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A review by lizabethstucker
The Poisoned Chalice by Simon A. Forward, Ben Vanstone
3.0
The book adaptation of the Merlin television series episode with the same name has sorceress Nimeuh seeking revenge against King Uther for his slaughter of those who practice magic or the old religion. Posing as a handmaiden for a rival king in Camelot for a peace treaty, Nimeuh uses Merlin as a prod to send Prince Arthur on a suicide mission.
While a decent rendition of the episode, it loses something without the actors. There is little added that couldn't be already gleaned from the aired version. Usually when I read a book based on a television series or movie, I want to see more "between the scenes" kind of stuff. We don't really get that with these books aimed at the older child reader. A pity, because I think those children, who have grown up on Harry Potter and His Dark Compass, are able to handle more detail and emotion than we are given here.
While a decent rendition of the episode, it loses something without the actors. There is little added that couldn't be already gleaned from the aired version. Usually when I read a book based on a television series or movie, I want to see more "between the scenes" kind of stuff. We don't really get that with these books aimed at the older child reader. A pity, because I think those children, who have grown up on Harry Potter and His Dark Compass, are able to handle more detail and emotion than we are given here.