Books On Board
series Reading Order

Avalon Books in Order

14 Books
2 Reading orders
1979 – 2009 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

Where to Start Reading the Avalon Series

If you are new to the series, the best starting point is undoubtedly the book that started it all: The Mists of Avalon (1982). Writing out of sequence, Marion Zimmer Bradley created this masterpiece first, establishing the core themes, the magical setting, and the unique matriarchal perspective on Arthurian legend. Starting here lets you experience the story exactly as it took the fantasy world by storm.

However, if you are a completionist who loves seeing a magical lineage unfold from the very beginning of its timeline, you might want to start with the chronological precursor, The Fall of Atlantis, followed by Ancestors of Avalon, which details the flight of refugees from Atlantis to Britain.

Avalon Books in Publication Order

Reading in publication order allows you to follow the development of the mythology as Bradley wrote it, and later as Diana L. Paxson expanded the lore using Bradley's notes. Note that publication dates for early editions can vary slightly by region, but the standard release years are:

  • The Mists of Avalon (1982) – The original Arthurian saga.
  • The Forest House (1993) – Set in Roman Britain, focusing on a forbidden romance. Also published as The Forests of Avalon.
  • Lady of Avalon (1997) – A multi-era story that bridges the early history to the Arthurian era.
  • Priestess of Avalon (2001) – The life of Helena, mother of Constantine, co-authored/completed by Diana L. Paxson.
  • Ancestors of Avalon (2004) – Written by Diana L. Paxson, linking Atlantis to the founding of Avalon.
  • Ravens of Avalon (2007) – Written by Diana L. Paxson, covering the invasion of Boudica.
  • Sword of Avalon (2009) – Written by Diana L. Paxson, set during the Bronze Age.

Note on The Fall of Atlantis (1987): Originally published as two separate novels (Web of Light and Web of Darkness in 1983), this compilation is a spiritual predecessor to the Avalon saga and is often read after the main books or as an early prequel.

Chronological Timeline of the Avalon Universe

For readers who want to follow the historical progression of the sacred isle, the chronological sequence moves from the destruction of Atlantis through the Roman occupation of Britain, and finally to the fading of the mists in the Arthurian era:

  1. The Fall of Atlantis (1987) – Establishes the spiritual ancestry and magical forces of the universe.
  2. Ancestors of Avalon (2004) – Following the cataclysmic fall of Atlantis, the survivors flee to Britain.
  3. Sword of Avalon (2009) – Explores the Bronze Age origins of the sacred sword and the defense of the Tor.
  4. Ravens of Avalon (2007) – Focuses on the clash between the Druids and the Roman Empire, including Boudica's rebellion.
  5. The Forest House (1993) – The forbidden love between a priestess and a Roman officer in the first century.
  6. Lady of Avalon (1997) – Divided into three parts, this book acts as a chronological anchor spanning centuries (96 CE, 285 CE, and 452 CE) to bridge the eras.
  7. Priestess of Avalon (2001) – Follows Helena (Eilan) from 259 to 329 CE as she navigates Roman power and pagan heritage.
  8. The Mists of Avalon (1982) – The final chronological chapter, depicting the rise and fall of King Arthur and the ultimate insulation of Avalon from the mortal world.

Co-Authorship and Series Evolution

The transition of the Avalon series is a unique piece of fantasy history. Marion Zimmer Bradley penned the initial books herself, but as her health declined, she collaborated with Diana L. Paxson (who was also her sister-in-law). Paxson did significant work on Priestess of Avalon and took over the franchise completely after Bradley's death in 1999, utilizing Bradley's extensive notes and outlining to finish the historical gaps in the timeline.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Avalon series?

We highly recommend starting with The Mists of Avalon. It is the flagship novel of the series and perfectly introduces the theme, mood, and legendary setting before you explore the chronological prequels.

QIs The Fall of Atlantis part of the Avalon series?

While originally published as a separate duology (Web of Light and Web of Darkness), it acts as a direct spiritual prequel. The events of Ancestors of Avalon follow the refugees of Atlantis as they settle in Britain and establish Avalon.

QWho wrote the Avalon series after Marion Zimmer Bradley passed away?

Diana L. Paxson continued the series. She collaborated closely with Bradley on Priestess of Avalon and went on to write Ancestors of Avalon, Ravens of Avalon, and Sword of Avalon using Bradley's detailed notes and worldbuilding.

QHow many books are in the main Avalon series?

There are seven core novels directly associated with the Avalon saga, plus the prequel novel The Fall of Atlantis, which is widely considered part of the expanded timeline.

QIs The Forest House the same book as The Forests of Avalon?

Yes. The Forest House is the original U.S. title, whereas The Forests of Avalon is the title used for the U.S. paperback and some international editions.

QWhat is the chronological order of the Avalon books?

The chronological order is: The Fall of Atlantis, Ancestors of Avalon, Sword of Avalon, Ravens of Avalon, The Forest House, Lady of Avalon, Priestess of Avalon, and finally The Mists of Avalon.