" Though I'm impressed that Paxson utilized Zimmer Bradley's vision for this title, it is the weakest of the series. I was so disappointed because the main love story (Tiriki and Micail) was weak. The underlying female strength and spirituality that is usually in the Avalon books is missing. Even the description of place and landscape that I've loved so much in these novels seems to not be present. I didn't feel that this prequel left me with a foundation to be more enlightened regarding the other Avalon titles. Paxson did do a great job with the other post-Mists of Avalon titles (Lady of Avalon, etc.) however and so do read those! "
— Cara, 1/16/2014