KING ARTHUR

Based on the screenplay for the 2004 film, Thompson's book recasts the tale of King Arthur as the story of a young warrior in sixth-century Roman Britain. He and his small band of knights must first rescue Guinevere and then defeat an invading Saxon army. While the archaeological evidence behind this more historically correct version of Arthur is interesting, the plot itself is thin. However, John Lee's reading almost rescues the plot, as well as the pedestrian writing. His fine, timbered voice gives resonance to the story. The knights are made to sound energetically young. Merlin is given a marvelously thick Celtic accent. A breathless pace during the battles scenes keeps one involved. A fine John Lee performance of a so-so book. A.C.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]