McKinley, Robin ~ Chalice ~ G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2008 ~ 263 pages ~ tweens, teens, some adults.
"Because she was Chalice she stood at the front door with the Grand Seneschal, the Overlord's agent and the Prelate, all of whom were careful to ignore her."
McKinley's...
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McKinley, Robin ~ Chalice ~ G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2008 ~ 263 pages ~ tweens, teens, some adults.
"Because she was Chalice she stood at the front door with the Grand Seneschal, the Overlord's agent and the Prelate, all of whom were careful to ignore her."
McKinley's works are natural cross-overs with considerable appeal to both younger and older readers. They include both heroic fantasy and literary and appealing retelling of fairy tales. While there is powerful magic in Chalice, it is much more of a fairy tale than heroic fantasy although Mirasol, the main character is certainly heroic in doing what needs to be done.
In this setting, holdings are governed/managed by a Circle with each member having responsibilities for tpart of the earth magic in the holding. The most powerful is the Master, the male who inherits the holding. The second most powerful is the Chalice, a female who blesses decisions, events, and maintains a positive, happy earth magic. The Chalice is also supposed to be a check/balance on the Master. Each member of the Circle normally has an apprentice who develops skills and knowledge long before they take responsibility.
In this case, the previous master was irresponsible if not evil and his Chalice failed to check him. Both died in an unusual fire. The master's younger brother was sent away several years ago to be an elemental fire wizard. He has been recalled to be the new Master, but there is considerable doubt if he can do what is needed, especially since he is no longer entirely human. Mirasol, a beekeeper and woodwright, has lived by herself for some time as an adult. All were surprised when the magical rods selected her to be the new Chalice. She has no training/understanding of what and how to do although she has earth sense and works very hard to learn. The plot is straight-forward -- can these two learn enough and quickly enough to preserve the holding. Things become even more complicated when the Overlord attempts to replace the new Master with one who could greatly harm an already troubled holding.
The countryside setting has an English flavor to it with considerable detail on the bees and the earth. The descriptive writing is very well done. While there is one brief fight at the end, there is little action in the traditional sense. Much of the book focuses on Mirasol's thoughts and anxieties.
Mirasol is well developed. More might have been done with the Master since his thoughts and turmoil receive much less attention. There are several minor characters, but only the Grand Seneschal receives attention.
A bit more early on about the Circle and each member's responsibilities would strengthen the setting as would a stronger role for some of the other Circle members in the story.
The book is easily read with large print, and good white space.
Recommendation:
A major strength of the story is the creation of a believable, appealing, and charming main character. Her relationship to the bees and the use of honey for healing both people and the earth is especially well done. Given the popularity and critical acclaim for McKinley's earlier works Chalice is an automatic selection. The cover illustration by Cory and Catska Ench shows a most attractive Mirasol in front of her small forest home set in an ornate bee decorated frame. Ideally, the book would be found in BOTH adult and YA collections.
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