The Bone Doll's Twin - Lynn Flewelling

BLURB:

For three centuries a divine prophecy and a line of warrior queens protected Skala. But the people grew complacent and Erius, a ursurper king, claimed his young half sister's throne. Now plague and drught stalk the country's lifeblood, and to be born female into the royal line has becme 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.

As 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 me form by dark magic to protect her until she can claim her rightful destiny. Only Tobin's noble father, two wizards of Illior, and an outlawed forest witch know the truth. Only they can protect young Tobn 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...

MY TAKE:

524 pages. Book One of the Tamir Triad.

Assasin's Apprentice - Robin Hobb

BLURB:

In a faraway land in which membersof the royal family are named for the virtes they embody, one youg boy will become a walking enigma.

Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz, son of Chivalry, is a royal bastard, cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals - the old art known as the Wit - gives him solace and companionship. But the Wit, if used too often, is a perilous magic, and one abhorred by the nobility.

So when Fitz is finally adopted into the royal household, he must give up his old ways and learn a new life: weaponry, scribing, courtly manners; and how to kill a man secretly, as he trains to become a royal assassin.

MY TAKE:

460 pages. Long buildup to when he begins the training. very detailed, solid characters.