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The Adventures of Merlin #1.4
The Poisoned Chalice
Merlin is poisoned by the sorceress Nimueh and Arthur seeks the only antidote that can save him - but the prince is walking into a trap...
194 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
5 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Simon A. Forward
35 books28 followersSimon A. Forward is an author and dramatist most famous for his work on a variety of Doctor Who spin-offs. He currently lives and works in Penzance with his wife as a full-time writer.
Forward specialises in sci-fi novels such as Doctor Who. His most recent work is Evil Unlimited for the Kindle. Simon's first published work was the short story One Bad Apple in BBC Books' Doctor Who anthology More Short Trips (BBC Books, 1999). Following this, Simon had a proposal for a Past Doctor Adventure accepted, and the subsequent novel, Drift, was published by BBC Books in 2002.
Having a successful novel behind him, Simon contacted Gary Russell about the possibility of writing for Big Finish's range of audio adventures. The enquiry resulted in him writing the audio play The Sandman (Big Finish, 2002). Simon went on from this to write several short stories for the Big Finish Short Trips volumes, as well two subsequent audio adventures.
Forward also wrote the novella Shell Shock (Telos Publishing Ltd., 2003). This was part of their range of Doctor Who novellas and is now out of print. In the same year, Simon also had another Doctor Who novel published by BBC Books, the Eighth Doctor Adventure Emotional Chemistry (BBC Books, 2003).
2009 saw two novelisations of the BBC television series Merlin, followed by a third in 2010.
2010 also saw the independent publication of an original SF Comedy, Evil UnLtd, in ebook form.
Forward specialises in sci-fi novels such as Doctor Who. His most recent work is Evil Unlimited for the Kindle. Simon's first published work was the short story One Bad Apple in BBC Books' Doctor Who anthology More Short Trips (BBC Books, 1999). Following this, Simon had a proposal for a Past Doctor Adventure accepted, and the subsequent novel, Drift, was published by BBC Books in 2002.
Having a successful novel behind him, Simon contacted Gary Russell about the possibility of writing for Big Finish's range of audio adventures. The enquiry resulted in him writing the audio play The Sandman (Big Finish, 2002). Simon went on from this to write several short stories for the Big Finish Short Trips volumes, as well two subsequent audio adventures.
Forward also wrote the novella Shell Shock (Telos Publishing Ltd., 2003). This was part of their range of Doctor Who novellas and is now out of print. In the same year, Simon also had another Doctor Who novel published by BBC Books, the Eighth Doctor Adventure Emotional Chemistry (BBC Books, 2003).
2009 saw two novelisations of the BBC television series Merlin, followed by a third in 2010.
2010 also saw the independent publication of an original SF Comedy, Evil UnLtd, in ebook form.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 21, 2018
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!
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!
February 14, 2017
Now this is what I call a good book.
King Arthur is Merlins master but when Merlins drinks poison ment for him, it is up to Arthur to get the antidote. But he's walking into a trap!
My favourite character in this book has to be Arthur for his courage, his braveness and several other things.
I highly recommend this book to anyone!
King Arthur is Merlins master but when Merlins drinks poison ment for him, it is up to Arthur to get the antidote. But he's walking into a trap!
My favourite character in this book has to be Arthur for his courage, his braveness and several other things.
I highly recommend this book to anyone!
January 15, 2015
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
GOTTA LOVE A MERLIN GOTTA LOVE A MERLIN
April 25, 2016
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
Extra awesome: My copy is signed by Bradley James and Angel Coulby!
Full review here
January 6, 2025
"'sometimes you've got to do what you think is right and damn the consequences.'"
you know that one meme "bbc merlin, a summary : 1. homosexuality 2. magic 3. class tensions" ? yeah that's about it tbh
it's always "Merlin is so devoted to Arthur" this, "Merlin is so devoted to Arthur" that but Arthur is just as bad tbh, LIKE :
"justice was the king's responsibility; Merlin was Arthur's." (AAAHHH)
and don't get me started on Arthur risking it all for a servant when he's Camelot main boy and the only heir to the throne like THIS IS INSANE (but totally fair tho. it's Merlin after all !)
+ Arthur is always going out of his ways to pull Merlin's metaphorical pigtails... like my boy had a whole prank servant outfit made just to annoy the fuck out of Merlin. i'm sorry but you literally can't make this shit up !!!
they're just THAT obsessed with each other and trying to outdo each other at every turn while downplaying it and pretending they're not even friends it's not even funny anymore !!!
LIKE : "that poison had been meant for him - Arthur. he thought back to the first time Merlin had saved his life. once ought to have been enough. this servant of his was making a career of it. a career that was going to get him killed, damn it."
also wasn't expecting Arthur to dwell on what it means to have a destiny where magic is a constant and faithful companion when you are the heir of a kingdom which forbids it :
"he wondered if it - or who or whatever was behind it - would play a hand in his destiny again. and if so, what then ? it was a daunting, double-edged sort of sword to have hanging over your head. on the one side, an alleged destiny and the idea of some hidden guardian watching over him; while on the other, finding himself under magical protection with a father for whom the very word magic was abhorrent."
tbh this whole destiny thing is the worst paradox that could happen to Arthur and Merlin when you think about it like they're both in impossible position... i mean how can they live love laugh in theses conditions ?
unrelated but Arthur's inner thoughts were so unnecessary funny too like he's truly a comedian if you only let him
+ loved Morgana thinking about Arthur "whatever his faults, he always knew in his heart what was the right thing to do" because it parallels one of my favourite thing Merlin ever said to Arthur "all i know is that, for your many faults... you are honest, brave and truehearted and one day you will be the greatest king this land has ever known". like that's the (once and future) king of Camelot for all of you !!!
and since this wouldn't be a bbc merlin book review without hating on uther :
""i'm proud of you, Arthur. never forget that."
