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19th out of 41 books
—
28 voters
The Silver Bowl (Silver Bowl #1)
Unwanted at home, Molly goes to work for the king of Westria as a humble scullery maid. She arrives at the castle with no education, no manners, and a very disturbing secret: She sees visions, and those visions always come true.
One day, while she's working in the king's great hall, young Prince Alaric passes by. Molly finds him unbearably handsome—but also unbearably rude....more
One day, while she's working in the king's great hall, young Prince Alaric passes by. Molly finds him unbearably handsome—but also unbearably rude....more
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published
April 26th 2011
by HarperCollins
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Originally Reviewed on The Book Smugglers
The youngest in a large, poor family, Molly has never been truly wanted by her father. It doesn't help that she starts developing a strange ability - while playing tag with some of the local villagers, Molly has a vision of a neighbor dying tragically. A few days later, when that vision comes true, the entire village sees her as a witch and a curse - like her mother before her, who has been locked away from the world and called mad by Molly's father, Moll...more
The youngest in a large, poor family, Molly has never been truly wanted by her father. It doesn't help that she starts developing a strange ability - while playing tag with some of the local villagers, Molly has a vision of a neighbor dying tragically. A few days later, when that vision comes true, the entire village sees her as a witch and a curse - like her mother before her, who has been locked away from the world and called mad by Molly's father, Moll...more
In case you didn't know, I read a LOT of juvenile fiction. Love it! This book was no exception. Stanley wrote a fascinating story that I had no trouble getting through.
Molly is the daughter of a drunken tailor, sent to work at the royal castle when she is just seven years old. Slowly, she works her way up to silver polisher and that is where the real fun begins. Because Molly, you see, has a gift... she can see things in the bowl, visions. And there is a voice that also speaks to her.
I really li...more
Molly is the daughter of a drunken tailor, sent to work at the royal castle when she is just seven years old. Slowly, she works her way up to silver polisher and that is where the real fun begins. Because Molly, you see, has a gift... she can see things in the bowl, visions. And there is a voice that also speaks to her.
I really li...more
I just finished this book and I have to say I am very pleasantly surprised. I picked the book up because the back jacket presented an intriguing take on traditional fairy tales being told from the point of view of the servants instead of the princess.
The story itself was well written enough to keep the reader involved, however, I think that the adverage reader will need to be fairly advanced or an older child to be able to keep up with some of the writing. Some of the story gets a little bogged...more
The story itself was well written enough to keep the reader involved, however, I think that the adverage reader will need to be fairly advanced or an older child to be able to keep up with some of the writing. Some of the story gets a little bogged...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Molly is sent to work in the castle as a young girl. Before her father takes her to her new job as a scullery maid, her not-quite-sane mother gives her a beautiful silver necklace. Once in the castle, Molly learns to control her wild and disruptive ways, eventually becoming an assistant to the silver keeper. She has visions and hears voices when she polishes a beautiful silver bowl and learns that the royal family is in danger. During the prince's wedding banquet, wolves attack the family, thoug...more
Molly comes from a poor, illiterate family of seven children. Her father is abusive and her crazy mom is locked in a room in their house. When Molly sees into the future predicting the death of a boy, her fearful dad ships her off to be a scullery maid for the king of Westria. Before she goes, Molly’s mom reveals that she too has visions and they are the source of her madness. While working at the castle Molly has a vision that shows the royal family being murdered as a result of a magical curse...more
Book 1 off a new series. Probably middle school appropriate although younger children, 4th grade and up or so, might enjoy it.
Molly was taken to work at the local king's castle when she was 7 years old (although her ne'er do well father said she was 9). Before she left home, her mother gave her one bit of advice, never to mention that she sees visions and that they always come true.
Molly starts at the bottom, as a scullery maid, and then one day she's taught to polish silver. That goes well unt...more
Molly was taken to work at the local king's castle when she was 7 years old (although her ne'er do well father said she was 9). Before she left home, her mother gave her one bit of advice, never to mention that she sees visions and that they always come true.
Molly starts at the bottom, as a scullery maid, and then one day she's taught to polish silver. That goes well unt...more
What a ride this story is! I had only read the first few chapter when I sat down with it last night, but I literally did not get up or put it down until I had finished it! Diane Stanley writes as though it is historical fiction, which I suppose it is since the time setting (though unclear) is probably during the Middle Ages during the feudal system. Though we have never heard of the countries of Westria or Austlind, we easily imagine them to be somewhere in France, Germany, or Austria many ages...more
When I finished this I thought what a sweet book! But really, ancient curses, mass murder, ugly family jealousy, double crosses, horrible fathers....
Still sweet, go figure.
Set in feudal times, Molly is 6 years old in a large family that her drunken father cannot support and Mother cannot care for as she is ill. Anne, the oldest daughter takes care of Mother. The oldest son assists Dad. The rest of the kids are farmed out ASAP. When Molly is six, she sees a vision of a neighbor getting hurt. Dad...more
Still sweet, go figure.
Set in feudal times, Molly is 6 years old in a large family that her drunken father cannot support and Mother cannot care for as she is ill. Anne, the oldest daughter takes care of Mother. The oldest son assists Dad. The rest of the kids are farmed out ASAP. When Molly is six, she sees a vision of a neighbor getting hurt. Dad...more
http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...
Molly has been independent and willful ever since she was a little girl. When she gets in trouble one too many times, her father sends her to Dethmere Castle to be a scullery maid. As she leaves, her mother gives her some good advice: never let people know what you can see.
Molly, and her mother, have the gift of "sight". They can see the future and the past. If anyone ever finds out, Molly could be branded a witch.
So Molly heads out at just seven years ol...more
Molly has been independent and willful ever since she was a little girl. When she gets in trouble one too many times, her father sends her to Dethmere Castle to be a scullery maid. As she leaves, her mother gives her some good advice: never let people know what you can see.
Molly, and her mother, have the gift of "sight". They can see the future and the past. If anyone ever finds out, Molly could be branded a witch.
So Molly heads out at just seven years ol...more
This setting is vaguely medieval imaginary kingdom whose royal family seems to be cursed. People dying left and right--and in very strange ways, too. Enter Molly, youngest in a family of too many children, a drunkard father, and a mother most suppose to be mad--or is she?
Molly is a spunky heroine who grew up learning how to brawl in the streets, but who has to learn how to hold her tongue when she goes into service at the castle. She has the gift, or curse, how you will, of seeing the future. A...more
Molly is a spunky heroine who grew up learning how to brawl in the streets, but who has to learn how to hold her tongue when she goes into service at the castle. She has the gift, or curse, how you will, of seeing the future. A...more
At the age of seven, Molly is sent to be a scullery maid at Castle Dethemere. It’s here that she discovers that she has the ability to see visions, the most disturbing of which appear in a silver bowl. Here, Molly learns about a curse on the royal family she serves, but before she can do anything, the castle is attacked. Molly and her friend Tobias are able to escape with the young prince. Together they must find away to break the curse and keep the prince safe.
The Silver Bowl is one of this yea...more
The Silver Bowl is one of this yea...more
When Molly, a young 7 year old girl gets sent to work at the royal family's castle, by her father (who lies and says shes 9) leaves her there forever. Molly, a scullery maid who over sees the young prince Alaric, who she thinks is handsome, yet also very rude.
When she gets promoted to silver polisher she finds out secrets, about the royal family and herself. She polishes a certain silver piece, yet she finds out something, she sees visions in the bowl along as her being able to without the bo...more
When she gets promoted to silver polisher she finds out secrets, about the royal family and herself. She polishes a certain silver piece, yet she finds out something, she sees visions in the bowl along as her being able to without the bo...more
I thought this was an entirely enjoyable read but I have to say that looking back I forget a bit what the main point was. It's a sort of old-fashioned good adventure with friendships and spunky protagonists that will beat the bad guys, despite the apparent odds. Molly is a likable heroine and the other characters are entertaining but her visions sometimes come across as a bit "plot-convenience-playhouse," enabling the author to show action that otherwise wouldn't have been logical given Molly's...more
I'm very happy that I got around to reading this! It's set in a vaguely medieval imaginary kingdom whose royal family seems to be cursed. People dying left and right--and in very strange ways, too. Enter Molly, youngest in a family of too many children, a drunkard father, and a mother most suppose to be mad--or is she? *dramatic music plays*
Stanley's created a spunky heroine who grew up learning how to brawl in the streets, but who has to learn how to hold her tongue when she goes into service a...more
Stanley's created a spunky heroine who grew up learning how to brawl in the streets, but who has to learn how to hold her tongue when she goes into service a...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I really like the descriptive way this book is written, and Molly makes for an interesting and relatable character. The other characters were quite likable too, and character wise I have no complaints when it comes to the development or the characteristics. The description of the life of a servant in a castle back then was quite nice, too; I especially appreciate the part about Molly polishing silverware.
Action wise, this book fails to deliver. The climatic part about Molly battling the curses...more
Action wise, this book fails to deliver. The climatic part about Molly battling the curses...more
Molly is sent to work at the castle after her mom dies. This is probably better for her anyway as her father is not the nicest of people plus he would flip out if he knew that she occasionally hears voices. At the castle, she is befriended by Tobias, the donkey boy. He helps her lose some of her rough ways and fit in better in her new environment. Due to her hard work and attention to detail, she is assigned to polishing all the silver. However, the silver basin that she has to clean starts show...more
This is the best fantasy book I have read this summer. I love Diane Stanley's work so that is why I picked up the book.
Molly is a scullery maid with a unique gift that she keeps hidden in fear of being persecuted or thought crazy (like her mother). She is elevated to silver polisher and is put in charge of a silver bowl that draws her in and clears up the mystery of why so many evil things befall the royal family she serves. Her friend Tobias tries to help her protect Prince Alaric, a more-than-...more
Molly is a scullery maid with a unique gift that she keeps hidden in fear of being persecuted or thought crazy (like her mother). She is elevated to silver polisher and is put in charge of a silver bowl that draws her in and clears up the mystery of why so many evil things befall the royal family she serves. Her friend Tobias tries to help her protect Prince Alaric, a more-than-...more
This is a simple story, enjoyable, uncomplicated. A young girl goes to work at the castle and is befriended by Tobias, another worker. She soon proves herself a good worker and earns a job as a silver polisher. The royal family has some curse upon them. While she is polishing a great silver bowl, she sees glimpses into the past and discovers some of the reason for the curses. Alaric is spared when the entire family is killed. This young girl and her friend help the prince. The reading was easy a...more
A fun, fantasy adventure about Molly, a girl who was sent away by her father as a child to be a scullery maid in the castle. She quickly makes friends with Tobias, another servant, and he helps guide her in her new life. As the years pass, Molly is promoted to polishing silver, and it is then that a secret gift emerges as she polishes a silver bowl. The bowl tries to warn her of danger posed to the royal family, and it is only with the help of her friend, that she might be able to stop the curse...more
I really liked this book! It's a sweet little fantasy, fairly straightforward in plot and characters. The protagonist is a scullery maid at the king's castle. She hides her ability to see the future because her visions are unpredictable and she doesn't want to be condemned as a witch. But when she sees the death of the entire royal family, which could throw the kingdom into civil war, she knows she has to tell someone.
