"Chalice" is typical fare from Robin McKinley. Lots of magic and mysticism, wonderful imagery, emphasis on the power within nature... but having read all of McKinley's previous novels, I didn't find "Chalice" to be particularly fresh. While as well-written as all of her books, McKinley's "Chalice" seemed like a retread of several of her earlier characters and plotlines. Robin McKinley's fans will want to read this, but newcomers would be better off with "The Blue Sword" or one of her fairy-tale retellings.