Description:

Molly's exciting story concludes in this final book of Diane Stanley's acclaimed trilogy, which began with *The Silver Bowl* and *The Cup and the Crown*—a perfect series for fans of Megan Whalen Turner. With tensions rising between the kingdoms of Westria and Austlind, Molly and Tobias accompany King Alaric to Cortova, where he hopes to form an alliance with the powerful King Gonzalo—an alliance that would be sealed by Alaric's marriage to Gonzalo's daughter, the beautiful princess Elizabetta. But the devious Gonzalo has plans of his own. Upon arriving in Cortova, Alaric is shocked to find that there is already another suitor vying for Princess Elizabetta's hand: his own cousin, Prince Rupert of Austlind. As the days pass, Alaric, Molly, and Tobias find themselves trapped in a suspenseful game of courtly intrigue that soon takes a dangerous turn. For once, Molly's magical visions are little help—they reveal nothing beyond hazy threats. Everything turns around Princess Elizabetta, but is she truly a friend or simply another player in her father's crafty game? ** ### From Booklist *Starred Review* In this conclusion to the trilogy that began with The Silver Bowl (2011), prescient Molly and her friends—young King Alaric and stalwart Tobias—journey from Westria to the Kingdom of Cortova in search of an alliance that will include Alaric’s betrothal to Princess Elizabetta. To complicate matters, however, Alaric’s cousin, the foxy Reynard, King of Austlind, has arrived with a similar goal. Who will win the hand of the fair Elizabetta? And with such high stakes, can treachery be far behind? In a word, no. For Alaric soon finds his life in danger, and in her attempts to help, Molly discovers that her gift of precognition seems to be failing. Stanley has done an uncommonly good job of integrating material from the previous companion novels to ensure a stand-alone adventure. Richly plotted, the narrative evolves like a game of chess. From opening to endgame, the story proceeds at an ever-increasing pace, infused with suspense, unexpected moves, and strategic surprises. Once again Stanley demonstrates her mastery of character, dialogue, and setting, and her fantastical world operates with both the logic necessary for plausibility and the imagination necessary for a successful fantasy. The result is an unforgettable entertainment. Grades 5-8. --Michael Cart ### Review “Once again Stanley demonstrates her mastery of character, dialogue, and setting, and her fantastical world operates with both the logic necessary for plausibility and the imagination necessary for a successful fantasy. The result is an unforgettable entertainment.” (Booklist (starred review)) “A story full of political intrigue, deep friendships, and undeclared loves that begins with the princess enjoying the solitary quiet of a morning and builds to a tumultuous, violent, and triumphant ending. This trilogy should be a staple in school and public libraries.” (School Library Journal)