Morris, Gerald. The Adventures of Sir Balin the Ill-Fated.

Morris, Gerald.   The Adventures of Sir Balin the Ill-Fated. (Knights’ Tales) Houghton Mifflin  94p   $14.99  978-0-547-68085-9     elm/ms  VG-BNS    Fantasy    

Is Sir Balin doomed by prophecy to be ill-fated? Or can he overcome his destiny?  After Balin’s christening, the Old Woman of the Mountain prophesies that the newborn is destined to a life of doom.  He shall be known as the noblest knight in England, but he’ll bring misfortune wherever he goes, bring down two kingdoms in a single day, strike the Dolorous Stroke, and destroy the knight he loves most in the world.

When Balin becomes a knight, and embarks on a life of adventure, it seems he is doomed to fulfill these predictions. Is there a way for Balin to overcome his destiny?

Fans of Gerald Morris will not be disappointed in the humorous, absurd retelling of this Arthurian legend, enhanced by Aaron Renier’s funny illustrations.  The short novel is a good choice for shared reading, with wit that will appeal to all ages.  Although this is part of the Knights’ Tales series, the books do not have to be read in order to be fully appreciated.  Those who search for moral tales will find lessons to be learned here, presented with tongue in cheek.  The story’s moral is easily digested, along with a great big belly laugh.

Knights–Fiction, Arthurian stories                             -- Hilary Welliver