A few years ago I read The Mists of Avalon and really enjoyed it, so I thought I'd give this one a shot.
While Mists is more based in the fantasy/magical world of Avalon, Priestess starts off there, but is based mostly in the "real" world of the growing Roman Empire. When Elian, a young priestess, falls in love with a Roman officer, their affair leads to her banishment from Avalon. However, she believes she carries the child which will fulfill a prophecy, bringing two worlds together.
In the outside world she is Helena, and through the years she grows in power along with her husband and her son Constantine, who eventually becomes the Emperor. It is a time of great change, where Christianity is growing rapidly and Helena's own pagan beliefs in the goddess are questioned. Through her life she suffers much, but never loses her belief and her tie to Avalon, though she believes she can never go back. Eventually she discovers that although the prophecy did not play out the way she thought it would, all is not lost and new opportunities are presented.
The writing in this book is lovely, and the world of Avalon is both mystical and believable. There are historical references here, and the pagan/Christian struggle is very real. I loved Helena's character, and I deeply felt her anguish and celebrated her triumphs. The plot takes some unexpected and wrenching turns, yet in the end you can sense Helena's destiny...however, what she must to do achieve it is definitely something of extraordinary strength.
Recommended for those who enjoy something a little different now and then. You need not be a fan of the fantasy genre to enjoy this book.
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