I love this book, it's one of the ones I re-read at least once a year. The world is rich and lovely, the magical system at work is unlike most in fiction, and the lead character isn't driven by a romance (not that there is anything wrong with that, it's just so very common). In no way is she perfect however but, part of her flaws are what makes her such a well layered character. Marisol should ask for help, but part of the class system of the "kingdoms" reinforces that it would not be wise.This book isn't a considerable strain to read the language is clear and the background information is presented in a clear and well thought out way. I am so glad that I found it and that I own it. I wish we could adventure more in this world. If you set "Beauty" next to "The Hero and the Crown", inserted beekeeping in the heroine's list of skills and firepower in the hero's, you'd get the same bit of fabulous word magic delivered by McKinley's previous works. After the first page, I was afraid that Robin had decided to revert to the rambling horrors of "Rose Daughter", but got pleasantly surprised by page 3. Plenty of conflict and resolution, and as long as you're not one of those sad people who has to have tragic endings to believe that a work is 'serious', all will be well. (If you are, bees die. That should be enough 'sacrificial love element' for the greatest English lit masochist.) Also, I like the fact that the villains are really what they seem, while once in a while (i.e. The Great Seneschal) you get to find someone who seems like a cold-hearted traitor who is really just deciding whether or not his allies are trustworthy.
What do You think about Chalice (2008)?
Meh. Didn't love it. Hoped for a love story, but there really wasn't one.
—Rachael
I don't know why this book didn't catch me, I usually love Robin McKinley.
—CutieNicole95
Usually love Robin McKinley. This one just didn't do it for me, though.
—lillian
I really, really enjoyed this book! Had me hooked all way.
—EnglishMuffin
