The Oracle's Queen
Lynn Flewelling
Bantam, Jul 2006, $7.50
ISBN: 0553583458

The prophecy says that Skala, once ruled by queens, will be ruled again by queens. Taking it seriously and fearing that this means his overthrow and probable death if unchecked; King Erius takes drastic action to insure his downfall never comes. He has almost all of his female kin assassinated.

Knowing that any female newborn relative will die, Skala wizards physically conceal the birth of Erius' niece with a gender changing spell turning her into Prince Tobin while doing nothing for her twin brother who dies. However when "he" turns fifteen, Prince Tobin's inner essence awakens breaking the gender spell and he becomes the she that is her nature. Princess Tamir comes at a time her people desperately need a true Queen to rule, but she has psychological problems being uncomfortable in her new female identity yet realizing why she felt out of place as a male. Tamir also does not trust the wizards who changed her at birth and her demonic twin brother realizes he was "sacrificed by the wizards so has an ax to grind against them and his sister. At the same time Erius's son Korin claims the throne declaring his cousin a traitor.

This is terrific ending to a great fantasy trilogy that can stand alone, but is enhanced by reading the previous two novels first as they provide much of the background (see HIDDEN WARRIOR and THE BONE DOLL'S TWIN). The story line is action-packed as the three rival relatives soon encounter one another with much at stake. This trio seems genuine and Tamir's identity problems, Korin's doubts with the Oracle and the fanatic Illior demanding a warrior queen on the throne, as well as the demon twin's rage make for a fabulous fantasy finale.

Harriet Klausner