Chalice

By: Robin McKinley

Narrated by: Rachael Beresford

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

The earthlines speak to Mirasol, but her family has lived in the demesne for centuries, and many of the old families can hear the land. She knows that the violent deaths of the last Master and Chalice have thrown Willowlands into turmoil; but she is only a beekeeper, and the problems of the Circle that govern Willowlands have nothing to do with her - although she wonders what will become of her demesne, because the Master and Chalice left no heirs to carry on their crucial duties.

And then the Circle come to Mirasol, to tell her that she has been chosen to be the new Chalice; and the Master she must learn to work with is a Priest of Fire, a man no longer quite human, whose touch can burn human flesh to the bone.

©2008 Robin McKinley (P)2019 Tantor

A favorite I keep going back to over the years

One of my favorite stories by Robin McKinley. Narrator was amazing. This story stays with me through the years be it re-reading a printed version or re-listening to the audiobook. A reminder to be yourself and whatever it is that you can do, do it.

Terrible narrator, but the story isn't bad.

Very sleep inducing narration. Hated her voice. The story was typically enjoyable Robin McKinley.

A light fantasy romance not helped by the narrator

This story is more enjoyable to read than listen to because of the narrator's breathy almost little girl's voice. The narrator makes the main character seem a helpless and slightly pathetic character, though I don't think that is what the author intended.

So happy to see this in audio.

Lovely reading of one of my all time favorite books! Chalice is a graceful country tale that wanders from place to place until it comes to the end and you realize the path you have been traveling was as straight as it could be in order to reach the end. As full of magic and mystery as Marisol's honey, Chalice is a joy.

A favorite McKinley

This is one of my favorite of Robin McKinley's books and she is an author I will buy sight unseen. This story is fascinating and like all her others, it has a strong female lead.

Mirasol has become the new Chalice in her land. The new Master is a Priest of Fire. Neither was prepared to become their new positions and both must not only learn their new roles but also to heal the land that has been torn apart by the bad leadership and the horrific deaths of the previous Chalice and Master. All while the political machinations of others are seeking to wrest control from them.

And Mirasol is just a humble beekeeper.

The one drawback here is the narrator. Rachael Beresford is mediocre at best. Her manner of delivery is hesitant and somewhat inconsistent. Occasionally she loosens up and sounds like she is just talking and then the story flows well. But for the most part, she is a stiff, stilted reader. Not the best choice for this book. Not the worst, but not the best.

But the book itself is wonderful.

A favorite of mine!

I am a fan of Robin McKinley and have been so for years since reading the Blue Sword. I particularly like this story and enjoyed the narrator who did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life.

One of my favorites by Robin McKinley

Ever since I found this story, it has been a favorite of mine. This audiobook is engaging and easy to listen to. I think Rachel Beresford does a good job as narrator.

Narrator voice to high

I love this story, but I found the narrator difficult to understand, but nicely expressive

A beautiful tale by a wonderful author

This story is so lovely and powerful in its journey. Mirasol is an innocent soul who has accepted the responsibility of Chalice for her demense. The land is in upheaval due to the sudden and violent death of the former Master, Chalice, and other members of the Circle who are charged with the care and management of the land.

The Mastership is held within a family, and the deceased Master had no son or other blood Heir, other than his younger brother who had been sent away to become a Priest of Fire. The younger brother is brought back, but he embodies fire and is no longer considered mortal. When the Overlord of their region decides to seize more power by deposing the Master/Priest of Fire through the introduction of his own choice of Heir, tragedy strikes and the demense cries out un grief.

Mirasol feels her bond with the land deeply, and uses all her strength to hold the demense together in preparation for the worst outcome.

This tale is beautiful. It is powerful. This is one of my favorite books, and I have read it many times. This audio version is very well done. The narrator has such a soothing and appropriate voice for this story.

This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Another finely crafted jewel by Robin McKinley

This is a beautiful heart-wrenching story written with no superfluous narrative.

Rachael Beresford's narrative style is perfect for the poetic nature of Robin McKinley's prose.