After that you have the usual sequence of events: a tragedy, two unlikely hero...more
After that you have the usual sequence of events: a tragedy, two unlikely hero...more
Set firmly in the fairy-tale realm for tweens and up, this original story by Stanley tells of Molly, who has just a little bit of magic. When she goes at age 7 to work as a scullery maid in the castle, Molly's mother has warned her that she has special sight and needs to keep it hidden so she won't be accused of witchcraft. For years, Molly is able to hide her visions, until she is given the task of polishing the king's wash basin, a beautiful silver bowl full of carvings and curses. What follow...more
4 1/2 Stars. This was a very sweet simple story that made you cheer for the heroine. She comes from a poor, uneducated family, but the author doesn't make her seem ignorant. The arrogant prince turns out to be someone you want to cheer for too. And the unlikely stable boy who you believe is going to be just a background character shows his courage and true friendship throughout the book. I saw this on the library shelf in the juvenile section, thought it looked interesting, and it grabbed my int...more
Set in vague medieval times in a castle and an abbey, this book uses vocabulary that will be unfamiliar to most young readers, but that will not detract from the story. The story is told in first person from the perspective of a scullery maid. The plot keeps moving, and the first half is a real page-turner, but sometimes the pacing is odd, as the narrator will suddenly discuss the current scene from the perspective of her future self. That could be confusing to young readers. There is also a fai...more
The Silver Bowl is a high fantasy middle grade story with a strong female lead. Now, you hardly ever hear me complain about strong female leads in fantasy. There's a curse put on the royal family that goes back generations, and Molly is prone to visions--both of the past and what's to come.
It was just a little, well, young. I bet I would have loved this book when I was 10 or so. The characters were all good and the curse was interesting, but I compare this to novels like The Thief, and it just d...more
It was just a little, well, young. I bet I would have loved this book when I was 10 or so. The characters were all good and the curse was interesting, but I compare this to novels like The Thief, and it just d...more
A five star book and a delightful read. This is a book that I will most certainly procure for my home library and for my children to read when they are able. Looking forward to read about Molly’s next adventure!
Characters: The author has done an excellent job of creating unique characters that readers can understand and connect with. The characters are also dynamic and fallible. In the beginning of the story, Molly is a child, with a child’s view of the world. She has doubts, she has flaws; she...more
Characters: The author has done an excellent job of creating unique characters that readers can understand and connect with. The characters are also dynamic and fallible. In the beginning of the story, Molly is a child, with a child’s view of the world. She has doubts, she has flaws; she...more
4.5 The Silver Bowl was an exciting and fantastical adventure. Molly leaves her home as a young girl to go and work at the castle, armed only with a necklace from her mother and her magic. Oh, yeah, Molly has visions. Visions that always come true. Once at the castle, she meets a new friend, Tobias, who teaches her about the rules and lay of the land. Soon Molly is able to move up to greater and harder tasks. It is there she starts a relationship with Thomas, an older servant who teaches her how...more
I wanted to like this book. The premise had potential, and at times I found myself momentarily absorbed. I was close to giving it three stars. However, there wasn't enough depth in the characters or the plot. Much of the emotion is implied rather than described, and the drama and intrigue reads more like a summery than a story. It was a short and sweet story but nowhere near a life-changer.
It might be well received by elementary aged students or as a light read for middle-school students.
It might be well received by elementary aged students or as a light read for middle-school students.
I was really disappointed in this Diane Stanley book. Usually I like her as an author but the character development was limited and the plot structure was all over the place! I found myself at one place reading and reading the preceding pages where I had my bookmark as I thought that I must have missed something or that some pages weren't included. It just made no sense and she missed a great opportunity to further develop the storyline. A fast but a disappointing read. I don't think I'll be rec...more
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“And I’ll wager you thought him the handsomest thing that ever you saw in your life.”
“I did. And if you stuck him, and stuffed him, and hung him on the wall, I’d be very glad to admire him. But in life he’s an arrogant pig, and I didn’t care for him at all. ‘Mind who you look at, wench.’ Foo!”
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More quotes…
“I did. And if you stuck him, and stuffed him, and hung him on the wall, I’d be very glad to admire him. But in life he’s an arrogant pig, and I didn’t care for him at all. ‘Mind who you look at, wench.’ Foo!”
