The Princess of Cortova (The Silver Bowl #3) by Diane Stanley

Molly’s visions showcase a disastrous visit for King Alaric during his stay in Cortova. Alaric hopes to negotiate a marriage alliance with King Gonzalo’s daughter, Princess Elizabetta. But Alaric’s uncle, King Reynard, is also in Cortova seeking for a similar marriage alliance for his son. Tensions peak among the three monarchs when Molly is wrongfully arrested.

The final book in The Silver Bowl trilogy is a satisfying conclusion to the series. Stanley maintains the theme of using beautifully crafted objects as a foundation for each storyline. In this book, the Princess Elizabetta's chess pieces are used to describe the roles of major characters while the strategy of the chess game is used to foreshadow important plot developments. Overall this series has a Cinderella-style plot. But Stanley takes that typical Grimm tale and recreates by adding grittier magic, giving “Cinderella” a royal heritage, and introducing another love interest with Tobias. In these ways, Stanley makes this trilogy feel new and fresh.

The Cup and the Crown (The Silver Bowl #2) by Diane Stanley

Prince Alaric asks Molly to search for the loving cups created by her silversmith grandfather. Molly, Tobias, and their traveling party follow the trail of Molly’s grandfather, which leads them to Harrowsgode, a magic-based closed city. Once inside Molly is able to meet her regal relatives, including a cousin who is a gifted silversmith. But once inside the magical city, Molly and Tobias will never be allowed to leave.

Stanley’s characters from The Silver Bowl return again, this time exploring more of Molly’s magical family history. Molly always thought she was a fluke in her family tree. Once she arrives in Harrowsgode, she sees that her elite relatives are also magically gifted. But Molly still feels like an outsider because of her lacking education and backward manners. Even though the people of Harrowsgode kidnap her and force her into an education, Molly finally realizes her education is the key that will help her escape from the closed city. A great read with a wonderful heroine who leads readers through all the unexpected twists and turns.

The Silver Bowl (The Silver Bowl #1) by Diane Stanley

At a very tender age, Molly is sent away to become a scullery maid at the king's castle. Before leaving home, her mother reveals that Molly has inherited magical abilities that she must try to uncover. Once at the castle, a new friend, Tobias, helps Molly handle her new working lifestyle. After several years of hard labor within the castle, Molly is promoted to assist the royal silversmith. While polishing a large hand basin, Molly's magical abilities help her foresee that the basin is cursed and its curse is killing off members of the royal family. She tells Tobias her of visions and they rush to protect the last prince, Alaric, from a horrific event. Molly and Tobias keep the prince in hiding and while they plan a way to stop the curse.

Stanley’s take on magic is refreshing and original. But aside from the fantastical adventure, Molly’s character is beautifully realistic. Molly is an example of someone who sees their agency as power over  how they will react to their circumstances, whether positive or negative. This lesson is clearly taught to Molly by Tobias. She benefits from his wisdom by working hard and doing her best with what she is given. The Silver Bowl is a creative fantasy read with many unexpected twists and turns that will have readers up all night. This is the beginning book of The Silver Bowl trilogy. The second book in the trilogy is The Cup and The Crown.