Arthur looked into the king's eyes. and he found that it wasn't the king looking back at him. in that moment it was only his father."
first of all : UTHER PENDRAGON HOW DARE YOU say you're proud of Arthur when you've been nothing but unsupportive the whole time, like ? my guy literally sabotages Arthur and almost gets his best friend killed JUST TO TEACH HIM A LESSON and then has THE AUDACITY to say he's proud of Arthur for defying him and saving the day ??? FUCK YOU UTHER PENDRAGON
moreover : you should say it to him more often. AND ACT LIKE IT !!!
at last but not least : "in that moment it was only his father" brb sobbing UTHER YOU UTTER FAILURE AS A FATHER. treating Arthur as your subject first and as your son second. IF I CATCH YOU UTHER PENDRAGON GODS HELP ME !!!
you know that one meme "bbc merlin, a summary : 1. homosexuality 2. magic 3. class tensions" ? yeah that's about it tbh
it's always "Merlin is so devoted to Arthur" this, "Merlin is so devoted to Arthur" that but Arthur is just as bad tbh, LIKE :
"justice was the king's responsibility; Merlin was Arthur's." (AAAHHH)
and don't get me started on Arthur risking it all for a servant when he's Camelot main boy and the only heir to the throne like THIS IS INSANE (but totally fair tho. it's Merlin after all !)
+ Arthur is always going out of his ways to pull Merlin's metaphorical pigtails... like my boy had a whole prank servant outfit made just to annoy the fuck out of Merlin. i'm sorry but you literally can't make this shit up !!!
they're just THAT obsessed with each other and trying to outdo each other at every turn while downplaying it and pretending they're not even friends it's not even funny anymore !!!
LIKE : "that poison had been meant for him - Arthur. he thought back to the first time Merlin had saved his life. once ought to have been enough. this servant of his was making a career of it. a career that was going to get him killed, damn it."
also wasn't expecting Arthur to dwell on what it means to have a destiny where magic is a constant and faithful companion when you are the heir of a kingdom which forbids it :
"he wondered if it - or who or whatever was behind it - would play a hand in his destiny again. and if so, what then ? it was a daunting, double-edged sort of sword to have hanging over your head. on the one side, an alleged destiny and the idea of some hidden guardian watching over him; while on the other, finding himself under magical protection with a father for whom the very word magic was abhorrent."
tbh this whole destiny thing is the worst paradox that could happen to Arthur and Merlin when you think about it like they're both in impossible position... i mean how can they live love laugh in theses conditions ?
unrelated but Arthur's inner thoughts were so unnecessary funny too like he's truly a comedian if you only let him
+ loved Morgana thinking about Arthur "whatever his faults, he always knew in his heart what was the right thing to do" because it parallels one of my favourite thing Merlin ever said to Arthur "all i know is that, for your many faults... you are honest, brave and truehearted and one day you will be the greatest king this land has ever known". like that's the (once and future) king of Camelot for all of you !!!
and since this wouldn't be a bbc merlin book review without hating on uther :
""i'm proud of you, Arthur. never forget that."
Arthur looked into the king's eyes. and he found that it wasn't the king looking back at him. in that moment it was only his father."
first of all : UTHER PENDRAGON HOW DARE YOU say you're proud of Arthur when you've been nothing but unsupportive the whole time, like ? my guy literally sabotages Arthur and almost gets his best friend killed JUST TO TEACH HIM A LESSON and then has THE AUDACITY to say he's proud of Arthur for defying him and saving the day ??? FUCK YOU UTHER PENDRAGON
moreover : you should say it to him more often. AND ACT LIKE IT !!!
at last but not least : "in that moment it was only his father" brb sobbing UTHER YOU UTTER FAILURE AS A FATHER. treating Arthur as your subject first and as your son second. IF I CATCH YOU UTHER PENDRAGON GODS HELP ME !!!
March 12, 2025
MIS NIÑOS, AYAYAYAYAYY❤️❤️❤️
Los amo tanto, es que son tan monos T_T.
Ese último capitulo ay madre, simplemente:
"Arthur met Merlin's gaze. And in that look they shared something. There was no more bluff; there was only an unspoken understanding of what they had gone through for each other. And something that felt dangerously close to friendship"
Todos excepto ellos saben que es algo más que amistad :).
Los amo tanto, es que son tan monos T_T.
Ese último capitulo ay madre, simplemente:
"Arthur met Merlin's gaze. And in that look they shared something. There was no more bluff; there was only an unspoken understanding of what they had gone through for each other. And something that felt dangerously close to friendship"
Todos excepto ellos saben que es algo más que amistad :).
August 24, 2025
Actually better than I thought! I recognised the episode and the story actually flowed well!
February 25, 2013
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.
January 6, 2012
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.
January 18, 2013
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
December 30, 2018
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!
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!
August 12, 2011
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.
Read
May 14, 2013comment
June 23, 2013
Fantastic!
Read
May 10, 2015I want do read
August 29, 2021
Absolutely fantastic.
July 20, 2011
Beautifully written!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews