An alternative perspective... - Rated 
This is a fantastic book in so many ways, especially (but not exclusively) for anyone who's lived in Glasto. It captures the characters and businesses very well, subtly exposing the commercial veneer and fluffyness that isn't so 'love and light' as it should be. It brings a dramatic realisim to the 'other side' which exists there. Glastonbury can often be a hard place to be, with its weird issues along side all the usual ones in a small town, and this book portrays this very well. Shows the light and dark, revealing how egos clash on many levels, with a gripping plot to boot. It's also kinda spooky too...For the uninitiated opens up the possibilities of Avalon and beyond. Check out the Merrily Watkins books too, from the beginning, most are excellent the others are good.
Unputdownable - Rated
This is the first non Merrily Phil Rickman I had read and I just could not put it down. It is absolutely brilliant.
Livin' Next Door To...........Chalice - Rated
If you trace the long term curve of Phil Rickman's previous novels it was always inevitable that all roads would eventually lead not to Rome, but Glastonbury Tor. It's highly appropriate that Rickman's parting shot before moving on to his Merrily Watkins Deliverance Procedurals, should take place in this mystical setting where paranormal events aren't just expected - but raucously demanded by the New Age hordes who descend upon its ancient soil seeking spiritual enlightenment - and often as not a cure for terminal head lice.
`The Chalice' in the book's title doesn't refer to the Holy Grail of Arthurian Legend, but as you would expect in a Rickman novel the focus is shifted to the anti-grail or Dark Chalice as it becomes known. Joe Powys, previously brought to life in `Crybbe' returns once more to lead the charge against the encroaching evil that threatens to rip the heart out of Glastonbury and as always there are a furious spate of sub plots involving political corruption, New Age Travellers, hunt saboteurs, and the internecine frictions between the Glastonbury residents to keep the pot constantly frothing over with bad blood. Throw in some excellently researched material about Dion Fortune and her `Watchers of Avalon' group who were Britain's front line of psychic defence in the second world war - and what you get is a book you would happily French Kiss your granny for (with or without false teeth).
But hey, don't just piddle about reading the reviews. Be positive - Take charge of your life - Buy this book - Then lock yourself away in a quiet room and blissfully indulge yourself (ahem..... and by all means read the book too)
Enlightening - Rated
This book is brilliant on so many levels. Myth, legend, ancient and modern history and real historic characters are worked into the story in such a way that you feel you have entered a parallel world, in which "it's all real, and everything means something." I was so interested in many of these aspects that I have since read non-fiction books to find out more, which made me realise just how much research has gone into this book. It's written in such a way that I lived it, and FELT what was happening. It builds up intensely towards the end, so that you really are on the edge of your seat. I loved every page of it, and loved all the people, good and bad, because they are so well-drawn, but Arnold the three-legged psychic dog remains my hero! This is the second story he has appeared in, and I was overjoyed at his return! Readers who enjoyed this book would almost certainly enjoy "Crybbe," also by Phil Rickman. Riveting stuff.
Make a fantastic film - Rated
A superb book; excellent story, great sense of mounting tension, fantastic characters (even the evil and the Tory-political ones, or are they the same)? and the usual dose of Rickman humour. I cannot agree with the person who felt it didn't get going until the last 200 pages. I think it would make a superb film as there are so many memorable characters and events.
Overall this sort of Rickman book is far superior to his Merilly Watkins series.
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