4.  The Wheel of time-  Hey Hollywood, you sick of trilogies, then try out this on going series that will keep you filming for 10 years.  Great thing about these books is that you can cut away at them (especially in the later books) and the fans won't care in the least.  In fact, cut everyone but the top 10 characters. 

5.  Ender's Game-  Uncle Orson is very protective of his baby and has full creative control over the rights.  Hollywood, just do the movie the way he wants it done, it will be successful.

6.  I Am Legend-  Don't tell me that they have made this movie three times, because they haven't.  I would give this to a Japanese psych horror director, maybe the guy that did Audition. 

7.  Mists of Avalon-This would have to be a trilogy but the story is just so epic.  Not sure who could play the actors, but I am sure that Gary Oldman would make a great Kevin Harper.

8.  Predator:  Permanent Midnight- This is a great installment in the predator series and would work well as a stand alone movie. 

9.  Spiderman 2099-  Why remake/reboot the same old spiderman.  This future take on spederman is pretty awesome and could reinvigerate the franchize.  I pick Wilmer Valderrama to play Miguel.

10. Terminator:  TSCC-  Bring back the cast of this show and finish up the story line in one humdinger of a movie.