The Poisoned Chalice (The Adventures of Merlin 1, #4) by Simon A. Forward

The Poisoned Chalice (The Adventures of Merlin 1, #4) Reviews

• 
  Chloe

  Having read the novelisation of Valiant, I decided I might as well continue with the other episode adaptations that I own, the next one being The Poisoned Chalice. I disliked this episode when it first aired and having recently rewatched it, I did not have high hopes for this book.
  
  As with Valiant, the plot of The Poisoned Chalice is the same as the fourth episode of the first season (also titled The Poisoned Chalice). After learning of a plot to kill the prince, Merlin is forced to drink the poison, leaving Arthur to seek out the only thing that can save him; the leaves of the Mortaeus flower, although he may just be walking into a trap. As Merlin is poisoned and spends most of the story unconscious, the plot relies heavily on Arthur and his actions to save Merlin. To be perfectly honest, I prefer Merlin over Arthur, so this was certainly not my favourite story for that very reason.
  
  Although I was not a huge fan of the plot, it is quite an important story for Arthur's character development, as he risks his own life for that of a servant, despite what Uther says. The villain, Nimueh, was actually quite weak and she never really came across as particularly threatening. However, the motives and actions of some of the characters were explored in more detail than they were in the show, which allowed them to be more easily understood which I was quite grateful for and it was actually the part I enjoyed the most.
  
  As with Valiant, the writing style was quite long-winded and very descriptive, which again made it boring at times. However, some moments were quite funny, which was rather surprising and actually quite enjoyable.
  
  The first time I read this I gave it 2 stars, which I believe is fair even after rereading it. Like Valiant, it was a quick read and enjoyable enough, although it was nothing special and it did not add a great deal to what was already shown within the TV show.
  
  Rating - 2/5
  ★★
  
  There is also a link to this review on my blog
  here!
• 
  Jessi

  My favorite of the books so far and my favorite episode of season 1. I really loved the added details the book gave. I like how Morgana's famous quote was repeated and we saw Arthur's confliction when it comes to magic, especially after the light helped him get to safety. Now I just gotta figure out the next book(that has Uther's face on the spine i think XP) it's confusing
  
  
  GOTTA LOVE A MERLIN GOTTA LOVE A MERLIN
• 
  Kat

  To read or not to read: Read. Although The Poisoned Chalice was one of my least favourite series 1 episodes, I really enjoyed this book. I think that the episode lacked the bond between Arthur and Merlin that the book displays wonderfully. New and old fans alike will love this retelling.
  
  Extra awesome: My copy is signed by Bradley James and Angel Coulby!
  
  
  Full review here
  
• 
  Lizabeth Tucker

  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.
  
• 
  Lin

  A novelisation of the fourth episode of the Merlin series. Well written, and adds a little background to the episode, but at the same time is limited by the fact that it is a novelisation. If you've watched the episode, you know the story already.
• 
  Joseph Maksoud

  i love this one. a person named niemway wants to have her revenge on merlin because he saw throgh her last trick now she posiends a cup of wine and merlin drinks it and then auther risks his life to save him
• 
  Farah Shah

  Merlin is one of the greatest TV series that ever graced British TV!
  This book shows us the deep connection between each of the characters and how everyone tries to help each other. I think this is one of the best!
• 
  Isabelle

  absolutely love it once of hte best books in hte world and it like you were actually there which i don't normally get. normally its looks i am watching it from the tv or just reaqding it.
• 
  Sze Ki

  comment
• 
  Jamie

  Absolutely fantastic.
• 
  Danielle

  Beautifully written!