Chalice… is an unusual book. I can’t recall any other book about a cup-bearer to the gods, or in this book’s case, to a circle of land-magic wielders.
Mirasol, the local beekeeper and caretaker of the woods, has been chosen as the next Chalice for Willowlands’ land magic. She hasn’t been trained, so she hopes that Liapnir — i.e. the next Land Master (or just, “Master”) — will ease her way as Chalice.
But Liapnir is returning to Willolands after 7 years of seclusion as a Fire Priest. He has forgotten what it is to be a land-tied human. The ruling circle at Willowlands is not pleased either; they want the land to settle down with greenery, not seethe with earthquakes due to an incompetent Master.
Mirasol is a rare type of heroine. She isn’t snarky or badass or cunning or extremely talented. Instead, Mirasol values the old traditions and is sincere and humble, and hard-working to a fault. Her tending to the bees and the honey-making process was very absorbing, and possibly, the best parts of the book.
But plotwise, not much happens here. Chalice and Master must soon pull up their socks, otherwise they will be replaced by other (villanous) people who don’t really care much about the land itself. I kept waiting for something more substantial to upset the land magic, but that never did happen. McKinley is an old favorite, and Chalice is an interesting concept, but ultimately, it was rather lukewarm.
11 replies on “Chalice by Robin McKinley”
While The Blue Sword by McKinley is one of my most favorite fantasy books, I haven’t enjoyed her more recent novels. And it doesn’t sound like I’d love this one either. That’s too bad.
Likewise. I liked her Deerskin too. But so many of her other books have been quite lukewarm.
You know, the Land Magic thing kinda reminds me of the Riddlemaster of Hed series, which I know we talked about before, but it’s been so long since I’ve read those… that jumped out at me though. Anyway sorry this one didn’t grab you more. I have limited experience with her books but it sounds like she’s an acquired taste, in some ways. I find that with a lot of fantasy writers in particular- they might write something I really like and then I try something else and yeah it’s kinda lukewarm? Oh well… 🙂
Lukewarm is exactly the word I have in mind for this book. You’re right, McKinley is an acquired taste, more like you give it a try one day, and then think: OK, that wasn’t so bad… And well remembered on the Hed similarity, that hadn’t struck me!
I don’t think I’ve heard of this one before. It sounds like a neat character study, even if not much happens in the plot department.
A good way to describe this book! 🙂
Too bad this one didn’t work for you. Thanks for the review though.
It’s nice to see your review! I read this book years ago and don’t remember much about it except the bees. 🙂 I know I enjoyed it, but not with the same kind of passion I feel for some of her other books.
Haha, the bees. Yes, they really were the highlights of this book.
I so love your honest reviews always! When bloggers give that disclaimer: Fair and honest review – they must take a page from your book. You do it to perfection.
I don’t think I’ll read this one, no.
Thanks for commenting on my blog regarding switching my blog! I’ve had some great feedback and I am definitely staying right where I am. Might just tweak here and there.
Keep well and enjoy the rest of your week!
I am glad you think so! Mostly I fear that I’m not doing the book any justice (if I didn’t like it) or that I gave it a biased too-high rating (because I loved it too much)… 🙂
And I’m glad you’re sticking to your forum. I love it anyways, but comfort for the blogger comes first!