The Bone Doll's Twin - Lynn Flewelling

The first title in a new fantasy series introduces the kingdom of Skala, where an usurper king claimed his young half-sister's throne. To be born female into the royal line had become a death sentence. But as the king's nephew, his sister's only child, grows into manhood, it is unknown to both that the boy is actually the princess's daughter, given male form by a dark magic to protect her until she can claim her rightful destiny. nSometimes the price of destiny is higher than anyone imagined.... nDark Magic, Hidden Destiny n nFor three centuries a divine prophecy and a line of warrior queens protected Skala. But the people grew complacent and Erius, a usurper king, claimed his young half sister's throne. n nNow plague and drought stalk the land, war with Skala's ancient rival Plenimar drains the country's lifeblood, and to be born female into the royal line has become a death sentence as the king fights to ensure the succession of his only heir, a son. For King Erius the greatest threat comes from his own line -- and from Illior's faithful, who spread the Oracle's words to a doubting populace. n nAs noblewomen young and old perish mysteriously, the king's nephew -- his sister's only child -- grows toward manhood. But unbeknownst to the king or the boy, strange, haunted Tobin is the princess's daughter, given male form by a dark magic to protect her until she can claim her rightful destiny. n nOnly Tobin's noble father, two wizards of Illior, and an outlawed forest witch know the truth. Only they can protect young Tobin from a king's wrath, a mother's madness, and the terrifying rage of her brother's demon spirit, determined to avenge his brutal murder....n